Assessment of axial angulations of the mandibular incisors in various classes of Dental Malocclusions: A Cross Sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the mesiodistal axial angulation of the mandibular incisors in various classes of dental malocclusion, Class-I / Class-II / Class-III, in patients presenting to orthodontics department of Rehman College of dentistry. Methods: A total of 55 panoramic radiographs of patients (age ≥ 11 years) irrespective of gender were randomly selected from patient’s records of department. Measurements were taken on a software IC Measures version 1.3. Root canals at their longest aspect of teeth were taken as long axis of teeth and their mesial angle recorded, with the horizontal reference line passing through right and left mental foramens. The main outcome measure was the “mesiodistal axial angulation” of the 4 lower incisors in all dental malocclusion classes. Results: The relationship between the variables was assessed by one-way ANOVA test. The highest mean of mesiodistal angulation on right side was found in Class-III while on left side in Class-II group. The mean value of mesiodistal angulation of lateral incisors was greater than that of central incisors irrespective of side and gender. There was however no significant difference in mesiodistal angulation of all four mandibular incisors. Conclusion: No significant difference in mesiodistal angulation of lower incisors was found among the malocclusion groups. Lateral incisors had more mesiodistal angulation than central incisors in both genders.