Evaluation of the Bergen cephalometric norms: a radiological and statistical appraisal

The normal values of the angular radiographic cephalometric measurements in the Bergen analysis, the so called orthognathic combinations, were compared with the associations between these measurements obtained from two population samples. The original sample of the study consisted of 55 untreated orthodontic patients aged 7-14 years and with Angle's Class I malocclusion. Additional data were obtained from Solow's study on young male adults. The comparison indicated differences between the Bergen acceptable combinations and the population estimates. The Bergen norms seemed to be constructed partly on the basis of solely topographical correlations. Therefore, it can be claimed that Bergen cephalometric norms are more artificial than biological, because of which the clinical use of the Bergen analysis requires special caution.