Maxillary Intercanine Distance Research Articles

An anthropometric assessment method for facial profile determination in forensics

Objectives: It is extremely difficult for forensic experts to identify the individuals, especially during mass disasters and natural calamities such as earthquakes. In most cases, the facial profile is completely destroyed and the dentition is the only source or tool which helps in identifying the individuals and their gender. The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate inner intercanthal distance (IICD), outer intercanthal distance (OICD), interalar distance (IAD), and bizygomatic width (BZW) to the maxillary intercanine distance (MICD) to determine facial profile and gender. Material and Methods: The study was carried out after informed consent and involved 100 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five parameters were measured: IICD, OICD, IAD, BZW, and MICD using digital Vernier caliper. The data were summarized in table form and were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results: OICD was more in females, whereas MICD was more in males. Significant correlation was observed between IICD and BZW (r = 0.224, P = 0.014), IICD and IAD (r = 0.411, P = 0.001), BZW and MICD (r = 0.229, P = 0.022), and IAD and MICD (r = 0.247, P = 0.013); negative correlation was observed between OICD and MICD (r = −0.023, P = 0.818). Conclusion: MICD can be used as a tool for the determination of facial profile and gender, although a larger sample size is required for further study.

Accuracy of lingual straight-wire orthodontic treatment with passive self-ligating brackets and square slot: a retrospective study

ObjectivesTo investigate the accuracy of torque, tip and rotation and linear intra-arch movements yielded by passive self-ligating lingual straight-wire appliances with brackets featuring square slots.Materials and methodsTwenty-five adult Caucasian patients (16 females and 9 males; mean age 26.5 ± 4.3 years) with Class I or mild Class II head-to-head malocclusion were orthodontically treated via passive lingual self-ligating straight-wire appliances (ALIAS, Ormco, Orange, CA) with no extraction. Records were retrospectively analysed, and digital models of pre-treatment (T0), planned (T1) and achieved (T2) phase were acquired for both arches in each patient via an intraoral scanner (Medit I500 (iScan Medit, Seoul, Korea). VAM software (Vectra, Canfield Scientific, Fairfield, NJ, USA) was used to measure both angular values (torque, tip and rotation) and linear intra-arch widths (between canines, first and second premolars and first and second molars). Measurements were obtained for all the movements investigated for each tooth group (incisors, canines, premolars and molars), by arch (maxillary and mandibular) and for both arches at T0, T1 and T2. The accuracy of angular values was compared using Student's t-test against a hypothetical 100%, and among the various tooth groups by post-hoc tests. Transverse linear measurements were investigated by means of the non-parametric Friedman test. The significance threshold was set at 0.05.ResultsThe mean accuracy of angular values was 77.25 ± 7.71% for torque, 78.41 ± 6.17% for tip and 77.99 ± 6.58% for rotation. In all cases, however, there was a significant difference between planned and achieved movements, and accuracy was significantly lower than the hypothetical 100% for all tooth groups, individual arches and dentition (p < 0.001). For intra-arch diameters, the greatest accuracy values were found for the anterior sectors (83.54 ± 5.19% for the maxillary inter-canine distance) and the lowest for the posterior sectors (67.28% for the maxillary inter-second molar distance).ConclusionStraight-wire lingual treatment with passive self-ligating appliances featuring with square slot displayed excellent clinical accuracy, albeit with statistical accuracy decreasing antero-posteriorly.

Determination of intercanine distance from a proportion calculation: A pilot clinical study

Statement of problemThe optimal positioning of artificial teeth is essential for long-term success when providing removable complete dentures. However, information about the original tooth positions may be lacking, especially the canine teeth, which play a key role in the tooth arrangement. PurposeThe purpose of this pilot clinical study was to determine if the mandibular and maxillary canine position can be determined by proportioning to certain anatomic landmarks. Material and methodsFifty participants (32 women, 18 men) with a mean age of 19.18 years and Angle class 1 and 2 malocclusions were selected randomly from patients who had completed their orthodontic treatment. The distance between the sagittally bisecting lines of the maxillary tuberosity and the distance between the sagittal bisecting lines of the retromolar pads in the mandible were measured from casts and recorded in millimeters. The expected distances between the canine cusps in both jaws (e-DCCmand and e-DCCmax) were calculated, and the distance between the canine cusps in both jaws (DCCmand and DCCmax) was measured. The measurements and the calculated expectation values for maxillary and mandibular cast models were recorded and statistically compared. ResultsThe mean ±standard deviation value of the maxillary intercanine distance was 35.5 ±1.4 mm, and the calculated value was 35.52 ±1.43 mm. In the mandible, the mean ±standard deviation value of the mandibular intercanine distance was 26.73 ±1.25 mm, and the calculated value was 26.69 ±1.33 mm. The difference between the means of expected DDC for the maxilla and mandible was within the equivalence interval (P<.001). ConclusionsThe proportions evaluated were determined to provide accurate canine positions and should be suitable for use in the treatment of edentulous patients.

Stature Prediction by Comparing Maxillary and Mandibular Intercanine Width and Intermolar Width among Tamil Nadu Population.

Background:Teeth are one of the strongest hard tissues that can resist a variety of antemortem and postmortem insults and an important evidence in the field of medicolegal and forensics. In the identification of unknown human remains of the deceased, stature estimation is a preliminary investigation. Previously, the comparison of osteometry with odontometry in stature determination has been made. Similarly, an attempt is made to estimate stature using intercanine and intermolar width which may be a forensic tool in the future.Aim and Objective:The aim of this study was to determine stature using intercanine and intermolar width in the maxillary and mandibular arches and correlating to identify highly reliable parameter among the two. Further to evaluate the usefulness of odontometry in stature determination.Materials and Methods:Subjects for the study were recruited from the outpatient department of APDCH and students of APDCH. One hundred subjects were included in the study comprising fifty males and fifty females within the age group of 17–28 years as per inclusion criteria. Digital Vernier caliper for measuring intercanine width (cusp tips on either sides) and intermolar width (central fossa of 1st molar on either sides) on the study models and standard anthropometer for measuring the height of the subject (vertex to the floor).Results:Compared to other parameters, the maxillary intercanine distance is statistically significant to P = 0.05 with correlation value of 0.06 by Pearson correlation method.Conclusion:The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis and was found that out of the four selected odontometric parameters, maxillary intercanine width with a P = of 0.032 and Pearson correlation of 0.307 in Group 1 (males) were found to show a significant correlation with height. Regression analysis was done, and regression equations were derived. The following regression equation can be used to calculate the height of an individual, Group 1 (male) −Y = B+ Ax. Y = 135.5 + 0.947X (X - maxillary inter canine width). This method of stature prediction may be of relative importance but not of absolute certainty, thereby making it an adjunct to various other methods of stature prediction. Therefore, using odontometric parameters in combination improves the predictability of estimating stature rather than a single parameter.

Correlation of intercanthal and interalar distance to intercanine distance for selection of maxillary ant. teeth

Background: Maxillofacial region’s reference points like interpupillary distance, intercanthal distance, interalar distance and bizygomatic width can significantly contribute toward reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) facial profiles. Aim: To find correlation between intercanthal to intercanine and interalar to intercanine distance for maxillary anterior teeth selection. Methodology: This study was conducted at de’ Montmorency College of Dentistry/ Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore from 29-08-2013 to 28-04-2014. Sampling technique was non-probability purposive. 200 subjects are estimated for correlation of intercanthal distance to intercanine distance and correlation of interalar distance to intercanine distance as r=0.302. Results: Out of 200 cases, 102(51%) were 20-40 years of age while 98(49%) were ranging between 41-60 years of age, mean±SD was calculated as 41.01±11.90 years, 135(67.5%) were male and 65(32.5%) were females, correlation among maxillary intercanine distance with other facial land marks shows the distance of intercanine was 37.26±3.91, it was 41.26±4.57 for interalar and 34.50+2.51 was recorded for intercanthal, the value of R2, the coefficient of determination, is 0.0893 for intercanine to intercanthal and 0.0018 for intercanine to interalar. Conclusion: We concluded that intercanthal distance to intercanine distance is more correlated as compared to interalar distance to intercanine distance in Pakistani population. Keywords: Maxillary anterior teeth, intercanthal distance, intercanine distance, interalar distance, correlation

Assessment of Inter-Condylar Distance as a guide for Arrangement of Maxillary Prosthetic Teeth

Background & Objectives: Inter-Condylar Distance (ICD) has been used as a reliable and fixed parameter for selection of mandibular anterior teeth and their arrangement. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of inter-condylar distance with maxillary inter-canine distance and maxillary inter-molar distance. Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics & Crown-Bridge, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) enrolling 120 dentate subjects those fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Maxillary casts were prepared and the distance between bilateral canine tips were measured using a Vernier caliper. The mesiobuccal cusp tips of maxillary first molars were marked and the distance was measured using the caliper. Inter-condylar distance was measured using arbritary face bow. The distance between the two condylar rods was measured in millimeters using Vernier caliper. Every distance was measured three times to assure the accuracy and mean taken. Data were recorded on the proforma for statistical analysis. Results: The ratio of intercondylar distance to the maxillary inter-canine distance was found to be 3.6:1 whereas that to intermolar distance was 2.6:1. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for the ICD showed positive and significant correlation to both the inter-dental distances. (r - 0.33, (p

Estimation of Different Facial Landmarks as a Guide in Intercanine Distance Determination (Clinical Study)

Aims:To evaluate the relationship between some of facial parameters including [(alae of nose, mouth, philtrum of upper lip) widths with interzygomatic distance] and straight maxillary intercanine distance for clinical application advantage. Materials and Methods: In this clinical study, (140) dental students in College of Dentistry/University of Mosul were examined and their facial and dental measurements were taken directly from each student by using an electronic digital vernier caliper. The data were collected and analyzed with computer to determine the correlation between the studied factors.Result: The results of this study demonstrated that all the measured parameters were larger in males than females which being statistically different between the two sexes and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient test revealed that non of the facial parameters were measured had a significant correlation with straight maxillary intercanine cusp tips distance in females, while both of interzygomatic distance and philtrum width of upper lip had a significant correlation with straight maxillary intercanine cusp tips distance in males which they could be used to determine this distance for replacement of maxillary anterior teeth in males. Conclusion: Depending on previously mentioned results the straight maxillary intercanine distance was equal to interzygomatic distance divided by a factor of( 3.3), while multiplying the width of the philtrum of upper lip with a factor of ( 2.75) gives us an estimation of the straight maxillary intercanine cusp tips distance.

Modern Surgery-First Approach Concept in Cleft-Orthognathic Surgery: A Comparative Cohort Study with 3D Quantitative Analysis of Surgical-Occlusion Setup.

Despite the evident benefits of the modern surgery-first orthognathic surgery approach (reduced treatment time, efficient tooth decompensation, and early improvement in facial esthetics), the challenge of the surgical-occlusion setup acts as a hindering factor for the widespread and global adoption of this therapeutic modality, especially for the management of cleft-skeletofacial deformity. This is the first study to assess three-dimensional (3D) quantitative data of the surgical-occlusion setup in surgery-first cleft-orthognathic surgery. This comparative retrospective study was performed on 3D image datasets from consecutive patients with skeletal Class III deformity who had a unilateral cleft lip/palate (cleft cohort, n = 44) or a noncleft dentofacial deformity (noncleft cohort, n = 22) and underwent 3D computer-assisted single-splint two-jaw surgery by a single multidisciplinary team between 2014 and 2018. They received conventional orthodontics-first or surgery-first approaches. 3D quantitative characterization (linear, angular, and positional measurements) of the final surgical-occlusion setup was performed and adopted for comparative analyses. In the cleft cohort, the occlusion setup in the surgery-first approach had a significantly (all p < 0.05) smaller number of anterior teeth contacts and larger incisor overjet compared to the conventional approach. Considering the surgery-first approach, the cleft cohort presented significantly (all p < 0.05) larger (canine lateral overjet parameter) and smaller (incisor overjet, maxillary intercanine distance, maxillary intermolar distance, ratio of intercanine distance, and ratio of intermolar distance parameters) values than the noncleft cohort. This study contributes to the literature by providing 3D quantitative data of the surgical-occlusion setup in surgery-first cleft-orthognathic surgery, and delivers information that may assist multidisciplinary teams to adopt the surgery-first concept to optimize cleft care.

A Study of Palatal Rugae Patterns and Maxillary Inter-Canine Distance in a Jordanian Population Sample

The study of palatal rugae has an important role in establishing personal identity and facilitating population identification. The current work analyzed the pattern of palatal rugae among an adult Jordanian population and searched for any gender differences. A total of 100 random dental casts were included in this study. Number and pattern of palatal rugae regarding length, shape, direction, and unification of rugae were identified. In addition, measurement of maxillary intercanine widths (MIW) using digital Vernier caliper was done. Palatal rugae on the right side outnumbered those on the left side. Males had more rugae in general than females. The commonest rugae in both sexes were serpiginous. Primary and forward rugae showed the highest frequency. A diverging form of unification was more prevalent than a converging form. Apart from a total number of convergent, divergent and secondary rugae, the total number of other rugae differs significantly between males and females. The study showed characteristics of palatal rugae in a Jordanian population which could be gender specific, facilitating their identification. It revealed the presence of sexual dimorphism, and sex can be predicted using either logistic regression equation or CART model.

Relationship Between Width of Maxillary Anterior Teeth and Interalar Distance

There are few guides to estimate the size of denture teeth. The purpose of this observational cross sectional study of Iranian adults was to evaluate the relationship between interalar width compared to intercanine tip distance and to the summed width of the maxillary anterior teeth in adults. The samples were selected from dental students in Isfahan University. Interalar width was measured with calipers. Maxillary inter-canine distance was measured between cusp tips on dental casts. Mesiodistal widths of the six anterior teeth also were measured. Independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Mean interalar width was 36.38 mm (sd = 3.81), intercanine tip distance was 34.15 mm (sd = 2.05), and mean width of maxillary anterior teeth was 48.23 mm (sd = 2.07). There were significant associations between interalar width and summed widths of the maxillary anterior teeth and with intercanine distance. In addition, predictive equations for estimation of tooth sizes using interalar width were calculated by regression. These statistical relationships may also be useful forensically.

An analysis of dental intercanine distance for use in court cases involving bite marks.

High levels of crime in South Africa and the resulting court cases requiring bite mark evidence have necessitated continuous research into the prevalence and interrelationship of recognisable dental features present in bite marks. This study represents the largest data set of descriptive statistics related to intercanine distance, in which the means, standard deviations, medians and interquartile ranges across four racial groups were determined. Intercanine distances were also statistically weighted by determining the common, uncommon and very uncommon values for each of the racial groups. The results of this research show that we can consider any maxillary intercanine distance more than 24.1mm and less than 43.0mm to represent a human bite mark. Black males had the largest mean (average) intercanine distance of 36.33mm (standard deviation 2.49mm) and white females the smallest mean intercanine distance of 33.4mm (standard deviation 2.13mm). The analyses showed statistically significant differences between the mean intercanine distances of different race and gender groupings. The authors do not advocate trying to determine the race or gender from intercanine distances determined, but rather the relevance of the intercanine distances in the specific race and gender groupings. This study makes a meaningful scientific contribution to the presentation of bite mark evidence at a time when subjective opinions need to be replaced with scientific data.

Determination of proportional relationships between maxillary intercanine distance and various facial dimensions: A cross sectional study

The study was conducted on 231 subjects (101 males and 130 females) ranged from 15 years to 69 years in age, with all natural upper anterior teeth present in mouth having no caries, severe attrition, erosion, fracture or restorations were selected. Intercanthal distance (ICthD), intermedialcanthal distance (IMCthD), interpupillary distance (IPD), interalar width (IAW ), inter lip commissural distance (ICmD) and maxillary Intercanine distance from tip to tip (ICD) were measured with a venire caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Obtained data was entered into Microsoft excel program and various statistical calculations and tests were applied to find out correlation between above mentioned various facial measurements and maxillary intercanine distance in male and female subjects. The statistical results of this study showed that there was positive correlation between intercanthal distance and maxillary intercanine distance in both male and female subjects. Other facial measurements showed no statistically significant correlation with maxillary intercanine distance. Suggesting that the intercanthal distance can be used as a preliminary method to determine the width of the maxillary anterior teeth while constructing complete denture in edentulous patients.

To evaluate the accuracy of various dental parameters used for the gender determination in Nagpur District population.

Gender determination is considered an important step in reconstructing the biological profile of unknown individuals from the forensic context. Assessment of sex differences from human remains will be of immense help as it would narrow down fields of search to 50 %. To evaluate the accuracy of various dental parameters used for the gender determination. The aim of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of various methods employed in gender determination or personal identification such as mesiodistal width of molars, mesiodistal width of canine, mandibular and maxillary canine index in age group of 15 to 65 years. A total of 200 patients were selected comprising of both the genders in the age group of 15-65 years belonging to various parts of Nagpur. The mesiodistal crown width of mandibular and maxillary permanent molar and canine teeth and the intercanine distance was measured and the values were noted. the data was analysed using SPSS 18 software. The mean of mesio distal width of maxillary and mandibular molar in males and females is suggestive of gender dimorphism in maxillary molars which was statistically significant.The maxillary inter-canine distance was greater in males and was statistically significant. The dental parameters can be used as a tool for accurate gender determination in forensic investigations.

Facial Anthropometry in an Arab Population

Result: The mean inter-alar width of the nose was 35.06 mm (37.14 mm in males and 33.21 mm in females). The mean maxillary inter-canine distance was 37.96 mm (39.66 mm in males and 36.38 mm in females). The mean mouth width was 50.66 mm (52.85 mm in males and 48.63 mm in females). The maxillary inter-canine distance was 75% of mouth width; therefore, the mouth width is a reliable predictor of the maxillary intercanine distance and vice versa in the Arab population. Comparison between nationals from different GCC countries showed that Bahraini males had significantly wider mouths than Saudi Arabian males (P=0.034).

Intra-arch widths: A meta-analysis

To determine and compare the mean values of various intra-arch distances in Class I, Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 patients. The search engines PubMed, Embrace and Cochrane were employed to select articles for further study, and the sample thereby selected comprised adult subjects with full permanent dentition, without missing teeth, malformations or previous orthodontic treatment. Only subjects from articles published during the last 10 years were included in the study. The search located a total of 628 articles regarding arch form. However, only eight articles were chosen for the study. We observed that: the distance between mandibular canines is smaller in Class I than in Class II division 1; mandibular inter-molar distance is similar in Class I and Class II division 1; maxillary inter-canine distance is similar in Class I, Class II division 2 and Class II division 1; maxillary inter-premolar width is greater in Class I than in Class II division 1; and that maxillary inter-molar width is similar in Class I and Class II division 2. No statistically significant differences in arch width were found between the different classes analysed (there are only slightly differences between classes), except in the case of mandibular inter-canine width (L3), which was smaller in Class I than in Class II,1, and maxillary inter-premolar width (U4), which was smaller in Class II-I than in Class I.

Maxillary canine teeth as supplement tool in sex determination

Sexual dimorphism refers to those differences in size, stature and appearance between male and female that can be applied to dental identification because no two mouths are alike and dentitions are as individual as fingerprints. Among primates, sexual dimorphism in the size of permanent teeth is usually greatest for the canine tooth, that of the male exceeding that of the female. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of maxillary canine index in predicting sex in the Nigerian Niger-Delta population. The study subjects consisted of 50 males and 51 females of Niger-Delta origin in the age group 17-25 years. Maxillary impressions for all subjects were taken in alginate impression material. Study models were prepared immediately in dental stone to prevent dimensional change. Apart from the inter-canine distance and the left mesio-distal crown width which exhibited statistically significant differences, other parameters as measured for males and females when compared were found to be statistically not significant. The mean values of the maxillary canine indices were greater in males than in females, but the differences were not statistically significant. The maxillary canine index showed no significant sexual dimorphism. This study revealed that the ability to determine sex using the maxillary canine index is poor. As the maxillary inter-canine distance and the left mesio-distal crown width were the only parameters which exhibited statistically significant differences, when compared for males and females, the maxillary canine can be used as a supplement tool in sex determination.

Intercanthal distance of a Sudanese population sample as a reference for selection of maxillary anterior teeth size

Background: The choice of the size of artificial teeth takes an important place in the removable prosthodontic treatment. However, the standards or proportions commonly used as a guide have been developed mainly on Caucasian populations. Objectives: to investigate the relationship between intercanthal distance and the anterior maxillary teeth size in Sudanese population. Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in 114 subjects, (45 males - 69 females), from Khartoum and Juba Universities. The age range was from 18-46 years. The intercanthal distance (I.C.D) was the measurement taken between the median angles of the palpabral fissure. Maxillary intercanine distance was obtained by measuring a line from the tip of the canine on one side, to the canine on the other side. An electronic digital caliper (Narex – Czechoslovakia) was used for all measurements. Data were analyzed using Person chi–square test. Results: a significant correlation is found between intercanthal distance and maxillary intercanine distance in all subjects (P-value 0.015), and in females who had a (P-value of 0.006). Maxillary intercanine distance may be estimated by dividing I.C.D by factor 0.9. Conclusion: These results could be used as a helpful guide for selection of anterior teeth width in the Sudanese population.

A comparison of dental changes produced by mandibular advancement splints in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract Background Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) are a recognised and popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) due to their simplicity, tolerance and non-invasiveness. Objectives To investigate and compare the dental changes associated with the use of monoblock and duoblock appliances. Methods Fifty-two pretreatment and follow-up study models of patients from a public hospital and private dental clinic were assessed. Seventeen subjects used a soft elastomeric monoblock appliance (MB), 29 subjects used a hard acrylic duoblock (DB) and six subjects wore a monoblock followed by a duoblock appliance (MB-DB). Measurements of dental and arch changes were obtained and analysed on study models and standardised bitewing radiographs. Results A statistically significant reduction was observed in the maxillary intercanine distance in all splint categories, with DB users showing the greatest decrease (p &lt; 0.05). The change in the mandibular intercanine distances differed according to splint categories (p &lt; 0.05). MB and MB-DB patients demonstrated a decrease in this measurement variable, whereas an increase was seen in DB users. A statistically significant increase in the mandibular intermolar distance was also observed in all splint categories (p &lt; 0.05), with DB users showing the greatest increase. Conclusions Both MB and DB appliance systems produced similar, but mild dental effects. No particular appliance can be recommended and the choice of appliance should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Maxillary arch width in unoperated adult of the unilateral cleft lip and alveolus patients

The transversal measurement on the dento-alveolar fragments of the maxilla, in the unoperated adult patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus are rare and have not been well documented and archived in the scientific journals. The effect of the congenital malformation is obvious in the Unilateral Cleft Lip and Alveolus (UCLA) patients and is well documented. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are any influences of the final transversal development of the maxilla based on the location and extent of the defect in patients with UCLA. 168 adult unoperated UCLA patients (study group) and 24 non cleft patients (control group) participated in this study. Plaster of Paris (POP) casts were made of the maxillary dentition and mesurement were taken using coordinate measuring machine (CCM) (Zeiss Numere, Carl Zeiss, Stuttgart, Germany). The mean values of maxillary transverse measurement of first premolar through the second molar of the UCLA and control group patients showed no statistically significant difference. The inter-canine distance was significantly smaller in the UCLA patients than non-cleft patients The maxillary inter-canine distance in untreated UCLA patients were significantly different from that of non cleft patients. There is narrow and constricted maxillary growth in UCLA patients causing maxillary morphological changes and cosmetic facial changes.

A comparison of interalar width and intercanine distance in Malay males and females

The interalar width of the nose and the intercanine distance were measured in 266 Malay subjects (111 males and 155 females) randomly selected from the students of the School of Medical Sciences. University Sains Malaysia in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. The mean interalar width of the nose in male subjects was 39.8 +/- 2.3 mm (range 34-45 mm) and in female subjects 36.2 mm +/- 2.2 mm (range 30-41 mm). There is a statistically significant difference (t = 12.9: p < 0.05) in the nasal width between male and female Malay subjects. This agrees with the findings of other similar studies that males have wider noses than females. The mean maxillary intercanine distance in male subjects was 36.7 = 2.6 mm (range 30-42 mm) and in female subjects 36.2 = 2.3 mm (range 30-42 mm). The anterior maxillary arch is significantly wider in Malay subjects compared to Chinese from Singapore (Keng 1986) as p < 0.05 and to Caucasians (Sawiris 1977) as p < 0.05. There is a significant correlation (r = 0.312; p < 0.05) between the nasal width and the intercanine distance in female subjects but not in male subjects.