Shunsuke Uesugi1, Ikuo Yonemitsu2, Satoshi Kokai3, Maki Takei4, Susumu Omura5, Takashi Ono6. 1. Graduate research student, Orthodontic Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. 2. Assistant professor, Orthodontic Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address: yoneman.orts@tmd.ac.jp. 3. Assistant professor, Orthodontic Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. 4. Part-time lecturer, Orthodontic Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. 5. Associate professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan. 6. Professor, Orthodontic Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The frontal occlusal plane of the maxilla generally inclines toward the ipsilateral side of the mandibular deviation in subjects with facial asymmetry; however, a few patients with facial asymmetry have their frontal occlusal planes inclined toward the contralateral side. We aimed to investigate the morphologic and functional features of such patients. METHODS: The subjects were 40 patients with facial asymmetry divided into 2 groups based on the inclination of the frontal occlusal plane toward the ipsilateral or the contralateral side. We analyzed lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs and occlusal variables and evaluated temporomandibular joint symptoms. Statistical comparisons were performed between the 2 groups (P <0.05). RESULTS: The posteroanterior cephalometry significantly differed between the ipsilateral and contralateral groups. Occlusal force and occlusal contact area were significantly larger, and temporomandibular joint symptoms were more frequently found on the side of the upward-inclined frontal occlusal plane than on the opposite side in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The features in the contralateral group in terms of occlusal force and temporomandibular disorders were clinically significant. Clinicians should note that the conditions associated with the contralateral group require less presurgical decompensation.
INTRODUCTION: The frontal occlusal plane of the maxilla generally inclines toward the ipsilateral side of the mandibular deviation in subjects with facial asymmetry; however, a few patients with facial asymmetry have their frontal occlusal planes inclined toward the contralateral side. We aimed to investigate the morphologic and functional features of such patients. METHODS: The subjects were 40 patients with facial asymmetry divided into 2 groups based on the inclination of the frontal occlusal plane toward the ipsilateral or the contralateral side. We analyzed lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs and occlusal variables and evaluated temporomandibular joint symptoms. Statistical comparisons were performed between the 2 groups (P <0.05). RESULTS: The posteroanterior cephalometry significantly differed between the ipsilateral and contralateral groups. Occlusal force and occlusal contact area were significantly larger, and temporomandibular joint symptoms were more frequently found on the side of the upward-inclined frontal occlusal plane than on the opposite side in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The features in the contralateral group in terms of occlusal force and temporomandibular disorders were clinically significant. Clinicians should note that the conditions associated with the contralateral group require less presurgical decompensation.