Evaluation of the Applicability and Reliability of Two Mixed Dentition Analyses in 11-15 Year Old School Children in Sangareddy

Abstract

Background: Mixed dentition space analysis is an essential diagnostic procedure used to evaluate whether adequate space is available for the eruption of permanent teeth, identify potential future crowding or spacing concerns, and predict the trajectory of a child's dental development.

Aim: To assess the reliability of Moyer’s mixed dentition space analysis and Tanaka-Johnston's mixed dentition space analyses among school children in the Sangareddy district of Telangana, India

Methodology: After obtaining institutional ethical clearance, 500 subjects fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the pilot study. Maxillary and mandibular models were obtained from selected children of both sexes. Mesiodistal dimensions of the lower arch incisors and canine-premolars of both upper and lower arches were obtained by measuring the maximum distance between the contact points on the proximal surfaces with a vernier digital caliper.

Result: The collected data were analyzed statistically using paired t-tests and ANOVA. The analysis indicated that, for both males and females, the mean values obtained with Moyer’s method and Tanaka-Johnston's methods were lower than the actual values in both maxillary and mandibular dental arches. A gender discrepancy was observed, with males displaying significantly larger canine-premolar segments. The standard deviation (SD) of measured values was higher when compared to the estimated values.

Conclusion: In the Sangareddy population of Indian origin, Moyer's method and Tanaka-Johnston methods significantly underestimated the mesiodistal widths of the canines and premolars.