[Longitudinal genetic effect on incisor position in cephalograms of female twins from six to twelve years old].

PURPOSE: A better understanding of the relative effect of genes and environment on craniofacial parameters should improve the possibilities and limitations of the orthodontic treatment and treatment planning. This is especially important for early treatment started in the mixed dentitions that is performed to enhance the dental and skeletal development before the eruption of the permanent dentition.

METHODS

The sample used in this study consisted of lateral cephalograms of eighty-nine pairs of female twins in Beijing. With a mixed longitudinal method, the effective twins were 183 pairs (MZ 110, DZ 73). With the statistical methods of twins, the genetic and environmental effects were analyzed on the position of incisors in female twins from six to twelve years old. SPSS13.0 software package was used for independent-sample t test.

RESULTS

Statistical comparisons revealed significant environmental effects on 6 positions of incisors (P<0.05), whilst family genetic effects on angle LI-MP were significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the relatively low inherited proportions of dental variations could be found, genetic effects on incisor position should be carefully treated. Supported in part by a Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (International Scientific Exchange, 1994-1996) from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Science & Technology.