Space analysis: putting it all together

Space analysis is the foundation of all orthodontic treatment plans and is critical in deciding whether functional and cosmetic orthodontic goals can be achieved. An organized, comprehensive, integrated space analysis will help dentists to choose between a variety of treatment approaches and to determine if permanent teeth must be extracted. At present, most of the literature focuses on individual aspects of space analysis; a search of the literature revealed only three published articles that involved integrating treatment planning with comprehensive space analysis. The mandibular arch is the template for this space analysis because it is less malleable than the maxilla. Using four key arch measurements as variables with a curve of Spee correction creates custom starting and final arch forms for each patient. This three-dimensional total arch form approach is incorporated into a spreadsheet template that integrates the individual aspects of space analysis into one unified approach while performing most of the calculations. The spreadsheet is available for free download at www.agd.org or www.herseycentral.org/drsolomon.