Craniofacial skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics in children with Down syndrome assessed by cephalometric analysis in a retrospective cross-sectional controlled study

〒806-0021 福岡県北九州市八幡西区黒崎3丁目1-7 アースコート黒崎駅前BLDG.2FThis retrospective cross-sectional controlled study evaluated craniofacial skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics in children with Down syndrome (DS) using lateral cephalometry and an anterior overjet based occlusal classification.Sixteen DS patients (8-11 years) were compared with 140 agematched non-DS orthodontic patients.Cephalometric variables (SNA, SNB, ANB, FMA, U1-SN, IMPA, FMIA, interincisal angle [II], and occlusal plane angle [OP]) were measured, and occlusal relationships were categorized using the Anterior Overjet Occlusal Classification (neutral bite, protruding upper bite, protruding lower bite [PLB]).The distribution of anterior overjet categories differed significantly between groups; PLB was more frequent in children with DS.Compared with controls, the DS group showed significantly higher SNA and SNB and lower ANB and FMA, indicating bimaxillary anterior positioning with a relatively prognathic mandible and a smaller mandibular plane angle.Dentoalveolar analysis revealed greater U1-SN and IMPA and reduced II and OP, indicating labial inclination of both maxillary and mandibular incisors and reduced interincisal convergence.Within the PLB category, DS patients exhibited lower FMA, higher IMPA, and lower II than PLB controls, suggesting a more closed mandibular plane and greater mandibular incisor proclination.Children with DS demonstrated a characteristic combination of skeletal Class III tendency, decreased mandibular plane angle, incisor proclination, and a flattened occlusal plane.These findings provide cephalometric information that may assist diagnosis 九州⻭科学会雑誌 J. Kyushu Dent.Soc.80 (1) OA00008, 2026 2/8 and orthodontic treatment planning for patients with DS.