Prediction of unerupted canines and premolars widths in an Emirati population: development and validation of...

This study aimed to develop a more accurate model for predicting the widths of unerupted canines and premolars in Emirati children, using deep learning and machine learning techniques. Dental models of 380 Emirati individuals aged 15-30 years were collected. The mesiodistal widths of permanent teeth were measured with a standardized orthodontic digital caliper. Regression models were developed using linear regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR; machine learning), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN; deep learning). The widths of mandibular lateral incisors, central incisors, and the summed width of mandibular incisors were used as predictors. A two-tailed paired t-test was used to assess differences between measured and predicted values. Model performance was evaluated using pass rate (defined as predictions within ± 1 mm of measured values), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R²). The dataset was randomly divided into training (70%), validation (20%), and test (10%) sets. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was found between the values predicted by the Tanaka-Johnston equations and the measured values. In contrast, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the measured values and those predicted by newly derived models. The highest average pass rate (78.5%, MAE 0.66) was achieved with linear regression using one predictor (summed width of the mandibular incisors). The Tanaka-Johnston method showed limited validity in the Emirati population. Population-specific regression equations significantly improved prediction accuracy, while machine-learning approaches enhanced model stability without outperforming well-calibrated linear regression models, supporting the use of simple, interpretable models for clinically reliable mixed-dentition space analysis.