Interarch tooth size relationship of Indian population: does Bolton's analysis apply?

Orthodontists have several methods to detect inter arch-tooth size discrepancies in patients presenting for orthodontic treatment. Many methods such as Pont's analysis, Nance and Carey's analysis, Peck and Peck ratio, Bolton's analysis are commonly used methods. A thorough search of literature reveals a paucity of reliable data on the mesiodistal dimensions of the crowns of the permanent dentition of Indian population. Without information about the size of individual tooth and groups of teeth for Indian population, it is difficult for the clinician to make an adequate diagnosis and treatment plan and to carry out a plan of therapy. To determine the size of individual permanent tooth and the sex differences, with tooth size ratios according to Bolton's formula and to evaluate the reliability of Bolton's norms (Anterior/ Posterior) in Indian population. One hundred and twenty cases in which an excellent occlusion was naturally existent with the mean age of 22 years (18-27 years) were selected in the study. The casts were prepared after taking alginate impression of maxillary and mandibular arches and pouring them immediately with dental stone. A sliding Digital Vernier calliper used to measure the teeth. The ratios of the mean of mesiodistal dimensions of types of teeth were computed. The mean overall ratio for the Indian population is found to be 92.11 with a standard deviation of 2.12. The values ranged from 86.50-97.13 and the median is 92.16. The mean anterior ratio for the Indian population is found to be 78.14 with a standard deviation of 2.59. Bolton's original data does not represent Indian population. In our study greater size variability was found in maxillary teeth as compared with mandibular teeth except mandibular first molar. Our study indicated that population-specific standards are necessary for clinical assessments. Significant differences were shown for the overall ratio and anterior ratio for both sexes as compared to Bolton's ratio.