Assessment of tooth and dental arch position relative to the coordinate parameter in individuals with distal occlusion

Aim – to develop and justify a new method for diagnosing the position of teeth and dental arches, as well as to determine their deviations from normal values among individuals with distal occlusion relative to the coordinate parameter LP. Material and methods. In this study, 25 patients aged 12–40 years with distal occlusion were examined. Volunteers who refused to participate in the study or complete all necessary diagnostic examinations for any reason were excluded from the initial group. Additionally, individuals with contraindications identified during the examination, including pregnant and nursing women, were also excluded. Various methods were used to assess the position of teeth and dental arches, including clinical photography, scanning of dental arches followed by the creation of STL files, and obtaining lateral cephalometric radiographs. An analysis of the relationships between the LP point and molars, canines, incisors, as well as points Mv and Mn for both the upper and lower dental arches was conducted in patients with distal occlusion, providing deeper insights into the anatomical features and their impact on occlusal relationships. Results. In patients with distal occlusion, anthropometric parameters characterizing the position of teeth and dental arches in both the upper and lower jaws were examined. It was found that in 59.5% of patients, the distance from the LP point to Mv corresponds to the proper positioning of the upper dental arch, while in 40.5% of patients, this distance is increased by 5.1%, indicating maxillary prognathism. The distance from LP to Mn is within the normal range for 61.9% of patients, while 38.1% exhibit values below normal by an average of 2.3%, suggesting mandibular retrognathism. Moreover, the distance from the coordinate parameter to the point corresponding to the upper central incisors exceeds the normal range by 3.3% in 78.6% of patients, indicating protrusion of the upper incisors, while the distance to the lower central incisors is below normal by 2.3% in 38.1% of patients, indicating retrusion of the lower incisors. Conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrate significant deviations in anthropometric parameters and the positioning of teeth and dental arches relative to the LP coordinate point in patients with distal occlusion. The practical application of this research can enhance orthodontic diagnostics for distal occlusion and other anomalies of the dentofacial system, ultimately improving treatment selection and the effectiveness of orthodontic care.