Relation of Facial Growth Pattern with Molar’s Axial Inclination

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between mesiodistal angulation of maxillary and mandibular 1st molar to different facial growth patterns.METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2021 at theJinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Sindh. According to the non-probability consecutive samplingtechnique, a lateral cephalogram of 90 individuals (55 female and 35 male) with mean age 19.7±4.38 wasanalyzed for the vertical growth pattern. Only those patients with age between 14 to 30, teeth inpermanent dentition, and presence of teeth posteriorly from 1st premolar to 2nd molar were included.Mesiodistal angle was measured of the maxillary and mandibular molar to the palatal plane (PP),mandibular plane(MP), and occlusal plane(OP). The findings were then related to the facial growthpattern. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSSversion 20. RESULTS: Molar’s angulation was significantly (P<0.001) related to the change in facial growth pattern.The mesiodistal angle of the molar increased with an increase in facial divergence and was relativelyupright in patients with low-angle individuals. However, there was a decrease in both maxillary andmandibular molar’s inclination on the occlusal plane with an increase in facial divergence.CONCLUSION: A strong relationship exists between the molar mesiodistal inclination and facial growthpattern. This research presents relative information that can help the clinician in better diagnosis andtreatment plan based on the pattern of individual’s vertical growth. KEYWORDS: Facial divergence, growth pattern, mandibular plane, masticatory force, molar inclination,occlusal plane, palatal plane