Evaluation of lower facial heights as related to different anthropometric measurements in dentate and completely edentulous subjects

Objective: The aim was to compare two measurements of lower facial height (base of chin-subnasale and base of chin- tip of the nose) as related to different anthropometric measurements in dentate and completely edentulous subjects. Method and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 male subjects (group 1 [G1], 120 dentate subjects; and group 2 [G2], 12 completely edentulous subjects). Base of chin-subnasale measurement (FM1), base of chin-tip of the nose measurement (FM2), Willis' measurement (FM3), glabella-subnasale measurement (FM4), length of the index finger measurement (AM1), and tip of thumb-tip of index finger measurement (AM2) of subjects of G1 and G2 were measured by using a modified caliper while the subjects in G1 closed in centric occlusion, and the subjects of G2 were asked to close the maxillary and mandibular complete dentures in centric relation. Statistical analysis was carried out by using paired t test, Pearson's correlation (PC), and regression analysis. Results: There were no significant differences between G1FM1 and G1FM3, G1FM1 and G1FM4, G1FM1 and G1AM2 (P > .05), and PCs were R = 0.74, R = −0.35, and R = −0.32 respectively. However, there were significant differences between G1FM2 and G1FM3, G1FM2 and G1FM4, G1FM2 and G1AM2 (P ≤ .05), and there were significant differences between G2FM2 and different measurements of G2 (P ≤ .05). Conclusion: The use of the linear equation to predict the possible base of chin-subnasale measurement through the Willis' measurement was recommended and could be used as a guide during restoration of the vertical dimension of occlusion when it has been lost. Schlagwörter: anthropometric measurements, complete denture, edentulous, facial measurements, vertical dimension of occlusion