Cephalometric norms in Japanese adults

Abstract

Purpose: Knowledge of the normal dentofacial patterns of adults belonging to various ethnic and age groups is important for clinical and research purposes. Lateral cephalometric standards of normal Japanese adults were developed using the Burstone and Legan comprehensive cephalometric analyses that are specific for orthognathic surgery.

Patients and methods: Cephalometric radiographs of 217 Japanese adults were analyzed, and the mean values of their hard and soft tissue measurements were compared with those of white American adults.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the Japanese sample, who had a shorter maxilla, larger upper anterior face height, and lower posterior dental height than Burstone's white sample. A less prominent chin was observed in the Japanese male group. Soft tissue analysis of the Japanese subjects showed a retrognathic maxilla and mandible in relation to the soft tissue glabella and bilabial protrusion when compared with the white adult standards.

Conclusion: Lateral cephalometric norms are specific for the racial group, but these values should not be interpreted as treatment goals. Normative data represents an aid for the diagnosis and treatment planning of orthognathic surgery according to the needs and expectations of each individual patient.