Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 6

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Sweta Gupta
swetabds@gmail.com

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the cephalic index and facial index in patients with skeletal malocclusions. Understanding this relationship could contribute valuable insights into the underlying anatomical variations associated with malocclusions, potentially aiding in treatment planning and personalized orthodontic interventions. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) diagnosed with skeletal malocclusions were included in this analytical cross-sectional study. Cephalic and facial indices were measured on lateral cephalograms and frontal facial radiographs, respectively, using standardized and validated techniques. The cephalic index was calculated as the ratio of cranial width to cranial length, while the facial index was determined as the ratio of facial width to facial height. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression, was performed to assess the relationship between the two indices. Results: The mean cephalic index was found to be 76.45 ± 3.21 and the mean facial index was 85.12 ± 4.56. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between the cephalic index and facial index (r = 0.642, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the linear regression model demonstrated a positive correlation between the two indices, suggesting that as the cephalic index increased, so did the facial index, and vice versa (β = 0.285, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This analytical cross-sectional study provides evidence of a statistically significant correlation between the cephalic index and facial index in patients with skeletal malocclusions. These findings underscore the interdependence of cranial and facial morphologies and may have implications for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. However, further longitudinal and multi-centric studies are warranted to validate these results and explore potential causative factors that govern the observed relationship. Understanding the cephalic-facial interplay could aid in personalized treatment approaches, leading to improved outcomes in orthodontic management.