Skeletal and dental relationships in vertical/non-vertical growers using CBCT.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any common skeletal and dental structural characteristics obtained from CBCTs of patients with different growth patterns (Vertical or Non-Vertical). Sixty-three patients were previously categorized as vertical or not vertical grower using clinical examination and 2D cephalometric created images. Twenty-three landmarks were selected to examine CBCT images and used to calculate linear and angle measurements using geometric and trigonometric equations. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical package and ICC values showed excellent reliability. The calculated linear and angular measurements were not statistically or clinically different between vertical and non-vertical growers. This indicates that other methods may need to be used to determine if a patient is a vertical or non-vertical grower.