Evaluation of Malocclusion Types in Adult Patients with Nasal Septal Defects – An Observational Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The nasal septum is crucial in the development of the craniofacial structures. Deviated nasal septum is one of the anatomical causes of mouth breathing which in turn lead to malocclusion. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the dentofacial and cephalometric characteristics in individuals with nasal breathing obstruction brought on by nasal septal deviation, as well as the relationship between these defects and various malocclusions and the degree of facial asymmetry. Materials and Methods: A two-point evaluation was adopted for the selected patients, one at the ENT department using clinical examination and CT–PNS and the severity classified according to the Mladina classification and another at the dental department, using clinical examinations, PA cephalograms, lateral cephalograms, and facial photographs. Results and Discussion: The association between malocclusion and various grades of septal deviation was statistically significant with a P value of 0.006. Results showed that 13 patients are with Class I skeletal pattern, 20 patients with Class II, and 7 patients with Class III skeletal pattern. None of the grade 7 nasal septal deviation patients had class I malocclusion and none of the grade 2 nasal septal deviation patients had class III malocclusion. Class II division I malocclusion was the most common type noted in patients with nasal septal deviation. Grade 7 nasal septal deviation was associated with the maximum amount of ANS and mentioned deviation indicating significant facial asymmetry. Conclusion: Class-II Division-1 malocclusion was the most common type noted and Class III malocclusion was more common in higher grades of nasal septal deviation. Maxillary and mandibular asymmetry worsens significantly with an increase in the grade of nasal septal deviation and is one of the significant factors in causing facial asymmetry.