Analysis of width/length ratio in maxillary anterior teeth among Gujarati young individuals: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Correcting tooth size discrepancies are essential in achieving good dental and facial aesthetic in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Hence, dental biometrics will be the most important key for an aesthetic restoration. This study aimed to analyse the width, length and width/length ratio related to the clinical crown of maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines in adult Gujarati individuals. This study also aimed to check whether a correlation exists between the optimal tooth dimension guidelines for planning aesthetic restorations and natural tooth dimensions. Materials and Methods: Type III dental plaster casts were made from irreversible hydrocolloid impressions of 68 healthy adult participants. These casts were used to measure maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines' maximum mesiodistal width and crown-root length with a digital vernier calliper (0.01 mm). The width/length ratio for each and every tooth was calculated. Results: The sample used in the study was 61.76% female and 38.24% male, with an age range of 18–30 years. 8.53 mm was the mean width value for the central incisors, lateral incisors 6.88 mm and canines 7.64 mm. The mean length was 9.80 mm for the central incisors, 8.25 mm for the lateral incisors and 9.29 mm for the canines. The average width/length ratio was 87% for the central incisors and 84% for the laterals and 83% for canines. Conclusion: The data received from the population studied are similar to previous research studies having similar methodology. However, great discrepancies in the absolute values were found when compared with other studies related to ideal tooth dimension guidelines on the aesthetic perception of dentists and personal preferences. The perception of what is considered natural seems to differ from what is considered aesthetically perfect.