RESUMO
To assess the applicability of Ponts index for arch width prediction among the Bangladeshi population. Materials and Methods: Models of 37 male and 63 female subjects ranging in age between 16 to 25 years were randomly selected out of all patients attending the Orthodontic clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Teeth size and arch size were measured to determine the Ponts value. Results: The reported value of Ponts ratio is 0.87 +/- 0.08 (premolar) and 0.67 +/- 0.05 (molar). The mean value of Ponts ratio in the present study is 0.88 +/- 0.07 and 0.67 +/- 0.05 for females, and 0.89 +/- 0.09 and 0.66 +/- 0.05 for males. The reported mean index value of Pont is 0.80 and 0.64 with the differences 0.03 and 0.01 whereas, in this study, index value were 0.87 and 0.67, and the differences are 0.07 and 0.03 respectively which are statistically significant compared to the reported values. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, Ponts index is not applicable in the Bangladeshi population.