Journal of Nepalese Prosthodontic Society

DOI :

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the most reliable ala-tragus line for the orientationof the occlusal plane in edentulous patients during complete denture fabrication by cephalometry.

Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 37 dentate subjects were taken atmaximum intercuspation.Steel balls were used as radio opaque markers which were adhered to superiorborder, middle point,and inferior border of tragus as well as the inferior border of ala of nose. Leadfoil was cemented to cover the Mesio-palatal cusp of maxillary first molar. Tracings of cephalogramwere done. Angle between ala-tragus superior, ala-tragus middle and ala-tragus inferior in relation toocclusal plane were measured. Variables were determined and data were analyzed using SPSS (SPSS,Inc. Chicago, III).

Results: The angle formed between occlusal plane and Ala Tragus middle had lowest mean valueof 2.39◦. The highest was measured with Ala Tragus superior 5.18◦, while the angle formed with AlaTragus inferior was 3.60◦. The differences between the three planes in relation to the occlusal planewere significantly different in total subjects as well as in both males and females (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Statistical analysis showed that the middle point of the tragus with the inferior border ofthe ala of the nose was most accurate in orienting the occlusal plane.Key words: Camper’s plane, occlusion, complete denture


Read Full Text