Comparative evaluation of accuracy and reliability of conventional method, thumb method and cephalometric measurements in determining vertical dimension at rest in completely edentulous patients- A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background:

After complete loss of teeth the basic characteristics of occlusion are lost. Clinician faces the difficult challenge of establishing the parameters of occlusion, Many techniques have been used for measuring (vertical dimension) in dentulous and edentulous patients. The previous studies have considered ventral surface and soft tissue landmarks, which may not be consistent. Therefore, a bony landmark such as dorsal surface of thumb may be more reliable and definitive

Methods:

Patient reporting to the OPD of Prosthodontics department with treatment planning of complete denture were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and vertical dimension at rest was recorded using conventional, thumb  and cephalometric measurements and were divided into three groups based on randomization. During try in freeway space, vertical dimension at rest, vertical dimension at occlusion, centric relation, and esthetics were checked by two blinded Prosthodontist.

Results:

It was found that mean VDR values were highest in conventional group and lowest in Cephalometric group. The difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001). Multiple comparison using post hoc test revealed statistically significant differences between conventional versus thumb method (P=0.018), Conventional versus cephalometric method(P=0.001) and between thumb versus cephalometric method(P=0.001)

 Conclusion:

Conventional method (Nose-chin measurement) and thumb method were found to be more significant than cephalometric measurements, hence they can be used as effective aid in determining vertical dimension. Therefore it can be utilized as additional method for determination of vertical dimension at rest.