Cephalometric characterization of an adult Emirati sample with Class I malocclusion

A review of literature indicates the Arab cephalometric pattern compared to the Caucasian cephalometric pattern is skeletally bimaxillary retrusive, dentally bimaxillary protrusive, and more divergent palatal and mandibular planes.

The aim of this study was to clarify the cephalometric features of Emirates adults with Class I malocclusion and pleasing soft tissue profile and to evaluate for gender differences. The null hypothesis tested was no differences in lateral cephalometric measurements as a function of gender.

The lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult Emirati nationals with Class I malocclusion were analyzed in order to characterize an indigenous Class I malocclusion population in the United Arab Emirates. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 30 males with average age of 24.52±6.09 years and 31 females averaging 23.57±5.52 years were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software. Twenty-two hard and soft tissue measurements comprised the cephalometric analysis.

Only one gender difference was demonstrated out of the 22 cephalometric analysis measurements used in the study; SN-PP mean for females (10.74±3.44 degrees) subjects averaged a 2.3 degree higher mean value than the males (8.43±3.95 degrees, P=0.018). The cephalometric study results were compared to published norms from Steiner and Eastman.

Based upon the conditions of the present study, it may be concluded that adult Emirati males and females seeking orthodontic treatment with Class I malocclusion present similar cephalometric profiles with the exception that measurement SN-PP may be steeper in females than males. Moreover, Emiratis are likely to present greater incisor proclination and protrusion than Caucasians and may be generally considered as more bimaxillary protrusive.