Early diagnostic evaluation of mandibular symmetry using orthopantomogram

AIMS: The aim of this research was to complete Habets's method on orthopantomogram, in order to measure mandibular symmetry horizontally and diagonally in mixed dentition as the first diagnostic evaluation.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Mixed dentition subjects were consecutively selected according to skeletal maturity.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were: Mixed dentition, cervical vertebral stages 1-2, Class II or Class III malocclusions, with or without unilateral posterior cross-bite. Fourteen subjects with cross-bite (mean age 8 y, 9 m) cross group (CG) and 14 subjects with normal transverse occlusion (mean age 8 y, 6m) non-cross group (NCG) were selected. Nine measurements were determined. An asymmetry index was performed for all linear variables.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: NCG patients' data were compared with CG data using parametric t-tests. Probabilities of