The Polish face in profile: a cephalometric baseline study.

Background: This study reports the cephalometric evaluation of a group of adolescent Polish individuals describing dento-facial structure as well as details of incisor position and soft tissue characteristics. The results should reveal morphological features specific to Polish persons and serve as a comparative material for future diagnostic procedures.

Methods: The study was based on an analysis of cephalgrams of 122 Polish adolescents average age 18 years 6 months analysed in a computer system using the Kracovia composite system analysis describing dento-facial morphology ad modum Björk as well as soft tissue factors. The control material was based on published reports by Björk (Dento-facial characteristics) Riketts and Holdaway (soft tissue profile).

Results: The comparative study revealed a slight reduction in the sagittal jaw relationship with a significant reduction in the vertical jaw relationship and a distinctive mandibular morphology with a reduced jaw angle and an increase in the "Beta angle". These findings were reflected in the soft tissue pattern. The soft tissue profile reflected the skeletal cephalometrics observation.

Conclusion: The dento-facial profile of Polish adolescents demonstrates specific characteristics which should be taken into account when diagnosing facial form in connection with orthodontic treatment planning in particular Polish patients.