Evaluation of dentoskeletal parameters in Senegalese subjects using orthodontic architectural analysis

The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population based on an architectural cephalometric analysis.

One hundred and five lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross-sectional study. All lateral cephalometric films were traced on a transparent cellulose acetate sheet by the same operator. Danguy architectural analysis was performed with 11 measurements (seven linear and four angular). T-test was used to assess differences in cephalometric variables between subjects grouped according to gender (male and female) and age bracket (<12 years and ≥12 years). Significance was set at p≤0.05.

This study shows that this Senegalese sample had a skeletal class II tendency associated with backward mandibular rotation. The divergence of masticatory corner appears to be greater than in Caucasians with more vertical facial growth. No statistically significant differences were found between men and women. As compared to the under 12 years subgroup, the over 12 years subgroup shows significant increase in maxillary and mandibular lengths whereas skeletal divergence evidenced the opposite tendency and the difference with the under 12 subgroup was significant. Lastly, the first molar underwent significantly greater mesial drift in the 12 and over sub-group.

Danguy architectural analysis provides a good reliable comparative assessment of facial structures and offers an addition to conventional dimensional or typological analytical methods.