Background Cephalometric radiography enables a physician to identify specific areas of craniofacial disproportionality and decide on a treatment plan. Cephalometric analysis is a method for localizeing malocclusion with the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures. This study reports the results from the cephalometric analysis of Libyan adults, as a surrogate for the population of North Africa. Methods Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of 100 non-growing Libyan adults: 74 males and 26 females, aged 17–45 years. All subjects had no previous orthodontic treatment. The mean values and standard deviations of 92 parameters were determined. Results The hard tissue cephalometric analysis revealed lower variability in the length of vertical distances compared to those extending more horizontally. In adult Libyans, linear and angular midface measurements (hard tissue and soft tissue) exhibit less variability compared to other measurements taken. Libyans exhibit some of the structural deviations from Bolton's means that were previously found in Americans of African descent. Namely, they are characterized by the greater development of the maxillomandibular complex and by the presence of dentoalveolar protrusion, which must be taken into account when treating patients of this ethnic group. Conclusion The current study once again confirmed the need to develop cephalometric norms for different ethnic groups, the Arab population in North Africa in particular. Keywords Cephalometric analysisCephalometricsLibyan adultsOrthodonticsStructural deviations
Background Cephalometric radiography enables a physician to identify specific areas of craniofacial disproportionality and decide on a treatment plan. Cephalometric analysis is a method for localizeing malocclusion with the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures. This study reports the results from the cephalometric analysis of Libyan adults, as a surrogate for the population of North Africa. Methods Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of 100 non-growing Libyan adults: 74 males and 26 females, aged 17–45 years. All subjects had no previous orthodontic treatment. The mean values and standard deviations of 92 parameters were determined. Results The hard tissue cephalometric analysis revealed lower variability in the length of vertical distances compared to those extending more horizontally. In adult Libyans, linear and angular midface measurements (hard tissue and soft tissue) exhibit less variability compared to other measurements taken. Libyans exhibit some of the structural deviations from Bolton's means that were previously found in Americans of African descent. Namely, they are characterized by the greater development of the maxillomandibular complex and by the presence of dentoalveolar protrusion, which must be taken into account when treating patients of this ethnic group. Conclusion The current study once again confirmed the need to develop cephalometric norms for different ethnic groups, the Arab population in North Africa in particular. Keywords Cephalometric analysisCephalometricsLibyan adultsOrthodonticsStructural deviations