Mandibular Intercanine Width at Three Stages of Mixed Dentition in Children at Namakkal District: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: To assess and compare the mandibular intercanine width (ICW) of children at three stages of mixed dentition in children at Namakkal district.

Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 schoolchildren aged 7-11 years, with 45 children in each group. Group I included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central incisors, group II included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central and lateral incisors, and group III included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. Impressions were made in the mandibular anterior region, and study casts were prepared. Measurements of the mandibular ICW were taken using a digital vernier caliper.

Results: The mean mandibular ICW after the complete eruption of permanent mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines was 23.7, 25.5, and 25.7 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the ICW between the three groups (p < 0.001). Post hoc tests showed that mandibular ICW was statistically significant between groups I and II and group III (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that age does not contribute to the changes in mandibular ICW.

Conclusion: The average mandibular ICW found can be a standard comparison for treatment planning in the western Tamil Nadu population. Mandibular ICW reaches its maximum after the eruption of permanent mandibular lateral incisors. Changes in mandibular ICW should be attributed to the eruption of permanent mandibular anterior teeth and not to the age of the child.

How to cite this article: Balaraman C, Asokan S, Pollachi Ramakrishnan GP, et al. Mandibular Intercanine Width at Three Stages of Mixed Dentition in Children at Namakkal District: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):737-741.