Computerized cephalometric study of facial profiles

Objectives: The present work aimed to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in male and female group samples, and also to compare the averages measured with the value-standard suggested by Riccketts, McNamara and Steiner computerized cephalometrics analysis. Methods: Radiocef 2000® was the software applied. A composed sample of 40 lateral radiographs of the brazilian white individuals, carriers of pleasent profile, of both the gender were used. All the indivudual live in Passo Fundo, a city of the extreme south of Brazil.The average age was 22,5 years. The results were submitted to Student's “t” test for independent samples. Results: The analysis of the sexual dimorphism presented dimensions significantly greater in male compared to female subjects, except the occlusal plane/SN line, expressing the inclination of teeth in relation of the base of the skull. For the studied samples, a protrusion of the maxillary and mandibular bases in both sexes was observed. The male group demonstrated greater inclination of the occlusal plane, lesser face heigh and a brachycepahlic face, when compared to the female group and the reference values of the Ricketts and Steiner's cepahlometric Analysis. The dental standart found was protrusive in both maxilar and mandibular bones. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that is necessary a differentiation for sorts when the cephalometric analysis are used in clinical paractice, aiming a correct diagnosis and treatment for the patient.