Reconsideration of Leeway Space Calculated Using Models from Same Patients at Different Growth Stages

In this study, original leeway space was determined using plaster models prepared from the same individuals over successive years and compared with that reported in an earlier study. The plaster models used for measurement were prepared from a normal dentition group comprising 64 patients and a crowded dentition group comprising 29. The mesiodistal crown width of the deciduous canines, deciduous first molars, and deciduous second molars, as well as that of the canines, first premolars, and second premolars was measured. Leeway space was then calculated and the results compared with that previously reported. The average maxillary and mandibular leeway spaces calculated in the same individuals were 1.46 and 2.66 mm, respectively, whereas those calculated from data collected from different individuals were 0.89 and 2.83 mm, respectively. No direct statistical comparison of leeway space between this and the earlier report was possible. The present results did indicate, however, that it was larger in the maxilla than previously reported. A larger leeway space is advantageous for the normal arrangement of the permanent teeth. While the mesiodistal crown width of some of the lateral segment teeth in the present study was significantly larger in boys than in girls, no significant difference was observed in leeway space between sexes. The mesiodistal width was larger in multiple permanent teeth such as canines in the crowded dentition group, and this difference was significant in boys. On the other hand, no difference was observed in mesiodistal width in the deciduous teeth between the two groups. These results showed a tendency toward larger teeth and less leeway space in the permanent dentition in the crowded dentition group, which may have been a factor in why such crowding occurred.