Background: Anthropometry involves the systematic measurement of living individuals and plays an important role in various fields, including forensics, genetics, and dentistry. In pediatric dentistry, assessment of facial proportions aids in understanding craniofacial growth patterns during early childhood. Variations in facial morphology may influence the development of occlusal relationships in the primary dentition, making early evaluation clinically relevant. Aim: To assess the association between morphological facial shape and Baume’s molar relation in children aged 3–6 years. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional, observational, institution-based study. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 children (46 boys and 54 girls) aged between 3 and 6 years were selected using simple random sampling from an institutional outpatient population. Morphological facial height and facial width were measured using a digital vernier caliper following a standardized protocol. The facial index was calculated, and facial morphology was categorized according to Banister’s classification. Baume’s molar relation was clinically assessed using a mouth mirror. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Normality of data distribution was evaluated using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Associations between facial shape and molar relation were assessed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A statistically significant association was observed between facial shape and Baume’s molar relation (χ 2 = 51.841; df = 8; P < 0.001). Mesial step molar relation showed a significant association with the europroscopic facial type ( P < 0.05), while the flush terminal plane demonstrated a significant association with the hyperleptoprosopic facial type ( P < 0.05). Hypereuroproscopic facial shape (37%) and mesial step molar relation (47%) were the most frequently observed patterns. Conclusion: A significant association was found between facial index and Baume’s molar relation in preschool children.
Pursnani et al. (Thu,) studied this question.