&lt;b&gt;Morphometric analysis of three normal facial types in mixed dentition using posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs: preliminary results

Renato Bigliazzi,Kurt Faltin Junior,Eliana Ayala Walverde,Derly Tescaro Narciso De Oliveira,André Pinheiro De Magalhães Bertoz

doi:10.4025/actascihealthsci.v39i2.34139

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the craniofacial features of subjects with normal occlusion with different vertical patterns in the mixed dentition using morphometric analysis (Thin-Plate Spline analysis - TPS) applied to posteroanterior (PA) films. The sample comprised 39 individuals (18 females and 21 males), all in mixed dentition, aged from 8.4 to 10 years with satisfactory occlusion and balanced profile and with no history of orthodontic or facial orthopedic treatment. The sample was divided into three groups (mesofacial, brachyfacial and dolichofacial) according to the facial types proposed by Ricketts (1989). The average craniofacial configurations of each study group were obtained by orthogonal superimposition of Procrustes, thereby eliminating size differences and allowing only shape differences between groups to be analyzed by viewing the TPS deformation grid. Significant differences were found among the three facial types but were more remarkable between mesofacials and dolichofacials than between mesofacials and brachyfacials. TPS morphometric analysis proved efficient for accurate visualization of transverse and vertical differences among facial types even before pubertal growth spurt. These differences cannot be easily detected by traditional posteroanterior cephalometry.

Highlights

Understanding the relationship between facial form, growth and malocclusions is an important issue in orthodontic treatment
The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the craniofacial features of subjects with normal occlusion with different vertical patterns in the mixed dentition using geometric morphometric analysis (TPS analysis) applied to posteroanterior (PA) films
Based on the descriptive level we concluded that there were no significant differences between centroid means

Summary

Introduction

Understanding the relationship between facial form, growth and malocclusions is an important issue in orthodontic treatment. The great variations in growth mix and head form, population differences and sex dimorphic variations result in a bewildering spectrum of facial types (Enlow & Hans, 1996). Ricketts, Bench, Gugino, Hilger and Schulhof (1979) classified facial features into vertical facial patterns (brachy, meso and dolichofacial) using lateral cephalometry. Health Sciences in the vertical dimension of the face and an association between masticatory muscles and vertical craniofacial morphology (Lione, Franchi, Noviello, Bollero, Fanucci, & Cozza, 2013). These patterns can be applied for the prediction of growth

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion