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Tooth size patterns in patients with hypodontia and supernumerary teeth
A H Brook1, R C Griffin, R N Smith
1International Collaborating Centre in Oro-facial Genetics and Development, University of Liverpool, School of Dental Sciences, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GN, UK. a.h.brook@liverpool.ac.uk
Archives of Oral Biology
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Tooth size is linked to tooth number anomalies like hypodontia (fewer teeth) and supernumerary teeth (extra teeth). Patients with fewer teeth had smaller teeth, while those with extra teeth had larger teeth, affecting the entire dentition.
Area of Science:
- Dental Development
- Genetics and Oral Health
- Craniofacial Biology
Background:
- Anomalies in tooth number, such as hypodontia and supernumerary teeth, are not always isolated conditions.
- These anomalies may be associated with variations in tooth size and overall dental development.
- Understanding these associations can provide insights into the etiology of tooth number anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, and tooth crown size.
- To assess the impact of these anomalies on the development of the entire dentition.
- To contribute to a better understanding of the multifactorial etiology of tooth number anomalies.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving young adults with hypodontia and supernumerary teeth, matched with control groups.
- Precise hand measurements of mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of teeth using dental study models and electric calipers.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in tooth size between patient and control groups.
Main Results:
- Patients with hypodontia exhibited significantly smaller tooth dimensions compared to controls, particularly in buccolingual measurements.
- A correlation was observed where a greater number of missing teeth corresponded to smaller tooth size.
- Patients with supernumerary teeth displayed larger tooth dimensions, especially in mesiodistal measurements.
- Tooth size differences were generalized across the entire dentition in both hypodontia and supernumerary groups.
- Hypodontia patients showed increased variability in tooth dimensions.
Conclusions:
- Tooth size is demonstrably affected in individuals with anomalies of tooth number.
- Both hypodontia and supernumerary teeth impact the crown size of the entire dentition.
- These findings support a multifactorial etiology for tooth number anomalies.
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