The Wits appraisal among a Nigerian sub-population: an assessment of dental base geometric factors

Abstract

The Wits appraisal is a common linear cephalometric analytic tool established by Jacobson. It has been reported to be superior to angular cephalometric measures as it is not dependent on pericranial structures and their variations both during growth and orthodontic treatment. Aim: To obtain reference values for the Wits appraisal among Nigerians and assess the effect of the dental base geometry on it. Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 100 Nigerian subjects with normal occlusion were analyzed to obtain the Wits appraisal, and the effect of the vertical distance from subspinale to supramentale, length of the palatal and mandibular planes, the mandibular plane angle as well as the palatal plane angle were assessed using the ANOVA and linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 20.69 ± 4.9 years. Thirty-four (34%) were males and 66(66%) were females. Mean Wits value of-3.43 ± 3.24 mm was obtained based on the functional occlusal plane (FOP). Linear regression analysis showed that the vertical height from subspinale (A point) to supramentale (B point) caused a significant change in the Wits appraisal reading in participants still undergoing active growth process (less than 16 years of age) (p=0.02). Conclusions: It is advocated that the Wits appraisal be used as a moderator to the ANB angle among Nigerians. However, as a result of dental height variations its use in growing Nigerian children requires caution.

Correlation of Dental and Skeletal Malocclusions in Sagittal Plane among Saudi Orthodontic Patients

“…There was significant correlation between ANB angle and WITS appraisal, but it appeared that Wits appraisal is more realistic in diagnosis of the skeletal malocclusion in the sagittal plane. This was confirmed with the findings of Ucheonye et al 24 They stated that 'The difference in diagnostic accuracy between the ANB angle and the Wits appraisal 'shows the WITS appraisal as being more reliable than the ANB in assessment of sagittal dental base discrepancy and based on this, it is wise to use the Wits appraisal as a moderator of the ANB angle in the management of orthodontic patients'.…”

Sagittal Jaw Relationship of Different Types of Cleft and Non-cleft Individuals

“…The patient who exhibited smaller SNA, ANB and Wits appraisal specifies the poor maxillary growth may perhaps have need of orthognathic surgery in future for the complete correction of dento-facial divergences ( 7 , 23 ). Wits appraisal is a supreme linear cephalometric parameter which is used to evaluate and assist an additional information with ANB angle for the assessment of skeletal base discrepancies ( 24 ).…”