Mandibular symphysis morphology in different skeletal malocclusions and its correlation with uvulo-glossopharyngeal structures

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate mandibular symphyseal morphology and its relationship with uvulo-glossopharyngeal structures in patients who had a range of sagittal malocclusions. Methods: The study sample consisted of 100 patients who presented with Class I, Class II div. 1, Class II div. 2, or Class III malocclusions. Skeletal, dental, symphyseal, and uvulo-glossopharyngeal measurements were evaluated on cephalograms. Results: As the vertical growth of the mandibular symphysis increased, the ANB angle and the IMPA and soft palate length and thickness decreased, whereas, the SNB angle and RgnH increased significantly. In addition, as the symphysis inclination in relation to the mandibular plane increased, the IMPA and ANB angles increased, while tongue height decreased. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that there are relationships between mandibular symphysis morphology and the uvulo-glossopharyngeal structures and differences between sagittal skeletal malocclusions.