Relationship between Craniofacial Skeletal Patterns and the Prevalence of Tooth Fractures.

Introduction: Tooth fractures are associated with various etiological factors, including occlusal stress. While science has shown associations between maximum bite force and craniofacial skeletal patterns, a direct link between skeletal morphology and the prevalence of tooth fractures has not been established. This study aimed to investigate whether sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, as determined by cephalometric analysis, are associated with the prevalence of tooth fractures in an adult orthodontic population.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 1001 adult orthodontic patients with complete records, including lateral cephalometric radiographs and demographic data. Patients were classified into vertical (high, neutral, low mandibular angle) and sagittal (Angle Class I, II, III) skeletal patterns using population-specific cephalometric norms. Tooth fractures were identified through clinical records and Current Dental Terminology codes, including whether fractured teeth were extracted or retained, and whether endodontic treatment was involved. Statistical analysis included analysis of covariance, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.

Results: No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of tooth fractures, either extracted or retained, across vertical or sagittal skeletal classes for the overall population. Within the Caucasian subpopulation, a significantly higher prevalence of tooth fractures was noted in ANGLE-I compared to ANGLE-II (P = .02). Similarly, previously endodontically treated teeth were more frequently extracted due to fracture in ANGLE-I and ANGLE-III compared to ANGLE-II (P = .02). No significant associations were found in the African-American, Asian, or Hispanic subpopulations.

Conclusions: Craniofacial skeletal patterns may not aid in predicting tooth fracture risk in the general population. While limited associations were noted within the Caucasian subgroup, further prospective studies incorporating direct bite force measurements are warranted to clarify biomechanical contributions to tooth fractures.