Correlation between iris diameter and the width of the maxillary central incisor with digital image analysis

Various methods have been suggested for determining the width of maxillary anterior teeth for complete dentures. A straightforward and reliable technique for anterior tooth selection in complete denture is still needed.

The purpose of this clinical study was to determine the correlation between the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) of the eye and the mesiodistal width of the maxillary central incisor tooth in a dentate Indian population.

One hundred Indian dental students participated in this study. A standardized image of the face revealing the eyes and teeth on smile was captured. The measurements of the HVID and the mesiodistal width of the maxillary central incisor at the cervical third, middle third, and incisal edge were evaluated with photoimaging software. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by paired-sample t test to compare the right and left sides, independent-sample t tests to compare between sexes, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) to investigate the association between variables (α=.05) RESULTS: A positive correlation between the HVID and the mesiodistal width of the maxillary central incisor was found in men, with r values of .62, .78, and .79 in the cervical, middle, and incisal third regions, respectively. In women, respective r values of .59, .73, and .75 were found. Minimal differences were observed between right- and left-side measurements.

The HVID of the eyes can be used to estimate the mesiodistal width of the maxillary central incisor tooth.