Cephalometric study of the internal structures of the craniofacial complex in adult Greeks with normal occlusion and harmonious face.

N. Topouzelis, S. Kavadia, S. Sidiropoulou, G. Kolokithas
Hellenic Orthodontic Review 2002;5:33-48.

AIM: To define values of cephalometric measurements that characterize the internal structures of the craniofacial complex in adult Greek men and women with normal occlusion and harmonious faces. The ultimate goal is to create a normal reference group and a facial model for future patient comparisons.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
STUDY TIME AND PLACE: Department of Orthodontics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2001.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study material consisted of 81 lateral cephalograms of 41 men and 40 women with normal occlusion and harmonious face. Using Ricketts’ method, seven measurements characteristic of internal cranial structures were assessed on each cephalometric radiograph. Measurement values were recorded; men and women values were then compared using Student’s t-test.
PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS: Three measurements, that is, cranial inclination, length of anterior cranial base and position of Porion, concern the cranial base and the other four measurements, namely angle of mandibular arch, posterior facial height, mandibular ramus height and position of mandibular ramus, concern the mandible.
RESULTS: Measurement values concerning internal facial structures were recorded and found to be in agreement with those proposed by Ricketts, except for those measurements characterizing mandibular morphology which follows the morphology of Ricketts’ brachycephalic skeletal type. There was no difference in the values of angular measurements between men and women, whereas linear measurements showed higher values in men than in women.
CONCLUSIONS: The cephalometric measurements that characterize the internal structures of the craniofacial complex in adult Greeks with normal occlusion and harmonious faces are in agreement with the respective values proposed by Ricketts, except these concerned with mandibular morphology.

Reprint requests to: Nikolaos Topouzelis, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, GREECE