Floating norms for the assessment of craniofacial pattern in the deciduous dentition.

This study provides norms for the evaluation of individual skeletal patterns in subjects with full deciduous dentition. The method is based on the associations among correlated craniofacial measurements (S-N-A, S-N-B, NL-NSL, ML-NSL, N-S-Ba). The results are given in a graphical box-like form (floating norms). An easy practical procedure allows identification of either individual harmonious craniofacial features or anomalous deviations from the individual norm. The use of cephalometric floating norms in the deciduous dentition phase is strongly recommended for early diagnosis and treatment planning.