RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DENTAL ARCH WIDTH AND VERTICAL FACIAL MORPHOLOGY IN UNTREATED ADULTS- A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Arch dimensions can change during orthodontic treatment. So Orthodontist should require adequate knowledge about changes in arch dimensions prior to orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a correlation between dental arch widths & Growth pattern. The comparison of the dental arch width between the groups and the gender prediction is evaluated. The study population included 61 patients, reporting to Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics in Best Dental Science College, Madurai. Based on Jarabak's ratio the study subjects were divided into horizontal and vertical growers. The parameters such as Inter cuspal & Most buccal widths of canine, I & II premolars & I molar were measured in both the arches. Arch widths of the study subjects were measured from the study models. All the data were tabulated & subjected to statistical analysis (Students t test). Based on the ndings, Vertical growers have narrow arch width in both maxilla & mandible compared to the horizontal growers with p value of 0.002. Among the gender difference, Female arch widths were constricted than male arch widths in both maxilla & mandible with p value of 0.002.To conclude Vertical growers have narrow arch width in both maxilla & mandible. Ÿ Using arch wires based on each patient's pre-treatment shape of arch and widths is recommended during orthodontic treatment, since dental arch width is correlated with growth pattern.