Ratio of the transversal dimensions of the dental arch to the index parameters: An experimental clinical study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malocclusion is increasing annually, which is accompanied by an increase in the number of orthodontic treatment visits. Qualitative diagnostics is the key to successful treatment and an important stage in the prevention of complications, such as recessions, root resorption, and ankylosis. AIM: To perform a comparative analysis of the indices for assessing the transversal parameters of the dentition for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The width of the combined incisor and the width of the premolars and molars were measured according to the method proposed by A. Pont. Then, the parameters obtained and calculated using the index was compared. All data were statistically processed. RESULTS: Diagnostic models of 200 patients who fit the criteria for inclusion in the study were used. The results revealed that the index values of the width for patients in our region did not match. Thus, the interpremolar distance was on average 1.5 mm less than that calculated by the index, and the intermolar distance was 1.25 mm less. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to identify new guidelines to increase the reliability of diagnostic measures.