Cephalometric Analysis of Sagittal Lip Position in Different Skeletal Classes for Sudanese Adults

Abstract

Background: Since the cephalometry was introduced, many studies presented normal values for Caucasian populations. While in Africa, most studies have established normal values and ethnic differences associated with the skeletal pattern. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the anteroposterior lip position for Sudanese adults with Class I, II and III malocclusion by Burstone, Ricketts and Stiener analysis. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalographs for 218 [120 females and 98 males] Sudanese patients, were taken in natural head position, all were manually traced, categorized according to the skeletal Class I, II and III malocclusion. Three reference lines; Burstones, Ricketts and Steiners were traced and the linier distance between line and tip of the lips were measured by digital caliper. Data were analyzed using SPSS [statistical package of social science] software version 25. Descriptive analysis was done for each variable of each subject, Independent sample t-test to verify the gender difference in each skeletal class. One-way ANOVA test: to compare the measured variables among the skeletal classes in each gender and in total sample. Tukey HSD test: to test any statistically significant difference between each skeletal classes. Results: More protrusive lips were recorded when compared to Caucasian norms, significant difference in the sagittal lip position in different skeletal occlusions, with the skeletal class II having the more protrusive lips and differed significantly from class I and III. In class I group males had significantly more protrusive lips than females related to the three reference lines, also in class III related to Burstones line. Conclusions: The sagittal lip position was associated with the pattern of skeletal occlusion. Sudanese have more protrusive lips than Caucasians, and should be dealt with accordingly.