Individual cephalometric study of the position of the maxilla in subjects with good facial balance and normal occlusion

Fernando Penteado Lopes da SILVA, Cássia Teresinha Lopes de Alcântara GIL, Danilo Furquim SIQUEIRA, Marco Antônio SCANAVINI

Introduction: The position of the maxilla in the skull is subject of investigation by many authors. Transmitting their ideas trough linear and angular measurements, they deined what is considered as “ideal”, “normal” and “acceptable” or “unacceptable” position of the maxilla, relating it in most of the time with the cranial base. By the study of subjects with considered “normal” occlusion and good facial balance, it was calculated mean values and standard deviations of some measurements, which were considered as parameters to evaluate all kinds of malocclusions. Aim: Considering the divergences found in the literature, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the vertical and horizontal position of the maxilla and its inclination, in 94 subjects with normal occlusion and good facial balance. Methods: Considering this, it was determined some correlations between measurements of the own subjects: OPI-N with OPI-ENA and N-ENA with ENA-ENP. Conclusions: By the strong index of correlation found between these measurements, it was concluded that OPI-N can be take as a reference to establishment of OPIENA. In addition, ENA-ENP can be considered a reference to the distance N-ENA, so it is possible to determine respectively the position of the maxilla on the horizontal and vertical planes. The inclination of the maxilla, deined by the angle OPI.ENA.ENP, showed a mean value statistically very close of 0º (zero), indicating a strong tendency of the posterior extension of the palatal plane (ENA-ENP) to touch the most posterior and inferior region of the occipital bone (OPI point). This was considered an important characteristic of subjects with normal occlusion and good facial balance.

Keywords: Individualization. Maxilla. Normal occlusion. Cephalometrics.

Monday, April 29, 2024 23:36