Relationship between occlusal plane determinants and craniofacial structures

A cephalometric study was conducted on 34 complete denture wearers to investigate the relationship between the anatomical structures commonly used to determine the occlusal plane and the facial skeletal shape. The results showed no correlation between the shape of the skeletal face, the gonial angle and the length of the mandible versus the location of the retromolar pad, the occlusal plane and Camper's plane. However, a statistically significant linear correlation (P < 0.0001) was found between the facial skeletal shape designated SN POG and the location of Camper's plane. Cephalometric analysis alone cannot determine the location of the occlusal plane in edentulous patients. Intra-oral structures should also be considered.