Cephalometric characterization of an adult Emirati sample with Class I malocclusion

BACKGROUND: A review of literature indicates the Arab cephalometric pattern compared to the Caucasian cephalometric pattern is skeletally bimaxillary retrusive, dentally bimaxillary protrusive, and more divergent palatal and mandibular planes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the cephalometric features of Emirates adults with Class I malocclusion and pleasing soft tissue profile and to evaluate for gender differences. The null hypothesis tested was no differences in lateral cephalometric measurements as a function of gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult Emirati nationals with Class I malocclusion were analyzed in order to characterize an indigenous Class I malocclusion population in the United Arab Emirates. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 30 males with average age of 24.52±6.09 years and 31 females averaging 23.57±5.52 years were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software. Twenty-two hard and soft tissue measurements comprised the cephalometric analysis. RESULTS: Only one gender difference was demonstrated out of the 22 cephalometric analysis measurements used in the study; SN-PP mean for females (10.74±3.44 degrees) subjects averaged a 2.3 degree higher mean value than the males (8.43±3.95 degrees, P=0.018). The cephalometric study results were compared to published norms from Steiner and Eastman. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the conditions of the present study, it may be concluded that adult Emirati males and females seeking orthodontic treatment with Class I malocclusion present similar cephalometric profiles with the exception that measurement SN-PP may be steeper in females than males. Moreover, Emiratis are likely to present greater incisor proclination and protrusion than Caucasians and may be generally considered as more bimaxillary protrusive.