Applicability of Tanaka and Johnston mixed dentition analysis in a contemproary Pakistani population

ABSTRACT

Mixed dentition analysis is carried out to predict the size of unerupted canine and premolar in the developing occlusion. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of Tanaka and Johnston method of mixed dentition analysis in predicting the size of permanent canines and premolars in patients visiting Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad. The sample consisted of 80 dental casts [40 male and 40 female], obtained from patients reporting at the department of orthodontics, Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad with the age range between 12 to 21 years. Mesiodistal tooth widths were measured with a digital vernier caliper. A paired student t test was used to compare the predicted and actual sum of the maxillary [PUCPM and AUCPM] and mandibular permanent Canines and Premolars [PLCM and ALCPM] for both genders combined and separately. Significant difference was found between PUCPM and AUCPM in maxilla for both male and female together [M + F 0.000] and when both genders were compared separately [M 0.032, F 0.001]. Tanaka and Johnston method was only applicable in predicting the space for unerupted canine and premolars in mandible in both male and female sample