Craniofacial Characteristics of Different Growth Patterns of Malwa Population

Abstract

Introduction: Variations in craniofacial characteristics occur in different races and different face types. Due to such inherent variations, different standards must be used for different population and gender as reference lines. These norms also vary in different types of growth patterns. No previous study has been reported which compared the craniofacial characteristics cephalometric norms in different growth patterns. So the aim of the present study was to describe the dentofacial characteristics in different growth patterns and also to find out gender differences if any in Class I normal subjects of Malwa population of Madhya Pradesh in India and to compare the craniofacial morphology with Caucasians.

Material and methods: Study sample (labeled as Malwa sample II) comprised of 89 normal adult subjects (43 females and 46 males) of different growth patterns which were divided on the basis of cephalometric norms taken from earlier study conducted on adults of Malwa population (Malwa sample I). The lateral cephalograms were analyzed and the mean values of all parameters were compared with Caucasians. Each parameter was analyzed to find out any differences among growth patterns and to find out gender differences.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between Malwa population and Caucasians. Some of the parameters showed statistically significant difference between males and females and between horizontal and vertical growers.

Conclusion: Compared to Caucasians, Malwa subjects showed more protusive jaws and proclined incisors along with decreased gonial and nasolabial angle. Males showed more maxillary base length while females showed more nasolabial angle. Horizontal growers showed more protrusive bases while vertical growers had more dental and lip protusion with increased saddle angle and gonial angle.