Sagittal, vertical and transversal dimensions of the maxillary complex in patients with ectopic maxillary canines.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the craniofacial maxillary complex in cases with labially and palatally located ectopic canines, subgrouped accordingly: Group I: no deviations in the dentition; Group IIa: deviations in the maxillary incisors only; Group IIb: deviations in the dentition in general.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixty nine patients (mean age 13 years 6 months) with palatally or labially located ectopic canines.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Profile radiographs and dental casts were analysed. The patients were subgrouped according to a previous registration of dental deviations registered radiographically. Maxillary cross-arch transversal width was analysed on dental casts. Sagittal and vertical dimensions were registered cephalometrically on profile radiographs.

RESULTS

In the patient sample the maxillary cross-arch transversal width (from first maxillary molar left to first maxillary molar right), was significantly larger than the normal mean (0.65 mm, 95% Cl: 0.02-1.28, p = 0.043). The sagittal length N-S was significantly shorter (-0.97, 95% Cl:-1.72-(-)0.22, p = 0.002). The vertical length ANS-N length was also significantly shorter (-0.79, 95% Cl:-1.65-(-)0.02, p = 0.047). The remaining variables were non-significant. Tests for interaction between groups (I, IIa and IIb) and palatal/labial ectopic location did not demonstrate significance.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ectopic maxillary canines, the maxillary complex is shorter sagittally as well as vertically, while it is wider transversally.