Analysis of dentoalveolar compensation and discrimination of skeletal types

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze dentoalveolar compensation in normal occlusion samples previously classified into 9 skeletal types, and to provide clinically applicable diagnostic criteria for individual malocclusion patients. Cephalometric measurements of the 294 normal occlusion samples previously divided into 9 types were analyzed. The descriptive features of dentoalveolar variables were compared for the 9 types using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc multiple comparisons. In addition, the correlation between skeletal and dentoalveolar variables were analyzed. Discriminant analysis with a stepwise entry of variables was designed to find out several potential variables for use in skeletal typing. The dentoalveolar compensation pattern of the skeletal types varied, especially with regards to the variables that indicated the inclination of incisors and the occlusal plane. Stepwise variable selection identified four variables: AB-MP, SN-AB, PMA and ANB. Discriminant analysis assigned a classification accuracy of to the predictive model. On the basis of these results, this study could provide rudimentary information for the development of diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for individual skeletal types.