title: Impact of different malocclusion types on the vertical mandibular asymmetry in young adult sample.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical mandibular asymmetry in a group of adult patients with different types of malocclusions, based on Angle's dental classification.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 102 patients (age range 19-28) who went for routine orthodontic treatment in the institution were divided into four groups: Class I, 26 patients; Class II/1, 30 patients; Class III, 23 patients; and control group (CG) with normal occlusion, 23 patients. Condylar asymmetry index (CAI), ramal asymmetry index (RAI), condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry index values were measured for all patients on panoramic radiographs. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test at the 95% confidence level (P < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the analysis showed that different occlusal types significantly affected the vertical symmetry of the mandible at the condylar level. Class I and Class II/1 malocclusion groups showed a significant difference in CAI values relative to the CG (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the CG and Class III malocclusion group (P > 0.05). Comparisons between Class II/1 and Class I malocclusions revealed a significant difference in CAI values (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both Class II/1 and Class I malocclusions patients had significantly higher CAI values compared to CG and Class III group. CAI value was significantly higher in Class II/1 malocclusion compared to Class I malocclusion. Both these malocclusions could act as a predisposing factor for having asymmetric condyles if left untreated.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontist, Private Practice, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Amjad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Taki
authors.affiliation: Dentist, Private Practice, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Mohammed H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Dentist, Private Practice, Al Manama, Bahrain.
authors.forename: Hussain A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Ghani
authors.affiliation: Dentist, Private Practice, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Al Kaddah
keywords: Asymmetry index; malocclusion; mandibular asymmetry; panoramic radiograph