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

Accurate prediction of maxillary central incisor width (CIW) is essential in prosthodontics for selecting appropriately sized denture teeth. While traditional methods exist, the digital era may offer more reliable techniques for anterior tooth selection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between CIW and craniofacial measurements derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to identify predictors for CIW and examine possible sexual dimorphism.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 three-dimensional skull models (40 men, 40 women; age range: 20 to 48 years) generated from segmented CBCT scans. Measurements included CIW, interpterygoid hamulus distance, bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and piriform aperture width. Statistical analyses comprised independent t tests, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression (α=.05).

Significant sexual dimorphism was observed 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). Multiple regression analysis revealed bi-orbital width, and interorbital distance, along with sex, as significant predictors of CIW (R²=.59, P<.001).

Bony bi-orbital width, interorbital distance, and sex can be used to estimate the maxillary CIW.