Anterior alveolar dimensions among different classifications of sagittal jaw relationship in Saudi subjects

Abstract

Sound orthodontic movement of anterior teeth is delineated by the biological dimensions of the anterior alveolus. Objective: To establish and compare the anterior alveolar dimensions among normal and abnormal sagittal maxillomandibular relationships in a Saudi sample. Materials and methods: The lateral cephalometric radiographs of 81 Saudi subjects (42 males and 39 females) were used to determine the anteroposterior and vertical dimensions of the anterior alveolus in Class I (N = 30), Class II (N = 24), and Class III (N = 27) cases. The anterior alveolar dimensions were then compared among males and females belonging to the same sagittal classification and between the different sagittal classifications of the same gender. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) in the anterior alveolar dimensions between males and females were demonstrated for the same sagittal jaw classification. Also, significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected between the anterior alveolar dimensions among the different sagittal maxillomandibular classifications of the same gender. Conclusion: Both the gender and the sagittal maxillomandibular relationship can affect the anteroposterior and vertical dimensions of the anterior alveolus. Keywords: Anterior alveolus, Class I occlusion, Class II malocclusion, Class III malocclusion, Saudi sample