Investigation of Mesiodistal Angulations of Posterior Teeth in Different Vertical Malocclusions Using Panoramic Radiographs

OpenAlex İngilizce

ABSTRACT Panoramic radiography is frequently preferred for the evaluation of tooth angulations and can also be used for the diagnosis of malocclusions. The aim of this study is to investigate the mesiodistal angulations of posterior teeth on panoramic radiographs in individuals with different types of vertical malocclusion. The GoGn-SN angle and the SGo/NMe ratio were measured on cephalometric radiographs of 120 patients. Based on these measurements, the patients were classified into three groups according to their vertical skeletal patterns: hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent. Using the ImageJ software, the mesiodistal angulations of the posterior teeth in both the maxilla and mandible were measured on panoramic radiographs. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc tests. Significant differences in posterior tooth angulations were observed among the vertical malocclusion groups. In the maxilla, statistically significant variations were found in the right first molar, the left second premolar and first molar. In the mandible, both premolars and the left canine showed significant differences, primarily between hypodivergent and hyperdivergent individuals. Posterior teeth were more upright in hypodivergent individuals, whereas hyperdivergent individuals exhibited greater angulation values, indicating a more inclined orientation relative to the horizontal reference plane. The vertical skeletal pattern affects the angulation of posterior teeth. Therefore, vertical growth direction should be taken into consideration in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, and panoramic radiographs may be utilized for this purpose.