Assessment of anterior malar projection using visual photographs and lateral cephalograms: A comparative study

BACKGROUND: The association between maxillary development and vector relationships is used in the field of plastic surgery, but the validity of this principle has not been tested yet. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine whether visual classification of anterior malar projection using vector relationships is supported by cephalometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal, healthy 40 subjects aged 10–15 years with no history of orthodontic treatment, craniofacial syndromes, or trauma formed the study group. These subjects based on the visual assessment of vector relationship (positive and negative) were divided into 2 groups (Group A and Group B), consisting of 20 subjects each. Vectors were drawn on the profile photographs. Sella–Nasion–Orbitale (SNO) angle were traced using the Nemoceph software. The relationship of anterior malar projection obtained from profile photograph and lateral cephalogram were compared. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Skeletal differences between the positive and negative vector groups based on SNO angles were statistically significant (P < 0.001). SNO angulations in the negative vector group were smaller than the positive vector group by an average of 5.9°. CONCLUSIONS: Visual assessment of vector relationship can be effectively used to classify anterior malar projection. This also helps in diagnosing maxillary hypoplasia and executes different treatment modalities.