Comparative evaluation of posterior tooth dimensions among twin pairs from a unique village of twins: an ex- vivo study

Comparisons within monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs can provide valuable insights into the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on the variation in tooth size. Twenty-two twin pairs (12 dizygotic twins, 10 monozygotic twins) aged 13 – 25 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. Mesio-distal measurements of maxillary and mandibular permanent posterior teeth to their maximum width were measured from the dental casts obtained from the twin pairs. Intrapair differences showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) of tooth dimensions among dizygotic (DZ) twins were found in 4 of the 16 posterior teeth studied. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found in all 16 posterior teeth studied among monozygotic (MZ) twins. Mean differences were greater between members of the dizygotic twin pairs compared to monozygotic twin pairs. This study substantiates the evidence of genetic control in tooth size.