Correlation between mandibular base length and dental crowding in patients with class II malocclusions

Abstract

Introduction: Etiology of malocclusion is fundamental to Orthodontics, since a problem can only be corrected once its source is known. Various predictors and correlations have been found between the two. Hence the purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between mandibular base length and dental crowding in patients with Class II malocclusion.

Material and Methods: A total of 124 consecutive patients (ages 14-25 years) were included in the sample. Lateral Cephalograms and casts were obtained and a correlation was derived between the mandibular base length and crowding.

Results: Patients with Class II malocclusion had significantly smaller mandibular base length. A weak correlation was also found between mandibular base length and mandibular dental crowding.

Conclusions: Mandibular base length was larger in males as compared to females. The results showed a positive correlation between dental crowding and mandibular base length. It was found to be a weak correlation meaning there by that it can be one of the contributing factors associated with dental crowding in patients with Class II malocclusion.