Comparison of cephalometric norms of esthetically pleasing faces.
OBJECTIVE
To establish cephalometric norms of a sample of aesthetically pleasing Pakistani faces and to analyze differences and similarities with accepted standards for Caucasians.


METHODS
Analytical cross sectional study.


METHODS
Carried out at Alvi Dental Hospital, Karachi, from August 2007 to February 2008.


METHODS
Cephalometric tracings were analyzed on a sample of 40 (20 males and 20 females) Pakistani young adults, aged 18-25 years, with full complement of permanent teeth, no previous orthodontic treatment and pleasing profile. To check the reliability of the measurements, 20 randomly selected cephalograms were retraced. None of the measurements showed a significant difference. Student's 't' test was applied for overall group comparisons. P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
When compared with some classical standards, the results suggest that the Pakistani sample had greater cranial lengths (p < 0.001), shorter faces anteriorly (p < 0.001), and tended towards bimaxillary dental protrusion with more prominent chin (p < 0.001). Males had greater antero-posterior, horizontal and vertical measurements (p < 0.001). Females showed more dental protrusion (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in most variables between Pakistanis and Caucasians and between Pakistani males and females. Pakistanis have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference in treating Pakistani orthodontic and orthognathic surgery patients.
Shaikh
Attiya Jawaid
AJ
Department of Dental Surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi. attiya.shaikh@aku.edu
Alvi
Arif R
AR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan; D012016:Reference Values; D044465:White People; D055815:Young Adult