Digital lateral cephalometric assessment of maxillary sinus dimensions in different skeletal classes

Maxillary sinus is the largest of the four paranasl sinus, among the paranasal sinus its plays an important role in the formation of facial contours. Therefore, knowledge of the development and size of the maxillary sinus may be crucial for diagnosing and treating various cases of malocclusion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of malocclusion in three skeletal classes on maxillary sinus dimensions. Material and methods: Total of 120 lateral cephalograms were derived from subjects with skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions, classified on the basis of the A-N-B angle. Each malocclusion group consisted of 20 males and 20 females ranging in age from 12 to 16 years. Two linear measurements and three area measurements were made to evaluate maxillary sinus size. The procedure was accomplished by mean of computer and Auto Cad program. Results: it had been found that maxillary sinus dimensions were significantly Larger in male than in females in different skeletal malocclusion classes, skeletal malocclusion classes has no effect on dimensions of maxillary sinus except in male class II skeletal malocclusion. Conclusion: Skeletal classes malocclusion has no effect on dimension of maxillary sinus except in male class II skeletal malocclusion, male showed significantly greater maxillary sinus length, maxillary sinus height, and maxillary sinus area than that of female in all skeletal classes.