Does the angulation between the maxillary central incisors and the nasopalatine canal differ among sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns? A CBCT study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the influence of sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, and sex in the angulation and relationship between the maxillary central incisors and the nasopalatine canal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams of 172 patients were classified into sagittal (class I, II, and III) and vertical skeletal patterns (mesofacial, brachyfacial and dolichofacial). Hard palate-nasopalatine canal and hard palate-long axis of maxillary central incisors angles were measured in sagittal reconstructions. The obtained angles were used to calculate the angulation between maxillary central incisors and nasopalatine canal by triangle geometric relationship. Analysis of variance (multi-way ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test were used for data analysis (α=5%).

RESULTS

Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, and sex presented a low influence on the angulation of maxillary central incisors and nasopalatine canal. Dolichofacial class II women showed the greatest hard palate-nasopalatine canal angulations (P<0.05) and maxillary central incisors and nasopalatine canal angulations (P<0.05). Mesofacial class II and III men presented the lowest maxillary central incisors and nasopalatine canal angulations (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, and sex have a low influence on the angulation of the maxillary central incisors and the nasopalatine canal.