Do Hall Technique Crowns Affect Intra-arch Dimensions? A Split-mouth Quasi-experimental Non-randomized Feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Biology

Background:

• Hall Technique preformed metal crowns (HT-PMCs) are used in pediatric dentistry.
• Concerns exist regarding potential oversized HT-PMCs altering inter-arch relationships.
• The specific effects of HT-PMCs on intra-arch dimensions and leeway space remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the intra-arch effects of single HT-PMCs.
• To quantify dimensional changes in teeth treated with HT-PMCs.
• To assess the impact on leeway space within the dental arch.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth, quasi-experimental, non-randomized feasibility pilot study was conducted.
• Intraoral scans were performed pre-placement, immediately post-HT-PMC placement, and one month later.
• Measurements included arch length and treated/control tooth dimensions (mesiodistal, buccolingual, diagonal) using OrthoCAD software.

Main Results:

• A single HT-PMC significantly increased the mean study arch length by approximately 0.7-0.8 mm.
• Treated teeth showed significant dimensional increases (0.5-0.9 mm) in mesiodistal, buccolingual, and diagonal measurements.
• No significant changes were observed in the control arch or control teeth dimensions.

Conclusions:

• A single HT-PMC can lead to a marginal increase in intra-arch dimensions (up to <1 mm).
• The HT-PMC-treated tooth demonstrated a slight oversizing.
• This pilot study provides a foundation for larger, more definitive research on HT-PMC effects.