An Anthropometric Correlation of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion and Linear Ear Length in Dentulous Subjects

Abstract

Objective: Anthropometric measurements have often been used for determining vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). However, most of them seem to be subjective. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between length of the ear and VDO in dentulous subjects. Materials and methods: Two hundred participants (mean age 24.7) were included in the study. Vertical length was measured from the superior most point of the helix to the inferior most point of the lobule of external ear. Vertical dimension of occlusion was measured between two points on the base of nose and the most prominent point of the chin. All measurements were made with digital vernier caliper with a least count of 0.01 mm by two calibrated investigators. Mean readings were correlated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: An r-value of 0.640 was found to exist between the two variables measured. Correlation was more with respect to the male gender (r = 0.750) as compared to females (r = 0.570). Conclusion: The linear vertical length of the external ear was found to be positively correlated to the VDO. With the help of regression equation one can know the VDO if ear length is known.