The effect of tooth size discrepancy on occlusion: An experimental study.

The purposes of this experimental study are the following: (1) to compare the anterior and overall tooth size ratios reported by Bolton to values reported in epidemiologic studies, (2) to assess the accuracy of tooth size discrepancy measurements, (3) to investigate to what extent generalized tooth size discrepancy affects occlusion, (4) to investigate the effect of leveling the curve of Spee, and (5) to evaluate the effect of extraction therapy of 4 premolars on occlusion. For the first part of the study, Bolton's mean anterior and overall tooth size ratio (as well as the extraction values) were compared with calculations derived from 4 publications reporting mean mesiodistal tooth width by using the t test (P