Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the morphology of the mandibular dental arch and the maxillary central incisor crown. Cast models from 51 Caucasian individuals, older than 15 years, with optimal occlusion, no previous orthodontic treatment, featuring 4 of the 6 keys to normal occlusion by Andrews (the first being mandatory) were observed. The models were digitalized using a 3D scanner, and images of the maxillary central incisor and mandibular dental arch were obtained. These were printed and placed in an album below pre-set models of arches and dental crowns, and distributed to 12 dental surgeons, who were asked to choose which shape was most in accordance with the models and crown presented. The Kappa test was performed to evaluate the concordance among evaluators while the chi-square test was used to verify the association between the dental arch and central incisor morphology, at a 5% significance level. The Kappa test showed moderate agreement among evaluators for both variables of this study, and the chi-square test showed no significant association between tooth shape and mandibular dental arch morphology. It may be concluded that the use of arch morphology as a diagnostic method to determine the shape of the maxillary central incisor is not appropriate. Further research is necessary to assess tooth shape using a stricter scientific basis.
Highlights
Facial beauty can be defined as a state of balance and harmony among facial features and it is influenced by several factors
Arch forms and tooth shapes were chosen according with the most part of the evaluators opinions, once the objective was not to calculate an average, but to relate one kind of arch with one kind of tooth shape
Some authors [11,12] have found a possible association between tooth shape and dental arch form, and are constantly seeking for a more efficient and reliable method to choose the shape of artificial teeth during the construction of total prostheses
Summary
Facial beauty can be defined as a state of balance and harmony among facial features and it is influenced by several factors. A harmonious and natural smile is important in achieving a pleasant face. Dental morphology has been studied with the objective of standardizing tooth shapes in order to improve the diagnosis and execution of treatment plans [2]. Genetic factors exert great influence on characteristics such as tooth shape and dental arch form. Genetic mechanisms are clearly predominant during craniofacial morphogenesis; external environmental factors can influence the determination of these traits, during the growth stage [3]. Genes is responsible for determining a given group of characteristics. Whenever one of these genes is modified, the remaining others would be influenced and altered as well.
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