Evaluating The Width to Length Ratio of Maxillary Anterior Teeth In Class I Canine Relation- An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary lateral incisor is the most common tooth that is prone to deformity in context with size, shape and texture. The major goal of orthodontic treatment for the great majority of patients in recent years is dental and facial aesthetics. To achieve goals in orthodontics, it is necessary to have canines in a good Class I relationship. The mean width/length ratio of the maxillary 3 anterior tooth groups is 0.81. Understanding the relationship between the width and length of the clinical crown of normal teeth might be useful in helping establish a more precise endpoint when managing a case of altered passive eruption. This would help us in achieving functional stability along with esthetic harmony. Aims and objectives: To determine width to length ratio of maxillary anterior teeth and correlate it with class I canine relation. Materials and methods: Alginate impressions of 18 to 25 years old individuals who fulfill the inclusion criteria will be taken to measure the width and length of maxillary six anterior teeth. Results: The values obtained are not statistically significant; indicating that there is no correlation between class I canine relation and the universally accepted 0.81 width to length ratio of the three maxillary anterior teeth. Conclusion: Class I canine relation does not necessarily guarantee establishment of 0.81 width to length ratio. So even if the functional stability is achieved at the end of the treatment by achieving a class I canine relation, the anterior teeth might still not follow 0.81 width to length ratio, in spite of being in proper occlusion.