Lingual frenum as a preextraction guide in determining vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients Kaur Parneet, Reader, Gupta Abhishek, Reader, Munjal Vaibhav, Reader, Bhawanpreet, Reader Address for Correspondence: Dr. Parneet Kaur, Reader, Maharaja Ganga Singh Dental College and Research Center, Ganganagar, Rajasthan
Online published on 25 November, 2013. Abstract Introduction Determining the correct vertical dimension of occlusion and establishing the occlusal plane are of particular importance in Prosthodontics, especially in complete denture service. Unfortunately there is no universally accepted or completely accurate method. Therefore, many authors have recommended the use of pre-extraction records. Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of measurement of distance between anterior attachment of lingual frenum and incisal edges of mandibular incisors on casts, to be used as a pre-extraction record for determining the occlusal plane and for knowing the vertical position of mandibular incisors in denture. Material and Methods Ten dentate patients who wanted artificial dentures after extraction of all remaining teeth were selected. All subjects had intact natural mandibular anterior teeth.Two mandibular casts were made for each patient. Two marks made on mandibular casts. Lower mark-at the midline of frenum. Upper mark-on incisal edge of mandibular centralincisors. Corresponding mark placed on the analysing rod of surveyor. Distance upto the mark on analyzing rod measured. The mean of two measurements were calculated. After required extractions and necessary healing period, denture construction was started in the usual manner. During jaw relation recording, the lower occlusion rim was adjusted upto the mark on the analysing rod. Mandibular anterior teeth were arranged according to lower occlusion rim. Then upper anterior teeth were set and overbite was produced at the expense of upper teeth. Results The mean SD of distance among 10 subjects was 0.379 mm, the coefficient of variation was 2.361%. This finding is clinically insignificant. The SD of subjects two and nine were non existent, whereas SD of subject one was the highest. The results for subject three were lowest and in subject one were the highest. All means of the measurements were not similar. Conclusion The position of the anterior attachment of lingual frenum (AALF) can be considered a relatively stable anatomic landmark when frenum is recorded during function.The distance between AALF and the incisal edges of mandibular incisors is a reliable guide for determining the height of mandibular occlusal plane. Top Keywords Vertical dimension of occlusion, occlusal plane, lingual frenum. Top |