Maxillary tooth transpositions: characteristic features and accompanying dental anomalies.

Transposition is a dental anomaly manifested by a positional interchange of 2 permanent teeth. The maxillary permanent canine usually transposes with the first premolar and occasionally with the lateral incisor. The records of 65 orthodontically treated individuals with maxillary tooth transpositions (40 females and 25 males) with an age range of 9 to 25 years (mean age, 13.4 years) were studied to determine the distribution of transposition and to evaluate the accompanying dental anomalies. Thirty-six individuals (55%) had a transposition of the maxillary canines and first premolars, 27 (42%) of the canines and lateral incisors, and 2 (3%) of the central and lateral incisors. Females had 60% more transpositions than did males. Substantially more transpositions were unilateral (88%), with a moderate left side dominance (58%). All dental anomalies associated with transposition--including missing lateral incisors and second premolars, undersized lateral incisors, retained deciduous canines, impaction of permanent canines and central incisors, and severely rotated adjacent teeth--were observed on the side of the transposition. This dominance of the affected side suggested that unknown local factors may play a major role in these dental anomalies.     

Clinical crown length and reduction in overjet, overbite, and dental height with orthodontic treatment

To evaluate the clinical crown length relative to fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment of excessive overjet and deep overbite and to correlate such changes to the vertical dental height, the following measurements were undertaken for 12 females and 8 males, between the ages of 16 and 20 years, on three separate occasions--2 days before banding, 2 days after debanding, and 12 months after debanding: (1) overjet, overbite and dental height measured from right lateral cephalometric x-ray films; (2) clinical crown length, measured from study models, of 400 teeth divided into four groups--maxillary incisors and canines (120 teeth), maxillary second premolars and first molars (80 teeth), mandibular incisors and canines (120 teeth) and mandibular second premolars and first molars (80 teeth); and (3) gingival condition by means of the gingival index of L?e and Silness. Fixed edgewise orthodontic appliances were used and the four first premolars were extracted. From the results of the investigation, the following conclusions were evident: after a 12-month follow-up observation period, the achieved reduction in overjet, overbite, and dental height showed relapses of 9%, 11%, and 29%, successively; only 7% of the 400 teeth examined showed reductions in clinical crown length. This change was probably the result of gingival hyperplasia. The gingival condition greatly improved by approximately 64% after 12 months of debanding, accompanied by 25% to 50% relapse in the amount of change in clinical crown length (noted 2 days after debanding); and the intrusive tooth movement during orthodontic correction of deep overbite was the result of vertical movement of the tooth, with its investing tissues and soft-tissue attachment, into the jaws.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

恒尖牙双尖牙近远中径预测方程

目的：为口腔正畸临床混合牙列间隙分析提供简捷,便利的诊断依据。方法：在模型上测量牙冠近远中径,对测量值进行直线回归与相关分析。结果：下切牙与尖牙,双尖牙近远中径存在直线相关关系。结论：建立了汉族人群上,下颌尖牙双尖牙近远中径观测方程。     

Three-dimensional inclination of the dental axes in healthy permanent dentitions--A cross-sectional study in a normal population

The 3-dimensional (3-D) inclination of the facial axis of the clinical crown (FACC) and the size of the clinical crowns were measured in 100 white northern Italians. The subjects consisted of 22 girls and 21 boys, ages 13-15 years (adolescents), and 31 women and 26 men, ages 16-26 years (adults), all with a complete permanent dentition and Class I dental relationships. The 3-D coordinates of dental landmarks were obtained with a computerized electromagnetic digitizer. Clinical crowns heights and FACC inclinations in the anatomical frontal and sagittal planes relative to 2 reference planes, maxillary and mandibular (between the incisive papilla and the intersection of the palatal/lingual sulci of the first permanent molars with the gingival margin), were calculated. Ages and sexes were compared by ANOVA. On average, the frontal plane FACCs of most teeth converged toward the midline plane of symmetry. In contrast, the incisors diverged from the midline plane or were nearly vertical. Within each quadrant, the inclinations of the postincisor teeth progressively increased. In the sagittal plane, most teeth had a nearly vertical FACC. FACC inclinations showed sex- and age-related differences (P < .05). In the frontal plane, the canines, premolars, and molars were more inclined in adolescents than in adults. In the sagittal plane, a large within-group variability was observed. Clinical crown height was significantly larger in males than in females in all maxillary and mandibular canines, premolars, second molars, maxillary central incisors, and first molars. With age, some degree of dental eruption was found in maxillary and mandibular canines, maxillary second premolars, and molars. The age-related decrease in FACC inclination may be the effect of a progressive buccal and mesial drift.     

Anatomic crown width/length ratios of unworn and worn maxillary teeth in white subjects

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dimensions of teeth have been available for a century. Some significant and clinically relevant aspects of dental esthetics, however, such as the crown width/length ratios, have not been presented in tooth morphology sources until recently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomic crowns of 4 tooth groups (central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, and first premolars) of the maxillary dentition with respect to width, length and width/length ratios and determine how these parameters are influenced by the incisal edge wear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized digital images of 146 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth from white subjects (44 central incisors, 41 lateral incisors, 38 canines, 23 first premolars) were used to measure the widest mesiodistal portion "W" (in millimeters) and the longest inciso-cervical/occluso-cervical distance "L" (in millimeters). The width/length ratio "R" (%) was calculated for each tooth. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of W, L, and R for the different groups ("unworn" and "worn" subgroups, except for premolars). Multiple least significant difference range tests (confidence level 95%) were then applied to determine which means differed statistically from others. RESULTS: There was no influence of the incisal wear on the average value of W (width) within the same tooth group. The widest crowns were those of central incisors (9.10 to 9.24 mm) > canines (7.90 to 8.06 mm) > lateral incisors (7.07 to 7.38 mm). Premolars (7.84 mm) had similar width as canines and worn lateral incisors. The L-value was logically influenced by incisal wear (worn teeth were shorter than unworn teeth) except for lateral incisors. The longest crowns were those of unworn central incisors (11.69 mm) > unworn canines (10.83 mm) and worn central incisors (10.67 mm) > worn canines (9.90), worn and unworn lateral incisors (9.34 to 9.55 mm), and premolars (9.33 mm). Width/length ratios also showed significant differences. The highest values were found for worn central incisors (87%) and premolars (84%). The latter were also similar to worn canines (81%), which constituted a homogeneous group with worn lateral incisors (79%) and unworn central incisors (78%). The lowest ratios were found for unworn canines and unworn lateral incisors (both showing 73%). CONCLUSIONS: Along with other specific and objective parameters related to dental esthetics, average values for W (mesiodistal crown dimension), L (inciso-cervical crown dimension), and R (width/length ratio) given in this study for white subjects may serve as guidelines for treatment planning in restorative dentistry and periodontal surgery.     

Tooth dimensions in hypodontia patients,their unaffected relatives and a control group measured by a new image analysis system

Tooth dimensions were compared between index patients with severe hypodontia (six or more congenitally missing teeth), their relatives with a full complement of teeth, and a control group. The groups consisted of 12 index cases (seven females and five males), 21 relatives without hypodontia (13 females and eight males), and a control group of 10 males and 10 females with complete dentitions, and no family history of hypodontia. All formed teeth were imaged buccally and occlusally from study models, with a digital camera linked to a computer. The images were acquired and measured using Adobe Photoshop and Image Pro Plus, respectively. Mesiodistal, buccolingual, or occlusogingival area and perimeter measurements were determined from each image. In the index hypodontia group tooth dimensions were significantly smaller (P < 0.001, Bonferroni corrected level) for maxillary and mandibular canines, and first premolars for all dimensions from the buccal view, and for maxillary and mandibular canines and first premolars, maxillary central incisors, maxillary first molars, mandibular lateral incisors, and mandibular second premolars for all dimensions from the occlusal view. In the relatives without hypodontia compared with the control group, mesiodistal dimensions from the buccal view were significantly smaller (P < 0.001) for the central incisors and maxillary first and second premolars, and for the maxillary and mandibular first premolars for all dimensions from the occlusal view. There was a trend for the tooth dimensions of all teeth in the index group to be smaller compared with the control group. The tooth dimensions of the relatives without hypodontia also tended to be smaller than the control group, but were larger than those of the index cases.     

Developmental stages of permanent canines,premolars, and 2nd molars in 244 Danish children

Objective. The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for maturity of permanent canines, premolars, and permanent 2nd molars in Danish children, and to focus on differences between the right and left sides, males and females, and the maxilla and mandible. Material and Methods. Panoramic radiographs from 106 males (8–14 years) and 137 females (7 years 2 months to 13 years 8 months) were analyzed, along with the maturity of the canines, premolars, and 2nd molars in each radiograph. Each tooth was categorized according to Haavikko's crown and root morphology. Inter-observer reliability was performed. For statistical analysis, Bowker's test was used for symmetry evaluation and comparison of maturity in the maxilla and mandible. The association between stage and age was presented by cumulative distributions. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for evaluating differences between genders. Results. Differences in maturity between the left and right sides were non-significant. A significant difference in dental maturity was observed between males and females, except for the maxillary 2nd premolar. Females matured earlier than males. The mandibular canines matured significantly earlier than the maxillary canines in females. No significant differences between the jaws were observed in the maturation of the premolars and 2nd molars. Conclusion. These reference values for dental maturity can be useful in orthodontic treatment planning and as a reference for odontological forensic age determination.     

微种植体支抗钉结合改良滑动杆近中移动 上颌前磨牙的临床应用

目的 探讨微种植体支抗钉结合改良滑动杆近中移动上颌前磨牙关闭缺牙间隙的可行性及有效性。方法 选取上颌侧切牙或尖牙缺失的患者5例（男2例,女3例）,年龄14~25岁。缺失侧磨牙关系均为安氏Ⅱ类。在上颌第二前磨牙及第一磨牙间植入微种植体支抗钉,结合改良滑动杆近中移动前磨牙。前磨牙移动到位后更换支抗钉位置,利用支抗钉拉磨牙近中移动,关闭剩余间隙。前磨牙移动疗程6~10个月。通过矫治前后石膏模型测量前磨牙近中移动有效性。结果 5例患者均得到有效治疗,上颌前磨牙及磨牙近中移动,缺牙间隙关闭,缺牙侧磨牙关系完全远中,治疗效果均令人满意。上颌前磨牙近中平均移动4.1 mm,平均移动速度0.96 mm/月。结论 对于上颌侧切牙或尖牙缺失的患者,微种植体支抗钉结合改良滑动杆可简单高效实现前磨牙近中移动,并最终关闭缺牙间隙,临床上可作为一种备选治疗方案。     

The effects of the Le Fort I osteotomy on the periodontium.

Two age-matched populations of equal size (n = 40), one having orthodontic therapy and the other combined orthodontic therapy and orthognathic surgery, were evaluated for their periodontal status 1 to 10 years posttherapy. The parameters investigated were plaque index, gingival index, tooth mobility, width of keratinized tissue, probing depth, gingival recession, and attachment level. No significant differences were found (P less than .05). Within the surgery group, patients with maxillary osteotomies segmentalized between the central incisors (n = 11) and between the canines and second premolars (n = 12) were evaluated using the same parameters and compared with their nonsegmental counterparts. No significant differences were found for patients with osteotomies segmentalized between the central incisors. However, a statistically significant increase in probe depth and loss of attachment level of up to 0.3 mm was found at the sites of osteotomies segmentalized between the canine and second premolar (P less than .05). This difference was not considered clinically significant.     

Gender Differences in the Amount of Gingival Display During Smiling Using Two Intraoral Dental Biometric Measurements

Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare gender differences in the width and length of the maxillary right central incisor and the horizontal and vertical overlap of the anterior teeth and to determine the relationships of these two intraoral dental biometric measurements with the amount of gingival display during smiling. Materials and Methods: A total of 61 men and 66 women were included in this study. For each participant, the gingival tissue display during smiling was judged to be either visible or not, and the maximum mesiodistal and incisogingival dimensions of the maxillary right central incisor were measured, along with the amount of horizontal and vertical overlap of anterior teeth using a digital caliper. Gender differences in these parameters and the relationship between subjects showing gingival display when smiling and the two intraoral dental biometric measurements were determined. Statistical analyses of data were performed using SPSS (V11) software. The mean scores for gender were calculated, and a Student's t‐test was used to identify significant differences between both groups. Significance level was set to 0.05. Results: The age of the participants ranged between 23 and 52, with a mean of 33.47 ± 9.07 years. A relatively small percentage of the subjects (22.05%) displayed gingiva when smiling. More women displayed gingiva when smiling than men, with a 2:1 female:male ratio. Men exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) wider (8.76 ± 0.66 mm) and longer (10.28 ± 0.88 mm) central incisors compared to women (7.92 ± 0.72 mm; 9.27 ± 0.93 mm width and length, respectively). No gender differences were found in the width‐to‐length ratio. Subjects with gingival display had significantly more horizontal (4.28 ± 1.21 mm; p < 0.001), and vertical (3.52 ± 0.66 mm; p < 0.05) overlap of anterior teeth compared to those who did not display gingiva when smiling (2.40 ± 1.03 and 2.30 ± 0.93 mm, respectively). Conclusions: Significantly more women displayed gingiva in smiling. Men had significantly wider and longer central incisors. No differences were recorded between men and women relative to both the horizontal and vertical anterior tooth overlap. Subjects who displayed gingiva when smiling had more horizontal and vertical overlap of anterior teeth.     

Tooth anomalies associated with failure of eruption of first and second permanent molars

The occurrence of tooth anomalies in association with failure of the first and second molars to erupt was assessed in a sample of 1520 nonsyndromic subjects with uncrowded dental arches (mean age, 14 years 4 months) and compared with the prevalence rate calculated in a matched control group of 1000 subjects. The tooth anomalies examined included infraocclusion of deciduous molars, palatal displacement of maxillary canines, rotation of maxillary lateral incisors, aplasia of second premolars, and small size of maxillary lateral incisors. Associations among arrested eruption of first and second permanent molars and anomalies in tooth eruption and position (infraoccluded deciduous molars, palatally displaced canines, rotated maxillary lateral incisors) were highly significant (P <. 001). No significant association was found among the occurrence of molar eruption disturbances, aplasia of premolars, and small-sized laterals. These findings point to a common biologic cause for the appearance of failure of eruption of molar teeth and other disturbances in tooth eruption and position, most likely under genetic influence.     

Mixed dentition space analysis in a Jordanian population: comparison of two methods

AIMS: To test the reliability of the Moyers charts and the Tanaka and Johnston equations in Jordanians and to derive coefficients of correlation between the combined mesiodistal widths of the four permanent mandibular incisors and the combined widths of the canine and premolars of the maxillary and mandibular quadrants. METHODS: The dental models of the dentition of 130 male and 96 female Jordanian subjects (age range is 14-16 years) with complete permanent dentition were randomly selected. The mesiodistal width of the four permanent mandibular incisors, maxillary and mandibular canines, and premolar teeth were measured using a vernier gauge caliper to the nearest 0.1 mm. The actual teeth measurements were then compared with the predicted values derived from the Tanaka and Johnston equations and Moyers probability tables. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed between the predicted and actual tooth size for Jordanian children and standard regression equations were developed. RESULTS: Except for the maxillary arch in male subjects, Tanaka and Johnston regression equations underestimated the mesiodistal widths of permanent canines and premolars. On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between actual mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars and the predicted widths from Moyers charts at the 65% and 75% level for the lower and upper arches in male subjects and at the 85% level for the upper and lower arches in female subjects. For the newly developed regression equations, the correlation coefficients between the sum of the mandibular four incisors and the sum of the canine and premolars were 0.60 (for lower) and 0.51 (for upper) in male subjects and 0.59 and 0.64, respectively, in female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Tanaka and Johnston prediction method was not accurate when applied to a Jordanian population. (2) Moyers method for prediction can be used for Jordanian children at different probability levels for male and female subjects.     

Autotransplantation of premolars to replace maxillary incisors: a comparison with natural incisors.

The published literature contains no comprehensive studies that compare the outcome of premolar autotransplantation to the maxillary anterior region with natural incisors in the same patients. This article describes the gingival and periodontal conditions around premolars transplanted to the maxillary incisor region, subsequent to restoration. Forty-five premolars autotransplanted to the maxillary incisor region in 40 adolescent patients were evaluated after a mean observation period of 4.0 years. Mean age at surgery was 11.0 years. Established clinical criteria were used to assess tooth mobility, plaque and gingival indexes, probing pocket depth, and percussion. Recession and hyperplasia of interproximal gingival papillae were assessed according to a recently proposed index. Standardized radiography was used to evaluate presence of pathosis, pulp obliteration, root length, and crown-root ratios. Clinical variables for transplants did not differ from those of the natural incisors, except for increased mobility and more plaque in a few transplanted premolars. The interproximal gingival papillae adjacent to all transplanted teeth were normal or slightly hyperplastic. Radiographically, all transplants showed varying degrees of pulp obliteration, but no signs of pathosis. Crown-root ratios were similar for natural and transplanted teeth as were distances from cementoenamel junction to marginal bone. The overall status of the transplanted premolars and surrounding tissues indicated that this treatment modality may be recommended when maxillary incisors are missing in adolescents. In addition, tooth transplantation represents an inherent potential for bone induction and reestablishment of a normal alveolar process.     

A cone-beam computed tomography study of root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish population

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal number and configuration of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth by gender, intervals for decades, tooth position and unilateral or bilateral occurrence in a Turkish population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT) scanning. Methodology. CBCT images of 5496 maxillary and mandibular premolars from 849 patients were evaluated. The following was evaluated in all the images: numbers of roots and root canals, the morphology of the root canal configuration according to the Vertucci classification, male–female differences in the tooth position and male–female differences in unilateral or bilateral occurrence. The reliability data were analyzed with a chi-square test. Results. The most prevalent root canal frequency was the two canals (86.2%) and type IV (76.9%) configuration for maxillary first premolar, one canal (59.7%) and type I (54.5%) canal configuration for second premolar. The incidence of one canal was higher in females and the occurrence of two or three canals was more common in males. The incidence of one canal was higher on the left side of maxillary premolars and the incidence of two canals was higher on the right side. Most mandibular first (93.5%) and second (98.5%) premolars had one canal. In general, females had one root canal of the mandibular premolar, whereas males had two or three canals. The type I configuration was most common and the incidence was higher on the right side. There were some differences found in the frequency distribution of the number of root canals and configuration of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth according to intervals for decades. Conclusion. CBCT scanning provides comprehensive information about the root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth. These data may help clinicians in root canal treatment of premolar teeth.     

Relationship between the maxillary transverse dimension and palatally displaced canines: A cone-beam computed tomographic study

Objectives:To examine the relationship between palatally displaced maxillary canines (PDC) and the maxillary transverse dimension using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:Thirty-three patients (11 males and 22 females, mean age 18.2 years) with PDC were matched to 66 patients (22 males and 44 females, mean age 18.1 years) without PDC (control) by gender, age, and posterior occlusion. A CBCT image was taken on all the patients prior to any orthodontic treatment. For each patient the maxillary basal bone widths and interdental widths at the maxillary first molars and first and second premolars were measured on axial and coronal sections of CBCT images. In addition, the presence of permanent tooth agenesis and the widths of maxillary incisors were recorded.Results:Similar maxillary transverse dimensions, both skeletally and dentally, were found between the PDC and control groups. In the PDC group, the number of patients with permanent tooth agenesis was six times higher than in the control group. In addition, the maxillary lateral incisors on PDC-affected sides were smaller than those of control group (P < .05).Conclusions:The maxillary transverse dimension, both skeletally and dentally, had no effect on the occurrence of PDC. The higher prevalence of permanent tooth agenesis was found in the PDC group. Moreover, the mean mesiodistal width of maxillary lateral incisors in the PDC group was significantly smaller than in the control group (P < .05).     

Assessment of the "golden proportion" in agreeable smiles.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the "golden proportion" in individuals presenting agreeable smiles. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Two hundred sixty university students aged 18 to 30 years of age (130 subjects of each gender) with maxillary incisors, canines, and premolars presenting anatomic integrity were evaluated. Agreeable smiles were considered to be those displaying at least second premolars; revealing no gingival recession in the smile area; having interdental papillae that filled all interdental spaces and were not hyperplastic; showing less than 3 mm of the maxillary gingiva; displaying the line of the lower lip parallel to the incisal line of the maxillary teeth and also to an imaginary line linking the contact points of these teeth; and, finally, presenting symmetry upon examination. Twenty-one individuals of this sample who presented this kind of smile (11 female and 10 male subjects) had their maxillary incisors, canines, and premolars of the same hemiarch measured in the cervicoincisal and mesiodistal directions using a periodontal probe, a digital Boley gauge, and digitalized analysis. Data were submitted to statistical analysis for comparison of adjacent teeth considering 1.618 (golden proportion) as a reference, with a statistical significance of P < .05. RESULTS: Of the agreeable smiles evaluated, 7.1% exhibited the golden proportion. CONCLUSION: The golden proportion was not often found in adjacent teeth shown in smiles in the sample studied.     

Gingival recession in tooth types in high fluoride and low fluoride areas

The prevalence of gingival recession in individual teeth in 1,884 dentate adults, aged 15–65 years, continuously resident in the natural fluoride area of Hartlepool (1·5–2·0 ppm F) was compared with that found in 2,015 dentate adults from the low fluoride town of York (0.15–0.28 ppm F). In each tooth type, gingival recession increased steadily with age. A distinctive pattern of gingival recession was observed in each community. Mandibular incisors showed the highest prevalence of gingival recession, followed by maxillary first molars, mandibular first molars, premolars, maxillary second molars, mandibular second molars and canines. Maxillary incisors showed the lowest prevalence of gingival recession. There was an extremely high correlation between Hartlepool and York data, for each group of teeth. It was therefore concluded that fluoride in drinking water, at least up to 2 ppm F, has no effect on the pattern of gingival recession in adults.     

Gingival phenotypes in young male adults

Abstract In a previous study on 42 young adult, periodontally healthy subjects without any attrition, abrasion or crown restoration, gingival thickness (GTH) was determined at facial aspects of premolars, canines and incisors by a novel ultrasonic device. GTH strongly depended on periodontal probing depth, width of gingiva (WG), and tooth type. Whereas the ratio of crown width to its length (CW/CL) was not identified as an explanatory variable, a significant influence of the subject was ascertained. The aim of the present study was to extend these analyses in order to identify subjects with different morphological characteristics of gingiva, i.e., gingival phenotypes. When employing cluster analysis on standardized parameters mean GTH, WG and CW/CL of upper canines, lateral and central incisors, 3 clusters were identified. Cluster A comprised 2/3 of subjects, displaying “normal” GTH, WG and CW/CL. Cluster B (n=9, 21%) had a significantly thicker and wider gingiva, and a more quadratic form of upper front teeth. A 3rd cluster (cluster C, n=5, 12%) was identified showing “normal” GTH, high CW/CL, but a narrow zone of keratinized tissue. Some characteristics of gingival phenotype of the upper front tooth region were also found at upper premolars (WG, CW/CL) but in general not at mandibular teeth. Present results clearly indicate evidence for the existence of different gingival phenotypes. Clinical relevance of these observations has to be tested in longitudinal studies.     

Maxillary and mandibular mesiodistal tooth sizes among different malocclusions in a sample of the Turkish population

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for mesiodistal tooth crown dimensions with respect to malocclusions and gender differences in Turkish sample. The subjects were randomly selected and assigned to three malocclusion groups according to Angle's classification. Each group consisted of 100 individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 years with the following distribution: Class I, 42 males and 58 females; Class II, 52 males and 48 females; and Class III, 51 males and 49 females. An electronic digital calliper was used to measure the mesiodistal tooth width from the right second permanent molar to the left second permanent molar on both upper and lower study casts. For statistical evaluation, one- and two-way analyses of variance and post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) tests were performed. There were statistically significant differences for the maxillary canine (P < 0.001), first premolar (P < 0.05), second molar (P < 0.05), and mandibular canine (P < 0.01) for males, and for all maxillary teeth and the mandibular central (P < 0.05), canine (P < 0.001), and first premolar (P < 0.05) teeth in females among the malocclusion groups. When Angle's classification was evaluated, significant differences were determined, except for the first and second mandibular molars. All mesiodistal widths were also found to be statistically different according to gender dimorphism. A significant relationship was found between mesiodistal tooth size, Angle's classification, and gender. Therefore, tooth dimensions may play a crucial role in treatment planning and in achieving satisfactory interdigitation of the upper and lower dentition following the completion of orthodontic treatment.     

The dimensions of mandibular lingual tissues relative to the placement of a lingual bar major connector

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to measure and describe the lingual tissues of the anterior mandible to determine the acceptable boundaries of the zone of nonmovable tissue for placement of a lingual bar and to compare these to existing numerical guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty subjects, grouped by age and gender, with clinically normal mandibular lingual gingival tissues from second premolar to second premolar were examined. The lingual sulcular depths (AB) and the distance from the gingival crest to movable tissue of the floor of the mouth (AC) were recorded. The zone of lingual nonmovable tissue was calculated (AC - AB) for each tooth. RESULTS: For all subjects, the mean value of the probing depth (AB) ranged from 1.22 mm (+/-0.33 mm) for central incisors to 1.66 mm (+/-0.43 mm) for second premolars. The mean distance from the gingival crest to movable tissue of the floor of the mouth (AC) ranged from 7.44 mm (+/-1.59 mm) for central incisors to 10.28 mm (+/-2.55 mm) for second premolars. The mean height of the lingual nonmovable tissue (the zone available for the lingual bar; AC - AB) ranged from 6.22 mm (+/-1.59 mm) for central incisors to 8.63 mm (+/-2.57 mm) for second premolars. Most subjects presented with the minimum zone of nonmovable tissue at the central incisors, but with increasing age more subjects presented with minimum values at the posterior teeth. The multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) for males' available nonmovable tissue shows significance for both tooth (p <0.001) and age (p <0.001) factors. The multifactorial ANOVA for females' available nonmovable tissue shows significance for both tooth (p <0.001) and age (p <0.001) factors. Of all subjects, 85% (88% of males, 83% of females) had 4 mm or more of nonmovable tissue, sufficient for a lingual bar. The amount of available room decreased in older females. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, the use of actual measurements of lingual tissues versus existing numerical guidelines increased the percentage of patients for which the lingual bar can be used from approximately 6% to approximately 85%.