Mean Mesiodistal Width of Canine in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The measurement of the teeth is one of the most reliable methods of identification. The teeth represent the most durable, resilient, and chemically stable part of the skeleton. The comparison of tooth dimensions is one of the tools of sex determination. Canines, in particular, are found to have the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism. The aim of the study was to determine the mean mesiodistal width of canines in patients visiting a tertiary care centre. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients visiting a tertiary care centre from 25 August 2021 to 28 December 2021. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 61 (6-11)E2078/079]. The maximum mesiodistal width of the permanent maxillary canine was measured by a digital vernier caliper. The formula given by Garn and Len was used to calculate sexual dimorphism. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 104 maxillary casts studied, the mean mesiodistal width of the maxillary canine was 7.85±0.45 mm (7.76-7.93, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean mesiodistal width of the right maxillary canine in males and females were 7.90±0.48 mm and 7.83±0.45 mm respectively and that of the left maxillary canines in males and females were 7.92±0.44 mm and 7.75±0.45 mm respectively. The sexual dimorphism in the right and left maxillary canine was seen in 10 (0.96%) and 22 (2.12%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mean mesiodistal width of the maxillary canine was similar to other studies done in similar settings.