Correlation of inter-premolar and inter-molar width with vertical facial morphology in patients seeking orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Many correlations exist between the vertical skeletal dimensions and the arch widths and forms. It is of importance to know of any correlation between the two and hence the rationale of present study was to see if there is any relation between the arch width and vertical facial pattern in untreated individuals. This may help us in determining the kind of arch wires to be used and whether the arches need to be expanded during treatment or not.

Material and Methods: 100 lateral cephalometric radiographs and dental casts were obtained, traced and measured for SN-MP angle, inter-premolar and inter-molar width. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 10. Descriptive statistics were calculated, mean and SD were ascertained for age, Inter first pre-molar width, Inter molar width and SNMP angle. Frequency and percentage were presented for gender. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to elucidate the correlation of Inter first premolar width, Inter molar width and SNMP angle.  r value was between -1.0 and +1.0.

Results: The p-value for all the results was > .05 when comparison was made between Inter First premolar width, Inter molar width in maxilla and mandible with SNMP angle.

Conclusions: There was a statistically insignificant relationship between dental arch width (inter first premolar and inter molar width) and vertical facial morphology.