Comparison of Transverse Dimension in Various Malocclusion Groups: A Posteroanterior Cephalometric Study

Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate and compare the transverse dimensions in normal occlusion and various malocclusion groups. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 90 posteroanterior cephalograms of North Indians subjects having age ranged between 18 to 28 years with a mean age of 20.2 years. The subjects were divided into three groups, Group I (Control group), Group II (Class II division 1 malocclusion), Group III (Class III malocclusion). Total 17 cephalometric parameters were used in this study in which 11 were transverse and four were vertical linear measurements, other two were difference between maxillary and mandibular width, and ratio of maxillary to mandibular width. Results: Maxillary width were found to be significantly lower in Groups II and III malocclusion (p < 0.001) than the control group. While mandibular width were found decreased significantly in Group II malocclusion and increased significantly in Group III malocclusion (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Maxillary arches were observed transversely shorter in both Class II division 1 malocclusion and Class III malocclusion in both skeletal as well as dentoalveolar width. Maxilla was found narrower 3.5 mm in Angle’s Class II division 1 malocclusion and 4.00 mm in Angle’s Class III malocclusion as comparison to normal occlusion. Finding of this study also suggest that in malocclusion only jaw bones are affected and other facial bone remains unaffected.