Analytic study of the differences in cephalometric parameters in German class II/III orthodontic patients

Abstract Objectives The objective of this investigation was to assess and contrast cephalometric parameters in German individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment for skeletal class II and III anomalies, while examining how these measurements vary according to age and gender. Materials and Methods A total of 386 German orthodontic patients (ages 5.3–53 years) were studied, with an even distribution by gender. Participants were classified as having a skeletal class II (n = 210, 54.4%) or class III (n = 176, 45.6%) using the individualized ANB method of Panagiotidis and Witt. Lateral cephalograms were digitally analyzed to compare cephalometric differences between groups and subgroups. Results Significant differences were observed between classes II and III, as well as among the subgroups. Skeletal deformities were more pronounced at older ages (> 21 years). Class III patients had a more prognathic mandible (SNB angle) and a greater skeletal discrepancy (as assessed by the Wits appraisal). Males with class III malocclusion exhibited a more open vertical configuration (NL/ML angle, NL-NSL angle, Gonion angle). Dental compensation increased with age, with being more proclined and lower incisors being more retroclined in class III patients. Correlations among sagittal, vertical, and dental variables were identified. Conclusions The differences in cephalometric parameters between various malocclusion classes and subgroups, particularly in terms of gender and age, underscore the potential influence of these factors.