Correlation of ponticulus posticus with dentofacial skeletal patterns

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the correlation of ponticulus posticus (PP) with dentofacial skeletal patterns on lateral cephalograms of an Iranian population. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 1000 lateral cephalograms of 690 females and 310 males. Demographic information of patients was recorded, and two observers evaluated all radiographs for the presence of PP. The dentofacial skeletal pattern was also determined as Class I, II, or III. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third observer. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of patients was 19.47 ± 8.37 years (range 7-64 years). The prevalence of PP was 38.3%. PP had a significant correlation with gender (P = 0.022) such that PP was more common in males (43.5%). No significant correlation was noted between PP and age or dentofacial skeletal pattern (P > 0.05). Conclusions: PP was relatively common in our study population. PP had no correlation with age or dentofacial skeletal pattern of patients.