Predictive Model for Occlusal Vertical Dimension Determination and Digital Preservation with Three-Dimensional Facial Scanning

Luminita Oancea,Alexandru Eugen Petre,Mihai Burlibasa,Corina Marilena Cristache,Eugenia Panaitescu

doi:10.3390/app10217890

Luminita Oancea, Alexandru Eugen Petre + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217890

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Abstract

(1) Background: Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in the optimal maxillo–mandibular relationship is an important parameter to establish when complex dental rehabilitation has to be done. The optimal method to measure OVD is still a challenge in everyday practice. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability of the correlation between OVD and some anthropometric and cephalometric methods described in the literature. The validity of OVD registration using a facial scanner was also assessed. (2) Materials and Methods: 150 dentate participants, aged 20–25 years, were randomly selected using sealed envelopes. Anthropometric measurements between specific standard points were performed: Subnasion–Prementon (Sn–PM) and Subnasion–Gnation (Sn–Gn) in maximum intercuspation and in the rest mandibular position, right and left pupil to the corresponding chelion. The cephalometric measurements registered were the lower facial angle and the angle between mandibular and Frankfurt planes. The distance Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation was compared to all other parameters. Facial scanning, with a mobile phone and installed dedicated application, was performed on ten subjects, randomly selected using the same method among the participants, and the obtained 3D files were analyzed. The digital measurements were compared, for validity, to the clinical measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used, for comparing clinical Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation position to the other parameters. (3) Results: A strong agreement between all measured anthropometric parameters of the facial scan and clinical contact measurement method was registered. None of the measured parameters could predict the exact OVD. (4) Conclusions: In the limits of our study, the facial scanning could be used for predictable registration of OVD and the stored digital information could be preserved through life and use for oral rehabilitation. However, if OVD needs to be determined, several measurement methods, including cephalometric measurements, need to be used simultaneously to reach a final decision.

Highlights

occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). (4) Conclusions: In the limits of our study, the facial scanning could be used for predictable registration of OVD and the stored digital information could be preserved through life and use for oral rehabilitation
In order to be able to determine if a fixed parameter could be proposed as a lifelong stable parameter, and if facial scanning could be an option for long term preservation of the OVD, the aim of the present study was to test the reliability of the correlation between the OVD and some of the anthropometric and cephalometric methods described in the literature when referred to a sample of Caucasian dentate young people
Intraclass correlation coefficients of each group of clinical anthropometric measurement made correlation ofand each0.93, group of clinical anthropometric measurement made at twoIntraclass weeks interval was coefficients between 0.91 showing excellent reliability for all the measures at two weeks analyzed

Summary

Introduction

Restoring occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), in an optimal maxilla–mandibular relationship, is a main parameter to be establish when complex dental rehabilitation needs to be performed [1].Loss of the vertical dimension of the lower third of the face in the clinical setting is mainly a result of tooth loss or tooth wear, leading to dramatically changes of the hard and soft tissue of the face and on the jaw complex [2,3].If important factors, such as: aesthetics, achieving proper occlusion, space for restorations, are ignored and OVD is altered, there is a risk of instability, with clinical consequences: compromise aesthetic, diminished masticatory function, angular cheilitis, phonetic alteration, alteration of the minimum speech space, pain at the level of the edentulous ridges or temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ)dysfunctions [4]. Loss of the vertical dimension of the lower third of the face in the clinical setting is mainly a result of tooth loss or tooth wear, leading to dramatically changes of the hard and soft tissue of the face and on the jaw complex [2,3]. If important factors, such as: aesthetics, achieving proper occlusion, space for restorations, are ignored and OVD is altered, there is a risk of instability, with clinical consequences: compromise aesthetic, diminished masticatory function, angular cheilitis, phonetic alteration, alteration of the minimum speech space, pain at the level of the edentulous ridges or temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Many OVD measurement techniques were described in the scientific literature, based on the vertical dimension of the lower face in the rest position, phonetic methods, swallowing-based methods, pre-extraction recordings, photographs, face measurement, intraoral measurements, cephalometry, telemetry and magnetic methods [5,6,7,8].

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