Comparative Evaluation of Cephalometric Parameters in Different Kinds of Vertical and Different Kinds of Horizontal Facial Patterns – A Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: An individual can have a vertical, horizontal, or an average growth pattern, usually associated with an increased, decreased, or normal lower anterior facial height (LAFH), respectively. Irrespective of the growth pattern determined cephalometrically, the individual might have acceptable facial proportions. The treatment plan varies for such individuals. Materials and Methods: One hundred cephalograms with normal/increased and decreased clinical LAFH were included in this study. The sample was divided into four groups; 1A and 1B; 2A and 2B. Cephalometric parameters were compared among the vertical growers with increased and normal LAFH (1A and 1B); and horizontal growers with decreased and normal LAFH (2A and 2B) using an unpaired t-test. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the two variants of vertical and horizontal growers. Cephalometrically hyperdivergent individuals (Group A) showed two variants; clinically normal and increased LAFH. Similarly, hypodivergent group (Group B) had both variants. Conclusions: The cephalometric parameters alone might not always be indicative of the true growth pattern of the individual. The clinical LAFH is a better parameter to determine the facial pattern and must be considered during orthodontic treatment planning.