The Effect of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Craniofacial Complex: A Twin Study

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the extent of genetic influence and environmental contribution to craniofacial growth and development. Materials and methods: A total of 15 pairs of twins were selected and divided into monozygotic (8) and dizygotic (7) with the help of DNA fingerprinting. Lateral cephalograms were taken. Linear measurements—anterior cranial base, posterior cranial base, anterior facial height, upper/lower anterior facial height, posterior facial height, mandibular length, and angular measurements—SNA, SNB, ANB, saddle angle, gonial angle were recorded. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that significant hereditary component for anterior cranial base, anterior and posterior facial height, mandibular length, saddle angle and gonial angle. No significant heritability was observed for posterior cranial base, upper/lower anterior facial height, SNA, SNB, ANB. Conclusion: A significant heritable values were obtained for 6 out of 12 parameters studied. The results were also showing that the linear parameters were under strong genetic control than angular parameters.