title: Early diagnostic evaluation of mandibular symmetry using orthopantomogram.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this research was to complete Habets's method on orthopantomogram, in order to measure mandibular symmetry horizontally and diagonally in mixed dentition as the first diagnostic evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mixed dentition subjects were consecutively selected according to skeletal maturity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Inclusion criteria were: Mixed dentition, cervical vertebral stages 1-2, Class II or Class III malocclusions, with or without unilateral posterior cross-bite. Fourteen subjects with cross-bite (mean age 8 y, 9 m) cross group (CG) and 14 subjects with normal transverse occlusion (mean age 8 y, 6m) non-cross group (NCG) were selected. Nine measurements were determined. An asymmetry index was performed for all linear variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  NCG patients' data were compared with CG data using parametric t-tests. Probabilities of <0.05 were accepted as significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In CG, comparing right and left side, single values showed no significant differences up to 6% (twice if compared to the 3% threshold value). T-tests showed statistically significant differences between the groups for ramus + condyle height (index 2.5% vs 4.5%, P = 0.04), condylar height (index 3.7% vs 6.6%, P = 0.02) and mandibular length (index 1.4% vs 2.3%, P = 0.04). Overall CG group was more asymmetrical than NCG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In mixed dentition (CS1-2), a first appraisal of mandibular symmetry may be performed on orthopantomogram utilizing this modified Habets's method. This tracing method provides an early evaluation about mandibular symmetry and is able to show slight asymmetries in mixed dentition thereby reducing the number of cone beam computed tomograms performed.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Silvestrini-Biavati
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ugolini
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Laffi
authors.forename: Carola
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Canevello
authors.affiliation: Department of School of Dentistry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Silvestrini-Biavati
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic