OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of dental arches in the patients with facial asymmetry.

METHODS20 facial asymmetrical patients were chosen as the study subjects. They were 8 boys and 12 girls, aged from 12-year to 16-year old. 20 normal occlusion persons without signs of facial asymmetry were chosen as control. Dental casts were measured by 3-dimension measuring machine. Dental arch asymmetry, coordination between upper and lower dental arch, and dental inclination were measured. SAS 6.03 was used in statistical analysis.

RESULTSThe distance from cuspid and the first bicuspid to the median palatal raphe in the side of crossbite was larger than that of contralateral side in maxilla. The distance from cuspid, bicuspids and the first molar to the midline in the side of crossbite was smaller than that of contralateral side in mandible (P < 0.05). The dental arch width of cuspid and first premolar in maxilla was smaller than that of mandible (P < 0.05) . Significant buccal inclination of the maxillary posterior teeth coupled with lingual inclination of the mandibular posterior teeth was found on the crossbite side. In contrast, significant lingual inclination of the maxillary posterior teeth coupled with buccal inclination of the mandibular posterior teeth was found on the contralateral side (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe width of upper anterior dental arch was smaller, and the inclination of upper and lower posterior teeth between crossbite side and counterside was different in facial asymmetry patients.