Three Dimensional Evaluation Of Buccolingual Molar Inclination In Untreated Skeletal Class I Subjects With Different Vertical Patterns In The South Indian Population ; A Cbct Based Cross Sectional Study

Background: Buccolingual inclination of posterior teeth is crucial for occlusal stability and periodontal health. The influence of vertical facial pattern on molar inclination remains inconsistent. Aim: To evaluate and compare the buccolingual inclination of maxillary and mandibular first molars among untreated skeletal Class I subjects with different vertical facial patterns using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 individuals of age 18-30 years from June 2022 to June 2025 in a tertiary hospital, Chengalpattu, India. Subjects were equally categorized into low-, average- and high- angle groups based on GoGn-SN angle.  CBCT images were standardized using Frankfort Horizontal Plane. Buccolingual inclination of maxillary and mandibular first molars was measured on coronal sections relative to the FH plane. One-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc test was performed for intergroup comparison. Pearson’s correlation analysis assessed the relationship between molar inclination and skeletal parameters. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences in buccolingual inclination for all first molars were observed among the vertical facial pattern groups (p < 0.001) with high angle- group demonstrated the greatest inclination values in maxillary right first molar (F = 50.17). A strong positive correlation was observed between SN-MP angle and maxillary molar inclination (r = 0.769- 0.795; p < 0.001). Conclusion: High angle individuals exhibit increased buccal inclination of maxillary molars lingual inclination of mandibular molars. Incorporation of vertical skeletal assessment during torque planning may improve treatment precision and minimize periodontal risks.