Correlations Between Deaf-Muteness and Cephalometric Characteristics in Adults

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess any existing correlations between the phonatory function obviously affected in deaf-mute patients and dento-maxillary and/or facial anomalies. Material and Methods: The study comprised 55 deaf-mute patients (28 males and 27 females) aged between 23 and 76 from 2 cities of Romania, belonging to the Hearing Deficiency Persons' Association. 13 were edentulous. Each patient was clinically and radiographically assessed. We applied computer assisted interpretetation of the profile teleradiographies using AudaxCeph and Scanora Lite 3.2.6 software for the following parameters: SNA, SNB, ANB, SN/ML, FH/ML, NL/ML, NL/+1 and ML/-1 angles, Ls-ELine, Li-ELine, UP and LP distances.The data was compared to normal values as referred to in the mentioned computer programs by using Student's t-tests and the Bland Altman plot. Results: The following characteristics were identified as being statistically different from the normal values: SN/ML with a mean of -5,5°, FH/ML by 6,2°, NL/ML with -5,2°, Ls-ELine by -4,2 mm and Li-ELine with a mean of -3,7 mm. Conclusions: Deaf-mute patients tend to present hypodivergent vertical skeletal patterns, anterior mandibular growth/rotation and skeletal deep bite and also protruded lips, aspects which must be taken into consideration when commencing an orthodontic treatment.