Evaluation and Comparison of the Dimensions of Cranial Base in Boys and Girls between 10-14 Years of Age having Skeletal Class-II Malocclusion as Compared to Skeletal Class I Malocclusion

Introduction: As orthodontists we are interested in understanding how the face changes from its embryologic form through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Of particular interest, an understanding of how and where the growth occurs as the growth and development of cranial base is interrelated with face, directly influencing the growth of the maxilla and mandible and, consequently, the establishment of their anteroposterior relationship. Numerous studies have been conducted in the past using lateral cephalogram- a 2D technique; to determine the dimensions of the cranial base in individuals. With the advent of the 3D methods of evaluation, Orthodontists have started being more aware of the functional spaces and their role in the growth and development. Aim of this study: It was to evaluate and quantify, three dimensional changes in the cranial base using the growth records of children between 10 to 14 years of age using 3D DVT. Methodology: The sample comprised of 20 patients divided into two groups of 10 each having skeletal Class-II and Class-I malocclusion. Each group divided into two subgroups having 5 boys & 5 girls respectively all between the ages of 10-14 years. The parameters depicting the cranial base, anterior cranial base (ACB) length. [N-S]And Posterior cranial base (PCB) length, were quantified using several linear measurements. The data was collected at 6 - month time interval (T0, T1, T2 and T3). Results: The subjects with class-II malocclusion showed an increased anterior cranial base length and a decreased posterior cranial base length as compared to class-I cases. Conclusion: The growth and development of cranial base is interrelated with face, directly influencing the growth of the maxilla and mandible and, consequently, the establishment of their anteroposterior relationship. Any variation at cranial base will have effects on the position of maxilla and maxilla mandibular relationship.