Effects of the Vertical Malocclusion Types on the Dimension of the Mandibular Condyle.

Objective: This study aimed to find the relationship between mandibular condyle morphology and dental malocclusion in patients with anterior open bite, deep bite, and normal overbite.

Methods: Eighty patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients had skeletal Class II pattern. The initial panoramic radiographs of patients were digitized using a software program, and groups were compared in terms of condylar height, width, area, and perimeter. In addition, changes in the condyle surface shape were detected using the same panoramic radiographs.

Results: The mean width was 1.55±0.06 cm in the open bite group, 1.48±0.06 cm in the deep bite group, and 1.38±0.07 cm in the normal bite group. The mean height was 2.17±0.08 cm in the open bite group, 1.95±0.06 cm in the deep bite group, and 1.97±0.08 cm in the normal bite group. The mean area was 2.33±0.13 cm in the open bite group, 2.09±0.11 cm in the deep bite group, and 2.04±0.14 cm in the normal bite group. There was no statistical significant difference between groups in terms of condyle measurements and condyle surface shapes.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the vertical malocclusion type does not have a considerable effect on the mandibular condyle measurements and surface shapes.