Correlation between malocclusion, soft tissue profile and pharyngeal airway: a cephalometric study in central india population

Introduction & Objective: Cephalometric analysis generates 2D images results which are sufficiently reliable & may be an alternative to 3D imaging in the evaluation of soft tissue and upper airway morphology. In recent years new interrelations between respiratory function and malocclusion have developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between hard and soft tissues and upper airway morphology in patients with Angle’s Class I, II,and III malocclusion. Material & Methods: 50 Pre-treatment radiographs were taken. ANB and WITS analysis were used to divide the radiographs into skeletal Class I, II, and III. Rickets E-line , Upper and Lower pharyngeal airway space were also measured on these radiographs.. Results: Spearman’s correlation co-efficient was performed to find out the correlation between ANB, Pharyngeal airway space and Ricket’s E-line. It was found that there was strong positive correlation between Ricket’s E-Line (upper) and Pharyngeal space (lower) in Class I sample (p<.05) . In Class II sample there was a negative correlation between Ricket’s E-line (upper) and Pharyngeal space (upper)mm(p<.05) .While in Class III sample it was found that there was strong positive correlation between Ricket’s E-line (upper) mm and Ricket’s E-line (lower)mm.(p<.05) Conclusions: Through this study we conclude that there is a strong positive correlation between Ricket’s E-line(upper) & Pharyngeal space (lower) in Class I & negative correlation between Ricket’s E-line & Pharyngeal space (upper) in Class II While in Class III samples strong positive correlation between Ricket’s E-line (upper &lower ) was found.