Clinical application of the graphical analysis of tooth width discrepancy.

Abstract

Mesiodistal tooth width discrepancies between the maxillary and mandibular teeth may be present in any dentition. A mismatch in width between the maxillary and mandibular teeth can have a pronounced effect on the occlusion by preventing the correct interdigitation of buccal teeth and the correct overbite/overjet relation of anterior teeth. No simple graphical method of analysis of tooth width discrepancy has previously been devised. The present graphical analysis of tooth width discrepancy has been developed to comprehensively assess new cases for tooth width discrepancy. The findings from the graphical analysis of tooth width discrepancy were invaluable as an aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Diagnostic set-ups performed on each malocclusion supported the findings from the graphical analysis. The analysis provided the ability to visually recognise and localise the tooth or teeth causing the tooth width discrepancy. Computerisation of the graphical analysis of tooth width discrepancy will simplify and encourage its use in the overall diagnosis and treatment planning of all malocclusions.