An Analysis of the Correlation between Mesiodistal Width of the Maxillary and Mandibular Anterior and Posterior Teeth in Iranian Population

Abstract

Background and objective: Many authors have emphasized the difficulty of choosing suitable replacement teeth for edentulous patients and arranging these teeth in a natural way. In dentures, mesiodistal width of anterior teeth is the most important factor, because complete denture will not be able to provide a real appearance if artificial teeth are too small. For obtaining proper occlusion, maxillary and mandibular teeth must be proportional in size.. The purpose of this study is to determine correlation between the average mesiodistal width of posterior teeth and anterior teeth. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 40 pairs of study casts of both jaws with normal occlusion (50% male and 50% female; aged 18-26). The mesiodistal width was measured directly on plaster models by use of a digital caliper (Mitutoyo, Tokyo, Japan) at the widest level of proximal contact area of the teeth. Measurements were repeated 1 day and 1 week later. Data was analyzed using SPSS 10 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Mean and standard deviation values were calculated for each variable. Comparisons between female and male samples were made for each variable using Student's t-test. Results: The mean value for the mesiodistal width ratio of upper anterior to posterior sextant was calculated for female and male samples (1.38 ± 0.1 and 1.36 ± 0.07m respectively). The mean ratio for mesiodistal width of lower anterior to posterior sextant was calculated for female and male samples (1.00 ± 0.05 and 1.02 ± 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: the ratio of mesiodistal width of anterior teeth to posterior teeth can be used as a guideline for choosing correct artificial teeth for partially edentulous patients.