Vertical facial disproportions in children with Class III malocclusion

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Class III malocclusion is a sagittal intermaxillary disproportion with dominant presence of mandible. Apart from primary sagittal, anomalies in vertical face dimension can also be present. The aim of this study is to evaluate vertical facial disproportions in the skeletal Class III malocclusion in stage of mixed dentition, in order to better plan its early therapy.

Methods In total 100 children were randomly selected and divided according to cephalometric analyzes in the two equal groups: Group 1 (experimental group) – skeletal Class III malocclusion (n = 50) and Group 2 (control group) – skeletal Class I (n = 50). The groups were further divided into three subgroups according to the age and gender of the children. Vertical craniofacial proportions were measured by anterior (upper, lower and total) and posterior facial height and their proportion. The values were statistically analyzed (p ≤ 0.05).

Results Upper anterior, lower anterior, total anterior and posterior facial height, proportion between lower and total anterior facial height, and proportion of posterior to total anterior facial height did not have a significant difference among children with Class I and Class III malocclusions. Upper anterior facial height proportional to total anterior facial height was statistically significant greater in experimental group when compared to control. Significant gender dimorphism was noted among the same subgroups.

Conclusion Vertical craniofacial proportions in children with Class III malocclusion in stage of mixed dentition was not significantly changed. This finding leaves room for the successful application of early, individually planned orthodontic therapy.

Keywords: Class III malocclusion; mixed dentition; facial height; gender dimorphism