Proposal of a formula mouth opening reduction assessment, for forensic purposes

Abstract

Objectives: To propose a formula for determining reduced buccal opening resulting from dental trauma, based on the normal standard of the Brazilian population. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was applied to 480 research participants. The maximum buccal opening was established, and the facial profile type and height were determined. A formula was developed to calculate the percentage of reduced buccal opening, based on the normal average.Results: The average buccal opening was found to be 51.71 mm in males, and 47.94 mm in females, thus establishing a positive correlation between gender and buccal opening. The following formulas were developed to calculate the reduced buccal opening, based on the averages found, by using RA=[100-(A.1.93)] .0.3 for male patients, and RA=[100-(A.2,08)] .0.3 for female patients. Conclusion: A positive association with gender was found, considering that the buccal opening tends to be larger in men than in women; hence, valid formulas can be devised to determine the correct percentage of reduced buccal opening.