Masseter Muscle Thickness and Craniofacial Skeletal Patterns

The masseter muscle thickness measurements were performed in B mode of ultrasound, midline between the zygomatic arch and mandibular plane, parallel to the mandibular plane and perpendicular to the mandibular ramus. Prior to the examination being performed in the resting position, the patient was instructed to make minimal contact between the lips without the teeth touching each other.The first USG image was recorded in this position. The patient was then requested to clench their teeth as firmly as possible, after which a second USG image was recorded from the same area. The thickness of the muscles was measured again on second recorded images. To ensure the reliability of the measurements, these procedures were repeated by the same researcher after the patients rested for five minutes.

Standard lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained from the patients.

Standard facial photographs were taken from a distance of 1.5 metres.

The Body Mass Index is calculated by measuring with a standardised scale and height chart.

The intermaxillary distance is measured from the cervical level of the palatal surfaces of the first permanent molars to their mesial corners using an electronic caliper.