Vertical Growers Research Articles

Soft Tissue Responses to Orthodontic Treatment: Impact of Premolar Extraction on Diverse Growth Patterns.

Alteration in facial soft tissue plays an important role in the esthetics of an individual. The first thing a patient wants from orthodontic treatment is how well he/she looks. The degree of soft tissue changes brought about by the retraction of teeth can be influenced byfactors such as extraction pattern, muscle function, age, gender, weight, etc. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare post-orthodontic soft tissue changes among different facial growth patterns in orthodontic patients undergoing extraction of first premolar teeth. Pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 45 orthodontic patients who underwent therapeutic extraction of the first premolars were included in the study. They were divided into three equal groups based on their facial growth pattern, that is, average, horizontal, and vertical. Eight soft tissue cephalometric measurements were done in all the lateral cephalograms. Paired Student t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to statistically analyze the results. The significance level was set as 0.05. The paired Student t-test showed a P-value > 0.05 for lower anterior facial height in all three groupsand for facial angle in vertical growers alone. ANOVA comparing the mean soft tissue changes among the three groups resulted in a P-value > 0.05 for all the measured parameters. Facial growth patterns donot influence the extent of soft tissue profile changes in orthodontic patients treated with extraction of first premolars.

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

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.

Evaluation of Cervico-vertebral Dimensions and Cranio-cervical Angulations in Adults with Different Vertical Growth Patterns: A Cross-sectional Cephalometric Study

Introduction: The measurement of cervical vertebrae is a valuable diagnostic aid since it provides data on skeletal maturity and potential for growth. Research suggests the existence of a relationship between dentofacial characteristics and craniocervical morphology and posture. This relationship can provide insights into the development and treatment of malocclusions, particularly malocclusions in the vertical dimension. Aim: To compare cervico-vertebral dimensions, morphology, and cranio-cervical postures in subjects with different skeletal growth patterns such as average, horizontal and vertical. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design and was conducted for a period of two years between January 2014 and December 2016 at KLE Society’s Institute of Dental Science and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A total of 102 lateral cephalograms were taken for the study and classified into three groups according to Frankfurt Mandibular Plane Angle (FMA angle) and Jarabak ratio as Horizontal (HR), Vertical (VR), and Average (AV) groups. Each group comprised 34 subjects (17 males, 17 females). A total of 28 morphological parameters of C3, C4, and C5 in the lateral cephalogram were measured and analysed. Each lateral cephalogram was scanned with a Konica Minolta Bighub Laser printer, and the area measurement was made with IMAGE J software to measure the area of cervical vertebrae. Oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the various parameters between the three groups, and pair-wise comparisons were done using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. Student's t-test was done to assess the differences between males and females. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean chronological age of subjects was 21.2±3.14 years for the HR group, 21.3±3.78 years for the VR group, and 21±3.76 years for the AV group. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in the measurements of the anterior body height of C3 (ABHC3) (p=0.023), posterior Body Height of C3 (PBHC3) (p=0.007), vertical measurements of C3 (H3) (p=0.010) and (W3) (p=0.013), anterior body height of C4 (ABHC4) (p=0.010), Posterior Body Height of C4 (PBHC4) (p=0.005); H4 (p=0.002); Ratio of H4 and W4 (H4/W4) (p=0.048); area of the third cervical vertebrae (C3) (p=0.039) and area C4 (p=0.024). For cranio-cervical angulation, there were statistically significant differences found for the angle between the Nasion Sella Line (NSL) and the tangent to the Odontoid Process (NSL/OPT) (p<0.001), where the VR group had significantly larger values than the HR and AV groups. There was no significant difference found in fusion anomalies of cervical vertebrae among all three (HR, VR, and AV) groups. Conclusion: The study found that individuals with a horizontal growth pattern tend to have larger cervical vertebral dimensions compared to average and vertical growers. Individuals with a vertical growth pattern exhibited a large cranio-cervical angulation. Overall, males had larger cervical vertebral dimensions compared to females. The studied population did not exhibit any fusion anomalies.

Skeletal, Dental and Soft Tissue Effects of Twin Block Appliance in Different Facial Divergence Cases

IntroductionClass II malocclusions refer to a discrepancy in the sagittal plane associated with either backward or upward rotation of the jaw. A backwardly positioned mandible is usually managed using a Twin block appliance which contains a bite plane to direct the occlusal forces in a more favorable direction. Our aim was to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes using twin-block appliance therapy in different facial divergence patients. MethodsA cephalometric study was conducted among two groups with 15 patients in each group. Group 1 have a Frankfort Mandibular plane Angle (FMA) of 18-25 degree while Group 2 have an FMA of 28 to 33 degree with Class II Division I malocclusion. All of them were treated with twin block appliances with modifications done according to FMA. Cephalometric analysis was done using Dolphin software (Dolphin Imaging 11.95) to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes after twin block therapy. ResultsAnalysis of variance and paired t-test were used to evaluate pre and post-treatment changes in cephalograms. The position of the mandible, maxillomandibular relation, and mandibular length was changed by 3.99 degrees, 5.23 degrees, and 4.04mm respectively in horizontal growers, while by 2.9 degrees, 1.74 degrees, and 1.07mm respectively in vertical growers. An increment in FMA by 4.59 degrees in horizontal growers with good vertical control and a little increment in FMA by 1.07 degrees in vertical growers were seen. Conclusions The twin block appliance is effective in skeletal, dental, and soft tissue correction in patients with different facial divergences.

COMPARISON AND CORRELATION BETWEEN MANDIBULAR ANTEGONIAL NOTCH DEPTH AND RAMUS MORPHOLOGY AMONG DIFFERENT PATTERNS OF GROWTH IN SKELETAL CLASS I, II AND III MALOCCLUSION SUBJECTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: To provide a comprehensive comparison and correlation of these indicators among all skeletal patterns. Methodology: A total of 180 lateral cephalograms (81 males, 99 females) of patients between ages 18 to 25 years, were distributed equally (60 each) among class I, II, and III malocclusion groups in this observational study conducted at AFID, Rawalpindi. These were further sub-grouped (20 each) as average, horizontal and vertical growth patterns based on Jarabak’s ratio. Results: The AND was considerably deep in class I and class II vertical growers (p < 0.01) than in average and horizontal growers. Also, RH values were greatest for class I and class II horizontal growers (p < 0.05). In class I vertical group, a strong relationship between RH and RW (r=0.521) was observed. In class II horizontal group, AND showed a negative correlation with RH (r= -0.520) and RW (r= -0.516). In class III average group, RW was significantly correlated with RH (r=0.50) and AND (r=0.489). Conclusion: Vertical growers manifested the greatest AND values contrasted to both average and horizontal growers except class III subjects. Ramal height and width measurements were greatest in horizontal growers as opposed to the other two forms. Also, correlation exists between mandibular morphology and growth pattern. Thus, a thorough knowledge of varying mandibular anatomical patterning for all malocclusion groups is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Surface Electromyographic Analysis of Masticatory and Neck Muscles in Skeletal Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with EMG Indices - A In Vivo Study

Background amp Objectives To evaluate the activity of oro-facial and neck muscles in skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion with horizontal and vertical growth patterns using surface electromyography.Methods Twenty non-growing patients comprising males and females 18-30 years were selected and grouped into horizontal and vertical growth patterns using lateral cephalograms. sEMG of masseter temporalis sternocleidomastoid and anterior belly of digastric muscles were performed and percentage overlapping coefficient activity Index asymmetry Index and torque Index were recorded.Results The percentage overlapping coefficient was recorded as 112.3 in horizontal and 92.35 in vertical growers. The activity index for horizontal growers was 14.28 microVsec indicating a predominance of the masseter muscle and in vertical growers it was -8.94 microVsec indicating a predominance of anterior temporalis. The asymmetry index for horizontal growers observed was 17.75 microVsec indicating the predominance of rightside muscles and was -10.77 microVsec showing the dominance of left-side muscles in vertical growers. Torque index in horizontal and vertical growth patterns were 24.56 and -43.76 respectively inferring a right-sided mandibular movement in horizontal growers and vice versa. The mean value of sternocleidomastoid muscle observed was 18.74 microVsec in horizontal growers and 14.15 microVsec in vertical growers. The mean values of the anterior belly of digastric muscles were 18.87 microVsec in horizontal growth pattern and 19.57 microVsec in vertical growers.Conclusion There was symmetry between muscles and an increased predominance of the masseter group in horizontal growers while an increased predominance of the temporalis muscle was observed in vertical growers. There was increased activity of right-sided muscles and right-sided mandibular movement in horizontal growers while an increased activity of left-sided muscles and left-sided mandibular movements was noted in vertical growers.

Canopy plant composition and structure of Cape subtropical dune thicket are predicted by the levels of fire exposure.

The subtropical dune thicket (hereafter "dune thicket") of the Cape Floristic Region experiences a wide range of fire exposure throughout the landscape, unlike other dry rainforest formations that rarely experience fire. We sought to determine how fire exposure influences species composition and the architectural composition of dune thicket. We used multivariate analysis and diversity indices based on cover abundance of species to describe the species composition, architectural guild composition and structure of dune thicket sites subject to different levels of fire exposure, namely low (fire return interval of >100 years), moderate (fire return interval of 50-100 years), and high (fire return interval of 10-50 years). The diversity, cover abundance and architectural guild cover abundance of dune thicket canopy species were strongly influenced by the level of fire exposure such that each level was associated with a well-circumscribed vegetation unit. Dune thickets subject to low fire exposure comprises a floristically distinct, low forest characterized by shrubs with one-to-few upright stems (ca. 4-8 m tall) and a relatively small canopy spread (vertical growers). Of the 25 species in this unit, 40% were restricted to it. Dune thickets subject to moderate fire exposure had the highest abundance of lateral spreaders, which are multi-stemmed (ca. 3-6 m tall) species with a large canopy spread and lower stature than vertical growers. None of the 17 species found in this unit was restricted to it. Dune thickets subject to high fire exposure had the highest abundance of hedge-forming shrubs, these being low shrubs (ca. 0.6-1.4 m tall), with numerous shoots arising from an extensive system of below-ground stems. Of the 20 species in this unit, 40% were restricted to it. Multivariate analysis identified three floristic units corresponding to the three fire exposure regimes. Compositional structure, in terms of species and architectural guilds, was most distinctive for dune thickets subject to high and low fire exposure, while the dune thicket subject to moderate fire exposure showed greatest compositional overlap with the other units. Fire exposure profoundly influenced the composition and structure of dune thicket canopy species in the Cape Floristic Region. In the prolonged absence of fire, the thicket is invaded by vertical-growing species that overtop and outcompete the multi-stemmed, laterally-spreading shrubs that dominate this community. Regular exposure to fire selects for traits that enable thicket species to rapidly compete for canopy cover post-fire via the prolific production of resprouts from basal buds below- and above-ground. The trade-off is that plant height is constrained, as proportionately more resources are allocated to below-ground biomass.

Cephalometric Assessment of Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions in Sagittal and Vertical Growth Patterns

Setting: Determination of patency of airway in sagittal and vertical growth patterns in patients visiting LUMHS Institute of Dentistry, Jamshoro. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in the Orthodontic Department, Institute of Dentistry, LUMHS Jamshoro. Patients in the age group of 12 to 28 years were included. All subjects were categorized into two groups: Group 1 consists of patients with vertical growth, and Group 2 consists of patients with horizontal growth. Measurements were done by McNamara analysis; the skeletal type was analyzed using ANB, FMA, and SN-GOGN measurements were plotted on the Y-axis, measuring the angle between the S-N plane and sella-gnathion. Results: A total of 62 patients were studied; their mean age was 20.74+3.36 years. The majority were females 77.4% and males 22.6%. two groups were made according to growth patterns, group 1 consisted of vertical growers and group 2 was of horizontal grower patients. 37.1% of patients were found to have an obstructive lower pharyngeal airway. Mean ANB, FMA, Y-Axis, SN-GOGN, upper pharyngeal airway, and lower pharyngeal airway was 5.42±3.52 degree, 27.90±7.93 degree, 66.31±6.56 degree, 34.24±7.95 degree, 14.5±2.24 mm and 9.2±2.04mm respectively. The results show a positive and negligible correlation between ANB and pharyngeal airways. Conclusion: There was a positive and negligible correlation between sagittal growth patterns and pharyngeal airway, with class II cases having obstructive pharyngeal airway and class III cases having patent pharyngeal airway. Keywords: Patency of Airway, Sagittal, Skeletal Discrepancies, Vertical

Analysis of Nasal Morphology in Skeletal Class I and Skeletal Class II Malocclusion: An Observational Study.

Background and objectives The nose is one of the major focuses of face attractiveness. Through careful evaluation of the soft tissue drape, a treatment plan can be designed to enhance a patient's facial attractiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the variations in nasal morphology among class I malocclusion and class II horizontal and class II vertical malocclusion. Material and method Lateral cephalograms of 27 patients were taken and consisted of three groups: skeletal class I malocclusion, class II horizontal malocclusion, and class II vertical malocclusion. The various linear and angular measurements specific to nose were assessed. Results and conclusion In class II and class I malocclusion, the nose is observed to be straight and convex, respectively. Additionally, compared to class II horizontal malocclusion, it is more convex in class II vertical malocclusion. Vertical growers or high-angle cases are more likely to have a nose with an increased inclination toward nasal dorsum convexity than horizontal growers or low-angle instances.

Association between dermatoglyphic patterns and growth patterns of subjects with skeletal class I relation: A cross sectional study.

Background: To assess the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and various growth patterns of the mandible. Methods: Patients with Class I Skeletal relation were selected after clinical diagnosis followed by digitally tracing the cephalogram. The patients were subdivided into three groups of mandibular divergence patterns ie Average, Horizontal and Vertical. 90 samples ie 30 in each group were selected for the study. The fingerprints of all the selected subjects were then extracted digitally and analysed for the most dominant pattern in each hand. Results: For the left hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average and Vertical Growers. For the right hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average Growers. A significant association (P<0.05) between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern was also found when average growers were compared to vertical growers. Conclusions: Horizontal growers had 80% frequency of appearance of whorls in their left hand and 67% in their right hand. Horizontal growers could easily be differentiated from the average and vertical growers because of the dominance of whorl pattern in their hands. Composite and arch pattern were more frequent in vertical growers when compared to horizontal and average growers.

Association between dermatoglyphic patterns and growth patterns of subjects with skeletal class I relation: A cross sectional study

Background: To assess the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and various growth patterns of the mandible. Methods: Patients with Class I Skeletal relation were selected after clinical diagnosis followed by digitally tracing the cephalogram. The patients were subdivided into three groups of mandibular divergence patterns ie Average, Horizontal and Vertical. 90 samples ie 30 in each group were selected for the study. The fingerprints of all the selected subjects were then extracted digitally and analysed for the most dominant pattern in each hand. Results: For the left hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average and Vertical Growers. For the right hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average Growers. A significant association (P<0.05) between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern was also found when average growers were compared to vertical growers. Conclusions: Horizontal growers had 80% frequency of appearance of whorls in their left hand and 67% in their right hand. Horizontal growers could easily be differentiated from the average and vertical growers because of the dominance of whorl pattern in their hands. Composite and arch pattern were more frequent in vertical growers when compared to horizontal and average growers.

Association between dermatoglyphic patterns and growth patterns of subjects with skeletal class I relation: A cross sectional study

Background: To assess the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and various growth patterns of the mandible. Methods: Patients with Class I Skeletal relation were selected after clinical diagnosis followed by digitally tracing the cephalogram. The patients were subdivided into three groups of mandibular divergence patterns ie Average, Horizontal and Vertical. 90 samples ie 30 in each group were selected for the study. The fingerprints of all the selected subjects were then extracted digitally and analysed for the most dominant pattern in each hand. Results: For the left hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average and Vertical Growers. For the right hand, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) association between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern when Horizontal growers were compared to Average Growers. A significant association (P<0.05) between fingerprint pattern and growth pattern was also found when average growers were compared to vertical growers. Conclusions: Horizontal growers had 80% frequency of appearance of whorls in their left hand and 67% in their right hand. Horizontal growers could easily be differentiated from the average and vertical growers because of the dominance of whorl pattern in their hands. Composite and arch pattern were more frequent in vertical growers when compared to horizontal and average growers.

Overall treatment outcome achieved during distal movement of the entire maxillary dentition using mini-implants – A single-center analytical observational clinical study

Objectives: To evaluate the overall treatment outcome and undesirable side effects during distal movement of the entire maxillary dentition using mini-implants. Methods: Seventeen patients older than fifteen years with a mild-to-moderate arch length/tooth size discrepancy were selected. Leveling and aligning were done with 0.018” x 0.025” passive stainless-steel wire in a 0.022 slot. A 1.2 x 8 mm mini-implant was placed bilaterally at the mucogingival junction between the maxillary second premolar and the maxillary first permanent molar. A 200-gram distalizing force was applied. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were taken prior to distal movement of the maxillary dentition and six months later. Dental casts were assessed using CAD-CAM software. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed. Results: Intrusion of the entire maxillary arch with decreased lower anterior facial height and facial proportion index was noted. The average extent of molar distalization achieved was 1.7 mm, at the rate of 0.29 mm/month. Distal tipping of the maxillary molars by 3.8° and retraction of the maxillary central incisors by 2.3° were observed. No undesirable side effects occurred, such as incisor flaring, extrusion of the molars, or bite opening. Root resorption was present in most cases. Conclusions: The overall treatment outcome of distal movement of the maxillary dentition was good. This method is beneficial for patients with mild/moderate arch length/tooth size discrepancy, especially Class II cases, vertical growers, and patients with end on molar relation. Mild root resorption was noted in the maxillary anterior teeth.

Comparison of mandibular buccal shelf bone characteristics between two facial types using cone beam computed tomography.

Mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) offers good quality and quantity of bone for orthodontic bone screw (OBS) insertion. Despite several reports of treated patients, there are numerous variables in selecting the exact placement site for OBS placement in the MBS. There are also anatomical variations in this area which must be considered. This study aims to measure and compare the MBS bone characteristics for OBS placement using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) between two different facial types. Eighty CBCT samples were collected (40 samples of group A horizontal growers and 40 of group B vertical growers). Each CBCT image was reconstructed and oriented with CS 3D CBCT software. The cortical bone thickness, the slope of the MBS, and buccolingual inclination of mandibular second molar were measured and analysed. Cortical bone thickness among horizontal growers was 5.23 ± 0.58 mm and among vertical growers was 4.85 ± 0.37 mm. The slope of MBS among horizontal growers was 60.83 ± 6.15 degrees and among vertical growers was 66.75 ± 6.27 degrees. In both the parameters there was a statistically significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups for the buccolingual inclination of 2nd molar. Increased cortical bone thickness and the flatter slope of MBS at the 2nd molar region allows for easier placement of OBS in horizontal growers than in vertical growers.

Association of Gonial Angle with Hand Grip Strength in Vertical, Horizontal and Average Growers: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The orthodontic treatment focuses on improving facial esthetics and functional occlusion by improving the masticatory function, including masticatory chewing pattern, masticatory muscle activity, maximum occlusal force, and occlusal contact area. In orthodontics, every decision is based on the patient’s growth pattern and muscle strength. Aim: To evaluate the gonial angle, hand grip strength and association of the gonial angle with Hand Grip Strength(HGS) in vertical, horizontal and average growers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 24th June 2021 to 24th July 2022 in the Orthodontics Department at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital in Sawangi, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India on a total of 196 patients. Data were categorized according to the growth pattern. For the vertical growth pattern, 49 patients were selected, 49 for the horizontal growth pattern, and 98 for the average growth pattern. A Jamar hand dynamometer was used to measure HGS and gonial angle using a lateral cephalogram. Study compared the results using inferential and descriptive statistics with a Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (one-way) and multiple comparisons with the Tukey test. Also, p&lt;0.05 was considered as a level of significance. Results: The data of total of 49 patients in vertical growth pattern, 49 for the horizontal growth pattern, and 98 for the average growth pattern was collected and analysed. Grip strength and Gonial angle were compared between horizontal, average, and vertical growers. The gonial angle ranged from 101°to 124° in the average growth pattern, 81° to 99° in the horizontal growth pattern and 121° to 156° in the vertical growth pattern. The HGS in the horizontal growth pattern patients ranged from 27.2 Kg to 57.5 Kg. The HGS in the vertical growth pattern ranged from 14.7 Kg to 37.7 Kg. In the vertical growth pattern, the HGS was decreased compared to the Horizontal growth pattern group. To determine the factor of HGS, Gonial angle is the most prominent one. The assessment of growth patterns is vital in diagnosis and treatment planning. Conclusion: The study concluded that due to weak muscle strength, vertical group cases should be treated more carefully

Correlation of Mandibular Angle and Malocclusion with Hand Grip Strength in Vertical, Horizontal and Average Grower

Background: An orthodontic treatment focuses on improving an individual's facial esthetics and functional occlusion via improved chewing patterns, muscular power, increased force, and occlusal contact area through a more efficient masticatory function. Every decision made during orthodontics treatment will be influenced by the patient’s growth pattern and /or muscle strength.&#x0D; Objectives: To evaluate the gonial Angle in vertical, horizontal and average grower, to evaluate the hand grip strength in vertical, horizontal and average grower and to correlate between gonial angle with hand grip strength in vertical, horizontal and average growth pattern.&#x0D; Methodology: We will study a patient group undergoing orthodontics treatment with vertical, horizontal, and average growth patterns in the Orthodontics Department at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital in Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha District. The calculated sample size of the study will be 196, under criteria 49 for vertical, 49 for horizontal, and 98 for the average growth pattern. Both male and female norms for the value are to be evaluated based on the value.&#x0D; Expected Results: Hand grip strength is to be compared between average, horizontal and vertical growers. Hand grip strength would be inferior in the large gonial angle group compared to the small gonial angle group. Gonial angle is the most conspicuous determining factor of Hand grip strength. Assessment of growth pattern has a vital role in diagnosis and treatment planning.&#x0D; Conclusion: In the present study it will be an attempt to analyze effectiveness of gonial angle in vertical, horizontal and average growth pattern patients compared with hand grip strength. Subject with large and small gonial angle groups using cephalometric radiograph shall be assessed with hand grip strength. A major finding of this study is that gonial angle is one of the key factors for the strength of Hand grips.

The comparison between the lower airway space, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin thickness and chin throat length in vertical and horizontal growers among skeletal class I and skeletal class II patterns – Retrospective cephalometric study

The vertical and horizontal growth influences the height of mandibular ramus and length of the mandibular body. The soft tissue chin thickness, the lower airway space and the chin throat length can vary in different growth patterns and different skeletal patterns. Lateral cephalograms of non-growing patients seeking orthodontic treatment (n=120) were included in the study. The samples were divided into two subgroups based on skeletal pattern (Cl I &amp; Cl II) according to ANB angle and Wit’s appraisal. Further sub divided into four groups based on cephalometric mandibular plane inclination to anterior cranial base (SN-GoGn) and Frankfort’s mandibular plane (FMA) angle in hypodivergent and hyperdivergent patterns. The parameters lower airway space, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin thickness and chin throat length were measured. Results showed maximum lower airway space, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin thickness, and chin throat length in the hypodivergent skeletal Class I group. The minimum lower airway space, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin thickness, and chin throat length observed in the hyperdivergent skeletal Class II group. The inter-group comparison of all samples indicates that there was a statistically significant difference between various groups and the measures of the hypodivergent samples are more than the hyperdivergent samples irrespective of the skeletal pattern. The study concludes that the lower airway, mandibular ramus, mandibular body, soft tissue chin thickness, chin throat length was less in hyperdivergent skeletal Class I and skeletal Class II samples than the skeletal Class I and skeletal Class II hypodivergent.

Pre‐ and post‐fire architectural guilds of subtropical dune thicket species in the southeastern Cape Floristic Region

AbstractAimSouth Africa's subtropical dune thicket represents an interesting case for investigating plant architecture since, unlike most other dry rain forest formations, dune thicket is subject to regular fire. We asked the following questions: (a) what are the different architectural guilds amongst subtropical dune thicket species in mature, closed canopy stands; (b) what are the architectural guilds of the same species but in the early stages of resprouting post fire; (c) do pre‐fire guilds predict post‐fire guilds; (d) what is the significance of our findings for explaining temporal (post‐fire) and spatial patterns of subtropical dune thicket species?LocationCape St Francis, southeastern Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.MethodsWe used univariate and multivariate methods to identify architectural guilds amongst 11 commonly occurring dune thicket species in closed (light‐limited), long unburnt vegetation and in recently burnt stands where vegetative regrowth (sprouts) is exposed to light.ResultsWe found three distinct architectural guilds in unburnt subtropical dune thicket, namely hedge formers, lateral spreaders and vertical growers. In burnt thicket we also identified three resprouting architectures, namely weak resprouters, moderate resprouters and strong resprouters. There was no strong congruence between the unburnt and resprouting architectures.ConclusionBased on the ecologies of each guild, certain expectations originated from the results of the study. We expect frequently burnt landscapes to be dominated by strongly resprouting hedge formers and lateral spreaders, infrequently burnt landscapes to be dominated by strongly resprouting lateral spreaders, and fire‐free landscapes to be dominated by weakly resprouting vertical growers.

Comparison of Cervical Vertebral Body Volume in Class II Vertical and Class II Horizontal Cases With Class I Cases Using 3D-DVT

The branch of orthodontics has had an interest in the cervical vertebrae wherein cervical spine is used as a reference structure for natural head position, so skeletal age was evaluated by studying variations in the cervical vertebral morphologies. Among all evaluations, very limited data is available wherein comparison between cervical vertebral body volumes between the different malocclusions has been done. This study aimed to compare the differences in the volumes of cervical vertebral bodies of C2, C3, and C4 between skeletal class I and class II malocclusions of both horizontal and vertical growth patterns. In class I the volume was significantly lesser as compared to class II. It was seen that there was statistically no significant difference in the volume between the horizontal and vertical growers. It can be concluded from this study that cervical vertebral body volume has no effect on growth pattern. However, variations in cervical vertebral body volume are seen with different malocclusions.

Can palatal depth influence the buccolingual inclination of molars? A cone beam computed tomography-based retrospective evaluation.

To interpret a correlation between buccolingual inclination of molars and palatal depth in hyperdivergent patients and to identify importance of determining inclination of molars in assessing transverse discrepancies (as skeletal or dental). This was a retrospective cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study. The study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. This was a retrospective CBCT study of 79 patients who underwent diagnostic CBCT for treatment purposes. The CBCT scans were evaluated systematically and the required parameters were accessed with suitable reference planes. Student's t-test (95% confidence interval) was performed to determine buccolingual inclination of first molars between the right and left sides. Only patients with a vertical growth pattern and skeletal class I relation were included and they were classified into three groups based on their palate depth. In patients with palatal depth > 22 mm, the mean inclination of molars was 7.4°; with palatal depth in the range of 19-22 mm, the mean inclination of molars was 5.23°; and with palatal depth < 19 mm, the mean inclination of molars was 2.9°. Results showed that there was a significant correlation between the buccolingual inclination of molars and the palate depth in vertical growers (P < 0.05). The buccolingual inclination of first molars is increased in patients with greater palatal depth. This parameter is helpful in classifying crossbites as skeletal or dental. The amount of compensation required to correct the cross bite can be adjusted using Korkhaus Index.