The Polish face in profile: a cephalometric baseline study

BACKGROUND This study reports the cephalometric evaluation of a group of adolescent Polish individuals describing dento-facial structure as well as details of incisor position and soft tissue characteristics. The results should reveal morphological features specific to Polish persons and serve as a comparative material for future diagnostic procedures. METHODS The study was based on an analysis of cephalgrams of 122 Polish adolescents average age 18 years 6 months analysed in a computer system using the Kracovia composite system analysis describing dento-facial morphology ad modum Björk as well as soft tissue factors. The control material was based on published reports by Björk (Dento-facial characteristics) Riketts and Holdaway (soft tissue profile). RESULTS The comparative study revealed a slight reduction in the sagittal jaw relationship with a significant reduction in the vertical jaw relationship and a distinctive mandibular morphology with a reduced jaw angle and an increase in the "Beta angle". These findings were reflected in the soft tissue pattern. The soft tissue profile reflected the skeletal cephalometrics observation. CONCLUSION The dento-facial profile of Polish adolescents demonstrates specific characteristics which should be taken into account when diagnosing facial form in connection with orthodontic treatment planning in particular Polish patients.