Mesiodistal tooth dimensions and anterior and overall Bolton ratios evaluated by cone beam computed tomography

The mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and anterior and overall tooth size ratios were measured by CBCT and conventional orthodontic plaster methods, compared, and correlation coefficients for both methods determined.

The records of 26 patients (14 males and 12 females) between the ages of 18 and 28 years were randomly selected from the archives of the Oral Diagnosis, Radiology and Orthodontic Departments at the Karadeniz Technical University. The mesiodistal diameters of the maxillary and mandibular permanent teeth from first molar to first molar were measured on the patient's plaster models and also on CBCT arch renditions. Anterior and overall Bolton ratios were calculated for each method. Comparisons were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC).

The measurements of the mesiodistal widths of most maxillary and mandibular teeth were similar and consistent between the conventional and CBCT methods. PCC values ranged from 0.637 (mandibular right second premolar) to 0.916 (maxillary right canine). PCC values for anterior and overall ratios were 0.756 and 0.781, respectively, indicating that correlations between conventional and CBCT methods were acceptable.

Dental measurements and anterior and overall Bolton ratios calculated on CBCT showed acceptable PCC values indicating that CBCT measurements could be used instead of those obtained from conventional plaster models.