Tooth size discrepancy among different malocclusion groups in Sudanese sample

BackgroundMany difficulties encountered during the finishing-phase of orthodontic treatment arise due to lack of intermaxillary tooth-size matching. Bolton ratio is one of the most useful calculations for precise orthodontic diagnosis as it shows whether a correct ratio between dental proportions exists or not.ObjectivesTo determine the mesiodistal tooth width in anterior and overall Bolton ratios in normal occlusion and different malocclusion groups in a Sudanese sample and compare to Bolton's standard.Materials and methodsThe sample consisted of 196 (86 male and 110 female) study models with normal occlusion, Class I, II and III malocclusions, and the age of subject 17–20 years old. Tooth size measurements were performed by electronic digital calipers. Tooth size ratios were analyzed as described by Bolton. The incidence of mesiodistal tooth size discrepancies in the malocclusion groups was analyzed and compared between male and female. The anterior and overall ratios were compared with the ratios Bolton's study.ResultsNo significant difference in the anterior and overall ratios of normal occlusion sample when compared to Bolton's standard. No significant differences were found among gender. ANOVA indicated that no significant difference was determined in the anterior and overall ratios in different malocclusion groups.ConclusionBolton's values can be used for Sudanese population until a large representative sample is studied.