Geometric morphometric analysis for sex determination using lateral cephalograms in Indian population: A preliminary study

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic science centers primarily on the growth, development and advancement of the craniofacial structures. Geometric morphometrics (GMM) is a new approach for shape identification in forensic sciences. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the shape variation in the Indian sample in order to assess sexual dimorphism by application of two-dimensional GMM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised a total of 105 lateral cephalograms (54 males–51 females) of Angle's Class I malocclusion patients that were later subjected to principal component (PC) analysis and discriminant analysis. RESULTS: The PC analysis showed over 96% of shape variation. The initial three PCs were statistically significant that depicted as 58.37% of total shape variability, with PC1 represent for the most significant variance 28.48%, PC2 described 18.83% and PC3 11.06%. CONCLUSION: Sex of an individual was clearly associated with occlusion of teeth and showed considerable variation. GMM is an alternative research tool and can be utilized for diagnosing individual characterization and classification of malocclusion.