Modified OXIS classification for primary canines.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Morphology
• Caries Risk Assessment

Background:

• The OXIS classification system was previously established for categorizing interproximal contacts of primary molars.
• Variations in interproximal contacts of primary canines and anterior teeth require specific classification.
• Understanding these contacts is crucial for accurate caries risk assessment in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish variations in interproximal contacts of primary canines.
• To modify the OXIS classification for primary canines and assess its applicability to primary anterior teeth.
• To investigate the role of interproximal contact types as a potential caries risk factor.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 4,674 interproximal contacts from 1,090 caries-free children's die models.
• Evaluation by two calibrated examiners using the original OXIS classification with modifications for canines and anterior teeth.
• Statistical analysis (Chi-square test) to compare inter-arch differences in contact types.

Main Results:

• The most prevalent contact type was 'O' (62.1%), followed by 'X' (19.6%), 'I' (12.6%), 'S type I' (4.1%), and 'S type II' (1.6%).
• Significant inter-arch differences were observed for all contact types (P < .001).
• The modified OXIS classification successfully categorized primary canine contacts.

Conclusions:

• The interproximal contacts of primary canines can be classified as O, X, I, S I, and S II.
• The OXIS classification was effectively modified to accommodate the morphological variations of primary canines.
• The complexity and type of primary canine interproximal contacts may represent an inherent risk factor for caries.