Determination of effect of progression of Age on location of Occlusal Plane – A Cephalometric Study

The plane of occlusion in both natural and artificial dentition plays an important role in fulfilling the criteria of function and aesthetics. As the concepts of prosthetic occlusion developed and were refined, it was natural to extend this to the natural dentition. With the establishment of concept of normal occlusion that incorporated the line of occlusion, by the early 1900s prosthodontics was no longer just replacement of missing teeth. One fundamental requirements in fabrication of successful dental prosthesis is the reestablishment of plane of occlusion. An accurate orientation of occlusal plane in its natural position is important for proper aesthetics, mastication, phonation and stability of denture. An accurate orientation of occlusal plane in its natural position is important for esthetics, mastication, phonation and stability of denture. It has been emphasized that occlusal plane of artificial denture should be positioned at the same level as that of natural dentition. Carefully conducted research has shown that occlusal plane tends more often to be parallel the naso mental line in early life than in adulthood. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of progression of age on plane of occlusion.