Correlation of facial profile and dental arches in a population of Yucatan

Abstract

Soft tissue facial profile is one of the most important elements for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. It is influenced by genetic factors, heritage, race, ethnicity, environmental factors (mouth breathing, atypical swallowing habits) sagittal maxillo-mandibular position, facial biotype, type of muscles among others. Objective: To correlate facial profi le with dimensions and shape of the dental arches in a school population of Yucatan. Material and methods: An observational, prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study of models and photographs from 6-8 year-old scholars enrolled as regular students in two schools of southern Yucatan. Results: The study group consisted of 88 models and photographs: 52.27% were from male subjects and 47.72% from females. The predominant facial profile was convex for both genders. OrthoForm III arch shape was the most observed. The association between facial profi le and upper and lower arch shape was determined by χ2 test, showing a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It would be convenient to establish specific normal values for each geographic region, taking into consideration environmental, genetic and nutritional factors as well as race, ethnicity, gender and age.