THIEME 1 Original Article Cephalometric Evaluation of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion in Varying Malocclusions Isha Aggarwal 1 Anindita Mallik 1, Sanjay Mittal 1 Mandeep Bhullar 1 Divya Singla 1 Merry Goyal 1 1 Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Bhojia Dental College, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India received July 24, 2019 accepted July 30, 2019 Address for correspondence Anindita Mallik, Room No. 409, Girls Hostel, Bhojia Dental College and Hospital, Baddi 173205, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India (e-mail: mallik.ani3@gmail.com). Introduction The aim of modern cephalometrics is to evaluate the relationship of skeletal and dental functional units of the face and to implement treatment to estab- lish the position of the units horizontally and vertically. Establishing a correct occlusal vertical dimension is considered one of the most important aspects of facial esthetics for patients in need of orthodontic treatment. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the vertical dimension of occlusion in varying dental malocclusions in Solan population. Materials and Methods The sample consisted of pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 100 patients (50 Class I and 50 Class II div 1), aged 15 to 30 years; six angular and one linear parameters were measured to determine the vertical dimension of occlusion. Results All the parameters (Frankfort-mandibular plane angle [FMA], Occl/Frankfort horizontal plane [FHA], angle of Y-axis, Occl/SN, GoGn/SN, and ANS-Me) were found to be decreased in Class I than in Class II div 1 malocclusion except (ANS-Xi-Pm). All the parameters were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) when compared between groups. When cephalometric norms of the present study were compared with Moroccan population, all parameters (ANS-Xi-Ptm, FMA, Occl/FH, Occl/SN, GoGn/SN, and ANS-Me) were found to be decreased in Solan population except angle of Y-axis. All the parameters were clinically significant (p < 0.05) except ANS-Xi-Pm and FMA that were found to be clinically nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Solan population has distinct cephalometric characteristics, which should be used as the reference in future orthodontic treatments. Abstract Keywords ► Moroccan ► Solan ► vertical dimension of occlusion DOI https://doi.org/ 10.1055/s-0039-1698357 ISSN 2321-1482. ©2019 Bhojia Dental College and Hospital affiliated to Himachal Pradesh University Introduction The aim of modern cephalometrics is to evaluate the rela- tionship of skeletal and dental functional units of the face and to implement treatment to establish the position of the units horizontally and vertically (profit and field 2000) estab- lishing a correct occlusal vertical dimension. Vertical dimen- sion of occlusion (VDO) is defined as the height of the lower face when the dental arches are in centric occlusion and it is measured in between two arbitrary sagittal points located above the upper lip and beneath the lower lip according to Batarec. 1 Specifically, it is the height of the lower face when the dental arches are in maximum intercuspation. 2 The loss of VDO leads to unavoidable pathogenesis in respect to the esthetics, functional efficacy, and structural balance. Several clinical situations such as tooth loss, posterior occlusal col- lapse, periodontal diseases, and occasionally bruxism require VDO correction. Correct determination of VDO is of utmost importance for the functional and physiognomic rehabilitation of patients. Current knowledge on the morphological and functional aspects of maxillofacial complex, knowledge on genetic com- plexity of certain morphological structures, knowledge on inseparable association between morphology and function, Dent J Adv Stud Published online: 18.10.2019