Pls Based Analysis Of Maxillary Occlusal Plane Formation

This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors in the formation of the maxillary occlusal plane using partial least squares (PLS) regression, and to differentiate the determinants affecting its anterior and posterior segments. Fifty-nine subjects with complete maxillary permanent dentition and available pre-treatment records were selected from a national sample bank. Three-dimensional dental models and cephalometric radiographs were analyzed. The depth and angulation of the occlusal plane were measured for both anterior and posterior segments. A total of 30 cephalometric and dental arch parameters were included as independent variables, and 8 as dependent variables. PLS regression analysis was performed using SIMCA 14.1 to assess variable importance and model fit. PLS regression demonstrated a good model fit for the anterior segment with Q² = 0.63 when using one component. Key contributing factors included U1/NA, U1/L1, U1/SN, MLR, AB/NP, L1/NB, and L1/OP1, reflecting the influence of incisor protrusion, inclination, and sagittal arch length. For the posterior segment, the model fit was poor. Nonetheless, age, MLO, MLC, FH/OP1, and FH/OP2 were identified as important variables, suggesting associations with sagittal arch length, occlusal plane inclination, and craniofacial growth. PLS regression effectively revealed differing factors influencing anterior and posterior segments of the maxillary occlusal plane. Incisor inclination and arch length predominantly affected the anterior segment, whereas arch morphology, occlusal plane angle, and growth patterns impacted the posterior segment.