Correlation of the vertical dimension of occlusion with five distances between facial landmarks among those of Batak Toba ethnicity

Abstract

Background: The normal vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) results in orofacial and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) biomechanical balance. If the VDO changes due to attrition, full edentulism, accidents involving the lower third of the face and even improper denture manufacturing will result in the disruption of mastication, speech and aesthetic functions. Therefore, the right technique is needed to predict the correct VDO. Purpose: To identify the correlation values and regression equation of the VDO for five distances between facial landmarks among people of Batak Toba ethnicity. Methods: This research is an analytical study with a cross-sectional design. A purposive-sampling technique obtained 30 Batak Toba subjects, consisting of 15 males and 15 females aged 19–24 years. The data were analysed by an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, the Pearson correlation, and linear regression (p<0.05). Results: A significant difference distance in the VDO (p=0.0001, p<0.05) was observed between male subjects (72.96±3.75mm) and female subjects (65.24±5.12mm). A positive and significant correlation was observed between the VDO distance and the facial landmark distances, where the criteria for significant correlation were the RO–Pu distance being {r male=0.723(p=0.02) and female=0.650(p=0.09)} and the OC–RO distance being {r male=0.689(p=0.004) and female=0.615(p=0.015)}; the moderate correlation criteria were the OC–IC distance being {r male=0.476(p=0.045) and female=0.428(p=0.043)}, the E–E being {r male=0.435(p=0.043) and female=0.458(p=0.047)}, and the EH being {r male=0.398(p=0.051) and female=0.414(p=0.051)}. The regression equation for the VDO distance in males is {[22.694 + 0.673 (RO–Pu)], [24.371 + 0.642 (OC–RO} and in females is {[23.017 + 0.616 (RO–Pu)], [21.795 + 0.632 (OC–RO)]}. Conclusion: The distances of RO–Pu and OC–RO have the strongest correlation with the VDO in people of Batak Toba ethnicity.

Correlation of index finger length to vertical dimensions of occlusion for edentulous patients and their satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial

“…Similar results were reported 26 , 2D has strong correlation in males, the mean length being 71.6 mm while length of little finger (5D) has a strong correlation in females both having teeth present, the length of the little finger does not match with the current study. One study concluded the mean OVD for males being 70.76 mm similar to that of the current study which is 69.73 mm, and for females 64.54 mm in contrast to the current study’s female population because of apparent anthropometric variations in race and ethnicity 25 . A significant correlation between the length of each of these fingers (2D, 4D and 5D) and the OVD measured from distances Sn–Me as well as N–Gn.…”

“…A similar study on dentate Sudanese women, indicated correlations between different finger lengths, namely the index finger (2D), the ring finger (4D) and little finger (5D) with the OVD 24 . There have been established studies on dentate individuals that the length of index finger (2D) has strong correlation with the OVD in males while length of little finger (5D) has strong correlation with the OVD in females in different populations 25 – 27 . The length of the thumb can be fundamentally correlated for OVD measurements when compared with the distance from rima oris to pupil of the eye 28 , as well as the eye-ear distance and pupil of the eye to rima oris 29 .…”