Cephalometric norms for Saudi sample using McNamara analysis

OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out on 65 standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs (36 males and 29 females) of 4th year dental students to determine cephalometric norms according to McNamara’s analysis, and to evaluate whether asignificant differenceexists between Saudiand European-Americannorms. METHODS: The criteria of selection were normal occlusion, pleasant soft tissue profiles,nohistoryoftrauma,andnopreviousorthodontictreatment.Ten skeletal and dental variables were investigated. Descriptive analysis and independent student t-test were carried out on the data. RESULTS: The results showed statistical significantdifferencesbetweentheSaudimalesandfemaleswhen compared to the norms suggested for European-Americans by McNamara. The results demonstrated that the Saudis have distinct cephalometric facial features. Generally, they revealed a greater convex profilewithreducedchinprominence, steeper mandible and more bimaxillary protrusion.