Correlating angular nasal parameters with skeletal malocclusion

Abstract

Introduction: Human nose exhibits unique features and variations in response to various influencing factors. To establish the correlation between these nasal features and type of malocclusion, a study was formulated with aim to assess the nasofacial, nasolabial, and nasomental angles in various sagittal and vertical types of malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A study sample of 410 patients was selected from patients undergoing orthodontic treatment at the department to assess various nasal angular parameters. Data were divided into groups depending upon type of malocclusion and were subjected to suitable statistical analyses. Results: The mean nasofrontal angle was highest in Class I malocclusion (P < 0.05) and normodivergent patients. The mean nasolabial angle was highest in Class III malocclusion and hyperdivergent patients (P > 0.05). The mean nasomental angle was significantly higher in Class II malocclusion and hyperdivergent (P < 0.05). Columellar alar angle and nares axis angle showed significant positive correlation with each other but not with dorsum–base ratio. Conclusion: The nasal angular parameters show peculiar features in different types of malocclusion in sagittal and vertical planes. Hence, its clinical significance in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning needs to be deliberated to obtain a substantial esthetic outcome.