Maxillary Dental Arch Width Research Articles

Credibility of Pont’s index in Egyptian population

BackgroundMany indices have been suggested to help orthodontists in predicting the ideal dental arch width. One of these was Pont’s index which was established by Pont. He suggested equations to predict the ideal maxillary dental arch width (interpremolar and intermolar) from the combined mesiodistal width of the maxillary incisors. This study aimed to test the applicability of Pont’s index as an orthodontic diagnostic tool in Egyptian population and to compare the results with those obtained from studies of different ethnic subjects.MethodsThis study was performed using dental casts of 184 Egyptian individuals (82 males and 102 females; age range, 19–24 years). The casts were divided into 46 casts with normal occlusion, 46 casts with class I, 46 casts with class II and 46 casts with class III malocclusion, according to Angle’s classification. Alginate impressions were taken for all patients and poured immediately using dental plaster. The real models were transformed into digital models using three-dimensional laser scanner to allow digital model analysis. Predicted arch widths were calculated using Pont’s equations. The predicted values were compared to the measured values.ResultsIntra class correlation coefficient (ICC) (absolute agreement) between measured and predicted arch widths was determined. Poor absolute agreement was found between measured arch width values and the corresponding values calculated according to Pont’s index.ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, Pont’s index is not a reliable method for predicting the ideal dental arch widths in Egyptian populations.

Pont’s Index, is it Reliable and Applicable for Iraqis?

To facilitate the correct diagnosis and treatment planning, a range of diagnostic orthodontic indices have been developed. Pont’s index, as one of them, was documented to estimate the ideal maxillary dental arch widths from the sum of crown widths of maxillary incisors. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the applicability of Pont’s index to Iraqi individuals. Fifty stone dental models for 25 females and 25 males were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics in Baghdad College of Dentistry. The dental arch widths at the level of 1st premolar and molar areas in addition to the mesiodistal crown widths of all teeth were measured using an electronic vernier. The estimated arch widths were compared to the actual ones using paired sample t-test. The results showed highly significant differences between the actual and estimated maxillary inter-premolar and intermolar widths with over-estimated values in both genders. New formulas were developed to make Pont's index more reliable, and the newly estimated widths were non-significantly different from the actual one. The original Pont’s index is an unreliable and inapplicable method for arch width prediction. A specific modification of Pont’s index is developed and can be applied for more reliable results.

Skeletal and dental effects of function-generating bite appliance compared to rapid palatal expander and untreated controls.

Maxillary expansion is a fundamental interceptive orthodontic treatment, which can be achieved through either a rapid expansion protocol or functional devices. However, no data exist about the efficacy of functional devices in achieving skeletal expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) and the function-generating bite type M (FGB-M) on the transversal dimension of the maxilla, and on the maxillary and mandibular dental arch width. One hundred eighty-one skeletal Class I patients, aged between 6 and 12 years and with a cervical vertebral maturation stage II or III, with maxillary transversal deficiency were retrospectively enrolled; among these 55 were treated with FGB-M, 73 were treated with RPE and 51 were untreated subjects retrieved from historical databases. The pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) frontal cephalograms were retrieved, and the maxillary and mandibular widths, and the distance between upper and lower first molars were measured. T1-T0 interval was of 17.3 months (RPE), 24.6 months (FGB-M) and 18.2 months (controls). The statistical analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding skeletal and dental expansion, while the untreated control group differed significantly from the other two groups. The comparison between patients treated with RPE and FGB-M showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding the amount of skeletal expansion and dental arch width, suggesting that both appliances can be used to achieve similar results.

Assessment of early dental arch growth modification with removable maxillary expansion by cone-beam computed tomography and lateral cephalometric radiographs: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis study evaluated the skeletal and dental changes of patients brought by early removable maxillary expansion (ERME) treatment to explore the clinical treatment effect of ERME on early dental arch growth modification.MethodsSubject children aged 6–10 years with a maxillary transverse deficiency received ERME treatment, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and lateral cephalometric radiographs were measured before and after treatment, and statistical differences in the measured items were evaluated with corresponding statistical methods to explore the skeletal and dental changes.ResultsAfter ERME treatment, there was a statistical increase in the maxillary basal bone arch width, nasal cavity width, maxillary alveolar bone arch width, and maxillary dental arch width. A buccal inclination of the maxillary alveolar bone and a buccal inclination and buccal movement in the alveolar bone of maxillary first molars were found. The maxillary skeletal expansion was statistically greater than the dental expansion. Increases in the mandibular alveolar bone arch width and dental arch width happened after treatment. A decrease in angle ANB and an increase in Ptm-A, U1-SN, U1-PP, L1-MP, and L6-MP were found after treatment. No statistical changes in the growth pattern-related measured items were observed.ConclusionsERME could expand the maxillary basal bone arch width, nasal cavity width, maxillary alveolar bone arch width, and maxillary dental arch width. The maxillary skeletal expansion was greater than the dental expansion. Secondary increases in the mandibular alveolar bone and dental arch widths would happen after ERME. ERME would result in a mandibular advancement, a labial inclination of maxillary anterior teeth, and an increase of maxillary sagittal length, and would not change the patient’s growth pattern.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. (WCHSIRB-D-2020–446).

Analysis of the Facial Measurements and Dental Arch Dimensions for the Construction of Dental Prostheses among Adult Yemenis.

To investigate the dental arch dimension (width, length, and height) and facial measurements including inner-canthal width (ICW), bizygomatic width (BZW), inter-alar width (IAW), and mouth width (MW), and to assess the correlation between these facial measurements and dental arch width (canine width [CW], inter-first premolar width [I1PW], and inter-first molar width [I1MW]), to establish a preliminary reference for artificial teeth selection in Yemeni adult. The study included 80 individuals (40 males and 40 females) with symmetrical faces and normal class I occlusion ranging in age from 20 to 35. Maxillary and mandibular stone casts were made for each individual. The dimensions of dental casts and facial measurements, including ICW, BZW, IAW, and MW, were assessed using a digital caliper. The collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS software program. The descriptive statistics for each measurement were made. Differences between males and females were tested using an independent-sample t-test with p-values below 0.05 considered significant. Pearson correlation coefficient between facial measurements and dental arch width was also done. Most dental arch dimensions and facial measurements exhibited larger mean values in the male than in the female group, with the greatest significant difference in the maxillary dental arch width and the lowest in mandibular dental arch length. A highly significant correlation is observed between ICW and maxillary canine width (CW) (r = 0.318, p = 0.004). In contrast, no significant correlation between dental arch width and BZW, IAW, and MW is shown. Within this study's limitations, the ICW can determine the ideal dimension of the artificial teeth in the anterior maxillary arch. While the other facial parameters, including BZW, IAW, and MW, cannot be used for artificial teeth selection in Yemeni populations. The findings of this study established a reference database of facial measurements and their correlation to dental arch and teeth width in Yemeni populations. So, it can be implemented in artificial teeth and dental prostheses design and construction.

Evaluation of First Molar Buccolingual Angulations and Dental Arch Parameters in Adolescents with Bilateral Posterior Crossbite.

This study aimed to compare the maxillary and mandibular transverse dental arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of the molar teeth in patients with and without bilateral posterior crossbite (BPC) divided into different age groups. The study included dental models from 120 patients (age: 12-18 years), including 60 with BPC (32 boys and 28 girls) and 60 without BPC (controls; 30 boys and 30 girls), who were divided into three age groups (12-14, 14-16, and 16-18 years). The centroid and lingual transverse arch widths, dental arch perimeters, dental arch depths, and buccolingual angulation of the molar teeth in the maxillary and mandibular regions were evaluated using scanned three-dimensional dental models. Dental arch parameters and buccolingual molar angulation did not significantly differ between the different age groups in either the patients with BPC or the controls (p>0.05). However, several dental arch width parameters differed significantly between sexes in both groups, with higher values in boys than in girls (p<0.05). The difference in the upper and lower molar buccolingual angulation between patients with BPC and controls was greater at the age of 16-18 years than the age of 12-14 years (p<0.05). Patients with BPC have smaller maxillary dental arch widths and larger mandibular intermolar widths than those without BPC. The difference in the molar buccolingual angulation between them increases with advancing age.

Efficiency of Invisalign First® to promote expansion movement in mixed dentition: a retrospective study and systematic review.

The present study aimed: i) to retrospectively evaluate the expansion movement predicted by the Clincheck® software and the achieved expansion using Invisalign First® in children needing maxillary expansion to correct malocclusions; and ii) to critically compare these clinical results with the outcomes obtained for maxillary expansion using conventional removable and cemented expanders. The 3D digital models of the dental arches of 24 children undergoing orthodontic treatment exclusively with Invisalign First® aligners between 2018 and 2021 were sequentially selected for this study. Three digital models were analysed: pre-treatment (P0), the Clincheck®-predicted tooth positions (P1), and post-treatment (P2) models. The maxillary dental arch width and expansion efficiency were measured andcalculated. An in-depth review of the available literature on maxillary expansion was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Invisalign First® was able to achieve a total effectiveness of maxillary expansion of 62.6%, compared to the predicted movement. Similarly, the total effectiveness of mandibular expansion was 61.6%. Our data shows that Invisalign First® system can increase the arch width with maxillary expansion effectiveness, providing similar results to those achieved with conventional removable appliances. However, neither Invisalign First® aligners nor conventional removable expanders are as much efficient as cemented-retained appliances.

Influence of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) treatment in maxillary dental arch width and nasolabial symmetry in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP) is one of the most severe clinical subphenotypes among nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P), that complicates surgical repair operations. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) is a technique used to reshape the nose, lip and alveolar bone of infants with UCCLP before surgery (the modified Mohler rotation advancement cheiloplasty and two flap palatoplasty), with the potential to facilitate surgical repair. However, the effectiveness of PNAM treatment is still a matter of debate. In this paper, the 3Shape scanning system and 3dMD stereophotography were used to assess the short-term and long-term effects of PNAM treatment on the dental arch morphology and nasolabial features of patients with UCCLP, respectively. The findings indicated that PNAM treatment negatively affects both short-term and long-term dental arch shape compared to the treatment without PNAM, particularly in terms of limiting the transverse width of the maxillary canine-to-midline. Regarding the nasal and labial symmetry, PNAM improves the symmetry of the nasal alae in patients over 7 years old and the symmetry of the lip in patients under 7 years old. Moreover, UCCLP patients who received PNAM treatment exhibited a shorter and wider shape of the nostril on the cleft side compared to those without PNAM treatment. In clinical practice, the multidisciplinary team should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the outcomes of PNAM treatment when treating infants with cleft lip and palate.

Approaching patients with panfacial fractures by using an anatomical reference: A novel concept and preliminary study

Panfacial fractures are challenging for craniofacial surgeons. Aside from involving multiple subunits, they also lack the reliability of a useful landmark of the facial skeleton. Properly, reducing and fixing palatal fracture to re-establish the premorbid maxillary dental arch is important. This was a retrospective study conducted from 2015 to 2020. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan for surgical planning of orthognathic surgery due to either esthetic or occlusion concerns. The classification of occlusion was recorded as class I, II, and III. The parameters measured on CT were the distance between the midpoint of the supra-orbital foramen/notch (IS), mesio-buccal cusp tips (IB), central fossa (IC), palatal cusp tips (IP), and the midpoint of the palatal marginal gingiva (IM) of the bilateral maxillary first molars. The IS was compared with the IB, IC, IP, and IM. The results were analyzed by using one-way repeated measurement analysis of variance. Eighty-seven patients (36 men and 51 women) were included in the study. There were 13 patients of class I malocclusion, 8 of class II malocclusion, and 66 of class III malocclusion. The IS was comparable to the IC in all three groups. The IS can predict the IC, regardless of the patient's occlusion, and can be subsequently used to decide the width of maxillary dental arch in panfacial fracture management. Further studies are necessary to obtain more definite results.

Three-dimensional palatal morphology and upper arch changes following nonsurgical and surgical maxillary expansion in adults

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nonsurgical rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted RME (SARME) on palatal morphology and upper arch dimensions using three-dimensional (3D) models in skeletally mature patients. Thirty-eight skeletally mature patients with a maxillary transverse deficiency were divided into RME and SARME groups. Nineteen patients in the RME group (mean age, 19.16 ± 2.25 years) were treated using a full-coverage bonded acrylic splint expander; 19 patients in the SARME group (mean age, 20.38 ± 3.36) were treated using the banded palatal expansion appliance with hyrax screws. The 3D models were obtained before and after expansion. The maxillary dental arch widths, maxillary first molar angulation, palatal area, and palatal volume were calculated on the 3D models. All variables showed statistically significant changes after the retention period (P < .001). The maxillary arch width between first premolars (P < .05), the palatal area (P < .01), and the palatal volume (P < .05) significantly increased in the SARME group compared to the RME group. The maxillary first molar tipping in the RME group was significantly higher than that in the SARME group (P < .01). Although SARME has more positive effects in skeletally mature patients, nonsurgical RME can be considered as an alternative by evaluating surgical risks, periodontal status, and the need for skeletal expansion.

Craniofacial and Oral Manifestations of Non-Syndromic Hypodontia: A Review

AbstractPatients with hypodontia appear to have a different craniofacial morphology as compared with controls. They tend to have more class III skeletal pattern and retroclined upper and lower soft tissue lips as a consequence of retroclined upper and lower incisors. These features are more pronounced as the severity of the hypodontia increases. In addition to changes in craniofacial and soft tissue morphology, various dental anomalies are commonly associated with hypodontia such as microdontia of the remaining dentition, anomalies in tooth shape, particularly peg-shaped upper lateral incisors, smaller root dimensions of some of the permanent teeth, and decreased maxillary and mandibular dental arch widths and lengths measurements. Other dental anomalies which are seen in association with hypodontia are taurodontism of molars, retained deciduous molars, delayed development of the permanent teeth, distoangulation of the mandibular second premolar, and infraocclusion of the deciduous molars.

Dentoalveolar changes observed after the use of customized bonded Shark-Tooth-Like Spurs (JAWs) in adult patients with anterior open bite.

Tongue spurs have been successfully used for the early treatment of anterior open bite (AOB). However, according to our knowledge, their effectiveness in the treatment of adults has not been evaluated. The purpose of the study was to assess the dentoalveolar changes observed after the use of customized bonded shark-tooth-like spurs (JAWs) in adults with AOB. Twenty-three adults (22.1±4.4 years) with AOB were selected for the treatment. JAWs made from compomer cement were bonded on the lingual surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth to correct tongue-thrusting. Lateral cephalograms and 3D digital models were obtained to evaluate dentoalveolar features observed before and at three time points after JAWs use. Paired t-test and repeated measure ANOVA tests were used to compare dentoalveolar changes, and Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the association of dentoalveolar changes and overbite changes. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Significant 3D dentoalveolar changes were observed after the three months of treatment with JAWs. Improvement of overbite (1.0±0.6 mm) and overjet (0.2±0.3 mm), combined with a retroclination of maxillary (3.0±3.0°) and mandibular (2.2±2.7°) incisors, were observed (p<0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease in anterior dental arch width in both maxillary and mandibular arches (0.4±0.4 mm; 0.3±0.3 mm, respectively), and an increase of posterior maxillary (0.1±0.2 mm) dental arch width were observed (p<0.05). These significant changes occurred in the first month after the JAWs use. A significant correlation was found between the initial arch length discrepancy and the amount of overbite correction (r=0.456, p<0.05). Dentoalveolar changes occurred after the first-month therapy with JAWs. The retroclination of the anterior teeth combined with the expansion of posterior teeth suggests a posterosuperior change in the tongue position. These changes were beneficial for the treatment of AOB in adult patients.

The Relation among Teeth and Maxillary Dental Arch Dimensions with Anterior Teeth Angulation and Inclination.

Objectives This study aimed at finding out whether anterior teeth angulation and inclination have a relationship with the maxillary teeth and dental arch dimensions. Methods Fifty study models with normal occlusion were selected from the archive of the Department of Orthodontics at Baghdad Dental Faculty. Maxillary dental arch width and length at different points were determined in addition to measuring anterior teeth angulation, inclination, crown thickness, overjet, overbite, and Bolton's ratios. The unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were used for data analysis. Results No statistical gender differences were reported in all measurements except the dental arch widths and length where males had significantly higher mean values. Only the maxillary incisor's inclination showed a direct weak significant correlation with the total arch length. Conclusions The inclination of upper incisors had a minimal effect on increasing dental arch length.

The comparison of maxillary and mandibular dental arch size in male and female Papuan in Surabaya: A cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in the size of maxillary and mandibular dental arch between Papuan males and females. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was carried out in 12 Papuan males and 12 Papuan females aged above 18–25 years in the Surabaya. Raberin method was used to measure the maxillary and mandibular dental arches width in the dental cast in transversal (L33, L66, L77) and sagittal direction (L31, L61, L71). The statistical analysis was used to analyze the data normality by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (P > 0.05). In addition, the independent t test was done to determine the differences between groups (P < 0.01). Results: The average sizes of the maxillary dental arch width in the transversal direction in Papuan males, respectively, L33, L66, and L77 were 35.86, 56.58, and 65.61 mm. The average sizes of the maxillary dental arch in the sagittal direction in men L31, L61, and L71 were 4.04, 35.60, and 46.41 mm. The average widths of the maxillary dental arch in a transversal direction in Papuan female L33, L66, and L77 were 32.45, 53.54, and 63 mm. The average sizes of the maxillary dental arch in the sagittal direction in female L31, L61, and L71 were 3.55, 31.94, and 42.42 mm. There was a significant difference between men and female maxillary dental arch in sagittal and transversal measurement (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Male Papuan has a bigger maxillary and mandibular dental arch width as compared to female Papuan. Evaluation of Papuan dental arches may help the orthodontist to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan in this population.

Changes in maxillary dental arch morphology after implant treatment in the alveolar cleft region.

BackgroundFew reports have examined dental arch morphology (DAM) after dental implant placement in cleft patients and its actual state is unclear.ObjectiveTo analyze the presence of changes in DAM and influencing factors in cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) patients who receive implant treatment in the alveolar cleft region.MethodsSubjects comprised 20 CLP patients in whom maxillary dental arch width (DAW) was evaluated before and after implant treatment based on computed tomography data. First, widths between the canines (W3), between the first premolars (W4), between the second premolars (W5), and between the first molars (W6) were measured before and after surgery. Changes in distance were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, revealing a significant increase in W6. Analysis of Co‐Variance was performed with the difference in W6 after implant treatment as the response variable, and the following six items as explanatory variables: sex; cleft type; age at alveolar bone graft; time to implantation after bone grafting; number of implants; and time after completion of the observation period.ResultsThe reduction in W6 was larger in the order of complete bilateral CLP, complete unilateral CLP, and unilateral cleft lip and alveolus, and the change decreased with an increasing number of implants.ConclusionsImplant treatment of the alveolar cleft region may result in a slight reduction in width of the dental arch after treatment completion.

The relationship between the maxillary dental arch width, depth and circumference

This study was carried out on a random sample of (50) upper stone dental caste for intermediate school student (25 males and 25 females) aged (12-15) years from different areas of Mosul city. The correlation between the dental arch width, depth and circumference was calculated. It was found that male maxillary dental arch is greater in all dimensions than the female one. There was a weak correlation between the dental arch widths and the corresponding palatal vault depths. The correlation was moderate between the maxillary arch circumference and widths except at intercanine distance width, which it showed a high correlation and it was a weak between the arch circumference and the palatal vault depths.

Maxillary expander with differential opening vs Hyrax expander: A randomized clinical trial

The aim of this 2-arm parallel trial was to compare the dentoskeletal effects of the expander with differential opening (EDO) and the Hyrax expander in the mixed dentition. Patients aged 7-11years with maxillary dental arch constriction and Class I or Class II sagittal relationships were randomly allocated into 2 study groups. The experimental group comprised 22 patients (10 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 8.46years treated with the EDO. The comparison group was composed of 24 patients (6 males, 18 females), mean age of 8.92years treated with the conventional Hyrax expander. One complete turn per day for 6days was performed for the posterior screw of the EDO and for the Hyrax expander. The anterior screw of the EDO was activated 1 complete turn per day for 10days. The primary outcomes were the anterior opening of the midpalatal suture, changes on the interincisal diastema width, maxillary dental arch widths, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, inclination of maxillary posterior teeth and on dental arch shape, and the amount of differential expansion in the anterior region compared with the posterior region of the maxillary dental arch. Computer-generated randomization was used. Allocation was concealed with sequentially, numbered, sealed, and opaque envelopes. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessment only. Occlusal radiographs of the maxilla were obtained at the end of the active expansion phase (T2). Intraoral photographs were obtained immediately pre-expansion (T1) and at T2. Digital dental models were obtained at T1 and 6months after the active expansion period (T3). Intergroup comparisons of T1-T2 changes were performed using multiple linear regression analysis (P<0.05). The independent variables were both treatment and the starting forms. Bonferroni correction for multiple tests was applied. The experimental group showed a significantly greater opening of the anterior region of the midpalatal suture, a greater increase of the interincisal diastema width, and greater increases of the intercanine distance and inter-first deciduous molar distance than the Hyrax expander. The experimental group showed a significant differential expansion between the anterior and posterior regions, whereas the Hyrax group produced a similar expansion in the canine and molar regions. Serious harm was not observed. The EDO was capable of promoting greater orthopedic and dental changes in the anterior region of the maxilla than the conventional Hyrax expander. Similarity between the 2 expanders was observed for changes in the posterior region width, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, and posterior teeth inclination.

Evaluation of Maxillary Dental Arch Widths in Individuals Having Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using Three-Dimensional Digital Models

Aim: Maxillary dental arch widths were evaluated in individuals having unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate (CLP) using three-dimensional (3D) digital models. Material and Method: The study had been conducted on 80 individuals aged between 14 - 17 years having UCLP and BCLP. 40 of the individuals had UCLP, whereas 40 had BCLP. The maxillary dental models taken from patients before the treatment were scanned using Orthomodel Programme (v.1.01, Orthomodel Inc., Istanbul, Turkey) to obtain 3D imagery. Student’s t-test was used in order to assess the data obtained by using SPSS software version 22.0. Results: In BCLP, the average inter-canine distance was 17.44 ± 1.31 mm, the average inter-molar distance was 36.57 ± 1.12 mm, while inter-canine/inter-molar ratio was 0.47. Whereas in UCLP, it was 25.10 ± 0.63 mm, 42.20 ± 0.53 mm and 0.59. The inter-canine distance in UCLP was found to be large enough to be statistically significant (p 0.05), even though there were differences in inter-molar widths. Conclusion: For the stable orthodontic treatment results, one of the most important points is arch form and widths to be coherent with each other. In our study, the increase of inter-canine distance seen in UCLP indicates that in the cleft region, the maxillary arch is inclined over to the back, while the same situation in BCLP suggests that the maxillary segments are collapsed inside. The difference in the arch is highly affected by the primary surgical treatment.

Comparative Characteristic of the Maxillary Dental Arch Width Indicators Variability in Men with Different Craniotypes

The study of of dental arches morphology is relevant for the improvement and development of new diagnostic and surgical methods. The aim is to make a comparative evaluation of the dental arches width on the upper jaw in mature aged men with physiological occlusion depending on the craniotype. Material and methods. The morphometric parameters of the maxillary dental arches’ width have been studied. The work was performed on 172 preparations of mature aged male skulls with physiological occlusion of teeth. The cranial index was defined as the ratio of the transverse dimension of neurocranium to its longitudinal dimension. When examining dental arches, the main points were set on the medial and distal corners of the tooth crowns from the vestibular and palatal sides. The width of the maxillary dental arch was measured between canines, premolars and molars. Results. The values of the width indices of both the vestibular and palatal sides of the maxillary dental arches at all levels of measurement prevail in the brachycranial type of the skull. The indicators of the maxillary dental arches width in mesocranes are more then those in dolichocranes only at canines and the first premolars. At the second premolars and molars, the difference in the average statistical parameters of the width of the dental arches was not observed. Conclusions. The width of maxillary dental arches in men of mature age depends on craniotype. The new data obtained as a result of the research, supplement and expand the information on the studied parameters, both in theoretical and clinical aspects.

Application of Pont’s index to a Pakistani population: a digital stereomicroscopic study

Abstract Objective To investigate the applicability of Pont’s index for predicting maxillary and mandibular dental arch widths in a Pakistani population. Materials and methods A Hirox digital stereomicroscope (SM) (HIROX KH7700 Japan) was used to construct digital models of fabricated plaster casts. Gender differences in the measured totals of the incisor widths, arch widths and expansion indices were evaluated. Pont’s correlations were computed between measured and predicted arch widths. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the differences between arch length and arch perimeter groups. Results Males had significantly larger mean values for the sums of the incisors, arch widths and expansion indices compared with females (p ≤ 0.05). There were significant differences observed between the large and small, average and small and the average and large arch length groups (p ≤ 0.05) in the maxilla, while a significant difference was observed only between the large and small arch length groups in the mandibular arch. Pont’s index predictions were consistently less than the actual interpremolar and intermolar arch widths for both genders. The dissimilarity in the predictions for interpremolar width averaged -4.33 mm for males and -4.21 mm for females while the intermolar width averages were -4.93 mm for males and -4.92 mm for females. Conclusion The results indicated that Pont’s index should not be applied to the Pakistani population. Maxillary and mandibular arch length groups and arch perimeters should be carefully investigated before applying any prediction formulae.