A proposed linear skeletal distance to predict occlusal vertical dimension: A cephalometric study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Establishing a correct occlusal vertical dimension is considered one of the most important aspects of facial esthetics for patients in need of oral rehabilitation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of a proposed linear skeletal distance to predict the appropriate occlusal vertical dimension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 93 digital cephalometric radiographs were collected in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format (51 men, 42 women) from the archive of the orthodontics department at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, Yemen. The distance from nasion (Na) to sella (Se) and the distance from anterior nasal spine (ANS) to menton (Me) were measured on the cephalometric radiographs, using ImageJ software. The data were compared statistically using the Pearson correlation coefficient, regression analysis, and paired- and 1-sample t tests (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The findings of the study revealed a significant positive correlation (P<.001) between the measured distances in men, with minimum difference between the variables. However, no significant correlation (P=.058) was found for women. CONCLUSIONS: The distance from Na to Se can be used as an additional aid in estimating the occlusal vertical dimension in men for the study population.