Evaluation of Anterior Alveolar Dimension in Association with Vertical Facial Pattern in Skeletal Class I Subjects among North Indian Population: A Retrospective Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Introduction: The anterior alveolar bone determines the biological limits of orthodontic tooth movement and may vary with vertical facial pattern and gender. Objective: The study aims to evaluate anterior alveolar dimensions in relation to vertical facial pattern and gender among skeletal Class I subjects from the North Indian population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cephalometric study included 90 skeletal Class I subjects (45 males and 45 females), classified into hyperdivergent, hypodivergent, and normodivergent groups based on the SN–MP angle. Lateral cephalograms were manually traced and analyzed to assess anterior alveolar dimensions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, and an independent t-test was applied with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences in anterior alveolar dimensions were observed among vertical facial patterns and between genders. Hyperdivergent subjects demonstrated increased alveolar height with reduced alveolar width, whereas hypodivergent subjects exhibited increased alveolar width. Gender-based differences were also noted in alveolar dimensions. Conclusion: Anterior alveolar dimensions vary significantly with vertical facial pattern and gender in skeletal Class I individuals. These variations should be considered during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning to avoid biological limitations.