Comparison of dentoskeletofacial cephalometric values of Malwa population of Madhya Pradesh with other racial and ethnic groups

IntroductionDifferent races have different dentoskeletal morphology and pattern. What is considered aesthetic and pleasing for one ethnic group may not be considered likewise in another group. Normative data, based on a single ethnic group or race, do not represent all. This study was undertaken to study and compare the cephalometric dentofacial values of the Malwa population of Madhya Pradesh state in India and to compare the craniofacial morphology of Malwa population with other races and Indian ethnic groups.MethodsThe study sample comprised of 50 normal adult subjects (26 males, 24 females). The lateral cephalograms were analyzed with cephalometric analysis for various parameters. The mean values of all parameters were compared to four international populations and five groups of Indian ethnic origin. The 'Z′ test was applied to each parameter and the 'Z′ value and the 'p' value was determined for each parameter.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between study population and different groups compared on certain parameters.ConclusionCompared to internationally well-acclaimed Caucasian norms, Malwa subjects had more protrusive lips, and protruded incisors. The maxillary apical base was found to be more anteriorly placed with normal or comparable mandibular apical base. Subjects exhibited horizontal growth pattern predominantly.