Dental Spacing in Primary Dentition of Nigerian Children and its Relationship to Arch and Crown Dimensions

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare mesiodistal and buccolingual crown widths, as well as dental arch dimensions between children with spaced and normal dental arches; and to determine which of the parameters mostly influence dental spacing. Methods: Crown and dental arch dimensions of dental casts of 125 children, grouped into spaced and normal primary dental arches, based on the tooth size-arch length discrepancy, were measured using electronic digital caliper. The data were statistically analyzed using t-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Maxillary and mandibular spaced arches had statistically significant larger intercanine widths than the normal arches. The total mesiodistal tooth size in both arches, and mean buccolingual width of the mandibular first and second primary molars of the spaced arches were significantly smaller than those of the normal arches. However, there were no significant differences between spaced and normal arches in arch length, arch depth and intermolar arch width. The most important predictor of spacing in both arches is the intercanine width, followed by total mesiodistal tooth size. Conclusions: The parameter that mostly influences dental spacing is the intercanine width.KEYWORDS: Orthodontics, dentition, spacing, tooth, arch, dimension