Facial and dental characteristics of Padaung women (long-neck Karen) wearing brass neck coils in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand

Introduction: Women of the Padaung tribe in Thailand are known to wear brass neck coils (BNC) all their lives. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of these coils on facial morphology and dental characteristics. Methods: This study sample included 61 subjects wearing BNC (group I) and 32 subjects not wearing BNC (group II). Each group was subdivided into younger (5-15 years old) and older (more than 15 years old) groups. Facial morphologic variables were assessed by using photographic analysis and direct facial measurements. Dental variables were assessed by model analysis. Results: Total and lower face heights in group I were significantly shorter than in group II (P = .04, P <.001, respectively). Upper and lower lip lengths in group I were significantly shorter than in group II (P = .01, P <.001, respectively). Overjet in group I was significantly larger than in group II (P = .01). Mandibular intercanine width in group I was significantly narrower than in group II (P = .04). Maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations in the older subset of group I were more proclined than in the older subgroup of group II (P = .04, P = .03, respectively). Palatal height in the older subgroup of group I was less than in the older subgroup of group II (P <.001). Maximum mouth opening in group I was significantly less than in group II (P = .02). Conclusions: The findings indicated considerable effects on facial morphology and dental characteristics in Padaung women wearing BNC. Deformations could be avoided if they gave up this custom.