Mixed dentition space analysis among Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Anthropology
• Dentistry

Background:

• Mixed dentition space analysis is crucial for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Existing regression equations for predicting unerupted tooth sizes vary significantly across different ethnic groups.
• This study addresses the need for accurate, population-specific orthodontic analysis tools for Nepalese populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop new regression equations for estimating the mesiodistal widths of unerupted canines and premolars in Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris.
• To compare the accuracy of established prediction methods (Moyers, Tanaka and Johnston) with actual measurements in the target population.
• To provide reliable tools for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in Nepalese children.

Main Methods:

• Selected 100 Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris (50 males, 50 females) for the study.
• Measured mesiodistal widths of permanent incisors, canines, and premolars.
• Performed correlation and linear regression analyses, comparing results with Moyers and Tanaka-Johnston methods.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in canine and premolar sizes were found between sides or sexes within the study group.
• High positive correlations (r=0.72 for maxillary, r=0.73 for mandibular) were observed between mandibular incisor widths and canine/premolar sizes.
• Significant discrepancies were noted between measured tooth sizes and predictions from Moyers and Tanaka-Johnston methods.

Conclusions:

• Standard orthodontic prediction methods (Moyers, Tanaka-Johnston) are inaccurate for Nepalese Brahmins/Chhetris.
• New regression equations and tables were successfully developed for this specific ethnic group.
• These new tools will improve the accuracy of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for Nepalese children.