Interarch tooth size relationship of Indian population: does Bolton's analysis apply?

Evaluation of the anterior and overall tooth ratios in the Saudi population versus Bolton's standards

Understanding tooth-size discrepancy is essential in the process of diagnosis of maxillary and mandibular relationship. Due to the high incidence of tooth-size disproportion, Practitioners should consider the high incidence of tooth-size disproportion when planning treatment for their patients, as in many cases, this can be a hindrance to obtaining an ideal result. This study aimed to determine the anterior and overall tooth ratios in the Saudi population and compare them with Bolton's standards. A total of 356 patients were recruited. For the anterior ratio, around 25% of the patients had a ratio equal to Bolton's standards (77.2%). Most subjects (53.7%) had a ratio above 77.2%, and the remaining (20%) had a ratio below 77.2%. The mean amount of anterior mandibular excess was 2.17 ± 2.12 mm, and the mean amount of anterior maxillary excess was 2.16 ± 2.08 mm. For the overall ratio, less than half of the participants (43%) had a ratio equal to Bolton's standards (91.3%). Almost 34% had a ratio above 91.3%, while 23% of the participants had a ratio below 91.3%. The mean amount of overall mandibular excess was 2.54 ± 2.37 mm, and the mean amount of overall maxillary excess was 3.31 ± 3.33 mm. The majority of the study sample had an overall and anterior Bolton ratio that is different from the norms of Bolton's standards, with a tendency for increased overall and anterior ratios. Having specific standards for the Saudi population is important for better clinical assessment and treatment outcomes.

Assessing the accuracy of two posterior tooth-size discrepancy prediction methods based on virtual occlusal setups

OBJECTIVE

To assess accuracy of the Bolton and Johnson/Bailey (JB) analyses in identifying clinically significant posterior tooth-size discrepancies using virtually constructed occlusal setups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Virtual models and cone-beam computed tomography data sets from 30 patients were utilized to construct 60 (two per patient) virtual posterior occlusal setups. Observed discrepancies in cusp-embrasure relationships were compared to estimated posterior interarch tooth-size discrepancies (ITSDs) calculated via Bolton and JB posterior analyses. Clinical significance for discrepancies was established at >1 mm from ideal cusp-embrasure relationships in accordance with current American Board of Orthodontics methodology. Data within groups were normally distributed, thus comparisons were completed via paired t-tests. Paired nominal data were analyzed utilizing McNemar's test, and simple linear regression was used to model the relationship of predicted to observed discrepancies.

RESULTS

McNemar's test revealed significant differences (P ≤ .05) between the Bolton and JB groups' frequencies in matching the virtual setups correctly. JB predictions matched 100% (right) and 97% (left) setups; whereas, Bolton predictions matched only 23% (right and left) setups. A positive correlation was observed between JB predictions and cusp-embrasure discrepancies, demonstrating that average posterior discrepancy values increased 0.28 mm for every 1 mm predicted via the JB analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The JB analysis correctly characterized, but overestimated, the degree of posterior ITSDs corresponding to a clinically significant discrepancy in the virtual setups. Algebraically calculated posterior ITSDs based on the Overall and Anterior Bolton ratios were not accurate predictors of discrepancies observed in the virtual setups. Both Bolton and JB demonstrated weaknesses that limit precise identification of clinically significant ITSDs.