Evaluation of the Correlation between the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion and Length of the Thumb and the Distance between two corners of the Mouth in Edentulous and Dentate Patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the distance between the two corners of the mouth, length of the thumb with the vertical dimension of occlusion (Sn-Me) in edentulous and dentate patients in Syrian society.

This cross-sectional study included 200 patients: 100 were dentate (G1), and 100 were completely edentulous (G2). The vertical dimension of occlusion (Sn–Me) was measured using Willis gauge in G1 and G2. Length of the thumb and distance between the two corners of the mouth  were measured using a calliper. Patients in G2 were asked to close in the physiologic rest position during measurements whereas the patients in G1 closed in the centric occlusion position.

Result: This study revealed that the occlusal vertical dimension was positively correlated with the distance between the two corners of the mouth in G2(r=0.31), whereas this correlation was weak in G1(r=0.27). Also, the occlusal vertical dimension was positively correlated with the length of the thumb in G1(r=0.31), but weak in G1(R=0.26).

Conclusion: Distance between the two corners of the mouth could be used to predict the occlusal vertical dimension in edentulous patients in Syrian society.

The equation for edentulous patients was:

OVD=57.67+0.34* the distance between  two corners of mouth