“ Facial Symmetry in Long Face Individuals - A Posterio - Anterior Cephalometric Study ”

Background and objectives: The study was conducted with the following aims and objectives: 1. To determine and assess the extent of bilateral dentoalveolar asymmetries in long face individuals. 2. To determine and assess the skeletal asymmetry in long face individuals. Methodology: Individuals of age group 18-25 yrs as per the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were selected. Lateral cephalogram, frontal cephalogram and study casts were made. Total of 60 individuals with vertical growth pattern were considered for the study. 16 cephalometric measurements and 6 dental cast measurements were made for evaluation. The data obtained was statistically evaluated using Student’s t-test, and statistical analyses were performed with statistical software (SPSS for Windows, version 15.0). Results: All the cephalometric parameters showed right side dominance. All the parameters showed male dominance and the differences were statistically significant. All the values of arch chords (dental cast measurements) suggested left side dominance both in males and females except Mandibular 1-3 chord which suggested right side dominance. Significant difference was observed in relation to Maxillary and Mandiblar 1-6 chords both in males and females. Conclusion: Significant asymmetry in facial skeleton and dental arches exists in the long face individuals and this fact must be taken into account during diagnosis and treatment planning. Further studies with large sample size comprising of different skeletal and dental malocclusions in various racial groups may be required for assessment of skeletal and dental asymmetries in males and females of different age groups.