Comparison of mesiodistal widths of teeth in crowded versus non- crowded dentitions

Introduction: Dental crowding, its etiology as well as its effects have intrigued Orthodontists since the beginning of the specialty. This has been owed to various factors, size of teeth being one of these. Hence the aim of this study was to compare the size of teeth in crowded and non-crowded dentitions in Peshawar population to ascertain its role in the etiology of malocclusion. Material and Method: Twenty-six crowded and non crowded casts respectively (total 52) were measured for maximum mesiodistal width from right permanent first molar to the contra lateral with digital caliper. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Student t tests were used to compare mesiodistal width between two groups. Inter-observer reliability was determined using Bland-Altman plot. Data normality was determined by drawing P-P plot. Results: Inter-observer reliability was very high and data was normally distributed. In mandibular arch for both genders, central and lateral incisors were larger in the crowded group. In maxillary arch for females, central and lateral incisors were larger in crowded group. In case of maxillary arch for males, central incisor and canines were larger in the crowded group. The comparison of labial segment only in crowded versus non-crowded cases showed that only maxilla in males had statistically significant difference in the tooth size. While the comparison of sizes of teeth from molar to molar (12 teeth) in crowded versus non-crowded cases showed no statistical significant difference for any arch or gender. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in mesiodistal widths of teeth between crowded and non-crowded groups with the exception of anterior maxilla in the female group. Individual teeth size variations were found in central and lateral incisors in the mandible and central incisor and canines in male patient’s maxilla, being larger in the crowded group.