Facial and dental arch features in malay school children: a geometric morphometric analysis
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Date
2005
Authors
Saeed Banabilh, Saeed Mohammed (Dr.)
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Abstract
The association of malocclusion and soft tissue facial features remains controversial
and is not fully understood. Prior to orthodontic treatment, observation and
assessment of patient's soft tissue facial feature may provide clues on the etiology of
the malocclusion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to look at the association of dental
arch and soft tissue facial features in Malay school children. The specific aim of this
study is to quantify and localize differences in Class I and Class II facial soft tissue and
dentai arch feature using finite-element analysis. After obtaining the appropriate
consent, Malay school children from Kota Bharu, Malaysia, were screened for dental
occlusal characteristics. Fifty children with a mean age of 15 ± 0.7 years were included
in this study and divided into two groups of 25 each. The first group had Class I
occlusion. The second group had Class II malocclusion. A 3dMD stereophtogrammetry
unit was used to capture the 3-D facial soft tissues using a standardized protocol. At
the same time, dental impressions were taken for all children and dental study models
were prepared. Seventeen homologous landmarks were digitized for the facial soft
tissue and fourteen homologous landmarks were digitized for the upper and lower
arches, using MorphoStudio ™ software, and the Procrustes means were computed.
The mean Class I and Class II configurations were subjected to finite-element analysis
and canonical correlation analysis. The results of this study suggested that Class I and
Class II facial soft tissue configurations were statistically different (p<O.OS). Specifically,
differences in midfacial area where an increase in size by 16-18% was found in Class II
malocclusion. In contrast, nasal, mental, and upper and lower ear regions were
generally decreased in size (by 14-16%).
on the other hand, Class I and Class II lower dental arch configurations were also
statistically different (p<0.05). Specifically, asymmetric increase in size (11-20%) were
localized in the labial segment of the canine and molar regions, while shape differences
were evident throughout the lower arch in Class II malocclusion. Moreover, Class I and
Class II facial soft tissue configurations and dental arch feature were also significantly
correlated (p<0.001) using canonical correlation analysis. In conclusion, facial and
dental arch geometric morphometric differences between Class I and Class II
malocclusion were identifiable using finite-element analysis, and Class I and Class II
facial soft tissues and dental arch features are closely correlated. Further investigation
is needed to identify functional features that are associated with the disruption of the
normal pattern of facial growth and development.