Assessment of average cephalometric values in late mixed dentition of children between 11 and 13 years of age - An...

A comprehensive understanding of craniofacial growth and development is crucial for all dentists. Variability is a key principle in studying growth patterns. Cephalometrics, as a morphological diagnostic tool, quantitatively expresses this variability and plays a vital role in assessing craniofacial growth and development.

This study aims to determine cephalometric principles (skeletal and dental) for the Indore population of India and to establish cephalometric values for children in the late mixed dentition stage.

An observational study was performed in the outpatient department over 2 months.

The lateral cephalograms of 100 children of 11-13-year age group with normal occlusion and pleasant profile were taken, and cephalometric values were established using Steiner's analysis.

Data were processed utilizing SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25.0, IBM, Chicago. The intergroup comparison utilized the Mann-Whitney U-test.

The findings of this study indicated that the children of Indore had mandibular retrusion in relation to the cranial base (SNB - 76.2), accompanied by enhanced facial convexity and a horizontal growth pattern (mandibular plane angle - 21.3).

The craniofacial features, which include both skeletal and dental characteristics, can be attributed to either genetic inheritance or the dietary patterns that are acquired from parents. These characteristics are unique to certain ethnic, racial, and subracial groupings, as well as to other community groups. With the growing number of children in Indore seeking professional treatment for malocclusion, it has become increasingly important to define the criteria for an esthetically pleasing and normative facial appearance within this population.