ASSESSMENT OF MAXILLARY RETROMOLAR SPACE IN DIFFERENT FACIAL TYPES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the maxillary retromolar space in orthodontic patients who have different skeletal sagittal and vertical growth patterns.

Study Design: comparative cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthodontics, Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 1^st 2024 to 20^th Feb 2025.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 102 patients with ages between 12 and 18 years of age was conducted in the Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, where all patients had full permanent dentition and full erupted maxillary second molars. The skeletal sagittal patterns were categorized based on the ANB angle whereas the vertical patterns were categorized based on the face axis described by Rickett. The shortest linear distance between the backside of the second molar and the anterior position of the maxillary ramus was assessed as maxillary retromolar space on panoramic radiographs. The data were analyzed using non-parametric test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and then using post-hoc, Dunn test, with the level of statistical significance of p <0.05.

Results: The sample was composed of 65 females (63.7%) and 37 males, with a mean age of 14.6 ± 1.6 years. Retromolar space varied significantly between sagittal groups (p < 0.001), with Class III having the highest (median 5.18 mm, IQR 3.96–6.12) and Class II the lowest (median 3.10 mm, IQR 2.78–3.96). The greatest retromolar space (median 5.45 mm, IQR 4.07–7.13) was associated with high-angle vertical patterns, whereas smaller space was observed in medium- and low-angle patterns (p < 0.001). These trends were consistent across gender and age subgroups, with the largest differences observed in older adolescents.

Conclusion: Both skeletal sagittal and vertical growth patterns have a significant effect on the maxillary retromolar space. Class III and high-angle vertical subjects are the ones with the highest retromolar space and Class II and medium-angle ones the lowest space, which is markedly clear in older adolescent groups.