Mixed dentition space analysis in a Sudanese population

Comparison of measured and predicted mesiodistal tooth-widths of 13-17 years old Kenyans: a descriptive cross-sectional study to develop a new prediction equation for use in the mixed dentition in a Kenyan population

BACKGROUND

The Tanaka and Johnson equation is commonly used in mixed dentition analysis. However, the analysis is based on  a Caucasian population making clinical decisions challenging when used in different ethnic groups. This study developed a prediction equation based on a Kenyan population.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study done in 68 13-17 years old Kenyans of African descent in two boarding secondary schools. Alginate impressions were taken, study models obtained, and mesiodistal tooth-widths measured on upper and lower study models from the first molar to the contralateral first molar. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and independent t-tests were conducted and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients calculated (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean age was 13.78 years (SD ± 0.70), females were 59%. The mesiodistal tooth-widths of the permanent canines and premolars were different between males and females (p ˂ 0.1). The Tanaka and Johnston equation significantly under-estimated the mesiodistal tooth-widths of the permanent canines and premolars (p ˂ 0.05). The addition of lower first permanent molars to the permanent lower incisors provided higher correlation coefficients than the Tanaka Johnston equation.

CONCLUSIONS

A new equation that includes the permanent lower incisors and first permanent molars as predictor teeth seems to be more suitable for mixed dentition analysis for this Kenyan population. A larger study is needed to validate these findings.

New regression equations for mixed dentition space analysis in Nepalese mongoloids

BACKGROUND

Mixed dentition space analysis methods using regression equations, namely, Moyers' analysis and Tanaka-Johnston analysis are commonly used around the world. However, the applicability of these analyses among different racial groups have been questioned. The primary objective of this study was to assess the applicability of the Moyers' and Tanaka-Johnston analyses among Nepalese Mongoloids and to develop regression equations for the same population if needed.

METHODS

One hundred (50 males and 50 females) pre-treatment study models of the Nepalese Mongoloid patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were retrieved from the archives of the department of Orthodontics. The mesiodistal widths of mandibular incisors and widths of canines and premolars of all 4 quadrants were measured by a single investigator using a digital caliper to the nearest 0.01 mm. Predicted widths of canines and premolars were obtained using standard Moyers' and Tanaka-Johnston analyses and then compared with the measured widths.

RESULTS

The measured widths of canines and premolars were significantly different from the predicted widths obtained from Moyers' and Tanaka-Johnston analyses. Strong and positive correlations were found between the sum of mesiodistal widths of mandibular incisors and the sum of mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars in males (0.73 for maxillary arch and 0.68 for mandibular arch) and females (0.64 for maxillary arch and 0.79 for mandibular arch).

CONCLUSIONS

The Moyers' and Tanaka-Johnston analyses did not accurately predict the mesiodistal width of unerupted canines and premolars for Nepalese Mongoloid population. Hence, new regression equations have been developed for this population. However, validation studies should be conducted to confirm the applicability and accuracy of these equations.

Mixed dentition space analysis among Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris

BACKGROUND

Mixed dentition space analysis forms an important part of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Regression equations are widely used for mixed dentition analysis which can vary among races. This study aimed to find out the new regression equation in estimating the size of unerupted canines and premolars for Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris.

METHODS

Hundred Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris (50 males and 50 females) who met our criteria were selected among the patients attending to the Orthodontic Out-Patient Department, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu. The mesiodistal widths of all mandibular permanent incisors; maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars were measured and analyzed. The results were also compared with predicted values from the Moyers and the Tanaka and Johnston methods. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed between the predicted and actual tooth sizes for Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris and standard regression equations were developed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed when the sum of canine and premolars of one quadrant is compared between sides and sex. Significant and high positive correlations were found between the mandibular incisors and the combined mesiodistal widths of the canines and premolars for the maxillary (r = 0.72) and mandibular (r = 0.73) segments. Significant differences were observed between the measured values from this study and from Moyers (50 % and 75 % probability) and Tanaka-Johnston methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The equations and charts commonly used for North American children (50(th) or 75(th) percentile) did not accurately predict for our sample, so new regression equations and tables were developed for Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris children.