Evaluation of Condylar Height and Width in Patients with Class I and Class III Malocclusions using Panoramic and Lateral Cephalogram

Statement of Problem: Situation of the condyle in glenoid fossa has a direct effect on the anteroposterior or vertical position of the mandible. Therefore, condylar situation and its shape has a special significance on producing facial morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the condylar height and width in patients with class III and class I malocclusion by using panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms. This study was performed on 80 pretreatment lateral cephalograms and panoramic films. Mean age in girls was 11 years and 4 months and in boys, it was 12 years and 2 months. Condylar characteristics were surveyed from the point of condylar width and condylar height. Condylar height was surveyed on the panoramic film. Condylar width was analyzed on the lateral cephalograms. Data were analyzed using t.test and ANOVA. Patients with class I malocclusion had a significantly longer condylar width relative to the patients with class III malocclusion. The condylar height in class III malocclusions was longer than class I malocclusion. This study revealed that in patients with class III malocclusion, condylar height was longer but condylar width was smaller than class I malocclusion.