Prediction of arch perimeter based on arch width as a guide for diagnosis and treatment planning

Abstract Background The choice between extraction and expansion treatment is an endless debate in orthodontics. Ethnic and secular variations showed that there was a change in arch perimeter over the last 50 years. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between the arch perimeter and the intercanine and intermolar widths in normal occlusion. Also, to design regression equations for the prediction of the arch perimeter based on arch width, in a sample of the Egyptian population. The images of 340 cast pairs for 11 to 13-year-old patients were traced using TracerNet. Intercanine width, intermolar width and arch perimeter were measured, statistical analysis was performed and regression equations for both arches were formulated. Results There was a positive correlation between the lower arch AP, ICW and IMW and between the upper arch AP and ICW. Lower arch perimeter = 0.536 I33 + 71.642, lower arch perimeter = 0.828 l66 + 58.604 and upper arch perimeter = 1.988 U33 + 30.492 were the significant derived equations. Conclusions The formulation of regression equations offers a tool for the prediction of arch perimeter or arch width that can act as a guide in diagnosis and treatment planning.