Craniofacial characteristics in the sagittal dimension: A cephalometric study in Lebanese young adults.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the sagittal cephalometric characteristics of young adult Lebanese individuals and assess gender-related differences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional lateral cephalograms were obtained from 117 subjects. Eight linear/angular measurements combining sagittal parameters selected form McNamara and Steiner analyses were recorded. Paired t-test was applied to evaluate differences between genders and skeletal classes.

RESULTS: Males showed significantly greater maxillary and mandibular length than females. ANB was larger in females with no significant differences in SNA values indicating that Lebanese females tend to have a more convex profile than their male counterparts. Subjects with skeletal Class III tended to have a retrognathic maxilla rather than a prognathic mandible.

CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dimorphism is evident in young Lebanese adults relative to linear skeletal dimensions regardless of the skeletal class. Skeletal determinants of Class III malocclusions may be different from those of other population groups.