Mandibular asymmetry in Class II subdivision malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the condylar and ramal mandibular asymmetry in a group of patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion to identify possible gender differences between male and female subjects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Mandibular asymmetry measurements (condylar, ramal, and condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry values) were performed on the panoramic radiographs of 80 subjects (34 male and 46 female). The study group consisted of 40 Class II subdivision patients (18 male and 22 female; mean age 14.53 +/- 3.14 years). The control group consisted of 40 subjects with normal occlusion (16 male and 24 female; mean age 14.43 +/- 3.05 years). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine the possible statistically significant differences between the groups for condylar, ramal, and condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry index measurements. Identified differences between groups were further analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test at the 95% confidence interval (P < .05).

RESULTS

No gender-related difference was found for any of the asymmetry indices. Comparison of condylar, ramal, and condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry index values and gonial angle measurements for Class I and Class II sides in the Class II subdivision group and for right and left sides in the Class I group showed no statistically significant differences. However, the Class II subdivision group has longer values for condylar, ramal, and condylar-plus-ramal height measurements and only these differences were statistically significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Except for condylar ramal and condylar-plus-ramal height measurements, Class II subdivision patients have symmetrical condyles when compared to normal occlusion samples according to Habbet's mandibular asymmetry indices.