Determination of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion from Anthropometric Measurements of Fingers- An in vivo Study

The purpose of this study was to find the correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and length of fingers. Anthropometric measurements of VDO, length of middle finger, length of little finger, and distance from tip of thumb to tip of middle finger of right hand were recorded clinically using modified digital vernier caliper. Correlation between VDO and length of fingers was studied using Spearman's coefficient. VDO was significantly and positively correlated with all the parameters studied. Since the variations between VDO and finger lengths are within the range of 2-4 mm, VDO prediction through this method is reliable, and reproducible. Also the method is simple, economic, and non-invasive; hence, it could be recommended for everyday practice.