A comparison of skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue characteristics in white and black Brazilian subjects.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue characteristics in white and black Brazilian subjects presenting normal occlusions.


METHODS
The sample comprised the lateral cephalograms of 106 untreated Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion, divided into two groups: Group 1- 50 white subjects (25 of each gender), at a mean age of 13.17 years (standard deviation 1.07); and Group 2- 56 black subjects (28 of each gender), at a mean age of 13.24 years (standard deviation 0.56). Variables studied were obtained from several cephalometric analyses. Independent t tests were used for intergroup comparison and to determine sexual dimorphism.


RESULTS
black subjects presented a more protruded maxilla and mandible, a smaller chin prominence and a greater maxillomandibular discrepancy than white subjects. Blacks presented a more horizontal craniofacial growth pattern than whites. Maxillary and mandibular incisors presented more protruded and proclined in black subjects. The nasolabial angle was larger in whites. Upper and lower lips were more protruded in blacks than in whites.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study found a bimaxillary skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue protrusion in black Brazilian subjects compared to white Brazilian subjects, both groups with normal occlusion. Upper and lower lips showed to be more protruded in blacks, but lip thickness was similar in both groups.
de Freitas
Lívia Maria Andrade
LM
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil. livifret@yahoo.com.br
de Freitas
Karina Maria Salvatore
KM
Pinzan
Arnaldo
A
Janson
Guilherme
G
de Freitas
Marcos Roberto
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D044383:Black People; D001938:Brazil; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003817:Dentition; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009811:Odontometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012016:Reference Values; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D044465:White People