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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Influence of tooth crown size on malocclusion
Michael K Agenter1, Edward F Harris, Robert N Blair
1Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Summary
Larger tooth crown dimensions, particularly mesiodistal size, were observed in men requiring orthodontic treatment for malocclusion compared to those with naturally good occlusions. Tooth size is a factor to consider in malocclusion assessment.
Area of Science:
- Dental Anthropology
- Orthodontics
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Malocclusion is a common dental issue with multifactorial causes.
- A prevalent form of malocclusion involves a discrepancy between tooth size and the supporting bone (tooth-size arch-size discrepancy).
- Tooth size is considered a potential contributing factor to malocclusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in permanent tooth crown dimensions between individuals with naturally good occlusions and those needing orthodontic treatment for tooth-size arch-size discrepancy.
- To determine if tooth size is a distinguishing factor in malocclusion.
- To compare mesiodistal and buccolingual crown dimensions in two distinct groups of young men.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth crown dimensions.
- Comparison of two samples of American white men: one with naturally good occlusion (n=42) and one requiring orthodontic treatment (n=90).
- Analysis included 14 tooth types from the central incisor to the first molar in both arches.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in 23 out of 24 measured tooth crown dimensions were found between the groups.
- Individuals with malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment exhibited larger tooth crown dimensions on average.
- Mesiodistal size of the maxillary lateral incisor showed the most significant difference, though sample composition may influence this finding.
Conclusions:
- Tooth size is a relevant factor that should be evaluated in the assessment of malocclusion.
- While not always the primary cause, tooth size plays a role in the development of malocclusion.
- Further evaluation of tooth dimensions is recommended for patients with malocclusion.
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