Lengths of the maxillary central incisor, the nasal bone, and the anterior cranial base in different skeletal malocclusions

Abstract

Objective. Based on the results of previous studies of osseous structures within the frontonasal field in patients with a known malformation in the frontonasal field, the aim of the present study was to clarify whether the same structures were malformed in patients with severe skeletal malocclusions. Material and methods. Incisor, nasal, and cranial base lengths were measured on lateral radiographs of adult patients with skeletal malocclusions, including open bite (n=35), mandibular overjet (n=56), maxillary overjet (n=31), deep bite (n=19), and compared with those of a control group with neutral occlusion and normal craniofacial morphology (n=39). Two-way ANOVA tests were used to evaluate differences in lengths between groups and gender. Results. Statistically shorter maxillary central incisor length was found in the open bite group (p<0.05), the mandibular overjet group (p<0.001), and in the deep bite group (p<0.001) compared to the controls. Nasal bone length was shorter in the maxillary overjet group compared to controls (p<0.05). Conclusions. The lengths of the maxillary central incisor and nasal bone, both parameters located in the frontonasal field, are affected in different skeletal malocclusions. The present findings, especially the deviation of the upper incisor length in different skeletal malocclusions, are considered relevant for orthodontic diagnostics and treatment.