Evaluation of craniometric methods for determination of vertical dimensionof occlusion

In clinical practice, fully precise method for exact determination of verti cal relation of occlusion still does not exist. This study examines the rel ationship between different craniofacial distances and the distance subnasa le-gnathion (Sn-Gn), which represents the lower third of the face in vertic al relation determination. The highest coefficient of correlation was (r = 0.8678, p < 0.05) between the distance eye-ear (E-E = lateral border of the ocular orbit-medial opening of the meatus of the external auditory canal) and Sn-Gn. The prediction of the distance Sn-Gn could be determined through the formula: Sn-Gn = E-E / 1.08 or through the regression analysis: Sn-Gn = 1.9197 + 0.6449 x E-E. None of the calculated coefficients of correlation was 1, but was < 1, so that the prediction of the distance Sn-Cn by cranio metric distances is not absolutely reliable, although it is considerably he lpful. Our results point at the variations of craniofacial distances in the Croatian population. Yet, craniometry could still be recommended in everyd ay clinical practice for prediction of vertical relation of occlusion, as i t is a simple, economic and non-invasive method, however in combination wit h some other methods, which have proved to be helpful.