Bolton’s tooth width discrepancies among Orthodontic patients in a Tanzanian Population

Ferdinand Mabula Machibya, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Consultant Orthodontist and Dean School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
Eladius Laswai Daniel, MDent, Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, TanzaniaFollow
Matilda Mtaya Mlangwa, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Former Dean School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

Corresponding Author

Eladius L. Daniel

Article Type

Original Article

Section/Category

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of intermaxillary teeth width discrepancy among orthodontic patients in a Tanzanian population. Methods: A cross sectional retrospective study was carried involving 204 orthodontic casts. Data collection involved mesio-distal teeth width measurement of all teeth anterior to second molars using a digital Vernier Caliper. Intermaxillary teeth width ratios between lower and upper teeth was then determined according to Bolton’s formula. Independent t test was used to assess whether anterior and overall intermaxillary teeth width ratios vary between males and females. The prevalence of Bolton’s teeth width discrepancies were determined as a percentage of cases that felt outside 2 Standard Deviation of Bolton’s mean. Results: Intermaxillary anterior and overall teeth width ratios for the present study were 77.9±3 and 92.37 ±2.4 respectively. The study found no statistical significance difference in teeth width ratios between males and females. 69% of the cases from the current study lies within 2SD of the Bolton’s anterior mean while 87% of the cases falls within 2 SD of the Bolton’s overall mean score. Conclusion: The prevalence of Bolton’s teeth width discrepancy was found to be 31% for the anterior teeth and 12.8 % for the overall teeth. These prevalence were close to those reported from Americans, some African and Caucasian population.

Keywords

Teeth size discrepancy; Ideal occlusion; Orthodontic treatment planning

How to Cite This Article

Machibya F , Daniel E , Mlangwa M . Bolton’s tooth width discrepancies among Orthodontic patients in a Tanzanian Population. Mans J Dent. 2025; 12(4):
Available at: https://doi.org/10.61793/2812-5479.1168