Canine angulation in Class I and Class III individuals: A comparative analysis with a new method using digital images

Lucyana Ramos AZEVEDO, Tatiane Barbosa TORRES, David NORMANDO

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the mesiodistal angulation of canine crowns in individuals with Class III malocclusion in comparison with Class I individuals. Methods: Measurements were taken from digital photographs of plaster models and imported into an imaging program (Image Tool). These procedures were repeated to assess random method error (Dahlberg’s formula), and analyze reproducibility by intraclass correlation. The sample consisted of 57 patients with complete permanent dentition, untreated orthodontically and divided into two groups according to their malocclusion: Group I consisted of 33 patients with Class I malocclusion, 16 males and 17 females, mean age 27 years; Group II comprised 24 patients with Class III malocclusion, 20 males and 4 females, mean age 22 years. Results: Random error for canine angulation ranged from 1.54 to 1.96 degrees. Statistical analysis showed that the method presented an excellent reproducibility (p<0.01). Results for canine crown angulation showed no statistically significant difference between maxillary canines in the Class I and Class III groups, although canine angulation exhibited, on average, 2 degrees greater angulation in Class III individuals. Mandibular canines, however, displayed a statistically significant difference on both sides between Class I and Class III groups (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0074). Compared with Class I patients, angulation in Class III patients was lower in mandibular canines and tended to follow the natural course of dentoalveolar compensation, routinely described in the literature. Conclusion: The results suggest that dental compensation often found in literature involving the incisors region, also affects canine angulation, especially in the lower arch.

Keywords: Mesiodistal angulation. Canine. Class III malocclusion. Class I malocclusion.

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