comparison of arch dimensions among different malocclusion groups

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the dimensions of dental arches among the three malocclusion groups and see the gender dimorphism in these dimensions. This was a cross sectional study conducted at dental clinics, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. A total of 110 patients belonging to different malocclusion groups were evaluated. Our inclusion criteria were 1] Presence of all permanent teeth from first Permanent molar to first permanent molar 2] No previous orthodontic treatment and 3] Age range of 13-30 years. All patients suffering from some developmental anomalies and/or syndromes were excluded. The mean maxillary intermolar, inter 1[st] premolar, inter 2[nd] premolar and intercanine widths and arch depth were 49.96mm, 40.13mm, 44.4mm, 34.02mm and 39.41mm respectively for the entire sample. The mean mandibular intercanine, inter 1[st] premolar, inter 2[nd] premolar and intermolar widths and arch depths were 26.90mm, 33.40mm, 38.72mm, 43.49mm and 33.72mm respectively for the whole group. Significant differences were found in maxillary inter-premolars and inter-molar widths among the three groups. A comparison between the two genders showed significant differences in mandibular intercanine and intermolar widths among the three groups. Significant differences were found in maxillary intermolar and interpremolar widths among the three malocclusion groups. Class Ill group had the largest maxillary intermolar and interpremolar widths followed by Class I group. Male subjects had significantly larger maxillary and mandibular intermolar widths and mandibular intercanine widths than females