Wits Analysis

Wits Analysis (1975) The Wits appraisal is a measure of the extent to which the maxillae and mandible
are related to each other in the anterioposterior (saggital) plane. Wits analysis is used in the cases
where the ANB Angle is considered not so reliable due to factors such as position of nasion and
rotation of the jaws. A functional occlusal plane is drawn through the overlapping cusps of first
premolars and molars. Prependiculars are drawn to the occlusal plane from points A and B. The points
of contact of these prependiculars on the occlusal plane is termed AO & BO. The distance between
points AO and BO gives the anteroposterior relation between the two jaws.

In case of males BO is ahead of AO by 1mm while in case of females AO & BO coincide. In case of
skeletal class II pattern BO is usually behind AO while in case of skeletal class III pattern BO is located
ahead of AO.

Wits analysis; Considerations & Limitations • The Wits analysis in contrast to the Harvold analysis, is
influenced by the teeth both horizontally and vertically. Horizontally because points A and B are
somewhat influenced by the dentition and Vertically because the occlusal plane is determined by the
vertical position of the teeth. • It is important for Wits analysis that the functional occlusal plane,
drawn along the maximum intercuspation of the posterior teeth, be used rather than an occlusal
plane influenced by the vertical position of the incisors. • Even so, this approach fails to distinguish
skeletal discrepancies from problems caused by displacement of the dentition or specify which jaw is
at fault if there is a skeletal problem. If the Wits analysis is used, these limitations must be kept in
mind. The Wits analysis takes into account the horizontal and vertical relationship of the jaws, but is
still flawed due to fact that it is influenced by the dentition and therefore skews analysis from
indicating the true skeletal discrepancies between the jaws.

Wits Analysis used in dual plane skeletal Cephalometric analysis

The Wits Analysis is used to establish the apical base relationship between the maxillary and the
mandibular arches as measured along the Jacobson occlusal plane. The Wits measurement is
established by drawing a line from A point and B point, that proceeds perpendicular to the Jacobson
occlusal plane. If the B point line intersects the occlusal plane posterior to the A point line the Wits
measurement is postive. If the B point line intersects the occlusal plane anterior to the A point line
the Wits measurement is negative. The millimeter distance between the lines is the Wits
measurement. Zero to plus one millimeter Wits is considered ideal. A Wits of minus 2 to plus 2
millimeters is considered as apical base class I. Over plus two, Wits is considered as apical base class II.
Less than minus two, Wits is considered as apical base class III. Since the vertical overbite is not
arbitrarily bisected as with the Downs occlusal plane, a more accurate evaluation as to the cause of
the abnormal overbite can be established. ( Note: If the first bicuspid is not present, use the first
primary molar). The Wits lets you know if the case can be finished utilizing the predetermined angles
of the pre-adjusted appliance or if it is necessary to modify these angles through the utilization of the
vertical slot or if the discrepancy is so great that surgery is necessary. If the SN - Mp angle is low to
average and the Wits is as much as a negative 4 millimeters, surgery might be indicated. However, if
the SN - Mp angle is high and the Wits measurement is as much as a negative four millimeters, surgery
might be contraindicated since more than likely the patient will already have a straight profile.