Comparison of Spaced and Non‑spaced Dentitions among the Children of Vadodara City

Abstract

Aim: To compare dental arch size, mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual crown widths between spaced and non‑spaced dental arches. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 children were included in the study, of which 40 children had spaced dentition and 40 had non‑spaced dentition. The selection was done on the basis of selection criteria. Alginate impressions were taken, and models were prepared. The tooth measurements for MD, buccolingual and clinical crown height along with arch dimensions were measured with the help of digital Vernier callipers. The measurements were entered into the prepared pro forma sheets and analysed. Statistical tests applied were independent sample t‑test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The MD dimension of the teeth was more in the spaced dentition than the non‑spaced dentition. The buccolingual dimensions of the teeth were more in the non‑spaced dentition than the spaced dentition. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the crown size ratio between spaced and non‑spaced dentition, except for mandibular left second molar (P ≤ 0.05). The arch dimensions were also more both in the maxilla and mandible in spaced dentition when compared to non‑spaced dentition. The correlation was statistically significant. Conclusion: The tooth and arch dimensions of spaced and non‑spaced dentitions among the Gujarati children were evaluated. The crowding of primary dentition has a definite correlation to the dental crowns’ MD width.