Evaluation of the vertical dimension of occlusion, soft profile and malocclusion in mixed dentition

Abstract

Objective: To establish the correlation between the vertical dimension of occlusion, degree of convexity, and malocclusion in the mixed dentition. Methods: An observational, cross sectional, analytic study was carried on. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Católica del Uruguay. 79 children between the ages 6 and 12 (mean age 8,66 ±1,41)were evaluated, students from Colegio San José at Cerro, Montevideo, Uruguay. 57.5% (n=46) corresponded to males and 42.5% (n=34) to females. A calibrated observer (ICC=0,76) conducted a review of clinical and physical measurement of the vertical dimension of occlusion and recordedthem according Angle classification. Profile Photos were taken and Legan and Burstone convexity facial index was done (ICC=0,84). The comparative ANOVA, TUKEY multiple comparisons and Pearson tests were applied (p ? 0.05). Results: The DVO mean was 59,16 ± 4.02. The 56.3% (n=45) were classified as Angle class I; 22.5% (n=18) class II and 21.3% (n=17) class III. There was no significant difference in the mean of DVO between sexes (p=0,217) or between different types of occlusion (p = 0, 568). The average facial convexity angle was 14, 57° ± 3.80. Statistically significant association between convex profile/ class II molar relationship (p=0,003317), straight profile/ class I molar relationship (p=0,015887), straight profile/ III molar relationship (p=0,003268) were found. Conclusion: In the study sample statistically significant relationship was found between vertical dimension of occlusion and malocclusion, but yes relationship was found between soft profile and malocclusion.