Measuring More Than Mass: BMI’s Influence on Dental and Skeletal Growth

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period for craniofacial development, influenced by genetic, hormonal, and systemic factors, including nutrition and metabolism. With the increasing prevalence of paediatric obesity, BMI has become a potential factor influencing skeletal growth. Existing research remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for integrated studies. Understanding these relationships could enhance diagnostic accuracy and support personalised orthodontic treatment planning. 

Aims & Objectives: This study explores the correlation between BMI, craniofacial growth patterns, and malocclusion, evaluating the association between BMI and craniofacial growth patterns in adolescents.

Materials and Methodology: Cross-sectional study involving 450 adolescents (12–17 years) assessed growth patterns through cephalometric analysis and BMI classification. Participants were screened for malocclusion using Angle’s classification. Standardised radiographs and anthropometric measures were utilised to examine relationships between growth patterns, BMI, and malocclusion type.

Results: In this study, most adolescents were of normal weight (64.4%), followed by those who were underweight (19.0%) and overweight/obese (16.6%). Growth pattern analysis showed no significant association in the underweight group (p = 0.827), while normal-weight adolescents exhibited a tendency towards a hyperdivergent pattern (p = 0.001). Overweight/obese individuals demonstrated a highly significant association (p < 0.001), all showing a hypodivergent growth pattern.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that BMI is closely associated with craniofacial growth patterns in adolescents, with normal-weight individuals more likely to display a hyperdivergent pattern and overweight/obese individuals consistently showing a hypodivergent pattern. In contrast, underweight status showed no clear link with growth pattern. These results indicate that body composition affects vertical skeletal relationships, emphasising the importance of considering BMI in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.