[Cephalometric features of patients referred for orthodontic treatment at the Dentistry Department of Dakar University].

INTRODUCTION

Each ethnic group has its own characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixty two lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross sectional study. All lateral cephalometric films were traced on a transparent cellulose acetate sheet by the same operator. Conventional cephalomebic analysis was performed with 17 measurements (6 linear and 11 angular) t test was used to assess differences in age and cephalometric variable between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female). A P value of < or = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between Senegalese men and women. This study shows an increase in the maxillary protrusion and a decrease in the mandibular protrusion with his corollary of skeletal class II. The mean of the vertical dimension measurements suggest a hyperdivergence. Protrusive lips were associated with incisors protrusion.

CONCLUSION

These results which show morphological differences between Senegalese subjects and other populations consolidate the idea that the racial and ethnic characteristics must be taken into account during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.