Comparison of clinical and radiographic methods to determine the dental midline position

Authors

  • Rogério Lacerda dos Santos UFRJ
  • Matheus Melo Pithon UFRJ
  • Luiz Antônio Alves Bernardes
  • Antônio Carlos de Oliveira Ruellas UFRJ

Keywords:

Dental midline, diagnosis, Orthodontics

Abstract

Purpose: The present study compared the measurements of the dental midline to the facial median line evaluated by two methods: clinical exam and postero-anterior cephalometric examination. Methods: The sample comprised 60 Caucasian subjects aged between 22 and 30 year-old, males and females, at the beginning of their orthodontic treatment. The dental midline position of the maxillary and mandibular central incisors was assessed according to routine protocols of the Orthodontics clinics. The radiographic measurements ML1 and ML2 were recorded for the maxillary and mandibular teeth, respectively, in relation to the facial median line, and the corresponding measurements ML3 and ML4 were obtained from the clinical evaluation. The cephalometric points used for the postero-anterior radiography were Cg, ENA, and Pog. Clinical exams used glabella, midpoint of philtrum, and mentons. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Results: The results showed no statistically significant difference among the measurements ML1, ML2, ML3, and ML4 (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both methods were found to be useful for diagnosing the position of dental midline in relation to facial median line, but the clinical method was more practical and objective.

Author Biographies

Rogério Lacerda dos Santos, UFRJ

Especialista em Ortodontia-UNIFAL Mestre em Ortodontia-UFRJ

Matheus Melo Pithon, UFRJ

Especialista em Ortodontia-UNIFAL Mestre em Ortodontia-UFRJ

Antônio Carlos de Oliveira Ruellas, UFRJ

Mestre e Doutor em Ortodontia pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ; professor convidado do Curso de Especialização em Ortodontia da Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL; professor assistente do Departamento de Odontopediatria e Ortodontia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ.

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Published

2009-03-02

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Section

Original Article