Determination of Bolton’s Ratio in Different Malocclusions of the Western Region of Saudi Arabian Population: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Bolton’s ratio is a useful tool in orthodontic studies which helps determine the ratio of dental proportions. It is considered the 7th key to normal occlusion. Variations in different malocclusions can aid in diagnosis and planning the treatment. This study determines Bolton’s overall and anterior ratios for male individuals with different classes of malocclusion in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Ninety-six study model records were obtained from male patients attending the Orthodontic division of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. The participants’ average age was 19.6 years. The study models were divided into three categories: Angle’s Class 1 (n=40), Angle’s Class 2 (n=36), and Angle’s Class 3 (n=20). To prevent bias, one of the authors measured the study casts using the ORTHOASSISTANT software program at two different time intervals. Intergroup differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results were considered statistically significant if the p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the overall ratio between the three types of malocclusions. However, class 2 and 3 malocclusions demonstrated significant differences in the anterior ratio. Both overall and anterior ratios in this population were higher than normal Bolton’s ratios. Conclusions: Bolton’s overall ratio did not differ significantly between various malocclusions, but Bolton’s anterior ratio did show significant differences between Class 2 and Class 3 malocclusion groups. This highlights the importance of orthodontists’ appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning in such cases.