Assessment of Cranial Base Parameters in Adults with Class I, Class II and Class III Skeletal Patterns

Abstract

INTRODUCTION :There is a wide variation in the cranial base parameters among various races based on their genetic patterns, ethnicity and family traits as compared to the standard norms published in the literature. Hence there is a need to assess the cranial base parameters of the patients visiting the department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, A.J Institute of Dental sciences, Mangalore to their standard norms.This study helps in establishing the relationship of craniofacial patterns in the development of different types of malocclusion namely class I, class II and class III.

OBJECTIVE :To assess the cranial base parameters of adults with class I skeletal pattern visiting the department with their standard norms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS :The sample size included pretreatment lateral cephalograms from 456 patients exhibiting a Class I, Class II and Class III skeletal patterns. These cephalograms were analysed to assess the cranial base parameters at various anatomical landmarks. The age range of the subjects was between 18 and 40 years.

RESULT :When compared to cephalometric norms, AR-PTM, PTM-N, and BA-PTM values were lower, while BA-N and SN values were higher. BA-S and N-S angles showed no significant differences. PTM-N values were lowest among Class II subjects, while BA-N values were highest in Class III. Class II individuals showed greater PTM-A measurements, whereas SN values were highest in Class III, followed by Class II and Class I. FH-SN angles were highest in Class III, and other angles like N-S-Ar and N-S-Ba showed no significant differences across groups. Identifying cranial base characteristics improves diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and early intervention opportunities in orthodontics and orthognathic procedures.