Composite Cephalometric Analysis According to Facial Types among Orthodontic Patients in North Karnataka
Amit Nilgar, Kanhoba KeluskarObjectives:
To establish facial-type-specific cephalometric norms using the morphological facial index (FI) and to evaluate sex-specific relationships among skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue parameters in young Indian adults.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study included 396 untreated Indian adults with skeletal and dental Class I relationships. Subjects were classified as euryprosopic, mesoprosopic, or leptoprosopic based on standardized facial anthropometry. Skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue parameters were assessed on lateral cephalograms. All analyses were conducted separately for males and females. Comparisons across facial types were performed. Sex-specific Pearson’s correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to evaluate interrelationships and predictors of soft-tissue outcomes.
Results:
Significant facial-type-dependent differences were observed in skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue parameters in both sexes. Leptoprosopic individuals demonstrated greater vertical skeletal dimensions, increased incisor proclination, greater lip protrusion, increased incisor exposure, and larger interlabial gaps, whereas euryprosopic individuals exhibited a predominantly horizontal growth pattern with more restrained soft-tissue profiles. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed moderate to strong associations between sagittal skeletal discrepancies and facial convexity, as well as between incisor position and lip posture in both sexes. Regression analysis identified sagittal skeletal parameters and incisor position as significant independent predictors of facial convexity and lip position, with sex-specific variations.
Conclusion:
Facial types classified using the morphological FI exhibit distinct skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue cephalometric patterns. Soft-tissue facial profile is strongly influenced by underlying skeletal relationships and dental compensation, with notable sex-specific differences. Incorporating facial-type assessment and sex-specific multivariable analysis may enhance individualized orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.