Dental Spacing in Primary Dentition of Nigerian Children and its Relationship to Arch and Crown Dimensions

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare mesiodistal and buccolingual crown widths; as well as dental arch dimensions between children with spaced and normal dental arches; and to determine which of the parameters mostly influence dental spacing. Methods: Crown and dental arch dimensions of dental casts of 125 children; grouped into spaced and normal primary dental arches; based on the tooth size-arch length discrepancy; were measured using electronic digital caliper. The data were statistically analyzed using t-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Maxillary and mandibular spaced arches had statistically significant larger intercanine widths than the normal arches. The total mesiodistal tooth size in both arches; and mean buccolingual width of the mandibular first and second primary molars of the spaced arches were significantly smaller than those of the normal arches. However; there were no significant differences between spaced and normal arches in arch length; arch depth and intermolar arch width. The most important predictor of spacing in both arches is the intercanine width; followed by total mesiodistal tooth size. Conclusions: The parameter that mostly influences dental spacing is the intercanine width