Comparison of dental arch measurements in the primary dentition between contemporary and historic samples

The purpose of this study was to investigate secular changes that may have occurred in dental arch dimensions by comparing a sample of contemporary North American white children (born between 1992 and 1995) in the primary dentition to those children found in an earlier study of North American white children (born between 1946 and 1948). The sample of contemporary children has been followed prospectively since birth and was assessed at 4(1/2) to 5 years of age. Data for the historic sample were obtained from 5-year-old children who were enrolled in the Iowa Growth Study. The 2 samples were similar in terms of geographic location, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. To further enhance the comparison and to match the 2 groups, the 2 samples were restricted to white children with a normal overjet (<4 mm) and normal anteroposterior molar relationship, no anterior open bite, and no crossbite. In addition, individuals were excluded if any permanent teeth were erupted. Measurements of maxillary and mandibular arch lengths and intercanine and intermolar arch widths were made, with measurements of overjet and overbite. The results indicated that maxillary and mandibular arch lengths in both sexes were significantly shorter in the contemporary sample; all arch widths were significantly smaller in contemporary boys, but not in girls. These findings suggest that average arch dimensions may be smaller in contemporary children than in past generations. Further research is needed to determine whether smaller arch dimensions are associated with more crowding in the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions.