Comparative study between Wits appraisal and I line

By using a sample of 104 young people of both sexes, 17 of them with a good relation of tooth apical base and little or no incisor discrepancy, the authors tried to establish a possible relationship between the Wits appraisal and the I line and to examine the several correlations among selected groups. The authors find that the values obtained through the two methods together might give a rapid view of the cephalometric condition of the patient with regard to the relationship of the apical structures and discrepancy in the lower incisor relation to the maxillomandibular complex. Based on the findings, the following conclusions might be drawn: Nearly 16% of the sample had a good apical relation and little or no incisor discrepancy The majority of the male population was represented by individuals with a good relation of apical bases and negative discrepancy (dental protrusion) The majority of the female sample was represented by patients with deficient apical relation (slight mandibular protrusion) and negative incisor discrepancy (dental protrusion). The simultaneous usage of Wits appraisal and I line evaluation can offer a simple way to get an objective and rapid vision of the maxillomandibular relation and the incisor discrepancy. But only a meticulous complete clinical and cephalometric examination can establish the critical elements that compose a diagnosis, considering the aetiopathogenesis of the anomalies of the patient and the related data, to proceed with the execution of the correct therapy to be applied in orthodontic treatment.