Relationship of Various Occlusal Landmarks to the Occlusal Plane : Relation of Various Extra-Oral and Intra-Oral Soft Tissue Landmarks to the Occlusal Plane - A Study in Dentulous Subjects

The present study was undertaken to examine the co- relation of antomic landmarks with the occlusal plane in the natural dentition that could be used for establishing the occlusal plane in complete dentures and to determine the consistency of these landmarks with the occlusal plane in both sexes and to check for any variation, if present. the landmarks used were: Camper's plane, Interpupillary line, Linea alba buccalis, Retromolar pad.Three custom-made instruments were used in establishing the relation.It was concluded that: the occlusal plane is parallel to the Camper's plane posterior reference point as the superior point of tragus in females and middle point in males. The occlusal plane is not generally parallel to the interpupillary line. Intra-orally,the level of buccinator groove is reliable, while variations in retromolar pad area make it an unreliable landmark for orienting the occlusal plane. This study will be helpful to general dental surgeons in establishing the occlusal plane in edentulous subjects. Also, custom made instuments can be easily made and used in common practice.This study can prove helpful to people studying occlusion.