Natural head position and lower incisor irregularity: Is there a relationship?

[Inclination of crown and tooth longitudinal axis in cephalometric analysis of normal occlusions]

OBJECTIVE

We measured and analyzed the angle between the longitudinal axis of incisor crown and tooth to provide a reference for orthodontists for selecting orthodontic methods and evaluating treatment results.

METHODS

A total of 120 participants were included according to the criteria of Andrews' six keys, and cephalometric radiograph under the instructions of modified natural head position acquirement method was performed. The angles of maxillary incisor crown longitudinal axis, tooth longitudinal axis, occlusion plane (OP), and true vertical (TV) plane were measured, as well as mandibular incisors.

RESULTS

As for maxillary incisors, the angle between crown longitudinal axis and TV plane, OP, and tooth longitudinal axis were 11.72°±4.71°, 73.29°±5.69°, and 20.04°±3.71°, respectively. For mandibular incisors, the angle between crown longitudinal axis and TV plane, OP, and tooth longitudinal axis were 16.03°±5.40°, 81.76°±4.81°, and 14.82°±4.01°, respectively. For the maxillary incisor, the angles between crown longitudinal axis and tooth longitudinal axis were mainly within 15° to 25°, whereas those for mandibular incisors were within 10° to 20°.

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal axis inclinations of the maxillary and mandibular incisor crown and of the incisor tooth need to be considered when cephalometric radiographs are used for treatment planning or for evaluating the treatment result.