In clinical practice, fully precise method for exact determination of vertical relation
of occlusion still does not exist. This study examines the relationship between different
craniofacial distances and the distance subnasale– gnathion (Sn–Gn), which represents
the lower third of the face in vertical relation determination. The highest coefficient of
correlation was (r = 0.8678, p < 0.05) between the distance eye–ear (E–E = lateral border
of the ocular orbit–medial opening of the meatus of the external auditory canal) and
Sn–Gn. The prediction of the distance Sn–Gn could be determined through the formula:
Sn–Gn = E–E / 1.08 or through the regression analysis: Sn–Gn = 1.9197 + 0.6449 x
E–E. None of the calculated coefficients of correlation was 1, but was < 1, so that the prediction
of the distance Sn–Gn by craniometric distances is not absolutely reliable, although
it is considerably helpful. Our results point at the variations of craniofacial distances
in the Croatian population. Yet, craniometry could still be recommended in
everyday clinical practice for prediction of vertical relation of occlusion, as it is a simple,
economic and non-invasive method, however in combination with some other methods,
which have proved to be helpful
