Association of symphyseal morphology with lower incisor inclination in sagittal and vertical growth patterns

Abstract

Introduction: The dimensions of mandibular symphysis sets limitations to the amount of possible lower incisor movements and restricting orthodontic tooth movements within these boundaries being crucial for optimal results. Hence the purpose of this study was to determine significance of symphyseal morphology and lower incisor position in Class I, Class II, Class III malocclusions and facial patterns.

Material and Methods: Pretreatment Lateral Cephalograms of three hundred patients (aged 18 years and above) were taken and they were classified into skeletal malocclusions (n= 50 each of Class I, II and III) and vertical facial patterns (n=50 each of low, normal and high angle). Computer aided descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 17.0 software.

Results: The correlation between symphyseal height and width with lower incisor inclination proved significant in sagittal and vertical growth patterns.

Conclusions: It can be suggested from this study that symphyseal morphology and lower incisor position is correlated to sagittal and vertical growth patterns. The biological limits of tooth movement in a narrow symphysis, usually associated with high angle cases and Class III cases, have unfavorable outcome.