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 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

CHIN-CERVICAL DISTANCE AND ORTHODONTIC FORECAST FOR 

CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 12 IN MAHAJANGA MADAGASCAR 

Autors: Rakotoson M1*, Randrianandraina PM2, Rajaonarison LF3, Rasoanirina MO1, 

Andriniaina FA1, Ratsirarisoa T1, Andrinjakarivony NN1, Rakotoharinivo HZM1, 

Randrianarimanarivo HM1 

1Department of Dento-Facial Orthopedics, Institute of Tropical Odonto-Stomatology of 

Madagascar, University of Mahajanga, Madagascar 

2Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), University Hospital Professor ZAFISAONA 

Gabriel, Androva, Mahajanga 

3Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), University Hospital Andohatapenaka 

Antananarivo 

 

*Correspondig author: RAKOTOSON Mariette  

Department of Dento-Facial Orthopedics, Institute of Tropical Odonto-Stomatology of 

Madagascar, University of Mahajanga, Madagascar 

 

Abstract 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Cervico-chin distance is used to assess the length and position of the mandible. 

Skeletal disorders are aesthetically and functionally detrimental to patients. The 

objectives were to describe and predict patients' cervicomandibular distance. A 

cross-sectional descriptive study of 45 children aged 6 to 12 years was carried out 

without distinction of gender, in the city of Mahajanga, from March to December 

2018. Cervico-chin distance measurement was obtained by the equivalent width of 

three finger crossings. Among the 45 patients, we observed that cervico-facial 

distance was normal in 24.4%; decreased for the 40% and increased in the 35.5% of 

patients. Dento-skeletal and functional disorders were significant. 

Key words: Cervical, Chin, Orthodontics. 

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IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING  

 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

INTRODUCTION 

The profile examination of a subject studies the sagittal development and vertical 

balance of the face. The cervico-chin distance is used to assess the length and position of the 

mandible. It must be in harmony with the face. It also plays an important role in the aesthetic 

balance of the profile [1]. 

Maxillo-mandibular disorders are aesthetically prejudicial in the form of skeletal and 

functional deformity, such as upper airway obstruction, for a patient with a life-threatening 

prognosis, hence the interest of our present study [2]. 

In Africa in 2004, 15.5% of the population were in class II and 8% in class III [1]. 

The objectives were to describe and predict orthodontically the cervico-chin distance 

of patients.  

METHODOLOGY 

 

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out at the Centre de Soins et de Traitements 

Dentaires (CSTD) at the Institut d'Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale de Madagascar (IOSTM).  

The study period spanned 10 months (March - December) in 2018.  

We included: Children aged 6 to 12 years , who came for consultation for aesthetic or 

functional concerns , with no orthodontic history. 

Subjects with incomplete data were excluded. 

The sample size was 45 children. 

Cervical-chin distance was measured as the width equivalent to three crossbars of the patient's 

fingers (index, middle and ring fingers) horizontally under the mandible. A forward chin 

defines an increased chin-cervical distance, and a backward chin defines a decreased chin-

cervical distance.  

The data collected was entered and analyzed on computer using Excel 2013 software. 

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IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING  

 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

RESULTS 

Table 1: Distribution of children by age 

Age Number (N) Frequency (%) 

Under 9 years 28 62,2 

10 years and over 17 37,8 

Total 45 100,0 

 

Table 2: Distribution of children by gender 

Gender Number (N) Frequency (%) 

Masculine 24 53,3 

Feminine 21 46,7 

Total 45 100,0 

 

Table 3: Distribution of children by chin-cervical distance 

Chin-cervical distance Number (N) Frequency (%) 

Normal 11 24,4 

Decreased 18 40,0 

Increased 16 35,5 

Total 45 100,0 

 

 

 

 

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IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING  

 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

 

DISCUSSION 

 

In orthodontics, infantile and juvenile ages are potential periods for dento-maxillo-

facial growth. The high number of males in this age group indicates a maternal approach to 

the care of these children [2]. 

Normal chin-cervical distance implies overall harmony, and overall aesthetics are 

appreciated, confirming the typological norm for normo-frontal subjects [3]. 

 

Figure 1: 11-year-old patient with normal cervical-chin distance (Source: Rakotoson M, 2018). 

In the sagittal direction, photographs in cis-frontal profile at chin level, as well as an increased 

convexity angle and a decreased cervico-chin distance, are consistent with the high frequency 

of skeletal Class II diagnosis [4]. 

We can therefore conclude that there is a significant sagittal imbalance of the maxillary and 

mandibular bases of Class II origin, either mandibular or maxillary, depending on the case [3]. 

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IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING  

 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

 

Figure 2 : 11-year-old patient with diminished cervical-chin distance (Source : Rakotoson M, 2018) 

 

Figures 3-4-5 : Endo-buccal photographs of an 11-year-old patient with diminished chin-cervical 

distance (Source : Rakotoson M, 2018) 

The normal convexity of the profile in young children diminishes with growth. Its increase indicates a 

Class II shift, while its disappearance or the concavity of the profile indicates a Class III [1]. 

 

Figure 6 : 9-year-old patient with increased chin-cervical distance (Source : Rakotoson M, 2018) 

 

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IJO - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NURSING  

 ( ISSN: 2814-2098 )                                                                                   RAKOTOSON Mariette ¹* 

https://ijojournals.com/                                                     Volume 07 || Issue 02 || February, 2024 || 

 

 
 

 

Figures 7-8 : Endo-buccal photographs of a 9-year-old patient with increased chin-cervical distance 

(Source : Rakotoson M, 2018) 

The shape of the subchin-chin profile and the shape of the lips depend on the balance between 

protrusions and depressions. The prominence of the lips is analyzed in relation to the nose and chin, 

which they must balance: the more prominent they are, the more protruding the lips should be [1].

CONCLUSION 

Our study population showed significant sagittal imbalance of the maxillary and 

mandibular bases. In terms of sagittal dysmorphoses, the majority of patients in this study had 

a decreased chin-cervical distance.  Orthodontic prediction is oriented towards a Class II 

syndrome from an aesthetic, skeletal, dental and functional point of view. This calls for early 

treatment of infants for prevention and dento-maxillo-facial interception.

REFERENCES 

1. Boileau MJ, Bazert C, Delbos Y, Rouas P. Therapeutic principles and methods. Diagnostic 

approach. Elsevier Masson. Tome 1. 2011 ; 4-7. 

2. Mascarelli L, Favot P, Boileau MJ, Duhart AM. The Resident's Manual, Dentofacial Orthopedics. 

EMC - Odontology/Dentofacial orthopedics. 2017 ; 8(4) :1-10. 

3. Deffrennes D, Hadjean E, Negrie RB. Nasal disharmony. Encycl Med Chir (Elsevier, Paris) Oto-

rhino-laryngologie. 1996 ; 37-92. 

4. Moulinier S. Study of facial and oral characteristics of patients with Rubinstein-Taybi 

syndrome. Surgery. 2014. Ffdumas-01071594ff. 

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