Cephalometric evaluation of craniofacial variation in normal Saudi population according to Steiner analysis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the craniofacial pattern of Saudi ethnic groups and to compare it with accepted standards for the caucasian population according to Steiner analysis.

METHODS: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 87 Saudi students (74 male and 13 females) with balanced harmonious faces and clinically acceptable permanent occlusion, aged 21-27 years old were used. A computer-aided cephalometric analysis was performed, and the mean values and standard deviations for the various cephalometric variables were obtained.

RESULTS: A comparison of the results with the Steiner standards showed that the Saudis have relatively similar skeletal relationship and dentally there was a tendency toward bimaxillary protrusion. Further, there was a decrease in the lower facial height.

CONCLUSION: It was evident that even in the Saudi ethnic groups with so-called well-balanced faces, there were some fundamental variations in the craniofacial structure of the Saudi Arab when compared with Steiner norms.