The Relationship Between Hand Preference and Mandibular Asymmetry: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between functional laterality (hand preference) and mandibular asymmetry in skeletal Class I, normodivergent patients. Methods: 21 left-handed and 40 right-handed Class I normodivergent patients were included in the study. The hand preferences of the participants were determined by using the Oldfied hand preference questionnaire. Mandibular condylar height (CH), ramal height (RH), and total height (CH+RH) were measured on pretreatment panoramic radiographic images of the patients, and asymmetry values were obtained according to the formula of asymmetry indices. Data were analyzed with the Student’s t-test and Pearson chi-square. Results: Right and left CH values were greater in left-handed patients than in right-handed patients. Right and left RH and CH+RH values were greater in right-handed patients than in left-handed. However, there was no difference between the measurements (p > .05). There was no significant relationship between the functional values and hand-use preference (p > .05). Conclusions: Hand use preference was not associated with condylar, ramal, and total mandibular asymmetry.