Three-dimensional evaluation of dentofacial transverse widths and nasal cavity of adults with various vertical facial patterns

Authors

Jeffrey Stoker, University of the PacificFollow
Stephen Kasper, University of the PacificFollow
Bella Yu, University of the PacificFollow
Heeyeon Suh, University of the PacificFollow
Mai Nguyen, University of the PacificFollow
James Roblee, University of the PacificFollow
Joorok Park, University of the PacificFollow
Heesoo Oh, University of the PacificFollow

Lead Author Affiliation

Department of Orthodontics

Lead Author Program & Year

DDS Year 2

Presentation Category

Research

Introduction/Context/Diagnosis

Vertical facial patterns, which are established early in growth, are important diagnostic indicators when evaluating orthodontic patients. The vertical dimension has previously been used to analyze and predict malocclusion in relation to the transverse plane in the oral cavity. As the nasal floor and the roof of the palate are interdependent, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether subjects with different vertical facial patterns vary in nasal cavity widths utilizing 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods/Treatment Plan

Three separate groups of Hypo-divergent (N≤ 26.7), Normo-divergent (26.7

Results/Outcome

A significant finding of this endeavor was in measurement of the middle nasal cavity dimensions between the hyperdivergent and hypodivergent groups, with the palatal width being significantly less in the former group. This result was confirmed with a p-value of p=0.0011. Other results, while not statistically significant, highlight the anatomical differences between the individuals of the three facial patterns. The anterior nasal cavity height was decreased in the hyperdivergent when compared to the other facial pattern groups, with the width of the cavity at the level of the inferior turbinate’s being smaller as well. In the middle nasal cavity, palatal depth, and the associated nasal floor, was increased in the hyperdivergent compared to the normo-divergent and hypo-divergent groups.

Significance/Conclusions

The palatal width at the level of the middle nasal cavity was less in the hyper-divergent group when compared to the hypo-divergent. This significant finding corroborates prior studies that showed the skeletal transverse dimension is narrower in the hyper-divergent patient (Chen et al., 2007).

Although not significant, other findings in our study showed trends among each of the different groups. The hyper-divergent group had a narrower anterior nasal cavity at the level of the inferior turbinates and a narrower nasal floor in the middle nasal cavity. Further investigation is needed to evaluate possible correlations in the anatomic dimensions of the nasal cavity and vertical facial pattern.

Format

Event