Características cefalométricas en jóvenes con oclusión normal y perfil armónico en población Chilena

Cephalometric norms facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. These are obtained primarily from adult Caucasian population. It has been suggested that these norms may vary between different ethnic groups, and there is still little information about Chilean cephalometric norms in growing individuals. A sample of 48 lateral radiographs was obtained from growing individuals (23 women and 25 men) with normal occlusion and harmonious profile taken between January and July 2012 at Universidad de los Andes, including 414 individuals. Radiographs were analyzed cephalometrically, obtaining soft and hard tissue values for vertical and sagittal parameters. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and differences between sexes were analyzed with student´s t-test. When compared to Caucasian standards, subjects in the sample present with a Class II skeletal tendency due to a retrognathic mandible, an open facial axis, with upper and lower incisor protrusion. They also showed more protruded upper and lower lips with respect to Caucasian standards. There are differences between the cephalometric measurements observed on the individuals of the sample compared to international standards, which are evidenced at mandibular, dental and labial structures.