Relationship between occlusal force, mandibular morphology and three-dimensional facial morphology in normal occlusion

• Published in: Journal of Osaka Dental University Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 27 - 34
• Main Authors: Nagata, Yuki, Rensha, Hiroki, Matsumoto, Naoyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Osaka Odontological Society 2008
• Subjects: 3D facial morphology; FMA; Normal occlusion; Occlusal force
• ISSN: 0475-2058; 2189-6488
• DOI: 10.18905/jodu.42.1_27

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.