Validation d’une méthode qualitative pour évaluer l’inclinaison de l’incisive supérieure sur téléradiographies de profil
Some orthodontics clinicians apply an empirical method to evaluate the anteroposterior inclination of the upper incisor, in order to visually and qualitatively assess its inclination. It consists in projecting the prolongation of the upper incisor’s axis in relation to the cephalometric point Orbitale (Or) without referring to the conventional cephalometric measures related to the upper incisor. However, this method does not have a scientific basis due to the lack of studies conducted to demonstrate it.  Aim: To validate the new measurement I-Or as a reliable method to classify the sagittal inclination of the upper incisor.  Method: A total of 305 cephalometric radiographs were selected and classified into three incisor groups: proclined, retroclined, and normal. Cephalometric analyses were performed using standard measures of upper incisor inclination such as I/FH angle, I/NA angle, I/SN angle, and I- NA distance (mm). The shortest distance between the extension of the incisor axis with the Golden point (I-Or) was measured and compared with the I/FH measurement (angle), which was considered the conventional standard to determine the classification of the incisor inclination in this study.  Results: There was a statistically significant difference in I-Or values between the 3 groups identified by standard measurement I/FH (p<0.001). I-Or cut-off values of incisors having a normal inclination varied between +2 mm and -4 mm.  Conclusion: I-Or is a reliable reference to determine the upper incisor’s inclination in 73% of the cases selected in this study. The sagittal position of the maxilla, the deflection of the incisor axis and cephalometric tracing errors would play a major role in the 27% of cases for which the measurement is not reliable.
Upper incisor inclination Cephalometric point Or Orthodontics