Determination of Tweed's cephalometric norms in Bengali population

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish Tweed's cephalometric norms for Indian Bengali population and to compare it with Caucasian norms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were of 50 adults with normal occlusion and pleasant profile. Lateral cephalograms were taken in natural head position, and cephalometric norms were established using Tweeds diagnostic triangle. RESULTS: The study showed more proclined lower incisors in comparison with Caucasians. The result of the study also indicated that separate norms should be considered for Bengali males and females during diagnosis and treatment planning as mean Frankfort mandibular angle value for females was found to be significantly higher than that of males (t(48)= 2.97; P < 0.01) and the mean value of incisor mandibular plane angle for males was significantly higher than that of females. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the need for group-specific norms for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning and provide cephalometric standards for normal Bengali adults.