The Relationship between Agenesis of Third Molar and Craniofacial Morphology in Orthodontic Patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between third molar agenesis and craniofacial morphology in a group of Iranian orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 164 high-quality lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiographs were included in the study. Eighty-two radiographs with the absence of at least one-third molar were assigned to agenesis group and other 82 radiographic records were served as control group. Cephalometric analysis was performed, and the results were compared between the two groups using Independent Samples Student's t-test. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in SNA, ANB, sum of posterior angles, and lower gonial angle between the study groups. All of them were smaller in the agenesis group. CONCLUSION: Third molar agenesis in this group of Iranian subjects is associated with deficient maxillary development and brachyfacial and hypodivergent skeletal pattern.