Cone beam computed tomography-based cephalometric norms for Brazilian adults

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anthropology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cephalometric norms are essential for diagnosing craniofacial abnormalities.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers advanced 3D imaging for cephalometric analysis.
• Assessing sexual dimorphism in craniofacial structures is crucial for accurate clinical assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based cephalometric norms for Brazilian adults.
• To evaluate sexual dimorphism in craniofacial morphology within the Brazilian adult population.

Main Methods:

• McNamara's cephalometric analysis was performed on 60 CBCT datasets from Brazilian adults with normal occlusion.
• Datasets were equally divided into male and female groups.
• Welch's t-test analyzed sex-based differences in hard tissue measurements; Dahlberg's formula quantified observer error.

Main Results:

• Sexual dimorphism was observed in effective mandibular length, effective midfacial length, maxillomandibular differential, and lower anterior facial height.
• Measurement errors were minimal (linear ≤0.78mm, angular ≤1.24°).
• Brazilian adult males and females share similar craniofacial morphology, with males having larger jaws.

Conclusions:

• The established CBCT-based cephalometric norms are reliable for clinical and research applications in Brazil.
• The findings highlight subtle yet significant craniofacial differences between Brazilian adult males and females, particularly in jaw dimensions.