Using Inter-canine Width for Arch Length Prediction in Jaipur Population

Abstract

Arch length, inter-canine width, and inter-molar width are essential for diagnosisand treatment planning and are closely related factors in orthodontics. Aim:The aim of the present study was used to determine correlations between these measurements and to predict some of these measurements based on others. Method:The dental casts of 30 patients (15 females and 15 males) with a mean age of 18 years (11 - 26 years) in the permanent dentition attending the Orthodontic Department of the Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur,were selected. Intercanine width, intermolar width, and arch length on each dental cast were measured. Correlation between variables was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Linearregression analysis was applied and the 95 per cent confidence intervals for slope and interceptwere determined. Result: The data showed very high correlations between inter-canine width and arch length, both for the upper and lower arches and for males and females, r = 0.925. This coefficient was very close to 1, indicating a linear relationship.The regression equation for arch length and inter-canine width was arch length = 1.36 inter-canine width + 29.39 for both arches. Conclusion: There was very high correlations between arch length and inter-canine width for the upper and lower arches and a regression equation between both magnitudes was established indicating that the size of one factor can be predicted by knowing the other. For an increase of 1 mm in inter-canine width, the arch length increases approximately 1.36 mm with a 95 per cent confidence intervals (1.30 - 1.42).