Evaluation of Skeletal and Dental Maturity in Relation to Vertical Facial Types and the Sex of Growing Children

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the skeletal and dental maturity according to the vertical facial type and sex in Korean children in the developmental stage. In total, 184 participants aged 8 - 14 years were selected and divided into three groups based on the mandibular plane angle. For the comparison between the sexes, the three groups were each divided into male and female subgroups. The skeletal and dental maturity were assessed using lateral cephalograms, hand-wrist radiographs and panoramic radiographs. The vertical growth group showed significantly greater cervical vertebral and hand-wrist maturity than that in the horizontal growth group. Dental maturity was the highest in the vertical growth group. Girls showed greater skeletal maturity than boys, and no distinct difference was observed between the dental maturity of the sexes. Analysis of the vertical facial type in children can provide ancillary indicators that may help determine the optimal timing for orthodontic treatment initiation. Earlier initiation of orthodontic treatment may be considered for patients with vertical facial growth patterns.

Influence of facial type on attractiveness of vertical canine position from the perspective of orthodontists and laypeople

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the attractiveness of changes in vertical position of maxillary canines in frontal smiles of different facial types, and to evaluate the esthetic perceptions of orthodontists and laypeople, and the influence of facial type on these perceptions. Materials and Methods Three adult female volunteers were selected as individuals with normal, vertical, and horizontal growth patterns. Frontal posed smile photographs were digitally altered by adjusting vertical positions of the maxillary canines above, below, or coincident with the incisal line in increments of 0.5 mm within a range of 1 mm of extrusion and intrusion. For assessment, a web-based survey was formed with 18 images (six images for each model). A scale was present underneath each image, graded from 0 to 10 (0: unattractive; 10: the most attractive). Images were rated by 233 participants (105 orthodontists; 128 laypeople). Results Orthodontists scored 0-mm images significantly as the highest in all groups. Laypeople scored significantly higher for −0.5 mm images regardless of facial type. The lowest scored images were −1 mm (except for horizontal pattern) and +1 mm images. Mean values of scores given by men were higher (P < .05). Conclusions Orthodontists favored ideal dental alignment and preferred the incisal edges of central and canine teeth to be at the same level. Laypeople preferred a smoother smile arc than orthodontists and found harmony with the soft tissue more attractive. Facial type affected perceptions of the vertical changes of maxillary canines.

Do the dimensions of the hard palate have a relationship with the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses? A CBCT study

Background As the hard palate is a central structure of the skull, and its close relationship with the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and maxillary sinuses, it would be of interest to study if there is a relationship between this bone and other structures of the stomatognathic system. Thus, this study aimed to assess the dimensions of the hard palate and associate them with sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Also, to investigate if there is a relationship between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses. Methods Two hundred and ninety-eight CBCT scans of patients were classified according to sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Then, the linear dimensions of width and height of the hard palate at the regions of the first premolars and first molars, and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses were measured using the CS 3D Imaging and ITK-SNAP software, respectively. Data were submitted to multi-way analysis of variance and linear regression, with a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). Results Sex and facial type influenced the hard palate dimensions (p < 0.05). Males had greater width and height of the hard palate than females (p < 0.0001). It was observed greater width for brachycephalics at the first premolars region (p = 0.0032), and greater height for dolichocephalics at the first premolars (p = 0.0154) and first molars (p = 0.0038) regions. Skeletal malocclusion and breathing pattern did not influence the measurements of the hard palate (p > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the width and height of the hard palate at the premolar’s region and the total volume of the upper airways (p = 0.018, and p = 0.038), and between both dimensions of the hard palate at the molar’s region and the total volume of the maxillary sinuses (p < 0.0001). Conclusions The hard palate dimensions are influenced by sex and facial type, but not by skeletal malocclusion or breathing pattern. Also, there is an association between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.

Do the dimensions of the hard palate have a relationship with the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses? A CBCT study

Background: As the hard palate is a central structure of the skull, and its close relationship with the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and maxillary sinuses, it would be of interest to study if there is a relationship between this bone structure and other structures of the stomatognathic system. Thus, this study aimed to assess the dimensions of the hard palate and correlate them with sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Also, to investigate if there is a relationship with these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.Methods: Two hundred and ninety-eight CBCT scans of patients were classified according to sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Then, the linear dimensions of width and height of the hard palate at the regions of the first premolars and first molars, and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses were measured using the CS 3D Imaging and ITK-SNAP software, respectively. Data were submitted to multi-way analysis of variance and linear regression, with a significance level of 5% (α=0.05).Results: Sex and facial type influenced the hard palate dimensions (p<0.05). Males had greater width and height of the hard palate than females (p<0.0001). It was observed greater width for brachycephalics at the first premolars region (p=0.0032), and greater height for dolichocephalics at the first premolars (p=0.0154) and first molars (p=0.0038) regions. Skeletal malocclusion and breathing pattern did not influence the measurements of the hard palate (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between the width and height of the hard palate at the premolars region and the total volume of the upper airways (p=0.018, and p=0.038), and between both dimensions of the hard palate at the molars region and the total volume of the maxillary sinuses (p<0.0001).Conclusions: The hard palate dimensions are influenced by sex and facial type, but not by skeletal malocclusion or breathing pattern. Also, there is an association between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.

Clinical measurement of maximum mouth opening in Saudi children and its relation with different facial type

Background: Decreased mouth-opening is a key factor in diagnosing most of the oralhealth- related conditions. Aim: To assess the Maximum Mouth Opening and its correlation with facial types among children in Southern Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients ranging from 2 to 12 years old. The maximum mouth opening was measured as the distance between incisal edge of maxillary and mandibular central incisors in the midline using the digital Vernier Caliper. Three readings of maximum mouth opening (MMO) were taken by the examiner and the average mean of these readings was taken as final MMO. Based on the calculated facial index, five facial types were determined and subjects were categorized and compared accordingly. The facial profiles, height, weight and BMI (Body mass Index) of the subjects was recorded as well. The data hence obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (version 19.0, SPSS Incorporated, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was found that the mean value of maximum mouth opening of Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0) children was significantly higher than other children. The mean difference of mouth opening of Mesoprosopic (85.0 - 89.9) children was significantly lower than Leptoprosopic (90.0-94.9) and Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0) children. The mean difference of mouth opening of Leptoprosopic (90.0-94.9) was significantly lower than Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0). Conclusion:The overall mean value of maximum mouth opening among the subjects was found to be 47.33? 8.7. The maximum mouth opening of subjects was found to have an association with different facial types and facial profiles among the studied population.