Correlation between difference of mesiodistal width of upper and lower lateral incisors and anterior bolton

Abstract

Introduction: Good occlusion necessarily requires good dimensional relationship between maxillary and mandibular dentition. Hence the aim of this study was to assess quantitative correlation between mesiodistal difference between upper and lower lateral incisors and Anterior Bolton.

Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the orthodontic department of Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan by using patient’s dental casts. Mesiodistal tooth dimensions were measured from right canine to left canine in both arches using digital Vernier Callipers. Anterior Bolton was calculated and sample was divided into two groups on the basis of presence of mandibular and maxillary excess. Difference of upper and lower lateral incisors were then correlated with their respective Anterior Bolton.

Results: Upper lower lateral incisor difference showed a negative moderate correlation (r = -0.4) with dentition showing Anterior Bolton with mandibular excess which was statistically significant. With dentition showing anterior Bolton with maxillary excess, upper lower lateral incisor difference showed a negative weak correlation (r = 0.01) which was statistically insignificant.

Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that for quick initial assessment of anterior tooth size discrepancy, eyeballing is not reliable.