Cephalometric norms for the Saudi children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a research report

A total of 62 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Saudis (33 females and 29 males; aged 9–12 years) having good facial proportions and Class I dental occlusion, were traced and analyzed. Using the t-test, the mean value, standard deviation and the range of 20 angular and linear variables were calculated and compared to norms of adult Saudis living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia using the t-test. Male and female groups were also compared using the t- test.Saudi children tend to have a significantly shorter and lower face height, a larger angle of convexity, and more proclined and protruded incisors when compared with adult Saudis (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between male and female groups.Saudi children have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference in the orthodontic treatment of young Saudi patients.In orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, a cephalometric radiograph is an essential tool to relate patients with different malocclusions to their associated norms. Previous studies have established cephalometric norms for children in different countries who are descendants of special racial backgrounds [1-9]. Saudis were found to have distinct craniofacial features as compared with European-Americans [6-9]. Unfortunately, all the previously mentioned studies were performed in the central region of Saudi Arabia and there was only one study conducted in the western region, in which cephalometric norms were established for Saudi adults and then represented graphically on a wiggle to count for the variability of the readings among the Saudi population [9]. Results showed that Saudis, in general, have an increased ANB angle and bimaxillary protrusion when compared with European-American norms. It was concluded that the established norms should be used as a reference in the orthodontic treatment of Saudi adults. In addition, cephalometric norms should be presented on a polygon to count for the high