Periodontal Parameters in Different Dentofacial Vertical Patterns

OBJECTIVE: To assess periodontal parameters in a Jordanian population in individuals with three different facial types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five dental students (ages 20-26 years) with short, average, and long face heights were divided into three equal groups. The plaque index, gingival index, gingival thickness, width of keratinized gingiva, and width of attached gingiva were measured in each group. Occlusal factors, including the dynamic occlusion and the presence or absence of premature contacts were recorded. Differences among the three groups were assessed using Student's t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: No differences were present in the plaque index, gingival index, gingival attachment, width of attached and keratinized gingiva and gingival thickness between the subjects in the three groups studied. None of the subjects in the long face group had canine guidance dynamic occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the periodontal parameters between the different dentofacial vertical patterns, but there was a difference in the canine guidance dynamic occlusion.