Facial Skeletal Pattern Analysis in Patients with Maxillary Canine Impaction or Missing Lateral Incisor

Background: The space caused by an impacted maxillary canine or missing lateral incisor, can lead to malocclusion and dental crowding. This study aimed to examine the skeletal pattern of patients with impaction or missing of maxillary canine or lateral teeth.Methods and Materials: In this cross sectional study, the panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 10-25-year-old patients presenting to the Orthodontic Department of Mashhad Dental School over a five-year period were retrieved and analyzed.A total of 103 patients with maxillary canine impaction or missing of the lateral incisor were selected as the case group, and 103 patients without these anomalies were included as controls. After cephalometric tracing, skeletal classes were determined based on SNA, SNB, ANB angles. Facial vertical height was assessed using Jaraback Index. Chi-Square tests and Independent samples T-tests were used for statistical analysis. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significantResults: Significant differences in SNA (P<0.001) and ANB (P=0.02) angles were observed between the lateral missing subgroup and control group. No significant association was found between skeletal pattern and gender (P>0.05). Skeletal Class II was the most common pattern in both groups; however, Skeletal Class III was more frequent in males with a missing lateral incisor. Although long facial height was more prevalent in the case group and normal facial height was more frequent in the control group, no significant differences in Jaraback index were observed between the groups (P=0.441).Conclusion: In this study, skeletal Class II was the most common pattern. Skeletal Class III was more common in males with a missing upper lateral incisor. Tendency to maxillary deficiency was seen in patients with a missing upper lateral incisor.