Surface area analysis in edentulous jaws of patients with skeletal class I

Introduction. The surface area of edentulous jaw has been considered as an important functional and anthropometric parameter. The aim of this study was to assess the surface area of supporting tissue in edentulous jaws of patients with the skeletal class I. Material and Methods. Thin aluminum foils (0.5 mm of thickness) were adapted on plaster surfaces of 139 pairs of edentulous jaws casts. Foils were positioned on a millimeter-paper in order to measure their areas. Additionally, surface areas were measured using a mechanic plan-meter (G. Coradi, Zurich, Switzerland, serial no. 49823). The measurement error was 1%. Skeletal class of edentulous jaws was determined by analysis of lateral cephalometric radiographs, and assessing the ANB (SNA, SNB) angle. Results. The average surface area of edentulous upper jaws was 4654±407 mm2 in males, and 4212±368 mm2 in females. Edentulous lower jaws had average surface area of 2843±339 mm2 in males, and 2334±295 mm2 in females. Statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was found in comparison of surface areas and dimensions of upper and lower edentulous jaws in male and female. ANB values ranged from 2 to 4 degrees. Conclusion. The surface area is an important parameter in the analysis of edentulous jaws. Edentulous jaws in males had greater surface areas and dimensions as compared to females. Edentulous areas on the right side were not absolutely symmetric to areas on the left side.