A multivariate approach to analyzing the relation between occlusion and craniofacial morphology

This study examined the association between occlusion and craniofacial morphology using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Data were obtained from study casts and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 164 children in the early permanent dentition. The following multiple features of occlusion were assessed: molar relation, overjet, overbite, and anterior crowding. Angular skeletal measures assessed cranial base flexure, maxillary horizontal and vertical positions, mandibular horizontal and vertical positions, horizontal and vertical maxillary-mandibular relations, and positions of the incisors. The relation between the Occlusal Index, which is a malocclusion severity index, and skeletal morphology was also investigated. Associations were examined by use of linear correlation, stepwise multiple regression, and canonical correlation analyses. Individually and in combination, occlusal features were poorly associated with individual skeletal measures (r2 less than or equal to 0.35). The strongest association occurred between a linear combination of occlusal features and a linear combination of skeletal measures (R2 = 0.66, p = 0.0001). A malocclusion severity index did not aid in the identification of craniofacial morphology. The results suggested that combinations of certain occlusal characteristics may be associated with specific skeletal types; however, a generalized statement of this concept could not be supported.