Correlation of Length of Index Finger to Vertical Dimensions of Occlusion for Edentulous Patients

This study was to apply the anthropometric methods to correlate the length of fingers to occlusal vertical dimensions and also by using the Willis Method to assess the occlusal vertical dimension for edentulous patients and assess satisfaction by comparing both the methods for patients who are in the process of acquiring complete dentures. Furthermore, conventional methods are applied most commonly for the recording of occlusal vertical dimensions. This study also bridged the knowledge gap among clinicians to adapt to a different methodology for recording the VDO using the anthropometric measurement of fingers which would improve denture satisfaction. Therefore, a total of 71 patients were selected for this study, having lost their OVD due to the complete absence of teeth and having no history of maxillofacial or orthognathic surgery, nor any skeletal deformities or disfigurement of fingers. The measurements were made at the appointment for jaw relations records in which the length of the fingers was measured with a digital Vernier caliper and also the conventional methods were applied for recording the occluding vertical dimensions which included recording the distance from the base of the nose septum (Subnasion - Sn) to the base of the chin (Menton - Me) (Sn-Me). The length of the index finger (2D) was recorded and a correlation was found between Sn-Me and finger length.

Inclusion criteria

• Completely edentulous patients
• Patients willing to participate in the study
• Male patients without a beard

Exclusion criteria

• Partially dentate patients
• Patients having any maxillofacial or myofascial disorders
• Any history of orthognathic or orthodontic surgery
• Deformities or disfigurement of fingers
• Patients with neurological problems in the head and neck
• Any bony defects or visible sharp spicules
• Nose or chin deformity
• TMJ disorders (intracapsular/extracapsular)
• Heavy bulky chin area (double chin)