[Evaluation of correlation between Wits' appraisal and a new method for assessment of sagittal relationship of jaws]

ABSTRACT

Although Wit's appraisal is a valuable measurement for antero-posterior jaw relationship evaluation in orthodontic patients, occlusal plane detection is difficult in a lot of cases or is challenging due to its various inclinations. In this study a new method for assessment of sagittal skeletal relationship is introduced and the purpose of this investigation is evaluation of correlation between wit's appraisal and this new method. Lateral cephalograms of 71 orthodontic patients [male and female] from all types of skeletal malocclusions [class I, II, III] were collected and analyzed. Two lines were traced from point A and point B while they were perpendicular to Frankfort Horizontal plane [FH] and also to functional occlusal plane [Wit's] and the both distances were measured. Pearson Correlation analysis was performed for assessment the relationship between AO'-BO' distance on FH [q] and wit's appraisal. Correlation of these variables was evaluated with SNA, SNB, ANB and overjet, separately. The results showed a high correlation of variables using Frankfort Horizontal plane and wit's appraisal [r= 0.82]. Both methods revealed significant statistical relation with SNA, SNB, ANB and overjet [p< 0.05]. The highest scores of correlation with ANB were obtained in using both methods. The use of measurement is as much valuable as the usual wit's measurement and it can be a good alternative in patients when tracing the accurate occlusal plane is impossible or difficult