Cephalometric characteristics of individuals with impacted maxillary canines regarding their impaction sector: A comparative study

Background: Impacted maxillary canines (ICM) can significantly change the shape of the anterior maxilla, particularly when they are situated near the dental midline. This research aimed to evaluate the cephalometric characteristics of individuals with ICM considering their impaction sector. Material and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 135 sets of panoramic and lateral head radiographs divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 45 patients with IMC in sectors 1, 2, and 3. Group B included 45 patients with IMC in sectors 4 and 5, and the control group, matched for sex and age, comprised 45 patients without IMC. Cephalometric measurements were collected using WebCeph software, focusing on variables such as the impaction sector, growth pattern, SNA angle, Wits appraisal, 1/NA angle, 1-NA distance, nasolabial angle, and maxillary length. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test and multiple linear regression analyses were used for group comparisons. (P< 0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the SNA angle, with the impaction group in sectors 4 and 5 showing greater values (82.96°) compared to the control group (81.19°; p<0.05). Additionally, the 1-NA distance was smaller in sectors 1, 2, and 3 (2.96 mm) than in the control group (4.20 mm; p<0.05). Furthermore, the nasolabial angle was greater in sectors 4 and 5 (102.22°) than in the control group (93.70°; p<0.05). Conclusions: Patients with IMCs show a distinct cephalometric pattern, including an increased SNA angle, especially when the impaction is near the midline. This condition is associated with incisor retrusion and a higher nasolabial angle. These findings suggest that the location of canine impaction affects both the dentoskeletal structure and the soft tissue profile.