Determination Of Parallelism Between Constructed Maxillary and Mandibular Planes By Cephalometric Analysis: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Cephalometric variables play a crucial role in orthodontics, serving as angular and linear measurements which are used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessing treatment outcomes. However, the reliance on mean values accompanied by significant standard deviations poses challenges in correctly interpreting cephalometric clinical data. This discrepancy has been particularly pronounced in addressing maxillomandibular relationships that evolve over time.

While the literature provides a consensus on the horizontal plane and its relationship to both centric occlusion and centric relation, but the vertical plane remains a topic of debate, especially for individuals with altered posterior tooth height. Historic attempts, such as Willis's concept of "harmonic faces," was given to establish facial harmony across the various thirds of the face i.e. upper, middle, and lower thirds. Various authors have pursued research in defining such standards, yet current studies lack a systematic utilization of facial angles in cephalometric tracing to identify harmonious maxillomandibular relationships.

This study aims to bridge this gap by proposing a methodology for determining parallelism between constructed maxillary and mandibular planes through cephalometric analysis. By utilizing fixed facial landmarks and maintaining facial height, the study will design a system that relies on bone structures, making it adaptable to complete or partially edentulous patients. The intention is for this methodology to be adopted by future researchers in clinical studies to further refine and substantiate its utility in orthodontic practice.