Abstract

Background:  In natural and artificial dentitions, the plane of occlusion plays a significant role in fulfilling the criteria of function and aesthetics. It is essential to determine the orientation of the plane of occlusion to restore or re-establish the lost occlusal plane as it was initially possible.
 
AIM: To determine whether a similar correlation exists between the Porion Nasion Anterior Nasal Spine (PoNANS) angle and the occlusal plane-Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane angle.
 
Materials and Methods: For this in vivo study, twenty healthy dentate individuals aged between 20 – 40 years with Angles class I molar relation having good temporomandibular joint and no congenital or development deformities were selected. Digital lateral cephalograms of the selected individuals were obtained. Cephalometric analyses performed with AUTOCAD software and reference points [Porion (Po), Nasion (N), Anterior nasal spine (ANS), Orbitale (Or)] were marked. PoNANS and occlusal plane‑FH plane angles were derived from marked reference points. Graph plotted with resultant values determining the X axis (PoNANS angle) and Y axis (occlusal plane‑FH plane). The correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the correlation between the Porion Nasion Anterior Nasal Spine (PoNANS) angle and the occlusal plane-Frankfort horizontal(FH) plane angle. Later, a t-test was applied to determine the significance of the correlation coefficient. Regression analysis was performed, and the equation was derived with the help of which the value of 'Y' can be obtained when the value of 'X' is known.