Relationship between Body Mass Index Percentile and Skeletal Maturation and Dental Development in Orthodontic Patients

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) percentile and skeletal and dental maturity.;Methods: Orthodontic patients between 8 and 17 years of age were assessed using a retrospective chart review. Skeletal maturation was assessed using the Cervical Vertebral Method (CVM), dental age using the Demirjian method, and weight status using BMI percentile. Linear regression and logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of BMI percentile on dental age and CVM stage respectively.;Results: 540 subjects were included. CVM stage and dental age were more advanced in subjects with increased BMI percentile. For dental age the coefficient for BMI percentile was 0.005 years per 1 unit increase (p<0.001) and the odds ratio for BMI percentile's effect on CVM was 1.02 (p<0.001).;Conclusion: Orthodontists should consider weight status when evaluating the timing of growth modification treatment in growing patients.