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

Correlation of Length of Index Finger to Vertical Dimensions of Occlusion for Edentulous Patients and Assessment of Patient Satisfaction - A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is a randomized clinical trial comparing the conventional method of recording occlusal vertical dimension using Willis gauge from the base of the nose to the base of the chin with the other method using vernier caliper for the length of the index finger to access the satisfaction level of edentulous patients acquiring complete dentures.

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.

Vernier caliper was used to determine the length of Index Finger to record Vertical Dimensions of Occlusion

Willis gauge was used to determine the Length from Base of the nose to Base of the chin to record Vertical Dimensions of Occlusion

Satisfaction with Complete Dentures after assessment of occlusal vertical dimension with Length of Index Finger

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)

Alhajj MN, Khalifa N, Abduo J, Amran AG, Ismail IA. Determination of occlusal vertical dimension for complete dentures patients: an updated review. J Oral Rehabil. 2017 Nov;44(11):896-907. doi: 10.1111/joor.12522. Epub 2017 Jun 10.