Bolton's tooth size discrepancy in malaysian orthodontic patients: Are occlusal characteristics such as overjet, overbite, midline, and crowding related to tooth size discrepancy in specific malocclusions and ethnicities?

Introduction: Tooth size, occlusal traits, and ethnicity are closely interrelated, and their impact on desirable orthodontic treatment outcome cannot be underestimated. This study was undertaken to assess the occlusal characteristics and ethnic variations in occlusion of Malaysian orthodontic patients and evaluate their correlation with Bolton's tooth size discrepancy. Materials and Methods: On 112 pretreatment study models of orthodontic patients, molar relationship, overjet, overbite, spacing, crowding, midline shift, and Bolton's ratios were assessed. ANOVA, one-sample t-test, Chi-squared test, and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant difference between anterior ratio of our study and Bolton's ideal values was found, for the entire study sample and Chinese ethnic group. Differences between races and malocclusion groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Significant correlations were found as follows - in Angle's Class I malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and overbite, 2) overall ratio and maxillary crowding and spacing; in Angle's Class II malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and overjet and midline shift, 2) overall ratio and mandibular crowding; in Angle's Class III malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and mandibular crowding and both maxillary and mandibular spacing 2) overall ratio and mandibular crowding. Conclusions: Significant differences in anterior ratio and Bolton's ideal values for the Malaysian population were found, indicating variations in anterior tooth size as compared to Caucasians. Statistically significant correlations existed between Bolton's ratios and occlusal traits. These findings can be applied clinically in diagnosis and treatment planning by keeping in mind the specific discrepancies that can occur in certain malocclusions and addressing them accordingly.