Analysis of Variations in Maxillary Second Molar Buccopalatal Inclination in Angle’s Class I, Angle’s Class III Malocclusion, and Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP) Cases: A Comparative Observational Study

Introduction Cleft of the lip and/or the palate is commonly inherited defect which involves cleft of lip and palate. Maxillary second molar inclination has been studied in various malocclusion. Every abnormality in body is compensated to some extend by compensation. Our objectives were to evaluate maxillary second molar inclination in Angle's Class I, Class III malocclusion, and unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients in transverse plane and to compare variation in maxillary second molar inclination in Angle's Class I, Class III malocclusion, and UCLP cases buccopalatally in transverse plane. Material and method Model of 45 subjects were analyzed. The maxillary second molar inclination was measured using aid of protractor fixed on the surveyor. Axis under consideration was the axis along the long axis of the central fossa of maxillary second molar. Various standardization regarding measurement of second molar inclination were set. The maxillary second molar inclination was compared among 3 groups Angle's Class I, Class III malocclusion, and UCLP cases. Results Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test. There was a significant difference between inclination of maxillary second molar when Angle's Class I malocclusion was compared with Angle's Class III malocclusion and UCLP cases (p = 0.003 and p = 0.011, respectively). There was not a significant difference between Angle's Class III malocclusion and UCLP cases (p = 0.87). Conclusion Amongst Class III patients and UCLP patients the inclination of maxillary second molar had greater buccal inclination. Maxillary second molar correction would alleviate the effect of deleterious force on periodontium and bone generated by malpositioned teeth.