title: Comparison of Wits appraisal among different ethnic groups.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Wits values for various ethnic groups are different and the applicability of the norms described in these analyses to different populations is difficult. The objectives of this study were to establish the normal values of Wits appraisal in a sample from the western region of Saudi Arabia and to evaluate the existence of gender dimorphism. Also, to compare the results with previously published Wits values.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 66 lateral cephalometric digital radiographs of Saudi patients from the western region (25 males and 41 females, mean age 19.32±8.16 years and 20.88±8.77 years, respectively). All subjects had angle class-I occlusion, well-balanced faces, all premolars had erupted and in occlusion, and no history of orthodontic treatment. Tracing was performed using the VistadentOC(®) software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wits mean values were greater in males (-0.73±2.48) than females (1.79±2.06), with significant gender difference (P<0.001). Comparisons with previously published showed that there is a significant differences between ethnic groups, especially in females' data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Wits appraisal appears to be gender-specific and ethnicity-specific for female values.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Science, Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Khalid H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Zawawi
keywords: Cephalometric; Saudi norms; Wits appraisal