Correlation between head circumference and mesio-distal width of the maxillary central incisor: a cross sectional study among three different population groups.

The size and shape of a tooth vary between individuals of different ethnic groups and genders because of the influence of different genetic factors. The information regarding the different anatomical factors using maxillary anterior teeth is very scanty. Thus to give more clarity, a study was planned to assess the correlation between head circumference and tooth-mesiodistal width among children of different ethnic origins.The study was carried out on 210 children aged 7 to 12 years in schools at Abha, Saudi Arabia.The mesiodistal (MD) width of the central incisor was measured using a digital vernier caliper. A Meter tape ruler was used to measure the Head/Cephalic dimensions. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS 20.0, and the results were analyzed. It was found that mean MD tooth width and head circumference were maximum in Saudi children, followed by South Asian and Arab/African, with an insignificant statistical difference (p-value > 0.05). Correlation between MD dimensions of maxillary central incisor with head circumference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) among Saudi and South Asian populations, whereas statistically insignificant (p-value > 0.05) difference between Saudi and Arab/African populations. It was concluded that there exist the ethnic differences between tooth-mesiodistal width and head circumference dimensions of children. A positive correlation between head circumference and mesiodistal width of the central incisor was determined.

Geometric analysis of tooth size among different malocclusion groups in a Hispanic population.

INTRODUCTION: Tooth size ratio is important for optimal dentofacial esthetics, occlusal interdigitation, and postorthodontic treatment stability. Tooth geometry influences tooth size ratio; therefore, tooth size normative data may not be practical across diverse ethnic groups. This study aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in 3-dimensional tooth size among patients in the Hispanic population with Angle Class I, II, and III malocclusions. METHODS: The data were collected using intraoral scanned orthodontic study models representing Hispanic orthodontic patients with Angle Class I, II, and III malocclusions. The scanned models were digitized and transferred to a geometric morphometric system. Tooth sizes were determined, quantified, and visualized using contemporary geometric morphometric computational tools. RESULTS: Tooth size was determined for all teeth and showed a significant difference in 4 out of 28 teeth: Maxillary right first molar, mandibular left second molar, mandibular right first molar and mandibular right second molar. This significant difference was noted among females and affected different malocclusion groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth size discrepancy in the Hispanic population varies among malocclusion groups, and the variation is determined by the participant's gender.

Maxillary lip dynamics and gingival display revisited: Utilizing standardized metrics.

OBJECTIVE: This study was initiated to validate a predictable system for establishing maximum maxillary lip dynamics and highlight the clinical significance of the findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five subjects, ranging in age from 25 to 71 years old were photographed with lips in maximum and minimum reveal. The images were digitally analyzed using set references. The statistical analysis was performed using Meta. Numerics version 4.1.4. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was carried out to identify relationships between age and maxillary lip dynamics. A p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A greater percentage of participants have posterior gingival display than anterior gingival display. There is greater movement of the maxillary lip at the cuspid than at the central incisor. CONCLUSION: There was a tendency for lip dynamics to increase at the right central incisor when there is an increase in lip dynamics at the right cuspid. Lip dynamics does not appear to decrease with age. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Accurately recording and considering maximum lip dynamics helps avoid asymmetric, excessive or insufficient gingival architecture, insufficient or excessive tooth length and visible restorative margins.

Using a digital platform to establish odontometric variation based on race, gender and Angle classification.

Orthodontists often encounter significant clinical challenges in the finishing stages of treatment due to a disproportion in interarch tooth size relationships. Despite the increasing presence of digital technology and concomitant focus on customized treatment approaches, there is a gap in the knowledge of how generating tooth size data using digital versus traditional methods may impact our treatment regime. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of tooth size discrepancies using digital models and a digitally based cast analysis in our cohort based on (i) Angle's Classification; (ii) gender and (iii) race. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mesiodistal widths of teeth in 101 digital models were assessed using computerized odontometric software. A Chi-square test was used to determine the prevalence of tooth size disproportions among the study groups. The differences between all three groups of the cohort were analysed using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: An overall Bolton tooth size discrepancy (TSD) prevalence of 36.6% was observed in our study cohort; 26.7% had an anterior Bolton TSD. No differences existed in the prevalence of tooth size discrepancies between male and female subjects as well as between the different malocclusion groups (P > .05). Caucasian subjects had a statistically significant smaller prevalence of TSD compared to Black and Hispanic patients (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence results in this study illuminate how relatively common TSD is and underscores the importance of proper diagnosis. Our findings also suggest that racial background may be an influential factor in the presence of TSD.

Polymorphisms in hormonal-related genes might be associated with variations in permanent tooth crown size.

BACKGROUND: The variability in tooth crown size (TCS) is influenced by genetic factors and might be regulated by the difference in hormonal response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the association between variations in TCS of permanent teeth with associated factors and genetic polymorphisms in hormonal-related genes (ESR1, ESR2 and PTH). This cross-sectional study involved dental casts from 86 individuals of both sexes. Dental casts were used to determine the maximum TCS of all fully erupted permanent teeth (except third molars) in the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions. Data such as sex, ethnicity, dental group (incisor, canine, premolar and molar), dental arch (upper and lower) and genetic polymorphisms of hormonal-related genes were used. The DNA from each patient was collected to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs2234693 and rs9340799), ESR2 (rs1256049 and rs4986938) and PTH (rs694, rs6256 and rs307247) through real-time PCR. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: In the MD dimension, the sex, dental group and dental arch were associated with variation in TCS (P < .05). In the BL dimension, the sex, dental group, dental arch and polymorphism in rs694 and rs307247 were associated with variation in TCS. CONCLUSIONS: In short, this study suggests that genetic polymorphisms of PTH are associated with variations in the BL TCS of permanent human teeth.

Size estimation of unerupted canines and premolars using various independent variables: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of unerupted permanent teeth is an essential part of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This prediction is done by mixed dentition space analysis based on the estimation of mesiodistal dimensions of unerupted permanent canine and premolars from already erupted permanent teeth. Permanent mandibular incisors are most commonly used for prediction. Recent literature reveals that mandibular incisors are not accurate predictors and other independent variables have been introduced to make a more accurate and precise prediction. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the literature in light of a variety of independent variables and their predictive accuracy. METHODS: Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus were searched to identify articles published until September 2021. RESULTS: The search resulted in a total of 1098 articles, of which 24 papers met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Articles using permanent mandibular incisors only as a predictor were excluded during the eligibility assessment. The results show that various independent variables including mesiodistal and vestibulo-oral dimensions of permanent maxillary and mandibular incisors and molars, molar basal arch length, intermolar distance, maxillary and mandibular arch and gender have been used as predictors to more accurately determine mesiodistal width of unerupted canine and premolars in different populations. CONCLUSION: Ethnic tooth size variations strongly emphasize the need to determine which independent variable gives a more accurate prediction of unerupted permanent teeth to develop a population-specific prediction model. This will play a significant role in managing space problems and developing malocclusions.

Working length determination in primary teeth pulpectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis aimed to describe the methods to determine the working length in primary teeth pulpectomy, also evaluating and comparing their reliability. A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA Statement. The electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. After the screening protocol, a number of 14 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, while seven were included in the quantitative one. The mean working length determined by the electronic apex locator was 11.8 mm (9.0-15.55), while 12.42 mm (11.0-13.52) and 12.3 mm (9.73-15.93) were the mean working length observed with the conventional radiography and the digital radiography, respectively. No statistically significant difference was detected in quantitative analysis between the investigated methods. The present meta-analysis showed that electronic apex locator, conventional radiography and digital radiography are similar in determining working length in primary teeth.

Accuracy of the KontrolFlex AccuFile when used with the Root ZX electronic apex locator in vitro.

The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy of the KontrolFlex™ Accufile™ compared to the READY•STEEL™ Flexofile® using an electronic apex locator and to evaluate the instrument's design via scanning electron microscopy. Actual canal lengths of 30 extracted teeth were determined under magnification. An alginate model was used to determine experimental canal lengths with the Root ZX II apex locator (EAL) and size #10 Accufiles and Flexofiles. Differences between actual lengths and experimental lengths were compared with Student's t test. The average experimental lengths were short of the actual length by -0.10 mm (±0.34) and -0.12 mm (±0.16) for the Accufile and Flexofile, respectively with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). SEM images revealed similar non-cutting Batt tips and a square cross-section for the Accufile and triangular for the Flexofile. Both files provided similarly high levels of reliability when used with the Root ZX II EAL.

Reconsideration of Leeway Space Calculated Using Models from Same Patients at Different Growth Stages.

In this study, original leeway space was determined using plaster models prepared from the same individuals over successive years and compared with that reported in an earlier study. The plaster models used for measurement were prepared from a normal dentition group comprising 64 patients and a crowded dentition group comprising 29. The mesiodistal crown width of the deciduous canines, deciduous first molars, and deciduous second molars, as well as that of the canines, first premolars, and second premolars was measured. Leeway space was then calculated and the results compared with that previously reported. The average maxillary and mandibular leeway spaces calculated in the same individuals were 1.46 and 2.66 mm, respectively, whereas those calculated from data collected from different individuals were 0.89 and 2.83 mm, respectively. No direct statistical comparison of leeway space between this and the earlier report was possible. The present results did indicate, however, that it was larger in the maxilla than previously reported. A larger leeway space is advantageous for the normal arrangement of the permanent teeth. While the mesiodistal crown width of some of the lateral segment teeth in the present study was significantly larger in boys than in girls, no significant difference was observed in leeway space between sexes. The mesiodistal width was larger in multiple permanent teeth such as canines in the crowded dentition group, and this difference was significant in boys. On the other hand, no difference was observed in mesiodistal width in the deciduous teeth between the two groups. These results showed a tendency toward larger teeth and less leeway space in the permanent dentition in the crowded dentition group, which may have been a factor in why such crowding occurred.

Prediction of mesio-distal dimensions of the unerupted permanent canines and premolars using measurements of different groups of erupted teeth: retrospective cross-sectional analysis of digital records in Western Australians.

PURPOSE: Recently, other combinations of teeth are claimed to be better predictors for size estimation of permanent canine and premolars. The present study aimed to determine which combinations of teeth presented an appropriate predictor in Western Australians using digital technology. METHODS: A total of 500 (323 females, 177 males) participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from private orthodontic clinics. Mesiodistal dimensions of selected teeth obtained from pre-orthodontic treatment digital records were analyzed using SPSS 20. Fifteen possible combinations of teeth were used to determine the best prediction capability. RESULTS: Different combinations of teeth showed a higher correlation with the sum of permanent canine and premolars. In females, group 13 (Mandibular incisors and maxillary first molars) and in males, group 15 (mandibular incisors, maxillary central incisors, and first molars) and group 14 (mandibular incisors and first molars) showed a higher correlation in maxilla and mandible respectively. Linear regression equations were developed based on the best predictor for each arch and gender. CONCLUSION: Permanent mandibular incisors may not be better predictors when used alone. Newly developed equations, based on different combinations of teeth, more accurately predicted the sum of mesiodistal dimensions of permanent canine and premolars in the Western Australian population.

The assessment of Golden and Red Proportions among a North-African population.

INTRODUCTION: The constant increase of both esthetic demands and advancement in materials and technologies have led to the development of guidelines to achieve optimal aesthetic results. These tools are useful to predict the teeth proportion and dimensions. Golden and Red proportion are the most described theories. AIM: of present study was to evaluate the existence of both Golden and Red proportion in the maxillary anterior teeth among a North-African population. METHODS: This was an observational study performed at the Fixed Prosthetic department of the dental clinic of Monastir, Tunisia. The study included participants with full intact anterior dentition. Those with diastema or teeth crowding were excluded. For each one, an alginate impression was done. Measures were, including the perceived width and length, have been taken on casts using digital caliper. Width ratios of maxillary lateral incisor to maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor to canine were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 100 Tunisian participants including 97 females and 21 males. The maxillary central incisors were the largest (8.60±0.58mm) and the longest (99.71±1.14mm). The ratio was 0.89±0.09mm. Anterior teeth dimensions were not statistically not different between males and females. Significant differences were observed between calculated ratios with GP and to each other's. (p=0). CONCLUSIONS: Either GP nor RP is applicable amongst the Tunisian Population.

An effective artificial testing model to reliability experiments for electronic apex locator devices used in endodontic practice.

Background and Aim: This experimental study aimed to investigate the reliability of using electronic apex locator devices to determine the working length of artificial root canals. Materials and Methods: The experiments were performed using resin endoblocks and mandibular canine teeth (n = 20/group). After the same working length of root canal samples was provided, the teeth and artificial root canals were embedded in an alginate mold. The measurements with Root ZX® and Propex Pixi® apex locators were performed and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS V23; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) and the variance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups; mean distance from the actual working length using different apex locators (P = 0.633, P = 0.474), and endpoint positioning distributions (P = 0.591). Conclusion: The results indicate that the artificial model could be a laboratory method of determining the accuracy of apex locators and efficient calibration of devices before their clinical use.

Estimating the size of unerupted teeth: Moyers vs deep learning.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to design a deep learning (DL) system for estimating the sum of the mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of unerupted mandibular canines and premolars in the mixed dentition period and to clarify its performance by comparing DL estimates with Moyers' table (MT) results. METHODS: The training dataset was obtained from 974 patients with permanent dentition. On the 3-dimensional digital models, MDWs of the mandibular right teeth were measured using Ortho Analyzer software (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). A system was designed that could predict the total width of the mandibular canines and premolars using the mandibular central, lateral incisor, and first molar MDWs. This artificial neural system had 5 layers (4 hidden and 1 output) and 886 neurons. The MDWs of the mandibular teeth were introduced to the DL system in the form of datasets. The DL system's predicted results for 100 randomly selected patients were compared with the probability values obtained from the MT. RESULTS: The estimation performance of the DL system for the unerupted mandibular canines and premolars was acceptable, with 49.5% accuracy. The success rate for the MT, in comparison, was 45.0%, with an error margin of 1.00 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The DL system offers a potential alternative to current methods in estimating unerupted tooth size. The results of the DL system are expected to provide diagnostic support for mixed dentition analysis on dental casts.

Buccolingual and Mesiodistal Dimensions of the Permanent Teeth, Their Diagnostic Value for Sex Identification, and Bolton Indices.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed (1) to measure the mesiodistal and buccolingual widths of the permanent dentition in Iranian orthodontic patients, (2) to determine cut-off points for sex identification based on the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters, and (3) to calculate Bolton indices. METHODS: The mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of 28 maxillary and mandibular permanent teeth in 331 Iranian nonsyndromic orthodontic patients (dental casts and radiographs) aged 12 to 35 years old with fully erupted permanent dentitions (except the third molars and some sporadic cases of a few teeth missing or excluded) were measured. The anterior, posterior, and overall Bolton ratios were calculated in cases with no missing teeth in the 6-to-6 range. Potentially associated factors (the skeletal Angle classes, crowding, sex, jaws, sides, and age), as well as the value of these measurements for sex determination and cut-off points for sex identification based on these measurements were assessed using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey, unpaired t-test, partial and Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Sex dimorphism was very frequent (P ≤ 0.05 in 41 out of 56 measurements). Only the buccolingual widths of the maxillary lateral and the mandibular central and lateral differed across the Angle classes (ANOVA/Tukey, P < 0.05). Cut-off points were estimated for 38 dental measurements, which were proper for sex identification (P < 0.05), with 8 (2 maxillary and 6 mandibular) measurements being highly appropriate (having areas under ROC curves ≥ 64%, P < 0.05). Both the mandibular canines were the only teeth with all four measurements highly appropriate for this purpose. Controlling for the role of sex, aging was associated negatively with several crown dimensions (the buccolingual widths of the maxillary first and second premolar and mandibular second premolar and first molar; the mesiodistal diameters of the maxillary central, canine, first premolar, and first molar, mandibular central, lateral, first premolar, and first molar, P ≤ 0.05, partial correlation coefficient). There were significant correlations among crown sizes. All the 28 (right/left-averaged) measurements were smaller in microdontia cases (P ≤ 0.002). The anterior, posterior, and overall Bolton indices were 78.05, 105.42, and 91.87, respectively. There were correlations between the overall Bolton ratio with the other two Bolton ratios (Pearson R = 0.696, R = 0.740, P < 0.0005) but not between the anterior and posterior Bolton ratios (R = 0.045, P = 0.459). The skeletal Angle classes might not be associated with the overall and anterior Bolton ratios (ANOVA, regression, Pearson, P > 0.05). However, the posterior Bolton ratio was smaller in class II cases compared to classes I or III (Tukey, P ≤ 0.045). In the whole sample, there was no sex dimorphism in Bolton ratios (t-test, P > 0.05). However, in Angle class II patients, the anterior Bolton ratio was greater in men than in women (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Sex dimorphism might be very common in the dentition of Iranians, with aging significantly reducing some measurements. The buccolingual widths of some incisors might differ across the skeletal Angle classes. Mandibular canines are the most appropriate teeth for sex identification. The Angle classes might not be associated with the anterior and overall Bolton ratios; nevertheless, the posterior Bolton ratio might be smaller in class II cases compared to others. In general, sex might not affect Bolton ratios; however, in class II patients, the anterior Bolton ratios might be larger in men.

Crown heights in the permanent teeth of 47,XXY males and 47,XXX females.

OBJECTIVE: Earlier results based on dental casts and radiographs have shown that additional X and Y chromosomes influence permanent and deciduous tooth crown sizes, with 47,XYY males exhibiting greater crown heights than 46,XY males. We studied here the effect of both X and Y chromosomes on tooth crown heights. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The series consisted of 48 47,XXY males, 22 of their male relatives, and seven 47,XXX females with five female relatives. The population controls consisted of 27 males and 33 females. Measurements of all applicable teeth except for the third molars on both sides of the jaws were made on panoramic radiographs with a sliding digital calliper. RESULTS: Apart from a few teeth, the mean crown heights in the 47,XXY males were greater than those in the male population controls, the differences being statistically significant for one tooth in the maxilla and ten teeth in the mandible. With the exception of two teeth, the 47,XXX females had taller tooth crowns than the female population controls, the differences in the two teeth being statistically significant. The 47,XXY males had greater tooth crown heights than the 47,XXX females, except in one tooth, and the differences were significant in two teeth. The tooth crown heights of the male relatives of the 47,XXY males and the female relatives of the 47,XXX females were close to those in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrated the effect of additional X and Y chromosomes in increasing crown heights. The differences between the 47,XXY males and 47,XXX females indicated a stronger effect of a Y chromosome on tooth crown height than of an X chromosome.

Evaluation of golden percentage in natural maxillary anterior teeth width: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The color and form of teeth are 2 of the 3 main determinants of success in an esthetic restoration; the third is dental proportion. A recent systematic review of the literature devoted to the evaluation of dental proportion is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the quality and outcome of studies into maxillary anterior tooth proportion and to determine whether dental proportion ratios based on different geographic regions are appropriate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. English-language articles reporting with the specific combination of medical subject heading (MeSH) key words were analyzed by 2 investigators. The titles, full text, and abstracts were scanned by investigators independently to identify articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The general characteristics, outcomes, and quality of each study were reviewed and analyzed systematically. RESULTS: The search plan resulted in a total of 73 articles until September 2020; of which, 16 articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. The geographic distribution of the selected article revealed 12 articles from Asia, 2 from Continental Europe, and 2 from the United Kingdom. Golden percentage values of 25%, 15%, and 10% for central, lateral incisor, and canine teeth were not found. The mean predicted dental percentage was either larger or smaller than the successive widths of maxillary natural anterior teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The golden percentage could not be used to formulate a smile design. Rather, the dental ratios should be set on a racial and ethnic basis for a population.

Permanent Maxillary Odontometrics for Sex Estimation Based on a 3-Dimensional Digital Method.

BACKGROUND In the field of forensic medicine, sex estimation is a critical step in personal identification. Teeth are the hardest tissue and have high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. In cases such as an airplane crash or the corpse of an unknown person, teeth often play a crucial role in identification. This study applied 3-dimensional technology to obtain odontometrics of permanent maxillary teeth and to examine the sexual dimorphism, finding suitable discriminant indicators to construct appropriate equations for sex estimation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 204 participants (104 men and 100 women) from the Han population in Kashgar were included. Plaster models of their maxillary dentition were obtained to scan and measure through an accepted and commonly used 3-dimensional digital method. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and discriminant analyses were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS 23.0 software. RESULTS This study showed high intra- and interexaminer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.950). There were statistically significant sex-related differences (P<0.05), with male values generally being higher for buccolingual distance, mesiodistal distance, intercanine distance, crown area, crown module, crown index, and maxillary canine index. Compared with other measurements, mesiodistal distance and crown area indicator exhibited distinct sexual dimorphism. In addition, several appropriate equations were constructed through different discriminant analyses that could be used to estimate sex in our specific population. CONCLUSIONS Three-dimensional digital technology offers a promising method for odontometry. Combining mesiodistal distance and buccolingual distance of particular teeth or using maxillary canine index in discriminant functions are acceptable auxiliary tools for sex estimation in the forensic field.

Digital analysis of tooth sizes among individuals with different malocclusions: A study using three-dimensional digital dental models.

OBJECTIVE: It is aimed to examine the tooth sizes of digital models of patients with different malocclusions with the help of three-dimensional measurement software. METHODS: Digital models of 252 patients aged between 13 and 25 years of age were included. According to the Angle classification, three different malocclusion groups were allocated such that there were 84 patients in each group, plaster models of patients scanned with the three-dimensional model browser 3Shape R700 3D Scanner (3Shape A/S Copenhagen, Denmark) and transferred to the digital format. 3Shape Ortho Analyzer (3Shape A/S Copenhagen, Denmark) software was used for making the necessary tooth size measurements. RESULTS: When the measurements were evaluated, it was determined that significant changes occurred between tooth sizes of individuals with different malocclusions. Generally, higher values were observed in mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions of class II individuals compared to other groups. There was no difference between the groups in the anterior ratio values, but when the overall ratio values were evaluated among the groups, a statistically significant difference was determined. Class II malocclusion group was found to have a significantly lower overall ratio of occurrence. CONCLUSION: Individuals with different malocclusions differ in tooth size.

Aplicabilidad del método Tanaka-Johnston para la estimación del diámetro mesiodistal de caninos y premolares en pacientes de 12-18 Años / Applicability of the Tanaka-Johnston method for the estimation of the mesiodistal diameter of canines and premolars in patients of 12-18 years old

El método Tanaka-Johnston es utilizado mundialmente para predecir el diámetro de caninos y premolares no erupcionados por la conveniencia de no necesitar tablas ni radiografías para su uso. Sin embargo, durante los últimos años investigadores de varios países han demostrado que al ser utilizado en una población diferente para la que fue diseñado, puede sobrestimar o subestimar los valores. En Cuba, donde el patrón facial de la población difiere del ideal para este método, ha sido muy empleado, pero prácticamente no existen estudios donde se valide la confiabilidad o exactitud de las predicciones de este. Por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la aplicabilidad del método Tanaka-Johnston para la estimación del diámetro mesiodistal de caninos y premolares en pacientes de 12-18 años. Se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo y transversal desde junio de 2019 hasta enero de 2020 con una población de 140 pacientes de ambos sexos de entre 12 y 18 años de Cuba. Se efectuaron las mediciones de los anchos mesiodistales de los incisivos inferiores, todos los caninos y premolares. Se realizaron distribuciones de frecuencia a las variables estudiadas y los resultados se presentaron en tablas estadísticas. Para comprobar la existencia de diferencias significativas se utilizó la prueba estadística t-Student. Los resultados principales obtenidos fueron que el método Tanaka-Johnston tiende a sobrestimar los valores para el sexo femenino y subestimarlos para el masculino, ambos entre los 0,2 y 0,3 mm, pero esta diferencia no resulta significativa. Se concluye que el método Tanaka-Johnston puede ser aplicado en la población estudiada para la predicción del ancho mesiodistal de caninos y premolares no erupcionados.

The Tanaka-Johnston method is used worldwide to predict the diameter of canines and premolars not erupted for the convenience of not needing boards or x-rays for use. However, in recent years researchers from several countries have shown that when used in a different population for which it was designed, it can overestimate or underestimate the values. In Cuba, where the facial pattern of the population differs from the ideal for this method, it has been highly used, but there are very few studies where the reliability or accuracy of the predictions of the same is validated. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine the applicability of the Tanaka-Johnston method for estimating the mesiodistal diameter of canines and premolars in patients aged 12-18 years. A descriptive and cross-cutting study was conducted from June 2019 to January 2020 with a population of 140 patients of both sexes between 12 and 18 years of age from Cuba. Measurements were made of the mesiodistal widths of the lower incisors, all canines, and premolars. Frequency distributions were made to the variables studied and the results were presented in statistical tables. The t-Student statistical test was used to verify significant differences. The main results obtained were that the Tanaka-Johnston method tends to overestimate the values for the female sex and underestimate them for the male, both between 0,2 and 0,3 mm, but this difference is not significant. It is concluded that the Tanaka-Johnston method can be applied in the population studied for the prediction of the mesiodistal width of unerupted canines and premolars.