A New Equation for Predicting Evolution of Oral Pain in Orthodontic Treatment: A Longitudinal, Prospective Cohort Study.

AIMS: To develop an equation capable of relating the evolution of oral pain to the time elapsed, measured from the moment of dental archwire fitting and identifying when pain begins, peaks, and ends; and secondly, to compare pain during orthodontic treatment in relation to archwire material (steel or nickel-titanium [Ni-Ti]) and position (maxillary or mandibular) and patient age (child, teenager, or adult) and gender (male or female). METHODS: A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted of 112 patients who filled in a scale to evaluate pain, noting the times when the pain occurred. The total sample consisted of 60 males and 52 females with a mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of 19.8 ± 6.2 years. The sample was divided into five groups depending on archwire material and position, and patient age and gender. A univariate four-way ANOVA model was performed to compare mean pain levels between groups. Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons. A univariate nonlinear regression model was carried out for pain level, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, and the statistic R² was used. RESULTS: An equation was developed based on pain levels in relation to time elapsed, measured from the moment when the archwire had been fitted in the mouth. The equation had three coefficients related to mean pain values: overall pain, peak pain, and how pain decreased. It fitted all study groups with a correlation coefficient > 0.9. The model showed that pain levels were influenced by archwire material and patient gender and age, but not archwire position. CONCLUSION: The equation reproduced the data registered and can be applied to studies of pain derived from archwires, and this methodology could be used for other external agents fitted in the mouth. Patients receiving dental treatment involving external agents can be made aware of the pain they can expect to experience. This will enable them to distinguish expected pain from other pain, which will help them identify other pathologies requiring medical attention and to approach treatment with better motivation since the pattern of pain evolution is known in advance.

Use of self-organizing maps for analyzing the behavior of canines displaced towards midline under interceptive treatment

BACKGROUND: Displaced maxillary permanent canine is one of the more frequent findings in canine eruption process and it's easy to be outlined and early diagnosed by means of x-ray images. Late diagnosis frequently needs surgery to rescue the impacted permanent canine. In many cases, interceptive treatment to redirect canine eruption is needed. However, some patients treated by interceptive means end up requiring fenestration to orthodontically guide the canine to its normal occlusal position. It would be interesting, therefore, to discover the dental characteristics of patients who will need additional surgical treatment to interceptive treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To study the dental characteristics associated with canine impaction, conventional statistics have traditionally been used. This approach, although serving to illustrate many features of this problem, has not provided a satisfactory response or not provided an overall idea of the characteristics of these types of patients, each one of them with their own particular set of variables. Faced with this situation, and in order to analyze the problem of impaction despite interceptive treatment, we have used an alternative method for representing the variables that have an influence on this syndrome. This method is known as Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), a method used for analyzing problems with multiple variables. RESULTS: We analyzed 78 patients with a PMC angulation higher than 100ş. All of them were subject to interceptive treatment and in 21 cases it was necessary to undertake the above-mentioned fenestration to achieve the final eruption of the canine. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we describe the process of debugging variables and selecting the appropriate number of cells in SOM so as to adequately visualize the problem posed and the dental characteristics of patients with regard to a greater or lesser probability of the need for fenestration

Influence of skeletal class in the morphology of cervical vertebrae: A study using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the prevalence of cervical vertebrae anomalies and to analyze any association between them and skeletal malocclusions or head posture positions in the same study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred forty patients who were attending the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Valencia for orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into three groups: skeletal Class I (control group, 0°

New regression equations for predicting human teeth sizes.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of the study were; to evaluate the applicability of the Moyers and Tanaka-Johnston Methods to individuals with a Spanish ancestry, to propose new regression equations using the lower four permanent incisors as predictors for the sum of the widths of the lower permanent canine and premolars, and to compare the new data to those from other populations. METHODS: A total of 359 Spanish ancestry adolescents were selected. Their dental casts were measured using a 2D computerized system. Real teeth measurements were compared with those predicted using Moyers probability tables and Tanaka and Johnston equations, and standard regression equations were then developed. RESULTS: Results showed that Upper and Lower Canine and Premolar (UCPM, LCPM) predictions are quite different depending on the used method. Moyers tables can only be validly applied to a 75% percentile for the mandible in both, males and females, 85% in males and 90-92% in females. CONCLUSIONS: Moyers predictions tend to underestimate UCPM and LCPM whereas Tanaka-Johnston predictions tend to overestimate them. Equations for estimating the combined width of the unerupted canine and premolars were; Male: UCPM = 12.68 + 0.42 LI and LCPM = 11.71 + 0.44 LI. Female: UCPM = 12.06 + 0.43LI and LCPM = 10.71 + 0.46 LI.

A new 3D method for measuring cranio-facial relationships with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Objectives: CBCT systems, with their high precision 3D reconstructions, 1:1 images and accuracy in locating cephalometric landmarks, allows us to evaluate measurements from craniofacial structures, so enabling us to replace the anthropometric methods or bidimensional methods used until now. The aims are to analyse cranio-facial relationships in a sample of patients who had previously undergone a CBCT and create a new 3D cephalometric method for assessing and measuring patients. Study Design: 90 patients who had a CBCT (i-Cat®) as a diagnostic register were selected. 12 cephalometric landmarks on the three spatial planes (X,Y,Z) were defined and 21 linear measurements were established. Using these measurements, 7 triangles were described and analysed. With the sides of the triangles: (CdR-Me-CdL); (FzR-Me-FzL); (GoR-N-GoL); and the Gl-Me distance, the ratios between them were analysed. In addition, 4 triangles in the mandible were measured (body: GoR-DB-Me and GoL-DB-Me and ramus: KrR-CdR-GoR and KrL-CdL-GoL). Results: When analyzing the sides of the CdR-Me-CdL triangle, it was found that the 69.33% of the patients could be considered symmetric. Regarding the ratios between the sides of the following triangles: CdR-Me-CdL, FzR-Me-FzL, GoR-N-GoL and the Gl-Me distance, it was found that almost all ratios were close to 1:1 except between the CdR-CdL side with respect the rest of the sides. With regard to the ratios of the 4 triangles of the mandible, it was found that the most symmetrical relationships were those corresponding to the sides of the body of the mandible and the most asymmetrical ones were those corresponding to the base of such triangles. Conclusions: A new method for assessing cranio-facial relationshps using CBCT has been established. It could be used for diverse purposes including diagnosis and treatment planning (AU)

Study between anb angle and Wits appraisal in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Objectives: To analyse the ANB and Wits values and to study correlations between those two measurements and other measurements in diagnosing the anteroposterior maxilo-mandibular relationship with CBCT. Study Design: Ninety patients who had previously a CBCT (i-CAT®) as a diagnostic register were selected. A 3D cephalometry was designed using one software package, InVivo5®. This cephalometry included 3 planes of reference, 3 angle measurements and 1 linear measurement. The means and standard deviations of the mean of each measurement were assessed. After that, a Pearson's correlation coefficient has been performed to analyse the significance of each relationship. Results: When classifying the sample according to the anteroposterior relationship, the values obtained of ANB (Class I: 53%; Class II: 37%; Class III: 10%) and Wits (Class I: 35%; Class II: 56%; Class III: 9%) did not coincide, except for the Class III group. However, of the patients classified differently (Class I and Class II patients) by ANB and Wits, a high percentage of individuals (n=22; 49%), had a mesofacial pattern with a mandibular plane angle within normal values. A correlation has been found between ANB and Wits (r=0,262), occlusal plane angle and ANB (r=0,426), and mandibular plane angle and Wits (r=0,242). No correlation was found between either Wits or ANB in relation with the age of the individuals. Conclusions: ANB and Wits must be included in 3D cephalometric analyses as both are necessary to undertake a more accurate diagnosis of the maxillo-mandibular relationship of the patients (AU)

Study between anb angle and Wits appraisal in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the ANB and Wits values and to study correlations between those two measurements and other measurements in diagnosing the anteroposterior maxilo-mandibular relationship with CBCT. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety patients who had previously a CBCT (i-CAT®) as a diagnostic register were selected. A 3D cephalometry was designed using one software package, InVivo5®. This cephalometry included 3 planes of reference, 3 angle measurements and 1 linear measurement. The means and standard deviations of the mean of each measurement were assessed. After that, a Pearson's correlation coefficient has been performed to analyse the significance of each relationship. RESULTS: When classifying the sample according to the anteroposterior relationship, the values obtained of ANB (Class I: 53%; Class II: 37%; Class III: 10%) and Wits (Class I: 35%; Class II: 56%; Class III: 9%) did not coincide, except for the Class III group. However, of the patients classified differently (Class I and Class II patients) by ANB and Wits, a high percentage of individuals (n=22; 49%), had a mesofacial pattern with a mandibular plane angle within normal values. A correlation has been found between ANB and Wits (r=0,262), occlusal plane angle and ANB (r=0,426), and mandibular plane angle and Wits (r=0,242). No correlation was found between either Wits or ANB in relation with the age of the individuals. CONCLUSIONS: ANB and Wits must be included in 3D cephalometric analyses as both are necessary to undertake a more accurate diagnosis of the maxillo-mandibular relationship of the patients.

A new 3D method for measuring cranio-facial relationships with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

OBJECTIVES: CBCT systems, with their high precision 3D reconstructions, 1:1 images and accuracy in locating cephalometric landmarks, allows us to evaluate measurements from craniofacial structures, so enabling us to replace the anthropometric methods or bidimensional methods used until now. The aims are to analyse cranio-facial relationships in a sample of patients who had previously undergone a CBCT and create a new 3D cephalometric method for assessing and measuring patients. STUDY DESIGN: 90 patients who had a CBCT (i-Cat®) as a diagnostic register were selected. 12 cephalometric landmarks on the three spatial planes (X,Y,Z) were defined and 21 linear measurements were established. Using these measurements, 7 triangles were described and analysed. With the sides of the triangles: (CdR-Me-CdL); (FzR-Me-FzL); (GoR-N-GoL); and the Gl-Me distance, the ratios between them were analysed. In addition, 4 triangles in the mandible were measured (body: GoR-DB-Me and GoL-DB-Me and ramus: KrR-CdR-GoR and KrL-CdL-GoL). RESULTS: When analyzing the sides of the CdR-Me-CdL triangle, it was found that the 69.33% of the patients could be considered symmetric. Regarding the ratios between the sides of the following triangles: CdR-Me-CdL, FzR-Me-FzL, GoR-N-GoL and the Gl-Me distance, it was found that almost all ratios were close to 1:1 except between the CdR-CdL side with respect the rest of the sides. With regard to the ratios of the 4 triangles of the mandible, it was found that the most symmetrical relationships were those corresponding to the sides of the body of the mandible and the most asymmetrical ones were those corresponding to the base of such triangles. CONCLUSIONS: A new method for assessing cranio-facial relationships using CBCT has been established. It could be used for diverse purposes including diagnosis and treatment planning.

Relapse of incisor crowding: A visit to the prince of salina

The management of the retention period after comprehensive orthodontic treatment is of great importance, as a primary goal of clinician. Considerable controversy still surrounds the problem of stability after the retention period. Many studies analyze factors associated to the presence of crowding or incisor irregularity and find predictive features on its relapse. Most studies have reported little o no correlation between the treatment changes in the biological parameters - clinical, biometric (irregularity index, intermolar width, intercanine width, archlength, overjet, overbite), or cephalometric variables- that ocurred and the posttretament and postretention changes that may predict their future development. This article provides a bibliographical overview on the relapse of dental alignment in treated cases. In a brief historical introduction, the first studies on the long-term stability of orthodontic results are analysed. The article then goes on to assess studies that focus attention (..) (AU)

Relapse of incisor crowding: a visit to the Prince of Salina.

The management of the retention period after comprehensive orthodontic treatment is of great importance, as a primary goal of clinician. Considerable controversy still surrounds the problem of stability after the retention period. Many studies analyze factors associated to the presence of crowding or incisor irregularity and find predictive features on its relapse. Most studies have reported little o no correlation between the treatment changes in the biological parameters - clinical, biometric (irregularity index, intermolar width, intercanine width, arch length, overjet, overbite), or cephalometric variables- that ocurred and the posttretament and postretention changes that may predict their future development. This article provides a bibliographical overview on the relapse of dental alignment in treated cases. In a brief historical introduction, the first studies on the long-term stability of orthodontic results are analysed. The article then goes on to assess studies that focus attention on anteroinferior alignment before finally studying relapse of upper crowding. It concludes by making some final comments in the light of the bibliography provided and the differents schools regarding retention needs and methods.

A study on the reproducibility of cephalometric landmarks when undertaking a three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric analysis

Objectives: Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) allows the possibility of modifying some of thediagnostic tools used in orthodontics, such as cephalometry. The first step must be to study the characteristics ofthese devices in terms of accuracy and reliability of the most commonly used landmarks. The aims were 1- Toassess intra and inter-observer reliability in the location of anatomical landmarks belonging to hard tissues of theskull in images taken with a CBCT device, 2- To determine which of those landmarks are more vs. less reliableand 3- To introduce planes of reference so as to create cephalometric analyses appropriated to the 3D reality.Study design: Fifteen patients who had a CBCT (i-CAT®) as a diagnostic register were selected. To assess thereproducibility on landmark location and the differences in the measurements of two observers at different times,41 landmarks were defined on the three spatial axes (X,Y,Z) and located. 3.690 measurements were taken and, aseach determination has 3 coordinates, 11.070 data were processed with SPSS® statistical package. To discover thereproducibility of the method on landmark location, an ANOVA was undertaken using two variation factors: time(t1, t2 and t3) and observer (Ob1 and Ob2) for each axis (X, Y and Z) and landmark. The order of the CBCT scanssubmitted to the observers (Ob1, Ob2) at t1, t2, and t3, were different and randomly allocated. Multiple comparisons were undertaken using the Bonferroni test. The intra- and inter-examiner ICC's were calculated. Results: Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was high, both being ICC ≥ 0.99, with the best frequency on axis Z. Conclusions: The most reliable landmarks were: Nasion, Sella, Basion, left Porion, point A, anterior nasal spine, Pogonion, Gnathion, Menton, frontozygomatic sutures, first lower molars and upper and lower incisors. Those with less reliability were the supraorbitals, right zygion and posterior nasal spine (AU)

Evaluation of the validity of the Bolton Index using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Aims: To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of calculating the Bolton Index using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to compare this with measurements obtained using the 2D Digital Method. Material and Methods: Traditional study models were obtained from 50 patients, which were then digitized in order to be able to measure them using the Digital Method. Likewise, CBCTs of those same patients were undertaken using the Dental Picasso Master 3D® and the images obtained were then analysed using the InVivoDental programme. Results: By determining the regression lines for both measurement methods, as well as the difference between both of their values, the two methods are shown to be comparable, despite the fact that the measurements analysed presented statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The three-dimensional models obtained from the CBCT are as accurate and reproducible as the digital models obtained from the plaster study casts for calculating the Bolton Index. The differences existing between both methods were clinically acceptable (AU)

Evaluation of the validity of the Bolton Index using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

AIMS: To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of calculating the Bolton Index using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to compare this with measurements obtained using the 2D Digital Method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Traditional study models were obtained from 50 patients, which were then digitized in order to be able to measure them using the Digital Method. Likewise, CBCTs of those same patients were undertaken using the Dental Picasso Master 3D® and the images obtained were then analysed using the InVivoDental programme. RESULTS: By determining the regression lines for both measurement methods, as well as the difference between both of their values, the two methods are shown to be comparable, despite the fact that the measurements analysed presented statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The three-dimensional models obtained from the CBCT are as accurate and reproducible as the digital models obtained from the plaster study casts for calculating the Bolton Index. The differences existing between both methods were clinically acceptable.

A study on the reproducibility of cephalometric landmarks when undertaking a three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) allows the possibility of modifying some of the diagnostic tools used in orthodontics, such as cephalometry. The first step must be to study the characteristics of these devices in terms of accuracy and reliability of the most commonly used landmarks. The aims were 1- To assess intra and inter-observer reliability in the location of anatomical landmarks belonging to hard tissues of the skull in images taken with a CBCT device, 2- To determine which of those landmarks are more vs. less reliable and 3- To introduce planes of reference so as to create cephalometric analyses appropriated to the 3D reality. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen patients who had a CBCT (i-CAT) as a diagnostic register were selected. To assess the reproducibility on landmark location and the differences in the measurements of two observers at different times, 41 landmarks were defined on the three spatial axes (X,Y,Z) and located. 3.690 measurements were taken and, as each determination has 3 coordinates, 11.070 data were processed with SPSS statistical package. To discover the reproducibility of the method on landmark location, an ANOVA was undertaken using two variation factors: time (t1, t2 and t3) and observer (Ob1 and Ob2) for each axis (X, Y and Z) and landmark. The order of the CBCT scans submitted to the observers (Ob1, Ob2) at t1, t2, and t3, were different and randomly allocated. Multiple comparisons were undertaken using the Bonferroni test. The intra- and inter-examiner ICC's were calculated. RESULTS: Intra- and interexaminer reliability was high, both being ICC ≥ 0.99, with the best frequency on axis Z. CONCLUSIONS: The most reliable landmarks were: Nasion, Sella, Basion, left Porion, point A, anterior nasal spine, Pogonion, Gnathion, Menton, frontozygomatic sutures, first lower molars and upper and lower incisors. Those with less reliability were the supraorbitals, right zygion and posterior nasal spine.

Tooth size changes with age in a Spanish population: Percentile tables

Objectives: The aims of this work were: firstly, to draw up tables of percentile tooth sizes similar to those of Saninand Savara for three age groups of a Spanish population; secondly, to describe changes in tooth size between thosegroups over time, as well as observing any sexual dimorphism and, finally, to compare both the Spanish and Saninand Savara’s American population samples.Material and methods: The sample included 359 patients and was divided into three age groups: adolescents,young adults and adults, of both genders. After dental cast digitalization, mesiodistal tooth-size was measuredon each dental cast using a digital method. Dental size tables organized by percentiles for each group of age andgender were drawn up. Percentiles under 30 were considered as small, between 30 and 70 as average, and above 70as large. As symmetry was found between contralateral teeth, the mean between the teeth of the two semi-archeswas considered.Results: The mesiodistal tooth sizes of adolescents did not present statistically significant differences betweengenders, in contrast to the two other age groups.Conclusions: Mesiodistal tooth diameters tended to diminish with age, especially in women, in the Spanish population.The values obtained for our dental tables, organized by percentiles, were slightly higher than those foundby Sanin and Savara in an American population, especially for women (AU)

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Mesiodistal sizes and intermaxillary tooth-size ratios of two populations; Spanish and Peruvian. A comparative study

Introduction: Adequate tooth-size ratios are required to ensure the satisfactory outcome of orthodontic treatment.Consequently, various methods of measuring tooth-size ratios have been developed being the Bolton ratio the mostcommonly accepted, known and used one. This ratio depending directly on mesiodistal tooth size has been associatedwith different ethnic backgrounds. Some authors suggest the need for specific standards for every population.Objectives: The objectives of our study were; to measure and to compare mesiodistal tooth sizes and the Anterior andOverall Bolton ratios in two different populations, one Peruvian and the other Spanish with the same digital method.Material and Methods: The sample included 149 individuals composed of two groups; 99 Spanish (mean age14.19), 65 being females and 34 males and 50 Peruvian (mean age 14.46), 18 being males and 32 females. The mesiodistalsizes of each of the patients were measured using a digital method and the Anterior and Overall Boltonratios were calculated.Results: Tooth size does indeed involve a strong ethnic component, and the Anterior Bolton ratio is specific foreach ethnic group.Conclusions: The conclusions are; tooth sizes of the Peruvian population were greater than those of the Spanishpopulation. The Anterior Bolton ratio of Peruvian individuals was greater than that of the Spanish, whereas nodifferences were found for Overall Bolton ratio. These differences suggest the need for specific standards for theSpanish and Peruvian population (AU)

Dental arch changes from adolescence to adulthood in a spanish population: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Given the controversy in the literature about the variations in intercanine and intermolar distancesand arch perimeter once the eruption of permanent teeth is completed, the aims of this study were to assess thechanges of these measures with age, analyzing its sexual dimorphism and variability in a Spanish population.Study Design: 188 Spanish individuals distributed in three age groups were selected: 63 adolescents (mean age:14.15 years), 62 young adults (mean age: 21.9 years) and 63 adults (mean age: 40 years). The intercanine and intermolardistances and arch perimeter were measured in each dental cast from each individual of the sample using adigital method. The results were compared between sex and age groups, the sexual dimorphism percentage (%) ofeach measure and its variability coefficient (VC%) were calculated.Results: The results depend on sex and age and, therefore, these two factors will be analyzed jointly for each ofthem with the variation coefficient of the measurement. Intercanine and intermolar distances and arch perimeterwere greater in men than in women, especially in the young adult and adult groups.Conclusions: The intercanine distance and arch perimeter tended to decrease with age particularly in the femalesex, whilst the intermolar distance didn’t undergo significant changes. The intercanine distance is the dimensionthat presented the greatest variability, whereas the intermolar distance presented the least. The changes occur inthe transition from adolescence (14 years of age) to adulthood (22 years of age) and the subsequent alterations arenot relevant (AU)

Long-term analysis of upper incisor crowding. A longitudinal studyof orthodontically treated patients

Introduction: Although there are numerous studies in the literature on alignment stability in the lower arch, thereare few referring to the upper arch. Aims: To assess upper arch stability (irregularity index, widths and length ofarch, overjet and overbite) in orthodontically treated patients by comparing late incisor stability with the initialmalocclusion and type pf treatment undertaken.Study design: The study models of 51 patients, treated with or without extractions, were analysed at three differentpoints in time: pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2) and post-retention (T3) (average 5 years). The followingparameters were measured: irregularity index, arch length, inter-canine and inter-molar widths, overjet andoverbite.Results: The results showed that upper incisor crowding relapses, although a net improvement is noted in comparisonto the initial state both in cases treated with or without extractions. The arch length also relapses in bothcases. The inter-canine and inter-molar widths as well as the overjet and overbite are stable in the long term. Thelong-term response of maxillary incisor alignment is unpredictable.Conclusions: There is a statistically significant reduction in incisor irregularity, length and width of arch (inter-canineand inter-molar widths), whereas overjet and overbite undergo a reduction of little magnitude. No statisticallysignificant correlation is noted between late incisor stability and the initial malocclusion or type of treatment (AU)

Long-term analysis of upper incisor crowding. A longitudinal study orthodontically treated patients.

INTRODUCTION: Although there are numerous studies in the literature on alignment stability in the lower arch, there are few referring to the upper arch. AIMS: To assess upper arch stability (irregularity index, widths and length of arch, overjet and overbite) in orthodontically treated patients by comparing late incisor stability with the initial malocclusion and type pf treatment undertaken. STUDY DESIGN: The study models of 51 patients, treated with or without extractions, were analysed at three different points in time: pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2) and post-retention (T3) (average 5 years). The following parameters were measured: irregularity index, arch length, inter-canine and inter-molar widths, overjet and overbite. RESULTS: The results showed that upper incisor crowding relapses, although a net improvement is noted in comparison to the initial state both in cases treated with or without extractions. The arch length also relapses in both cases. The inter-canine and inter-molar widths as well as the overjet and overbite are stable in the long term. The long-term response of maxillary incisor alignment is unpredictable. CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant reduction in incisor irregularity, length and width of arch (inter-canine and inter-molar widths), whereas overjet and overbite undergo a reduction of little magnitude. No statistically significant correlation is noted between late incisor stability and the initial malocclusion or type of treatment.

Tooth size changes with age in a Spanish population: percentile tables.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this work were: firstly, to draw up tables of percentile tooth sizes similar to those of Sanin and Savara for three age groups of a Spanish population; secondly, to describe changes in tooth size between those groups over time, as well as observing any sexual dimorphism and, finally, to compare both the Spanish and Sanin and Savara 's American population samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample included 359 patients and was divided into three age groups: adolescents, young adults and adults, of both genders. After dental cast digitalization, mesiodistal tooth-size was measured on each dental cast using a digital method. Dental size tables organized by percentiles for each group of age and gender were drawn up. Percentiles under 30 were considered as small, between 30 and 70 as average, and above 70 as large. As symmetry was found between contralateral teeth, the mean between the teeth of the two semi-arches was considered. RESULTS: The mesiodistal tooth sizes of adolescents did not present statistically significant differences between genders, in contrast to the two other age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mesiodistal tooth diameters tended to diminish with age, especially in women, in the Spanish population. The values obtained for our dental tables, organized by percentiles, were slightly higher than those found by Sanin and Savara in an American population, especially for women.