Influence of teeth loss on morphometric characteristics of the maxilla.

Using Martin and Saller's method in analyzing 90 skulls which belonged to adults of both sexes established are twelve basic morphometric characteristics of maxillas in the recent population of Croatia. Presented are differences in the morphology of dentate and edontulous jaws. Morphometric characteristics of maxillas in the recent population of Croatia do not significantly differ from maxillar characteristics of other white ethnic groups of the same absolute age. By the change of biomechanical conditions and interaction of forces caused by the loss of teeth, reabsorption of bones occurs. The alveolar process atrophies the first, causing the reduction in the maxillar length and width in the molar, as well as in the anterior part of the bone. Although the width of the palate is constant, the reduction of its length occurs. The foramen infraorbitale approaches the alveolar margin of the bone due to the reabsorption of the alveolar ridge, but its distance from the orbital edge gets reduced too, due to the overall atrophy the bone. Advancing of age, if not accompanied with the loss of teeth, does not significantly influence morphometric characteristics of the maxilla.