Cephalometric Characteristics of Various Ethnic Groups in Tanzania.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the craniofacial skeletal profile features of the Tanzanian population with normal occlusion using lateral skull cephalograms, to determine the differences in craniofacial characteristics among various Tanzanian ethnic groups, and to compare the cephalometric norms of Caucasians with those of Tanzanians. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms were taken from 142 male and 167 female Tanzanians, aged 18-30 years, all with acceptable and pleasing profiles and Class I occlusion, and no history of previous orthodontic treatments. Six linear and 14 angular cephalometric measurements were selected for analysis. A Student t-test was used to compare the mean cephalometric values between Tanzanians and Caucasians, while a one-way analysis of variance was applied to assess the inter-ethnic differences within the Tanzanian group. Results: No significant differences were found between the Tanzanian ethnic groups, except for the ANB and NA-APog angles, which were increased in the Cushite group, and the Md1-ML angle, which was found to be reduced in the Bantu sample. Significant differences were observed between Tanzanians and Caucasians in all measurements (p < 0.05) except for the Wits appraisal in sagittal relationships and the S-Go:N-Me and SN-OcP measurements in vertical relationships. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Tanzanian adults display distinct craniofacial characteristics, including a more convex facial profile, increased lower lip protrusion, dental proclination, and notable ethnic and intergroup variations.