Facial and dental arch asymmetries in Class II subdivision malocclusion

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if any significant differences existed with regard to dental arch and facial asymmetries between persons having malocclusions with well-defined asymmetric characteristics, specifically Angle's Class II subdivision malocclusions, and persons having normal occlusions. Secondarily, it was sought to determine the nature of the differences that contributed to the asymmetric occlusal relationship of buccal segments observed in Class II subdivision malocclusions. The sample consisted of 28 subjects in each of the two groups. All possessed a full complement of permanent teeth including first molars. The average age of subjects in both groups was 17 years. Measurements primarily of a linear nature were obtained from posteroanterior and lateral cephalometric radiographs in addition to dental models. Specific measurements were summed to produce various indices of asymmetry. Variables were analyzed with multivariate discriminant analysis. A significant discrimination between the two groups resulted; variables describing asymmetry of the dentoalveolar region of the mandible appeared to be the primary contributors to the difference obtained. Asymmetry of the maxillary dentoalveolar region appeared to make a secondary contribution.