Sagittal discrepancies in Skeletal Class II and Skeletal Class III malocclusions in patients orthodontically treated at Wits Oral Health Centre over a five-year period

Abstract

Background: The discrepancy in the sagittal relationship between maxilla and mandible may influence the patient’s appearance and quality of life. Objectives: Assessment of the sagittal discrepancies in patient records at Wits Oral Health Centre. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional records review of 150 pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs presenting with Skeletal Class II (SCII) and Skeletal Class III (SCIII) malocclusion over a five year period. Five angular and one linear parameters were measured. All statistical tests were performed at a 5% level of significance. Results: Mandibular retrognathia was found in SCII malocclusion in all the races. Maxillary retrognathia was common in SCIII in Blacks. Statistically significant differences were found between Blacks and Indians in parameters ANB and Angle of Convexity, and between Blacks and Whites in the SNB, ANB, and Angle of Convexity, in SCII malocclusion. No gender differences except the Wits appraisal, were found in SCII malocclusion and were found in SCIII malocclusion concerning the ANB, Facial angle, and Angle of Convexity. Conclusion: A retrognathic mandible was a common discrepancy in SCII, while a retrognathic maxilla was common in SCIII. The South African Black female with SCIII malocclusion had a more prognathic profile than the South African Black male.