Applicability of regression equation using widths of mandibular permanent first molars and incisors as a predictor of widths of mandibular canines and premolars in contemporary Indian population.
BACKGROUND Predicting the size of unerupted teeth during the mixed dentition period is a critical factor in managing the developing occlusion. Different studies found that the combined width of only the four mandibular permanent incisors is not a good predictor of the sum of unerupted mandibular permanent canines and premolars (SPCP) In 2007, Melgaco et al. developed a new method for SPCP by measuring the sum of the mandibular first permanent molars and four mandibular permanent incisors (SMI) AIM It was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this new method in comparison with Moyers' mixed dentition analysis table in contemporary Indian population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Sixty boys and 60 girls from Gandhinagar district (age ranged from 12 to 14 years) were included. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mesiodistal crown widths of all fully erupted teeth were measured with digital vernier callipers and the odontometric values obtained were then subjected to statistical and linear regression analysis. RESULTS Student's unpaired t test gave statistically significant difference between the original values of teeth and the values obtained by Melgaco's prediction equation as well as Moyers' mixed dentition analysis table (P 0.001) High values of correlation (r 0.77) and determination coefficients (r2 0.59) were found while considering Melgaco's method. Also, no statistically significant difference was found between the tooth sizes of males and females. CONCLUSION From this study, it can be evaluated that Melgaco's method gives better prediction and a simplified equation Y 0.925X can be suggested for the present population.
Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry