“EVALUATION OF WIDTH OF BUCCAL CORRIDOR SPACE IN SKELETAL CLASS I, CLASS II, and CLASS III MALOCCLUSION: A PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDY.”

• Swapnil Ramchandra Yelmar,*  
• Suryakant Narsing Powar,  
• Gopinath Kallampilly,  
• Sumeet Ghonmode

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Smile analysis has been treated as a separate entity from cephalometrics and cast analysis in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The transverse dimension of smile refers to the broadness of smile or the presence or absence of buccal corridor space. Buccal corridor space is nothing but the distance between the distal point of the canines and the lateral junction of upper and lower lips during smiling. Buccal corridor space has been thought of primarily in terms of maxillary width, but there is also evidence that they are heavily influenced by the anteroposterior position of maxilla in relation to lip drape. Aim &Objectives: To evaluate width of buccal corridor space in patients with skeletal class I, class II and class III malocclusion.To find out whether the skeletal malocclusion in sagittal plane can affect the width of buccal corridor space. Materials and Methods: 30 patients between the age of 18 to 30 years were included in the study. Based on ANB angle this patient were divided into 3 groups i.e., Skeletal class I, class II and class III malocclusion. Photographic analysis:Posed smile photographs of patients of age between 18 to 30 years made under standardized conditions were used for analysis to determine buccal corridor space. Results: Transverse dimension is said to be a function of both arch width and antero-posterior position of the maxillary and mandibular arches.The results of this study show that there exist a correlation between malocclusion in sagittal plane and the amount of buccal corridor space. This fact must be considered during the orthodontic evaluation, diagnosis and planning of treatment for individuals with different types of malocclusions. Conclusion: This study's results show a correlation between malocclusion in sagittal plane and the amount of buccal corridor space. This fact must be considered during the orthodontic evaluation, diagnosis, and planning of treatment for individuals with different types of malocclusions.

Keywords

Buccal Corridor, Skeletal Malocclusion, Posed smile, Buccal Corridor Linear ratio, Intercanine width, Intercommissural width