Association of Craniofacial Patterns with the Curve of Spee and the Time Required for Orthodontic Levelling

Abstract

The curve of Spee (CoS) is an important parameter for an individualized treatment plan. The available information regarding a potential association of the depth of the curve of Spee with various skeletal craniofacial characteristics is conflicting and it is also unknown whether certain craniofacial parameters affect the duration of the levelling phase of orthodontic treatment. A prospective sample of 32 patients with mild to moderate crowding that underwent orthodontic treatment with full fixed appliances was used to study these topics. The craniofacial characteristics were captured on pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs and measurements of the CoS were performed on the initial 3D digital dental models using the Viewbox 4 software. Non-parametric statistics and Spearman’s correlations were applied. Weak negative correlations were detected between the CoS depth and the SNA and SNB angles. There was no other association between the CoS and craniofacial parameters, including various anteroposterior measurements. Furthermore, there was no significant association of any craniofacial parameter with the duration of the levelling. Contrary to certain clinical beliefs, it can be argued that the craniofacial characteristics are not associated with the CoS and the time required for its levelling in subjects with moderate pre-treatment CoS depth.

Correlation between Depth of the Curve of Spee and Some Specific Malocclusion Characteristics in a Population from Sibiu County, Romania—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Leveling the COS in orthodontic treatment is not solely for aesthetic purposes but is essential for attaining functional occlusal connections [41]. The studies conducted by Krüsi et al [15] and Jan et al [13] have demonstrated that there is a correlation between the depth of the curve and the craniofacial morphology. This correlation is important in order to develop treatment plans that are complete and aligned with the patient's overall facial structure.…”

“…The reviewed studies consistently confirm that the depth of the COS has significant orthodontic effects. The research conducted by Krüsi et al [15] and Jan et al [13] has revealed a detailed understanding of the relationship between the curve and craniofacial patterns and cephalometric factors. This knowledge is crucial for orthodontic treatment planning and execution [46].…”

“…Furthermore, the COS is inherently connected to the measurement of overjet and overbite in the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion [14]. Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between the depth of the COS and an increased horizontal overlap of the upper and lower teeth (overjet) [15] as well as an increased vertical overlap of the front teeth (overbite), especially in cases where there is a Class II malocclusion [5,16]. The depth of the COS directly impacts the horizontal and vertical overlapping of the teeth.…”

Variability in depth of curve of Spee and its associated skeletal and dental implications in population of Pakistan

“…Evaluation of the Spee curve's connection to the understanding of odonto-skeletal morphology is critical. It is noted that a combination of variables cause variance in the Spee curve's depth [19].…”