Skeletal and dental asymmetries in Class II subdivision malocclusions using cone-beam computed tomography

Introduction

The objective of this study was to compare the degrees of skeletal and dental asymmetry between subjects with Class II subdivision malocclusions and subjects with normal occlusions by using cone-beam computed tomography.

Methods

Thirty subjects with Angle Class II subdivision malocclusions (mean age, 13.99 years) and 30 subjects with normal occlusions (mean age, 14.32 years) were assessed with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography scans. Independent t tests were used to compare orthogonal, linear, and angular measurements between sides and between groups.

Results

Total mandibular length and ramus height were shorter on the Class II side. Pogonion, menton, and the mandibular dental midline were deviated toward the Class II side. Gonion and the anterior condyle landmark were positioned more posteriorly on the Class II side. The mandibular dental landmarks were located more latero-postero-superiorly, and the maxillary dental landmarks more latero-antero-superiorly on the Class II side. There was loss of maxillary arch length, and the mandibular molar was closer to the ramus on the Class II side.

Conclusions

The etiology of Class II subdivision malocclusions is primarily due to an asymmetric mandible that is shorter and positioned posteriorly on the Class II side. A mesially positioned maxillary molar and a distally positioned mandibular molar on the Class II side are also minor contributing factors.

Class II subdivisions are estimated to account for up to 50% of all Class II malocclusions and are among the most common dental asymmetries in the orthodontic population. Radiographic evaluation of Class II subdivision malocclusions have traditionally included submentovertex (SMV), posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms, and pantomographs. These 2-dimensional (2D) radiographs can be misleading, since complex 3-dimensional (3D) structures are projected onto flat 2D surfaces, creating distortion and subsequent magnification errors. Several studies have suggested that PA cephalograms have limitations in methodology and reliability, including lack of reproducibility and errors in landmark identification. In addition, slight asymmetries of the external auditory meatus can lead to rotations of the head and cause erroneous results. Panoramic imaging has also been used to assess mandibular asymmetries and evaluate Class II subdivision malocclusions, but many authors advocate caution in making absolute measurements or relative comparisons because of image distortion and positioning errors. SMV images have similar pitfalls, since maxillary structures are not easily detected and there is significant distortion in mandibular structures.

Case-controlled studies of Class II subdivision malocclusions with 2D radiographs failed to show any significant skeletal asymmetries between the groups. Alavi et al were the first to determine that Class II subdivisions result mainly from asymmetry in the mandibular first molars. Rose et al confirmed those results and concluded that Class II subdivisions occur from distal positioning of the mandibular first molars on the Class II side. Janson et al showed similar results and concluded that subdivision malocclusions were primarily due to dentoalveolar asymmetry without unusual skeletal or positional asymmetries. Most recently, Azevedo et al evaluated Class II subdivision patients with apparent facial asymmetry and concluded that the subdivision was primarily dentoalveolar with minimal skeletal involvement.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and other 3D imaging modalities have an advantage in diagnosing skeletal and dental asymmetries, since true anatomic form can be visualized in 3 dimensions and without magnification. CBCT images can also be compared with accuracy and precision since they are true 1-to-1 measurements of craniofacial anatomy. The objective of this study was to compare the degrees of skeletal and dental asymmetry between subjects with Angle Class II subdivision malocclusions and subjects with normal occlusions based on true 3D analysis with CBCT.

Material and methods

In accordance with an institution review board protocol approved by the University of Connecticut, patient records were obtained from 2 orthodontic offices (Dr. Paul Rigali, Wallingford, CT and Dr. Carl Roy, Virginia Beach, VA) that routinely use cone-beam (CB) imaging for diagnostic purposes. Over 3000 patient records (clinical examination records, dental models, photographs, and CBCT scans) were reviewed to select the study sample based on the following inclusion criteria for the subdivision group: (1) complete Class I molar relationship on 1 side of the dental arch with a full-step Class II relationship on the other side; (2) all permanent teeth erupted, including second molars; (3) no malformed or missing teeth, or teeth with extensive restorations or gross decay; (4) no previous orthodontic treatment; (5) no crossbites; (6) no history of facial trauma or medical conditions that might have altered growth; (7) symmetrical spacing or crowding up to 3 mm per arch; (8) age between 10 and 18 years; and (9) no mandibular shift based on the clinical history. The inclusion criteria for the normal occlusion group were as follows: (1) Class I molar relationship on both sides of the dental arch, (2) coincident dental and facial midlines, (3) no clinical dental or skeletal asymmetries, and (4) inclusion criteria 2 through 9 from the subdivision group.

The subdivision and control groups were selected by 2 investigators (P.H.R. and D.S.). The subdivision group consisted of 30 consecutive patients (14 boys, 16 girls), with an average age of 13.99 years (SD, 1.81 years), who came for comprehensive orthodontic treatment with Class II subdivision malocclusions. The control group consisted of 30 consecutive patients (16 boys, 14 girls), with an average age of 14.32 years (SD, 1.67 years), who came for comprehensive orthodontic treatment with normal occlusions.

The 3D scans were acquired before any appliance placement with the patients in maximum intercuspation by using a CBCT unit capable of a full head scan (i-CAT Classic, Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa). Each volumetric data set was acquired with a 20-second scan time with a 16.0 (diameter) × 22.0 (height) cm field of view at a resolution of 0.4 mm voxels. All images were collected at 120 kVp and 5 mA based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Xoran (i-CAT software, version 2.1.22) was used to reconstruct and export the raw data as a 12-bit-depth digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) file. The DICOM files were imported into Dolphin 3D (version 10.5, Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, Calif) for further analysis.

With the Dolphin 3D, the orientation of each 3D volumetric data set was standardized by using the Frankfort horizontal line as the x-axis, the transporionic line as the y-axis, and the midsagittal line as the z-axis ( Fig 1 ). The reference planes were defined by using the volumetric rendering view along with the multiple planar views. A custom analysis was developed, and a total of 34 anatomic landmarks modified from orthodontic cephalometric points were digitized ( Fig 2 , Table I ). The copy-and-paste function of the software was used to export the coordinate data for each defined landmark. The data were then exported into a database (Excel 2007, Microsoft, Redmond, Wash), and orthogonal, linear, and angular measurements were calculated. After the measurements were completed, statistical analyses were calculated with SPSS software (version 14.0.1, SPSS, Chicago, Ill). For convenience of comparison among the Class II subdivision patients, the Class II was set on the right side, which was simply performed by changing the x-coordinates.

Fig 1
Orientation and reference planes used in the study: axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.

Fig 2
Landmarks used in this study in A , right-left profile, B , frontal, and C , SMV views: 1 , Mx1; 2 , Md1; 3 , Mx3R; 4 , Mx3L; 5 , Md3R; 6 , Md3L; 7 , Mx6R; 8 , Mx6L; 9 , Md6R; 10 , Md6L; 11 , ANS; 12 , Me; 13 , Pg; 14 , GlSR; 15 , GlSL; 16 , GlAR; 17 , GlAL; 18 , PoR; 19 , PoL; 20 , CdSR; 21 , CdSL; 22 , CdAR; 23 , CdAL; 24 , CdPR; 25 , CdPL; 26 , GoR; 27 , GoL; 28 , OrR; 29 , OrL; 30 , PNS; 31 , CdLR; 32 , CdLL; 33 , CdMR; 34 , CdML.

Table I
Landmarks and reference planes
Landmark Definition
Dental
Mx1 Incisal contact point of the maxillary central incisors
Md1 Incisal contact point of the mandibular central incisors
Mx3R and Mx3L Cusp tip of the maxillary canine
Md3R and Mx3L Cusp tip of the mandibular canine
Mx6R and Mx6L Mesiobuccal cusp tip of the maxillary first molar
Md6R and Mx6L Buccal groove of the mandibular first molar
Midface
ANS The most anterior midpoint of the anterior nasal spine of the maxilla
PNS The most posteror midpoint of the posterior nasal spine of the palatine bone
OrR and OrL The most inferior point on the infraorbital rim of the maxilla
Mandible
Me The most inferior midpoint of the chin on the outline of the mandibular symphysis
Pg The most anterior midpoint of the chin on the outline of the mandibular symphysis
GoR and GoL The midpoint on the angle of the mandible, halfway between the corpus and ramus
CdSR and CdSL The most superior point of the condylar head
CdLR and CdLL The most lateral point of the condylar head
CdMR and CdML The most medial point of the condylar head
CdAR and CdAL The most anterior point of the condylar head
CdPR and CdAL The most posterior point of the condylar head
Temporal bone
GlSR and GlSL The most superior point of the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone
GlAR and GlAL The most inferior point of the articular eminence of the temporal bone
PoR and PoL The most superior point of the external acoustic meatus
Reference planes
Axial plane Frankfort horizontal: a plane that connects the most superior point of the extrernal acoustic meatus (porion) with the most inferior point of the infraorbital rim (orbitale) on the right and left sides.
Sagittal plane A plane constructed with paired midfacial anatomic structures (eg, orbits, frontal process of the maxilla, frontozygomatic suture)
Coronal plane A plane constructed from the transporionic line

Orthogonal measurements from the volumetric image, defined as perpendicular measurements from each 3D landmark to each of the 3D reference planes, were expressed in millimeters ( Fig 3 ). Linear and angular measurements were expressed in millimeters and degrees for the evaluation of dental and dentoalveolar asymmetry ( Fig 4 , Table II ), mandibular morphologic asymmetry ( Fig 5 , Table III ), maxillary angular asymmetry ( Fig 6 , Table III ), and condylar morphologic asymmetry ( Fig 7 , Table IV ). All measurements were made by 1 examiner (D.S.), who was blinded when digitizing the CB images.

Fig 3
Orthogonal measurements in A , frontal view to the sagittal plane ( blue ) and axial plane ( green ); B , SMV view to the sagittal plane ( green ) and coronal plane ( blue ); C , to the coronal plane (profile right and left); D , to the axial plane (profile right and left).

Fig 4
Variables for the evaluation of dental asymmetry. A : 1 , anteroposterior molar differential (mm); 2 , mandibular molar position (mm); B : 3 , overbite (mm, green ); 4, overjet (mm, blue ); C : 5 , midline differential (mm); D : 6 , maxillary arch length (mm); 7 , mandibular arch length (mm).

Table II
Variables for the evaluation of dental asymmetry
Variable Definition
Molar differential (mm) The difference of Md6(z) and Mx6(z)
Midline difference (mm) The absolute difference of Mx1(x) and Md1(x)
Overbite (mm) Mx1(y) minus Md1(y)
Overjet (mm) Mx1(z) minus Md1(z)
Mandibular molar position (mm) Distance (z) between Go and Md6
Maxillary arch length (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between Mx6 and Mx1
Mandibular arch length (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between Md6 and Mx1

Fig 5
Variables for the evaluation of mandibular asymmetry: A , frontal; B , SMV; C , sagittal views: 1 , total mandibular length in 3D (mm); 2 , ramus height in 3D (mm); 3 , corpus length in 3D (mm); 4 , total mandibular length in 2D (mm); 5 , ramus height in 2D (mm); 6 , corpus length in 2D (mm); 7 , gonial angle (°); 8 , mandibular plane angle to FH (°); 9 , ramus inclination (°); 10 , dental and chin angulation (°).

Table III
Variables for the evaluation of maxillary and mandibular asymmetry
Variable Definition
Palatal plane to the sagittal plane (°) Angulation (x,z) between ANS-PNS and the sagittal plane
Mandibular length in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between CdS and Pg
Mandibular length in 2D (mm) Distance (y,z) between CdS and Pg
Ramus height in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between CdS and Go
Ramus height in 2D (mm) Distance (y,z) between CdS and Go
Corpus length in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between Go and Pg
Corpus length in 2D (mm) Distance (y,z) between Go and Pg
Gonial angle ( o ) Angulation (y,z) between CdS, Go, and Pg
Mandibular plane angle ( o ) Angulation (y,z) between Go-Pg and Frankfort horizontal
Ramus inclination to the sagittal plane ( o ) Angulation (x,y) between CdL-Go and the sagittal plane
Dental and chin inclination ( o ) Angulation (x,y) between Md1-Me and the sagittal plane

Fig 6
Variable for the evaluation of maxillary asymmetry: 1 , palatal plane to the sagittal plane (°).

Fig 7
Variables for the evaluation of condylar asymmetry. A , Frontal; B , SMV; C , sagittal: 1 , M-L diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm); 2 , anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm); 3 , superior joint space in 3D (mm); 4 , M-L diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm); 5 , anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm); 6 , superior joint space in 2D (mm); 7 , condylar head inclination to the coronal plane (°); 8 , condylar head inclination to the axial plane (°).

Table IV
Variables for the evaluation of condylar asymmetry
Variable Definition
Medio-lateral diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between CdL and CdM
Medio-lateral diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm) Distance (x,y) between CdL and CdM
Anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between CdA and CdP
Anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm) Distance (y,z) between CdA and CdP
Superior joint space in 3D (mm) Distance (x,y,z) between CdS and GlS
Superior joint space in 2D (mm) Distance (x,y) between CdS and GlS
Condylar head inclination to the coronal plane ( o ) Angulation (x,z) between CdL-CdM and the coronal plane
Condylar head inclination to the axial plane ( o ) Angulation (x,y) between CdL-CdM and the axial plane

Statistical analysis

Before the main analyses of interest, intrarater reliability was assessed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) on a randomly selected sample of 10 patients during a 2-week interval. ICC values were computed separately for measurements taken in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes ( Table V ). After determining the reliability of the measurements, the data were then analyzed with the Student t test for independent groups, with a significance of P <0.05.

Table V
Intrarater reliability for skeletal and dental landmarks in the x, y, and z coordinates
Intrarater reliability
Variable x y z
Maxillary central incisors 0.966 0.962 0.520
Mandibular central incisors 0.972 0.967 0.489
Maxillary right first molar 0.899 0.878 0.441
Mandibular right first molar 0.823 0.867 0.409
Maxillary right canine 0.760 0.910 0.417
Mandibular right canine 0.934 0.967 0.551
Maxillary left first molar 0.822 0.873 0.380
Mandibular left first molar 0.843 0.883 0.386
Maxillary left canine 0.837 0.943 0.323
Mandibular left canine 0.906 0.983 0.447
Anterior nasal spine 0.947 0.942 0.855
Posterior nasal spine 0.941 0.755 0.627
Menton 0.695 0.940 0.535
Pogonion 0.932 0.910 0.582
Gonion (R) 0.975 0.709 0.967
Gonion (L) 0.944 0.680 0.971
Condyle superior (R) 0.907 0.979 0.910
Condyle lateral pole (R) 0.931 0.602 0.940
Condyle medial pole (R) 0.959 0.904 0.887
Condyle posterior (R) 0.896 0.647 0.985
Condyle anterior (R) 0.936 0.499 0.989
Condyle superior (L) 0.979 0.985 0.903
Condyle lateral pole (L) 0.931 0.866 0.921
Condyle medial pole (L) 0.971 0.933 0.964
Condyle posterior (L) 0.862 0.902 0.981
Condyle anterior (L) 0.924 0.822 0.958
Glenoid fossa superior (R) 0.884 0.941 0.951
Glenoid fossa anterior (R) 0.955 0.445 0.846
Glenoid fossa superior (L) 0.983 0.968 0.852
Glenoid fossa anterior (L) 0.975 0.811 0.808
Porion (L) 0.972 0.925 0.909
Orbital (L) 0.824 0.834 0.909
Orbital (R) 0.895 0.643 0.909
Porion (R) 0.985 0.811 0.909

The Angle molar classification was the primary difference between the 2 groups, and this variable (molar differential) was used as the main criterion to define each group in this study. To quantify the subdivision, the molar differential was calculated by using the left-right difference of the maxillary molar position minus the mandibular molar position from the coronal plane. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated for each measurement against the molar differential to determine whether the variables were linearly associated with each other. For bilateral structures, comparisons were made between groups and between sides.

Results

In accordance with procedures validated by de Oliveira et al, intrarater reliability for the landmarks used in this study was established by using ICC values. Results, presented in Table V , indicated that the reliability for the landmarks used in this study was generally high for each of the 3 coordinate planes. Intrarater reliability was slightly reduced in the z-plane for the dental measurements.

In the comparison of dental measurements between groups and between sides ( Table VI ), there was a significant anteroposterior molar discrepancy on both sides of the dental arch between groups. The left side (Class I side) of the subdivision group was significantly more Class II by 0.43 mm ( P <0.05) than the left side of the control group. The right side (Class II side) of the subdivision group was significantly more Class II by 4.64 mm ( P <0.01) than the right side of the control group. Similarly, the average molar difference when comparing the differences between the sides of subdivision group and the control group was 4.21 mm ( P <0.01). This measurement was defined as the molar differential, which quantifies the asymmetric molar relationship of the subdivision group, and thus all other results were tested against this variable for correlation.

Table VI
Comparison of dental measurements between groups and between sides
Variable Normal occlusion (n = 30) Class II subdivision (n = 30) P Mean difference Pearson correlation with molar differential P
Mean SD Mean SD
Anteroposterior molar difference (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 0.19 0.37 0.62 0.61 0.002 –0.43 0.304 0.018
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 0.15 0.42 4.79 0.89 0.000 –4.64 0.977 0.000
Difference (left – right) 0.04 0.28 –4.17 0.85 0.000 4.21 –1.000 0.000
Molar differential (mm) −0.04 0.28 4.17 0.86 0.000 –4.21 1.000 0.000
Midline difference (mm) 0.15 0.20 2.16 0.80 0.000 –2.01 0.877 0.000
Overbite (mm) 3.07 1.00 3.28 1.26 0.478 –0.21 0.133 0.310
Overjet (mm) 3.16 0.92 4.23 1.64 0.003 –1.06 0.356 0.005
Mandibular molar position (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 45.78 4.06 45.88 4.01 0.924 –0.10 0.017 0.897
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 45.84 4.07 44.99 4.42 0.442 0.85 –0.112 0.393
Difference (left – right) –0.07 1.44 0.88 1.64 0.02 –0.95 0.340 0.008
Maxillary arch length (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 39.11 1.94 38.59 2.23 0.339 0.52 –0.041 0.757
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 38.83 1.79 37.34 2.28 0.007 1.49 –0.288 0.026
Difference (left – right) 0.28 0.66 1.26 0.91 0.000 –0.97 0.579 0.000
Mandibular arch length (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 35.12 1.61 35.51 1.71 0.363 –0.39 0.220 0.092
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 34.79 1.50 35.53 2.08 0.116 –0.75 0.292 0.024
Difference (left – right) 0.33 0.68 –0.02 1.00 0.115 0.35 –0.198 0.129
The Class II side of the subdivision group was set to the right side in this study.

P <0.05

P <0.01.

There was a significant midline difference between the groups ( P <0.01), and the subdivision group showed a significant increase in overjet ( P <0.01). The mandibular molar position was not significantly different when comparing 1 side of the control group to the same side of the subdivision group; however, it was significantly different when comparing the difference between the sides of the control and subdivision groups. Maxillary arch length was decreased on the Class II side in relation to the same side of the control group ( P <0.01), and the difference between the sides of the subdivision and control groups was significant ( P <0.01).

The following dental measurement variables were correlated with the molar differential: midline difference ( P <0.01), overjet ( P <0.01), mandibular molar position difference ( P <0.01), maxillary arch length on the right side ( P <0.05), maxillary arch length difference ( P <0.01), and mandibular arch length on the right side ( P <0.05).

In the comparison of mandibular measurements between groups and between sides ( Table VII ), total mandibular length in 3 dimensions was significantly shorter on the Class II side compared with the same side of the control group ( P <0.05) and when comparing the difference between the sides of the Class II group and the control group ( P <0.01). The difference between right and left ramus heights in the 3D and 2D views was significant between the subject and the control groups ( P <0.01). The difference in corpus length in 2 dimensions between the left and right sides was significant between the subject group and the control group ( P <0.01). The gonial angle was significantly shorter on the Class I and Class II sides of the subdivision group when compared with the same sides of the control group ( P <0.05 and P <0.01). The difference of ramus inclination to the sagittal plane between sides was significant when comparing the subject and control groups. The dental and chin inclinations were also significantly greater in the subdivision group than in the control group ( P <0.05).

Table VII
Comparison of maxillary measurements between groups and mandibular measurements between groups and between sides
Variable Normal occlusion (n = 30) Class II subdivision (n = 30) P Mean difference Pearson correlation with molar differential P
Mean SD Mean SD
Palatal plane to the sagittal plane (°) 0.50 0.48 0.77 0.96 0.173 –0.27 0.197 0.131
Mandibular length in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 118.00 6.73 116.65 5.37 0.397 1.34 –0.105 0.424
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 118.43 6.67 115.14 4.97 0.035 3.29 –0.263 0.042
Difference (left – right) –0.43 1.53 1.51 2.04 0.000 –1.94 0.470 0.000
Mandibular length in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 108.01 6.68 105.52 4.48 0.095 2.49 –0.197 0.132
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 108.22 6.64 105.92 4.69 0.126 2.30 –0.194 0.138
Difference (left – right) –0.21 1.53 –0.40 1.52 0.632 0.19 –0.060 0.965
Ramus height in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 54.16 4.66 55.77 3.72 0.146 –1.61 0.164 0.209
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 54.97 4.60 55.15 3.72 0.866 –0.18 0.025 0.850
Difference (left – right) –0.81 1.65 0.62 1.87 0.003 –1.42 0.316 0.014
Ramus height in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 53.98 4.62 55.47 3.72 0.175 –1.49 0.156 0.233
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 54.72 4.59 54.92 3.77 0.858 –0.19 0.027 0.836
Difference (left – right) –0.75 1.60 0.55 1.79 0.005 –1.29 0.303 .018
Corpus length in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 85.27 4.15 84.01 3.80 0.227 1.25 –0.140 0.284
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 85.17 4.18 83.40 3.76 0.089 1.77 –0.219 0.093
Difference (left – right) 0.09 1.27 0.61 1.46 0.147 –0.52 0.235 0.071
Corpus length in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 73.27 4.44 71.24 3.45 0.054 2.02 –0.230 0.077
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 73.19 4.42 72.75 4.08 0.692 0.44 –0.057 0.666
Difference (left – right) 0.08 1.67 –1.51 1.51 0.000 1.59 –0.393 0.002
Gonial angle (°)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 115.45 3.90 112.38 4.99 0.010 3.07 –0.287 0.026
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 114.97 4.52 111.54 4.70 0.006 3.43 –0.339 0.008
Difference (left – right) 0.48 2.48 0.83 2.60 0.592 –0.35 0.121 0.357
Mandibular plane angle (°)
Left side normal/Class I sides ubdivision 25.85 5.49 24.38 5.79 0.319 1.46 –0.145 0.269
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 25.28 5.49 24.08 6.07 0.425 1.20 –0.138 0.292
Difference (left – right) 0.57 1.66 0.30 2.07 0.587 0.26 –0.011 0.934
Ramus inclination to the sagittal plane (°)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 14.97 3.03 16.14 4.95 0.273 –1.17 0.131 0.320
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 16.19 3.64 14.99 4.85 0.282 1.20 –0.112 0.394
Difference (left – right) –1.22 2.92 1.15 3.43 0.006 –2.37 0.302 0.019
Dental and chin inclination ( o ) 0.71 0.61 1.21 1.10 0.033 –0.50 0.238 0.067
The Class II side of the subdivision group was set to the right side in this study

P <0.05

P <0.01.

The following mandibular variables were correlated with the molar differential: mandibular length in 3 dimensions on the right side ( P <0.05), mandibular length in 3D difference ( P <0.01), ramus height in 3D difference ( P <0.05), ramus height in 2D difference ( P <0.05), corpus length in 2D difference ( P <0.01), gonial angle on the left side ( P <0.05), gonial angle on the right side ( P <0.01), and ramus inclination to the sagittal plane difference ( P <0.05).

In the comparison of maxillary measurements between groups ( Table VII ), there were no statistically significant differences in the angle between the palatal and sagittal planes between the groups. No variables were correlated with the molar differential.

In the comparison of condylar measurements between groups and between sides ( Table VIII ), there were no statistically significant differences with any condylar measurements between groups or between sides. No variables were correlated with the molar differential.

Table VIII
Comparison of condylar measurements between groups and between sides
Variable Normal occlusion (n = 30) Class II subdivision (n = 30) P Mean difference Pearson correlation with molar differential P
Mean SD Mean SD
Medio-lateral diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 19.09 2.10 18.29 2.15 0.147 0.80 –0.137 0.296
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 19.03 2.27 18.20 2.08 0.145 0.83 –0.145 0.269
Difference (left – right) 0.06 1.22 0.09 0.92 0.925 –0.03 0.023 0.859
Medio-lateral diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 19.03 2.12 18.18 2.18 0.134 0.84 –0.143 0.276
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 18.96 2.26 18.05 2.22 0.121 0.91 –0.154 0.240
Difference (left – right) 0.07 1.22 0.14 0.99 0.818 –0.07 0.035 0.793
Anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 6.93 1.08 7.35 1.20 0.160 –0.42 0.150 0.254
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 7.17 1.13 7.42 1.44 0.457 –0.25 0.088 0.505
Difference (left – right) –0.24 0.85 –0.07 0.92 0.461 –0.17 0.067 0.609
Anteroposterior diameter of the condylar head in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 6.90 1.06 7.34 1.21 0.142 –0.44 0.156 0.234
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 7.14 1.13 7.40 1.44 0.423 –0.27 0.094 0.473
Difference (left – right) –0.23 0.86 –0.07 0.93 0.471 –0.17 0.064 0.625
Superior joint space in 3D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 3.32 0.71 3.39 0.87 0.750 –0.07 0.047 0.719
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 3.36 0.90 3.40 1.01 0.851 –0.05 0.038 0.773
Difference (left – right) –0.03 0.78 –0.01 0.76 0.923 –0.02 0.002 0.988
Superior joint space in 2D (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 3.04 0.74 3.18 0.73 0.469 –0.14 0.083 0.526
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 2.96 0.79 3.07 0.84 0.621 –0.11 0.078 0.555
Difference (left – right) 0.08 0.63 0.11 0.85 0.862 –0.03 –0.003 0.983
Condylar head inclination to the coronal plane (°)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 26.85 14.24 23.64 12.41 0.357 3.20 –0.160 0.223
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 26.43 8.20 21.62 12.40 0.082 4.80 –0.211 0.106
Difference (left – right) 0.42 10.15 2.02 9.74 0.536 –1.60 0.013 0.921
Condylar head inclination to the axial plane (°)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 2.10 4.87 1.89 6.66 0.891 0.21 –0.026 0.845
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 1.57 5.27 2.35 9.04 0.683 –0.78 0.043 0.746
Difference (left – right) 0.53 3.99 –0.46 6.49 0.479 0.99 –0.086 0.511
The Class II side of the subdivision group was set to the right side in this study.

In the comparison of orthogonal measurements with the sagittal plane between groups and between sides ( Table IX ), the maxillary dental midline between the groups was not significantly deviated from the midsagittal plane. The mandibular dental midline was significantly deviated toward the Class II side of the subdivision group when compared with the control group ( P <0.01). The maxillary canine on the Class I side of the subdivision group was significantly more medial than the maxillary canine on the same side of the control group ( P <0.01). The difference in medio-lateral position of the maxillary canine between sides was significant when comparing the Class II and the control groups ( P <0.01). The mandibular canine on the Class I side of the subdivision group was significantly more medial, and the mandibular canine on the Class II side of the subdivision group was significantly more lateral than the mandibular canines on the same side of the control group ( P <0.01). Likewise, the difference in medio-lateral position of the mandibular canines between sides was significant when comparing the Class II and Class I groups ( P <0.01). The maxillary first molar on the Class I side of the subdivision group was significantly more medial than the maxillary first molar on the same side of the control group ( P <0.01). The difference in medio-lateral position of the maxillary first molars between sides was significant when comparing the Class II and Class I groups ( P <0.01). The mandibular first molar on the Class I side of the subdivision group was significantly more medial, and the mandibular first molar on the Class II side of the subdivision group was significantly more lateral than the mandibular first molars on the same side of the control group ( P <0.01). Likewise, the difference in medio-lateral position of the mandibular first molars between the right and left sides was significantly different between the Class II and control groups ( P <0.01).

Table IX
Comparison of orthogonal measurements to the sagittal plane between groups and between sides
Variable Normal occlusion (n = 30) Class II subdivision (n = 30) P Mean difference Pearson correlation with molar differential P
Mean SD Mean SD
Dental
Mx1 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) –0.11 0.51 –0.29 0.88 0.322 0.19 –0.108 0.410
Md1 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) –0.11 0.56 –2.45 1.17 0.000 2.34 –0.784 0.000
Mx3 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 16.94 0.98 15.96 1.17 0.009 0.98 –0.302 0.019
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 16.96 1.22 17.36 1.39 0.238 –0.40 0.212 0.104
Difference (left – right) –0.02 1.11 –1.40 2.07 0.002 1.38 –0.403 0.001
Md3 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 12.23 0.92 10.54 1.48 0.000 1.69 –0.522 0.000
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 12.48 1.08 14.23 1.56 0.000 –1.75 0.591 0.000
Difference (left – right) –0.25 1.46 –3.69 2.16 0.000 3.44 –0.683 0.000
Mx6 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 25.41 1.21 24.34 1.69 0.007 1.07 –0.254 0.050
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 25.16 1.41 25.05 1.70 0.786 0.11 0.063 0.632
Difference (left – right) 0.25 1.13 –0.71 1.54 0.008 0.96 –0.346 0.007
Md6 (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 23.01 1.01 21.81 1.82 0.003 1.20 –0.289 0.000
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 22.73 1.26 23.97 1.63 0.002 –1.24 0.476 0.000
Difference (left – right) 0.29 1.07 –2.15 1.86 0.000 2.44 –0.620 0.000
Midface
ANS (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) –0.16 0.48 –0.40 0.89 0.193 0.24 –0.244 0.060
PNS (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) –0.22 0.54 –0.13 0.43 0.447 –0.10 0.104 0.428
Or (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 33.61 2.20 33.90 2.09 0.595 –0.30 0.089 0.499
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 33.66 2.67 34.11 2.49 0.500 –0.45 0.072 0.585
Difference (left – right) –0.05 1.70 –0.21 1.85 0.734 0.16 0.003 0.983
Mandible
Me (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) 0.11 0.68 –2.31 1.60 0.000 2.42 –0.653 0.000
Pg (x) to the sagittal plane (mm) 0.20 0.67 –2.25 1.58 0.000 2.45 –0.663 0.000
Go (x) to the axial plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 43.72 2.49 42.17 3.26 0.043 1.55 –0.229 0.079
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 43.24 2.97 42.90 2.62 0.643 0.34 –0.072 0.583
Difference (left – right) 0.48 1.89 –0.73 2.35 0.032 1.21 –0.218 0.095
CdS (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 47.64 2.72 47.40 3.63 0.779 0.23 –0.058 0.658
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 47.82 2.38 47.32 2.93 0.471 0.50 –0.099 0.453
Difference (left – right) –0.19 1.81 0.08 2.54 0.642 –0.27 0.035 0.791
CdL (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 55.88 2.84 55.46 3.54 0.614 0.42 –0.060 0.649
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 56.43 3.15 55.20 3.15 0.134 1.24 –0.175 0.180
Difference (left – right) –0.55 1.56 0.26 2.19 0.102 –0.82 0.190 0.146
CdM (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 38.41 1.74 38.57 2.92 0.797 –0.16 –0.019 0.885
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 39.04 2.00 38.40 2.32 0.257 0.64 –0.165 0.206
Difference (left – right) –0.62 1.28 0.18 2.16 0.087 –0.80 0.173 0.146
CdA (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 45.69 2.21 45.84 3.12 0.831 –0.15 0.009 0.943
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 47.03 2.58 46.16 2.66 0.201 0.87 –0.171 0.192
Difference (left – right) –1.34 1.47 –0.32 2.25 0.041 –1.02 0.243 0.061
CdP (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 48.77 2.22 48.58 3.54 0.804 0.19 –0.049 0.707
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 49.68 2.63 48.36 3.11 0.083 1.31 –0.223 0.087
Difference (left – right) –0.90 1.51 0.22 2.23 0.026 –1.12 0.257 0.047
Temporal
GlS (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 47.04 2.42 47.14 3.49 0.901 –0.10 –0.024 0.856
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 46.80 2.05 46.96 2.78 0.801 –0.16 0.000 0.998
Difference (left – right) 0.24 1.54 0.18 2.22 0.898 0.06 –0.037 0.777
GlA (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 43.04 2.38 43.59 2.74 0.413 –0.55 0.091 0.492
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 44.77 2.55 44.00 2.57 0.249 0.77 –0.159 0.225
Difference (left – right) –1.73 1.52 –0.42 2.65 0.022 –1.32 0.285 0.027
Po (x) to the sagittal plane (mm)
Left side normal/Class I side subdivision 45.15 2.44 45.24 2.73 0.893 –0.09 –0.029 0.826
Right side normal/Class II side subdivision 45.50 2.45 45.51 2.27 0.991 –0.01 –0.017 0.896
Difference (left – right) –0.35 1.66 –0.27 2.20 0.869 –0.83 –0.018 0.893
For unpaired structures, a negative value indicates that the landmark is to the right of the sagittal plane.
For paired structures, each listed value is the distance to the sagittal plane.
For the difference, a negative value indicates that the right structure was located more lateral than the left structure.
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Apr 13, 2017 | Posted by in Orthodontics | Comments Off on Skeletal and dental asymmetries in Class II subdivision malocclusions using cone-beam computed tomography

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