Maxillary and mandibular arch widths of Colombians

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Anthropometry
• Dental Morphology

Background:

• Establishing reference data for maxillary and mandibular arch widths is crucial for orthodontic diagnosis.
• Regression models offer a potential tool for predicting these arch dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide reference data for maxillary and mandibular arch widths in Colombian mestizos aged 5–17.
• To evaluate the efficacy of regression models in predicting arch widths based on anthropometric and dental measurements.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from 473 Colombian mestizos (5–17 years) with normal occlusions and Class I/II malocclusions.
• Measured arch widths and tooth sizes from dental casts.
• Utilized anthropometric data (body size, facial breadth/height) and tooth sizes for regression model development.

Main Results:

• Class II subjects exhibited narrower anterior maxillary widths; Class I subjects had narrower interpremolar widths compared to normal occlusion.
• Males and older children presented with significantly wider arches.
• Regression models explained 36–64% of arch width variation, with maxillary incisor size and bigonial width being key predictors.

Conclusions:

• Regression models accurately predict transverse deficiencies in Class I (premolars) and Class II (anterior maxilla) malocclusions.
• Regression-based predictions are more reliable than traditional methods like Pont's index, Schwarz analysis, or McNamara's rule.