Cephalometric Association of Mandibular Size/Length to the Natural Head Position

Introduction: to determine the head posture in anterior-posterior skeletal malocclusion caused by mandibular growth problems.   Methods: In this analytical study, Lateral cephalometric images were taken from 66 patients and categorized into three classes of malocclusion, including classes I (n=22), II (n=25) and III (n=19). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS17 software using ANOVA, independent t-test and Kruskal-Wallis.  This study was done in orthodontics department of Dental School, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, in 2017.   Findings: The craniocervical angles were significantly lower in men than women (P <0.05). The OPT/CVT angle, which represents cervical curvature, was significantly lower in men than women (P = 0.001). Regarding to gender and type of malocclusion, craniovertical and craniohorizontal angles were significantly lower in classes II and III male patients than those in class I (P<0.05).   Conclusion: class II men had a tendency to move up their head. On the other hand, class ΙΙΙ male patients turned their head and neck upward despite the forward position of the mandible. The mandibular length may have more effect on the patientchr('39')s head position than neck position.

Keywords:

Malocclusion , Cephalometry , Facial , Cranium , Head-Down Tilt.