The correlation between shape of the nose and the underlying hard tissue structures in adults: (cephalometric study)

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between the nose shape and the underlying hard structures. This study was performed in Orthodontic Department, Damascus University. Methods: The sample included 60 patients (48 male & 12 female) divided into 3 groups according to ANB ANGLE (20 class I, 20 class II, 20 class III). Seven skeletal parameters and 13 nasal parameters were measured on lateral Cephalograms by digital tracing) ORTHO-DAMASCUS 1996). Pearson correlation r was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a correlation between skeletal and nasal parameters. The Facial hight, anteroposterior and vertical position of the maxilla and mandible were correlated with the nose shape
and length. In skeletal class I patients NMA, NLA were negatively correlated with the SNA, SNB (r = - 0.60, P < 0.05), (r = - 0.52, P<0. 05). A positive correlate between B angle with NMA, Nbone Lenght (r= 0.55, P<0.05, r= 0.52, P < 0.05 respectivly) negative correlated with Cconv. (r= - 0.47, P<0.05), positive correlation was found between SN-Go Me and NMA, NboneL (r = 0.54, P < 0.05,) (r = 0.54, P<0.05). In skeletal class II a negative correlated between SPP  and NMA (r= -0.53, P<0.05) and positively correlated with SFC (r = 0.60 , P < 0.01) and negatively correlated between S.Go/ N.Me and DConv. (r = - 0.47, P<0.05).In skeletal class III a positively correlated between ANB and NLA (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) and positively correlated NS- SPP and NL (r = 0.57, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated between NS- SPP and NBA (r = - 0.46 , < 0.05). Conclusions: In long faces, the nose appears convex and increase in length with the nose tip inclined downward while in short or normal face the nose appears convex or straight with shorter nasal bone and a nasal tip inclined upward. The nasal tip moves with the anterior part of the maxilla.