JOURNAL OF OSAKA DENTAL UNIVERSITY

Vol. 42 No. 1      APRIL - 2008

ISSN: 0475-2058      UBIC: 172

SUMMARY

We investigated the relationship between occlusal force, mandibular morphology and facial morphology in 60 adults with normal occlusion. We prepared the subjects' three dimensional (3D) facial models using a non-contact 3D laser scanner, and measured facial distances and angles with a program for analyzing 3D shapes. Occlusal force was evaluated using pressure sensitive occlusal sheets. Mandibular morphology was assessed by measuring the Frankfort mandibular plane angle (FMA) on a lateral cephalogram. We found a significant correlation between occlusal force and FMA in both males and females. Occlusal force and FMA also correlated with facial width, vertical position of the chin, and anteroposterior position of the chin. These results suggest that occlusal force and mandibular morphology influence facial morphology in normal occlusion. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2008; 42: 27-34) Key words: Occlusal force; FMA; 3D facial morphology; Normal occlusion.

| Volver |