Association between craniofacial patterns and third molar agenesis in orthodontic patients.

Abstract

Third molar agenesis (TMA) is the most common craniofacial anomaly and has been associated with craniofacial patterns in different populations. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess apossible association between craniofacial patterns and TMA in German orthodontic patients. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with dental records including anamnesis, pretreatment lateral cephalograms and orthopantomograms were evaluated. Cephalometric analyses were conducted digitally and lines, angles and proportions were measured to investigate craniofacial morphology. Skeletal classes were determined by the individualised Wits appraisal and ANB angle. The TMA was identified with the help of orthopantomograms. Patients showing agenesis of at least one third molar were included in the TMA group. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between TMA and craniofacial patterns (αof p ≤ 0.05). Atotal of 148patients were included, 40 (27.0%) presented at least one missing tooth (TMA group) and 108 (73.0%) showed full dentition (control group). Skeletal class determined by the individualised Wits appraisal revealed statistical significance between the TMA and control groups (p = 0.022), in which TMA patients were 11times more likely to present with an individualised skeletal classIII (odds ratio 11.3, 95% confidence interval 1.7-139.5). Skeletal cephalometric analysis revealed no statistical differences between TMA and control groups for any further angular, linear and proportional parameters. Third molar agenesis was associated with skeletal classIII determined by the individualised Wits appraisal.