Cephalometric estimation of vertical dimension of occlusion

The literature does not establish a single proven method for determining lower facial height, which is called the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO), and the concept of a vertical comfort range is generally accepted. This study aimed to test the statistical significance of correlations of mandibular shape versus lower facial height in occlusion, using cephalometric measurements. Correlations for 505 consecutive healthy adults were calculated between angles that estimate the lower facial height and angles that estimate the mandibular shape. The mandibular angle (gonial) showed a higher coefficient of correlation (r = 0.691) than the inferior gonial angle. The dispersion remained large, i.e. r2 = 0.478. Cephalometric measurements, despite theirs imperfections, could help the practitioner to understand what the best course of treatment would be in order to obtain a lower facial height in occlusion showing a skeletal harmony with the mandibular shape.