title: Determination of vertical dimension of occlusion in dentate patients by cephalometric analysis--pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The concept of vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) refers to a measure in the vertical plane that establishes the relation between the maxilla and the mandible when the posterior teeth, both from the maxillary and from the mandibular arches, are occluded, regardless of whether they are natural or prosthetic, healthy or restored. This measure is subject to change, and when this occurs, it can compromise both the function and the facial aesthetics. This study proposed to develop a methodology based on cephalometric analysis by studying the 31 lateral teleradiographs of adult, dentate individuals to determine the VDO, based on bone structures that are not dependent on the presence or absence of posterior teeth. The final goal was to make this application accessible to individuals who have undergone alterations of the lower portion of the face.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cephalometric analysis of this study, called Seraidarian-Tavano, was verified through facial angles (upper and middle angles) that, when correlated, determine the lower position of the face.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysis of results showed that no statistically significant difference between the angles studied could be observed (superior angle 50.29 ± 3.35 e median angle 49.95 ± 3.37). In the same manner, no variation in the results regarding gender in the measure of these angles could be observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This cephalometric analysis can be applied to determine the VDO, regardless of the presence or absence of posterior teeth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of the Valleys of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Karine T A
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Tavano
authors.forename: Paulo I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Seraidarian
authors.forename: Dauro D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Wellington C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Jansen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002680:Chin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009915:Orbit / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D056739:Pterygopalatine Fossa / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D055815:Young Adult