Evaluation of Anteroposterior Inclinations of Maxillary Lateral Teeth and Canines Measured on Cephalometric Radiographs in Patients with Skeletal Class I and Class II—A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study examines tooth inclinations in orthodontic patients with different skeletal classes to inform treatment planning.

Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on tooth inclination differences in skeletal class I, II subdivision 1, and II subdivision 2 patients.

Findings

Statistically significant differences in tooth inclinations were found among the groups.

Correlations between tooth inclination and cephalometric measurements like the SNB angle were identified.

Patients with skeletal class II, division 2 may require more complex orthodontic treatment mechanics.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Routinely, clinicians planning the mechanics of orthodontic treatment for their patients do not take into account the inclinations of canine and lateral teeth. This is due to a lack of solid evidence in the area. Additionally, sound data is lacking on differences between tooth inclinations in patients presenting class II, subdivision 1 and class II, subdivision 2 relationships. This study is meant to investigate this matter. Methods: To conduct this study, cephalograms of 83 patients scheduled for orthodontic treatment were retrospectively selected from the records of the Department of Orthodontics at Wroclaw Medical University and analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups (class I, class II subdivision 1, class II subdivision 2). Inclinations of the long axes of canine and lateral teeth were measured in relation to the palatal plane. Results: We established that there exist statistically significant differences in inclination for some of the teeth assessed. Conclusions: Multiple correlations were found between tooth inclination and some cephalometric measurements, particularly the SNB angle. The canines and upper premolars undergo a natural distal tilt to compensate for the mandible’s retruded position. Clinicians planning treatment for skeletal class II patients should formulate treatment plans involving the distal tipping of lateral teeth with great care, as such patients may already exhibit distal inclinations of the lateral teeth. Patients with skeletal class II, division 2 may present greater demands in terms of proper orthodontic treatment mechanics compared to class II, division 1 patients.

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