Dentoalveolar compensation assessment using PA cephalograms in orthodontic asymmetry patients

Abstract

Asymmetry patients have various degrees of discrepancy between skeletal and dental relationships that are subject to the observation and correction of orthodontic or interdisciplinary teams of specialists. Dentoalveolar compensation is a system that helps maintain a state of occlusal balance in the maxillo-facial segment. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to assess the degree of dental compensation through dental midline shifting in patients with facial asymmetry. Material and Methods: 20 postero-anterior cephalograms of orthodontic patients with clinically visible facial asymmetry were studied using the Svanholt and Solow analysis. Results: Six of the patients included in this study presented both a maxillary and mandibular skeletal midline shift. Dentoalveolar compensation, defined by the shifting of the dental midlines was observed both in the upper and in the lower arch. Conclusion: Dentoalveolar compensation assessment is a necessary step of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.