Occlusal vertical dimension: an analysis of the accuracy of the Willis method
Occlusal vertical dimension: an analysis of the accuracy of the Willis method
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8062420062
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Palavras-chave: Dimensão Vertical. Oclusão Dental.
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Keywords: Vertical dimension. Dental occlusion.
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Abstract: Purpose: The accuracy of the Willis method in determining the occlusal vertical dimension was evaluated. The subjects were 32 dentate individuals attending the occlusion clinic of the dentistry course at the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Materials and methods: The survey was conducted with patients between 18 and 50 years old. Measurements of the middle third and lower third of the face were taken with a Willis compass and recorded in the clinical records for analysis based on statements made by Willis regarding proportionality. This method has been used since its introduction in the 1930s as a clinical reference in occlusal reconstruction; however, it effectiveness has been challenged considering that changes in the physical structure of individuals in recent decades has occurred. The average of these measurements differed from the values given in the method recommended by Willis. The sample had a predominance of females and the average age of the patients studied was 30 years old. Results: The average measurement taken from the outer corner of the eye to the labial commissure was larger than the average measured distance from the base of the nose to the base of the mentum (habitual maximum intercuspation – HMI). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the Willis method is not completely reliable for use as the only form of measurement for the proper reestablishment of the occlusal vertical dimension. Keywords: Vertical dimension. Dental occlusion.
- Gabriela Regina Andriolli
- Jéssica Bethânea Machado
- Silvana Marchiori de Araújo
- Lethicia Kilian Martins Luiz
- Betsy Killian Martins Luiz
- Betsy Kilian Martins Luiz
- Casimiro Manoel Martins Filho