Ethnic differences in craniofacial and upper spine morphology between European and Asian children with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to analyze differences in craniofacial and upper cervical spine morphology, including posterior cranial fossa and growth prediction signs between European and Asian skeletal Class III children, and to analyze associations between morphologic deviations in the upper cervical spine and craniofacial characteristics. METHODS: A total of 60 skeletal Class III children, 19 Danes and 41 Koreans, were included. Upper spine morphology, Atlas dimensions, and craniofacial morphology, including posterior cranial fossa and growth prediction signs, were assessed on lateral cephalograms. Differences and associations were analyzed by multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: In the craniofacial morphology, the inclination of the maxilla (NSL/NL, P <0.05) and the shape of the posterior cranial fossa (s-d, d-p, p-iop; P <0.01 and P <0.0001, respectively) were significantly different between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in upper cervical spine morphology and Atlas dimensions between the groups. Fusion was significantly associated with the sagittal jaw relationship (P <0.05), and the total upper spine deviations were significantly associated with some growth prediction signs (P <0.05, P <0.01). Atlas dimensions were significantly associated with the prognathia of the mandible (P <0.05), posterior cranial fossa (P <0.01, P <0.0001), and some growth prediction signs (P <0.05, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Upper spine morphology and Atlas dimensions may provide valuable information for predicting jaw growth and craniofacial morphology in Class III malocclusion.

Classification and characterization of class III malocclusion in Chinese individuals.

BACKGROUND: Class III malocclusion is a maxillofacial disorder that is characterised by a concave profile and can be attributed to both genetic inheritance and environmental factors. It is a clinical challenge due to our limited understanding of its aetiology. Revealing its prototypical diversity will contribute to our sequential exploration of the underlying aetiological information. The objective of this study was to characterize phenotypic variations of Class III malocclusion via a lateral cephalometric analysis in a community of Chinese individuals. METHOD: One-hundred-and-forty-four individuals (58 males ≥18 and 86 females ≥16) with Class III malocclusion ranging from mild to severe were enrolled in this study. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed using 61 lateral cephalometric measurements. RESULTS: Six principal components were discovered in the examined population and were responsible for 73.7 % of the variability. Four subtypes were revealed by cluster analysis. Subtype 1 included subjects with mild mandibular prognathism with a steep mandibular plane. Subjects in subtype 2 showed a combination of prognathic mandibular and retrusive maxillary with a flat or normal mandibular plane. Subtype 3 included individuals with purely severe mandibular prognathism and a normal mandibular plane. Individuals in subtype 4 had a mild maxillary deficiency and severe mandibular prognathism with the lowest mandibular plane angle. CONCLUSION: The six principal components extracted among the 61 variables improve our knowledge of lateral cephalometric analysis for diagnoses. We successfully identified four Class III malocclusion subtypes, indicating that cluster analysis could supplement the classification of Class III malocclusion among a Chinese population and may assist in our on-going genetic study.

Comparison of arch forms between Turkish and North American.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the morphological differences in the mandibular arches of Turkish and North American white subjects. METHODS: The sample included 132 Turkish (34 Class I, 58 Class II, and 40 Class III) and 160 North American (60 Class I, 50 Class II, and 50 Class III) subjects. The most facial portion of 13 proximal contact areas was digitized from photocopied images of patients' mandibular dental arches. Clinical bracket points were calculated for each tooth based on mandibular tooth thickness data. Four linear and two proportional measurements were taken. The subjects were grouped according to arch form types (tapered, ovoid and square) in order to have frequency distribution compared between ethnic groups in each Angle classification. RESULTS: The Turkish group showed significantly lower molar depth and more significant molar width-depth (W/D) ratio in all three Angle classifications. On the other hand, the Turkish group also showed a significantly larger intercanine width in Class III malocclusion and intermolar width in Class II malocclusion. The most frequent arch forms seen were the ovoid arch form in the Turkish group and the tapered form in the white group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that when treating Turkish patients, one should expect to use preformed ovoid arch form orthodontic wires in a significant percentage of patients.

Comparison of arch forms between Turkish and North American

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the morphological differences in the mandibular arches of Turkish and North American white subjects. Methods: The sample included 132 Turkish (34 Class I, 58 Class II, and 40 Class III) and 160 North American (60 Class I, 50 Class II, and 50 Class III) subjects. The most facial portion of 13 proximal contact areas was digitized from photocopied images of patients' mandibular dental arches. Clinical bracket points were calculated for each tooth based on mandibular tooth thickness data. Four linear and two proportional measurements were taken. The subjects were grouped according to arch form types (tapered, ovoid and square) in order to have frequency distribution compared between ethnic groups in each Angle classification. Results: The Turkish group showed significantly lower molar depth and more significant molar width-depth (W/D) ratio in all three Angle classifications. On the other hand, the Turkish group also showed a significantly larger intercanine width in Class III malocclusion and intermolar width in Class II malocclusion. The most frequent arch forms seen were the ovoid arch form in the Turkish group and the tapered form in the white group. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that when treating Turkish patients, one should expect to use preformed ovoid arch form orthodontic wires in a significant percentage of patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças morfológicas entre as arcadas dentárias inferiores de indivíduos turcos e indivíduos norte-americanos leucodermas. Métodos: a amostra incluiu 132 indivíduos turcos (34 Classe I, 58 Classe II e 40 Classe III) e 160 norte-americanos (60 Classe I, 50 Classe II e 50 Classe III). A porção mais vestibular de 13 áreas de contato proximal foi digitalizada a partir de imagens impressas das arcadas dentárias inferiores dos pacientes. Os pontos de colagem dos braquetes foram calculados, para cada dente, com base em dados referentes à espessura dos dentes inferiores. Quatro medidas lineares e duas proporcionais foram obtidas. Os indivíduos foram classificados de acordo com o formato da arcada (triangular, oval e quadrada), permitindo que a frequência de cada formato fosse comparada entre os grupos étnicos, e dentro de cada classificação de Angle. Resultados: o grupo composto por indivíduos turcos apresentou profundidade da arcada na região dos molares significativamente menor, além de uma proporção largura/profundidade da arcada na região dos molares maior em todas as classificações de Angle. Em contrapartida, esse mesmo grupo mostrou maiores distâncias intercaninos nos pacientes Classe III e intermolares nos pacientes Classe II. A arcada oval foi a mais frequente no grupo composto por indivíduos turcos, enquanto a arcada triangular foi a mais frequente no grupo composto por indivíduos norte-americanos leucodermas. Conclusões: os resultados obtidos mostram que, ao tratar pacientes turcos, o profissional deve prever o uso de arcos ortodônticos pré-conformados ovais em um percentual significativo dos pacientes.

Comparison of Japanese and European overbite depth indicator and antero-posterior dysplasia indicator values.

This study evaluated cephalometric differences between 113 Japanese (43 males and 70 females, aged 14.1 ± 5 years) and 106 European subjects (36 males and 70 females, aged 13.5 ± 7.3 years) using two compound angular measurements and their single components: the overbite depth indicator (ODI) for the assessment of vertical skeletal relationships and the antero-posterior dysplasia indicator (APDI) for an evaluation of sagittal dysgnathia. Both populations were assigned to groups representing Angle Classes I, II, and III, and an anterior open bite (AOB) group. Two sample t- and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were performed (P < 0.05). The ODI values showed no statistically significant differences between the Japanese and European samples. The Japanese sample showed a significantly smaller APDI but only in the Class II group. In the Japanese Class II and III subjects, the malocclusion patterns were more pronounced than those in the Caucasian sample (overbite, overjet, and APDI).

Comparação entre a forma e dimensão do arco dentário inferior de brasileiros e norte americanos / Comparison of dental arch form and dimension between brazilian and north american

A largura e a forma do arco dentário são importantes fatores para se determinar os objetivos e a estabilidade do tratamento ortodôntico. Este estudo visa determinar as diferenças morfológicas entre o arco dentário inferior de indivíduos Caucasianos Norte-Americanos (AM) e Caucasianos Brasileiros (BR), de acordo com a Classe de Angle e o gênero. A amostra foi constituída por 331 modelos de gesso pré-tratamento ortodôntico da arcada inferior, tendo sido obtida a partir de dois grupos: 160 Caucasianos Norte-Americanos (60 Classe I, 50 Classe II e 50 Classe III) e 171 Caucasianos Brasileiros (61 Classe I, 60 Classe II e 50 Classe III). As superfícies oclusais dos modelos de gesso foram fotocopiadas; a partir das imagens obtidas, foi identificado o ponto clínico do braquete para cada dente de acordo com a espessura do dente inferior referentes aos dados de Andrews. Baseado nestes pontos, foram realizadas medidas de dimensões do arco dentário com o uso de um paquímetro e verificada a forma do arco com templates ortodônticos. Os dados referentes às dimensões do arco foram avaliados estatisticamente através da análise de Kruskal-Wallis e para se avaliar a diferença na distribuição de freqüência de forma de arco foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado. Os resultados mostraram que existem diferenças significativas nas dimensões do arco dentário entre AM e BR. O grupo AM apresentou uma menor largura intercaninos que o grupo BR (p<0,05), exceto para o subgrupo feminino Classe I. A largura intermolares também foi menor no grupo AM (p<0,05), mas não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos subgrupos de Classe III. Os valores médios de profundidade de arco na região de caninos e de molares foram menores para o grupo BR, porém apenas significativas para o subgrupo feminino Classe I (p<0,05)...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic differences between North American Caucasian (AM) and Brazilian Caucasian (BR) mandibular dental arches. The sample consisted of 331 pretreatment mandibular orthodontic plaster models divided in two groups; 160 of North American Caucasians (60 Class I, 50 Class II and 50 Class III) and 171 of Brazilians (61 Class I, 60 Class II and 50 Class III). The occlusal surfaces of the mandibular models were photocopied and the clinical bracket point for each tooth was identified. Templates were overlaid to select the arch form; additionally 4 linear and 2 proportional measurements were taken. The results showed significantly differences in arch dimension between the two ethnic groups. The AM group showed significantly smaller intercanine width (p<0,05), excepting for the Class I aches in the female group. In addition, the AM group also showed a significantly smaller intermolar width (p<0,05); no differences were found in the Class III malocclusion group though. The BR group showed smaller canine and molar depths, but the differences were significantly smaller only in the Class I female group (p<0,05)...

Cranial base angulation in Brazilian patients seeking orthodontic treatment.

The relationship between cranial base flexion and facial prognathism has been of interest to orthodontists, orthognathic maxillofacial surgeons, and plastic surgeons. This study aimed to identify the cranial base flexion of adults with anteroposterior skeletal disharmony. Because the sample was representing a mixed racial population, the authors performed an investigation to confirm an association with other researches performed in different parts of the world. The results revealed an increase in the cranial base flexion in cases diagnosed as class II skeletal pattern and reduction in the group with class III skeletal pattern. These findings suggested that the characteristics of the Brazilian cases did not differ from some other studies despite various influences of different ethnicities in that population.

Spectrum and management of dentofacial deformities in a multiethnic Asian population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the spectrum and management of dentofacial deformities in a multiethnic Asian community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 3 years (2001 to 2003), 212 patients with dentofacial deformities who had undergone orthognathic surgery in a national tertiary specialist center in Singapore were reviewed. Patients with cleft lip and palate or syndromes were excluded. RESULTS: The mean age (range: 16 to 58 years) of the patients was 24.0 years (SD 6.4) and the ratio of female to male was 1.3:1. The predominant ethnic group was Chinese (91.5%). The majority of the patients had skeletal Class III pattern (68%). Asymmetry was diagnosed in 36% of all cases and in 48% of skeletal Class III cases. Vertical maxillary excess was diagnosed in 21% of all cases and in 47% of skeletal Class II cases. Bimaxillary surgery involving LeFort and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies was performed in 84% of skeletal Class III cases and in 73% of all cases. Segmental osteotomy and genioplasty were performed in 41% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the majority of the patients were young Chinese adults with two-jaw deformities requiring bimaxillary surgeries with genioplasty or segmental osteotomy. This finding may reflect the greater severity of dentofacial deformities in patients in the Asian community.

Predictability of soft tissue profile changes following bimaxillary surgery in skeletal class III Chinese patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of soft tissue profile predictions generated by a recently developed computer program (Computer-Assisted Simulation System for Orthognathic Surgery [CASSOS] 2001, SoftEnable Technology, Ltd, Hong Kong) in Chinese skeletal Class III patients treated with bimaxillary surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Presurgical and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 35 Chinese patients who had combined 1-piece Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies were digitized using the CASSOS 2001 program, and a cranial base superimposition was performed. The hard tissue movements were simulated on the presurgical cephalogram until good superimposition of the hard tissues on the presurgical and posttreatment cephalograms was achieved. A customized cephalometric analysis consisting of 32 linear measurements was used to analyze the differences in the soft tissue profile between the actual posttreatment results and the computer-generated predictions. RESULTS: Comparison of the predicted and actual changes found that 16 of the 32 soft tissue measurements were significantly different ( P <.05). Most of the significant prediction errors were observed in the upper and lower lip region. The software tended to underestimate the vertical position of both the upper and lower lip and overestimate the horizontal position of the lower lip. However, the mean differences were relatively small, with the greatest mean difference being 2 mm in the vertical position of stomium inferius. The CASSOS 2001 program produced a clinically useful prediction of soft tissue profile changes following bimaxillary surgery in skeletal Class III Chinese patients.

Morphology of Singapore chinese.

The aims of this study were to provide a description of the craniofacial morphology of Singaporean Chinese children and to compare gender differences. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained of 81 Singaporean Chinese children (31 boys and 50 girls; mean age 12.7 and 12.5 years, respectively, standard deviation = 0.7) with Class I incisor relationships. The radiographs were traced and 27 hard and soft tissue cephalometric landmarks digitized. Fourteen linear and 13 angular cephalometric variables were obtained using the Neodigiplottrade mark computerized cephalometric analysis software. A comparison of the genders showed that girls had greater maxillary and mandibular protrusion, but the upper and lower incisor inclinations were reduced. In addition, girls showed reduced facial convexity and reduced upper lip prominence. Pogonion to nasion perpendicular was greater for boys. Although not statistically significant, the values of intermaxillary protrusion and Wits showed a tendency for the girls towards a Class III skeletal base. The boys also had statistically significantly longer cranial base lengths, and anterior and posterior face heights. Overall, the results reflect gender differences in both angular and linear cephalometric craniofacial measurements, which should be taken into account when establishing cephalometric reference data for Singaporean Chinese children.

Craniofacial differences between Japanese and British Caucasian females with a skeletal Class III malocclusion.

The racial differences in the craniofacial structures of 28 Japanese and 24 British Caucasian females with Class III malocclusions associated with a severe skeletal pattern were examined using lateral cephalograms. The mean age of the Japanese and Caucasian patients was 19.6 +/- 3.5 and 20.2 +/- 3.8 years (+/- SD), respectively. The mean values of 14 linear and 13 angular cephalometric parameters were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the Japanese females had a significantly reduced anterior cranial base (P < 0.01), a more retrusive midfacial component (P < 0.05), and a significantly increased lower anterior facial height (P < 0.01) associated with a more obtuse gonial angle (P < 0.05) compared with the Caucasians. Analysis of the dento-alveolar component in Japanese patients indicated more proclined upper incisors (P < 0.01) compared with those of Caucasian subjects. The reduced anterior cranial base and midfacial component, and the high-angle facial pattern in the Japanese population, may be morphological features based on race, and these skeletal features seem to be less favourable for a skeletal Class III growth pattern compared with the Caucasian population.

Cephalometric evaluation of craniofacial pattern of Syrian children with Class III malocclusion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphologic characteristics of the craniofacial complex of Syrian children with Class III malocclusion. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 69 patients with Class III malocclusion (23 male and 46 female; ages 5 to 12 years) were selected on the basis of molar relationship. Cases were analyzed and compared with a Class I control group that was matched for age, sex, and ethnic origin. The children with Class III malocclusion exhibited a distinct craniofacial morphologic characteristic that was manifest in a combination of alterations in angular and linear measurements on the lateral cephalogram. Both the anterior cranial base (SN) and posterior cranial base (SAr) were significantly shorter than normal in the Class III group, and the cranial base angle (NSAr) was slightly smaller than normal. Maxillary length (Co-A) was significantly smaller, and the maxilla was more posteriorly positioned in the patients with Class III malocclusion. The mandible was within the neutral range of protrusion, and there was a slight increase in total mandibular length (Co-Gn), accompanied by a more forward positioning of the glenoid fossa in patients with Class III malocclusion. Dental aberrations in the patients with Class III malocclusion were manifested essentially by a significant decrease in the angulation and protrusion of the maxillary incisors relative to the A-Pog line, whereas the mandibular incisors showed only a slight amount of linguoversion. Patients with Class III malocclusion also tended to have a significantly smaller vertical face dimension and shorter lower anterior facial height (ANS-Me). Because of these distinct morphologic features, early orthopedic intervention with protraction face mask therapy may be the method of choice for most of the patients with Class III malocclusion included in this study.

Comparison of mandibular morphology in Korean and European-American children with Class III malocclusions using finite-element morphometry.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the morphology of the mandible differed in subjects of diverse ethnic origin exhibiting Class III malocclusions. Lateral cephalographs of 147 children of either Korean or European-American descent aged between 5 and 11 years were compared. The cephalographs were subdivided into seven age- and sex-matched groups, traced, and eight mandibular homologous landmarks digitized. Average mandibular geometries, scaled to an equivalent size, were computed using Procrustes superimposition and subjected to ANOVA. Graphical analysis using a colour-coded finite element (FEM) programme was used to localize differences in morphology. Results indicated that the overall mean Korean and European-American mandibular configurations differed statistically (P < 0.001) and statistical difference was maintained at all age-wise comparisons. Comparing Korean and European-American Class III mandibular configurations for local size-change, FEM analysis revealed that the Korean condylar and mental regions generally were smaller (approximately 15-20 per cent decrease in size, respectively). However, an antero-posterior increase in the size of the mandibular corpus was most apparent in the incisor alveolus region (approximately 35 per cent increase in size). For shape-change, the Korean and European-American mandibular configurations were fairly isotropic except in the symphyseal and incisor alveolus regions. Dissimilarities in mandibular morphology are identifiable particularly in the dento-alveolar regions in subjects of diverse ethnic origin exhibiting Class III malocclusions. These differences may reflect genetic and/or environmental influences that might determine the severity and prevalence of the condition, and its subsequent clinical management.

Allometry of the cranial base in prepubertal Korean subjects with class III malocclusions: finite element morphometry.

Sphenoethmoidal allometry could be associated with ethnic heterogeneity of the midfacial profile. Thirteen cranial base landmarks were digitized from cephalographs of 69 Korean and 73 European American prepubertal children exhibiting Class III malocclusion. Average geometries were normalized, and a color-coded finite element (FEM) program was used to localize differences in morphology. ANOVA indicated that mean Korean and European American cranial base configurations differed statistically (p < 0.01); this was also true for seven age groups tested (p < 0.001). For size-change, FEM analysis revealed that in the anterior cranial base, Korean sphenoethmoidal and sella turcica regions were smaller (=12%). Local increases in size were apparent for the posterior region of the Korean cranial base (=35%). For shape-change, Korean and European American cranial base configurations were isotropic with minor anisotropy in the sphenoethmoidal and spheno-occipital regions. A sphenoethmoidal mechanism of midfacial retrognathism appears to be implicated in the development of a skeletal Class III morphology.

Maxillary protraction and chincap appliance treatment effects and long-term changes in skeletal class III patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the orthopedic effects of combined maxillary protraction appliance (MPA) and chincap therapy on growing Japanese girls and the posttreatment changes after growth is complete. To estimate the actual effects of treatment and posttreatment changes, we used a series of templates that had been constructed from semilongitudinal data of Japanese girls with normal occlusion. During treatment, forward movement of the maxilla with counterclockwise rotation, and backward and downward movement of the mandible with clockwise rotation and growth retardation were observed. The forward movement of the maxilla persisted until growth was complete. During the posttreatment period, the mandible maintained its improved position but showed excessive growth, which could be a rebound change. These results indicate that combined MPA and chincap treatment is effective for correcting skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Soft tissue thin-plate spline analysis of pre-pubertal Korean and European-Americans with untreated Angle's Class III malocclusions.

The purpose of this study was to assess soft tissue facial matrices in subjects of diverse ethnic origins with underlying dentoskeletal malocclusions. Pre-treatment lateral cephalographs of 71 Korean and 70 European-American children aged between 5 and 11 years with Angle's Class III malocclusions were traced, and 12 homologous, soft tissue landmarks digitized. Comparing mean Korean and European-American Class III soft tissue profiles, Procrustes analysis established statistical difference (P < 0.001) between the configurations, and this difference was also true at all seven age groups tested (P < 0.001). Comparing the overall European-American and Korean transformation, thin-plate spline analysis indicated that both affine and non-affine transformations contribute towards the total spline (deformation) of the averaged Class III soft tissue configurations. For non-affine transformations, partial warp (PW) 8 had the highest magnitude, indicating large-scale deformations visualized as labio-mental protrusion, predominantly. In addition, PW9, PW4, and PW5 also had high magnitudes, demonstrating labio-mental vertical compression and antero-posterior compression of the lower labio-mental soft tissues. Thus, Korean children with Class III malocclusions demonstrate antero-posterior and vertical deformations of the labio-mental soft tissue complex with respect to their European-American counterparts. Morphological heterogeneity of the soft tissue integument in subjects of diverse ethnic origin may obscure the underlying skeletal morphology, but the soft tissue integument appears to have minimal ontogenetic association with Class III malocclusions.

Craniofacial heterogeneity of prepubertal Korean and European-American subjects with Class III malocclusions: procrustes, EDMA, and cephalometric analyses.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in craniofacial morphology in subjects of diverse ethnic origin with untreated Class III malocclusions, and thus to examine the validity of using similar therapeutic protocols in their orthodontic management. Lateral cephalographs of 142 Korean and European-American children aged 5 to 11 years were traced, and homologous cranial, midfacial, and mandibular landmarks were digitized. Procrustes analysis and Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis (EDMA) were performed to identify size-corrected differences of the three craniofacial configurations, and bivariate analysis to determine statistical differences between 42 cephalometric parameters. Procrustes analysis indicated statistical significance for each configuration of landmarks; these results were confirmed by EDMA and cephalometry. Korean children appear to develop Class III malocclusions because of smaller anterior cranial base and midfacial dimensions, exacerbated by a large and less favorable mandibular morphology. Therefore, morphologic diversity of craniofacial components, presumably due to heterochrony during development, contributes to distinctive facial profiles associated with Class III malocclusions. Ethnic heterogeneity may need to be taken into account in the orthodontic management of Class III malocclusions.

Comparative study of diagnostic measures in borderline surgical cases of unilateral cleft lip and palate and noncleft Class III malocclusions.

Patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate present difficult growth problems. Their anteroposterior discrepancies in jaw and dentition are frequently so severe that some epidemiologic studies report the necessity of orthognathic surgery in 25% of their sample. The aims of this study were three-fold: (1) to delineate diagnostic measures in borderline surgical cases of unilateral cleft lip and palate, (2) to verify the significance of negative overjet as a measure of anteroposterior discrepancy, and (3) to compare these diagnostic measures with those of borderline surgical cases of noncleft Class III malocclusions. The sample consisted of 29 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate and 25 noncleft Class III Korean patients (mean age, 18.69 years); all had crossbites of all four incisors. Each of their pretreatment study casts and cephalograms were analyzed. The group with unilateral cleft lip and palate was divided into two subgroups on the basis of the method of their anterior crossbite resolution; 18 subjects were treated with orthodontics alone (Cleft-NS) and 11 subjects with orthognathic surgery (Cleft-Surg). The noncleft Class III group was divided into two subgroups; 6 of the subjects were orthodontically treated (Cl III-NS), and 19 were surgically treated (Cl III-Surg). The group with unilateral cleft lip and palate showed smaller SNA and SNB angles than the noncleft Class III group, but the ANB angles and the amount of anterior crossbites showed no statistical differences. When the Cleft-NS and the Cleft-Surg groups were compared, the ANB angle and the Wits measurements were significantly different. When the Cl III-NS and Cl III-Surg groups were compared, the SNB, ANB, L1GoGn, Wits, and the crossbite showed significant differences. For borderline surgical Class III unilateral cleft lip and palate cases, ANB angle, Wits appraisal, and ABGoGn angle were critical diagnostic parameters. On the other hand, the magnitude of anterior crossbite, the negative overjet, was shown not to be a significant measure of anteroposterior discrepancy.