Intermaxillary tooth size discrepancy in a Pakistani population: A stereomicroscope versus digital caliper

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Morphology

Background:

• Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial in orthodontics.
• Intermaxillary tooth size discrepancy (IMTSD) is a key diagnostic factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare IMTSD measurements using traditional digital calipers (DC) on plaster models versus stereomicroscopic digital dental models (SM).

Main Methods:

• 7168 variables measured on 128 plaster casts and 128 SM digital models.
• Intermaxillary tooth size discrepancy (IMTSD) assessed via anterior and overall tooth size, Bolton's anterior ratios (BAR), and Bolton's overall ratios (BOR).
• Statistical analysis using independent t-test and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Significant sexual disparities found in the sum of anterior and overall tooth sizes using both DC and SM methods.
• No significant sexual disparities observed for BAR and BOR.
• No statistically significant differences in BAR and BOR between DC and SM methods.
• No significant differences in IMTSD ratio across different arch lengths or perimeters.

Conclusions:

• Norms for IMTSD were established using both DC and SM methods.
• Sexual dimorphism was noted in total tooth size, but not in BAR or BOR.
• The DC and SM methods demonstrated comparable results for BAR and BOR in IMTSD assessment.