title: Association between anterior alveolar dimensions and vertical facial pattern among Saudi adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the anterior alveolar dimensions among a sample of Saudi subjects with different vertical facial heights.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 63 Saudi subjects (30 males and 33 females) were included in this retrospective study. The sample was divided into high angle (SN-MP ⩾ 39°), low angle (SN-MP ⩽ 28°) and average angle (30° < SN-MP < 37°) groups. The anteroposterior and vertical dimensions of the alveolus surrounding the root apex of upper and lower incisors were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The anterior alveolar dimensions exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) between the different vertical facial height groups. The males and females demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the anterior alveolar dimensions for the same vertical jaw relationship.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both gender and the vertical jaw relationship can be factors for different height and thickness of the anterior alveolus. Clinicians must be aware of differences in the anterior alveolar dimensions for safe and sound orthodontic tooth movement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Adel M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Alhadlaq
keywords: Anterior alveolus; High angle; Lateral cephalometric radiograph; Low angle; Saudi individuals