Predicting the combined widths of unerupted maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars utilizing the widths of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and first molars

Background: Prediction the width of unerupted permanent canines and premolars is far important in assessing the space available to them in an attempt to prevent the future malocclusion. The present study utilized the combined mesio-distal crowns widths of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and first molars to predict the combined mesio-distal crowns widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars in an Iraqi sample. Materials and methods: One hundred ten Iraqi Arab subjects with an age ranged between 17-25 years and normal skeletal and dental relations were accepted to participate in this study. Dental impressions for maxillary and mandibular arches were taken with alginate impression material then poured with type IV dental stone to get study models. On these models, the mesio-distal crown widths of maxillary and mandibular central incisors, canines, premolars and 1 st molars were measured using digital electronic caliper with 0.01 mm sensitivity. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to determine the relation between the combined mesio-distal crowns widths of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and first molars and the combined mesio-distal crowns widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars. The equations that predict the widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars were obtained using simple regression analysis test. Paired sample t-test was used to compare between the actual and predicted mesio-distal crown widths. Results: Non-significant differences between the predicted and actual mesio-distal crown widths were shown in this study. Conclusions: The combined mesio-distal widths of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and first molars can be used to predict the combined mesio-distal crown widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars with a high percentage of accuracy reaching to more than 80%.