INTRODUCTION: The position of the maxilla in the skull is subject of investigation by many authors. Transmitting their ideas trough linear and angular measurements, they defined what is considered as "ideal", "normal" and "acceptable" or "unacceptable" position of the maxilla, relating it in most of the time with the cranial base. By the study of subjects with considered "normal" occlusion and good facial balance, it was calculated mean values and standard deviations of some measurements, which were considered as parameters to evaluate all kinds of malocclusions. AIM: Considering the divergences found in the literature, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the vertical and horizontal position of the maxilla and its inclination, in 94 subjects with normal occlusion and good facial balance. METHODS: Considering this, it was determined some correlations between measurements of the own subjects: OPI-N with OPI-ENA and N-ENA with ENA-ENP. CONCLUSIONS: By the strong index of correlation found between these measurements, it was concluded that OPI-N can be take as a reference to establishment of OPI-ENA. In addition, ENA-ENP can be considered a reference to the distance N-ENA, so it is possible to determine respectively the position of the maxilla on the horizontal and vertical planes. The inclination of the maxilla, defined by the angle OPI.ENA.ENP, showed a mean value statistically very close of 0º (zero), indicating a strong tendency of the posterior extension of the palatal plane (ENA-ENP) to touch the most posterior and inferior region of the occipital bone (OPI point). This was considered an important characteristic of subjects with normal occlusion and good facial balance.
Individualization; Maxilla; Normal occlusion; Cephalometrics
