Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M R Mack.
Facial height has a profound effect on attractiveness. Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) determines facial proportion at maximum intercuspation and influences facial dimension at rest. Deficient facial height visibly compromises optimal facial beauty. This article explores the dependent relationships between the OVD and facial esthetics, and discusses the role of facial analysis in determining an optimal OVD.
Enhancement of facial beauty is one of the primary elective goals of patients seeking dental care. The lower one third of the face has a major impact on the perception of facial esthetics. Frequently improvements in natural beauty can be expected to follow restoration of ideal relationships between the denture and the facial soft tissues. By improving deficient facial proportion and integumental form, surgeons, orthodontists, and restorative dentists have the unique opportunity to address these esthetic needs. Comprehensive evaluation that relates the facial soft tissues to underlying skeletal form provides this possibility. Fundamental relationships exist that allow correlation of deficiencies in facial form to existing dentoalveolar anatomy. Classical evaluation of mounted casts and occlusal analysis does not offer this insight.
Craniofacial vertical dimension is a more accurate measure of facial proportion than mere measurement of the mid and lower part of the face. Craniomaxillary dimension is skeletally determined, whereas facial height of the lower part of the face is partly dependent on the vertical dimension of occlusion. Alterations in the vertical dimension of occlusion can dramatically affect the esthetics of the soft facial tissue. The "Golden Proportion" quantitatively defines ideal measured relationships and encourages a scientific appreciation of beauty. Faces with deficiencies in lower facial balance (brachyfacial) often exhibit insufficient height of the occlusal plane. The scientific literature has suggested a pliability of skeletal muscle allowing for physiologic variance in vertical facial height. Temporomandibular joint compliance is demonstrated with elevations in resting muscle length. Facial balance and location of the occlusal planes are the primary determinants for establishing an appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion.