Wits Appraisal of a Qatari Male Population: A Comparative Study. Part II

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis aims to determine skeletal and dental relationships. The ANB angle, initially suggested by Rediel and applied by Steiner. is the most used angle in establishing the anteroposterior relationship of the mandible to the maxilla. However, limitations to the accuracy of the ANB angle for this purpose have been reported. To avoid these potential sources of inaccuracy a diagnostic tool was introduced by Jenkins and later modified by Jacobson and became known as the “Wits appraisal”. Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the Wits appraisal value in a sample of Qatari males, a group which had not previously been studied in this context, and to compare the findings with those from racially and ethnically differing groups as reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 28 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Qatari males with an age range of 15 to 32 years, presenting with a well-balanced facial appearance and an acceptable profile. Results: The mean value of the Wits appraisal for Qatari males in the present study was 0.50 ± 2.96. This differed at a statistically significant level from the mean value in the Jacobson study with no gender significant difference noted. On the other hand, significant differences were found when compared with previous reports on different races. Conclusion: The Wits appraisal value for the Qatari male population studied was 0.5±2.96, a result which is significantly higher than that reported in Jacobson’s study. This study revealed that the Wits appraisal is not ethnicity or gender-specific, and therefore cannot be used to differentiate between different ethnic groups. However, it can find application as an alternative to the ANB angle in the treatment of borderline cases. The application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) will enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cases by yielding three-dimensional views.