Association between maxillary incisor width and craniofacial measurements: A cone beam computed tomography study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anthropology
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate maxillary central incisor width (CIW) prediction is vital for prosthodontic tooth selection.
• Traditional methods for CIW estimation exist, but digital techniques may offer enhanced reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate CIW with craniofacial measurements from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
• To identify predictors for CIW and examine potential sexual dimorphism in these measurements.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 80 3D skull models (40 male, 40 female) from CBCT scans.
• Measurements included CIW, interpterygoid hamulus distance, bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and piriform aperture width.
• Statistical analyses involved t tests, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Significant sexual dimorphism was found in CIW, interpterygoid hamulus distance, and bi-orbital width (P<.05).
• CIW positively correlated with bi-orbital width (r=.75, P<.001) and piriform aperture width (r=.49, P<.001).
• Bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and sex were significant predictors of CIW (R²=.59, P<.001).

Conclusions:

• Maxillary CIW can be reliably estimated using bony bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and sex.
• These craniofacial measurements provide valuable predictors for prosthetic applications.