Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is one of the pillars of an accurate orthodontic treatment plan. For the analysis to be of informative value it must be adoptable. The objective of this study is to compare the existing Caucasian cephalometric norms with the United Arab Emirates population cepahlometric measurements and to evaluate whether significant differences exist between the Emirati and Caucasian patients.
Method: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 39 selected Emirati patients aged between 22 – 30 years with esthetically pleasing and harmonious facial profile, Angle Class I molar relationship, upper and lower incisors within normal relation, all permanent teeth present and no history of trauma or orthodontic treatment, were analyzed using various parameters from Steiner, Ricketts, Hasund/Bergen and Holdaway analysis. The means and standard deviations were compared with the norms established by the above mentioned analysis.
Results: The results showed various significant differences between the selected UAE and Caucasian measurements. The obtained results suggested that the UAE population have a more retrognathic face and a higher Mand. P-SN angle than the Caucasians. The lips seemed to be more retrusive than in the Caucasians and the naso-labial angle more obtuse.
Conclusions: The findings of this study emphasize the need to establish cephalometric norms specific to the UAE population.