Relationship between mandibular symphysis dimensions and skeletal pattern in adults.

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of dimensions of the symphysis is important for morphological and orthodontic studies. This research evaluates the association between mandibular symphysis dimensions and anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional cephalometric study included 90 lateral cephalograms of untreated subjects presenting for orthodontic treatment. The inclusion criteria were adults with lateral cephalograms showing the symphyseal region and anterior cranial base. One investigator traced and analysed all cephalograms. Symphyseal height, thickness, and ratio between height and thickness were measured in relation to seven anteroposterior and vertical skeletal measurements in females and males.

RESULTS

Symphyseal measurements were associated with SNAo (anteroposterior) in females and Gonial angle (vertical) in males. When analysed by anteroposterior skeletal classification (ANBo), no significant differences in symphyseal dimensions were found. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that Gonion-Nerve (mm) and Gonial angle were significantly associated with symphyseal height. Gonion-Nerve (mm), basal bone width (mm), and alveolar bone height (mm) were associated with symphyseal thickness. Basal bone width (mm) and alveolar bone height (mm) were associated with symphyseal ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Symphyseal dimensions were significantly associated with vertical but not anteroposterior skeletal patterns. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the Gonion-Nerve measurements concerning the symphysis in relation to vertical and anteroposterior skeletal patterns.