Predicting Canine and Premolar Mesiodistal Crown Diameters Using Regression Equations

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to predict the combined mesiodistal crown widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars from the combined mesiodistal crown widths of maxillary and mandibular incisors and first molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study utilized 120 dental models from Iraqi Arab young adult subjects with normal dental relationships. The mesiodistal crown widths of all teeth (except the second molars) were measured at the level of contact points using digital electronic calipers. The relation between the sum mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and first molars and the combined mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test. Based on this relation, regression equations were developed to predict the sum widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars; then, the predicted mesiodistal crown sum widths were compared with the actual one using a paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Statistically, the predicted mesiodistal crown sum widths were nonsignificantly different from the actual ones. CONCLUSIONS: The combined mesiodistal widths of maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars can be predicted successfully from the combined mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and first molars with a high degree of accuracy reaching to more than 86%.