Comparison of the anatomic crown width/length ratios of unworn and worn maxillary teeth in Asian and white subjects.

Statement Of Problem: Various aspects of anatomic tooth dimensions have been examined in a number of studies where data are primarily based on the measurements obtained from white subjects. Additional factors such as ethnicity should be considered to produce a more comprehensive analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the anatomic crown dimensions of extracted maxillary teeth in Asian and white populations.

Material And Methods: The width/length ratio (%) was calculated with standardized digital images of extracted maxillary anterior teeth from 157 Asian and 142 white subjects. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the 4 tooth groups (central incisiors, lateral incisiors, canines, and premolars) of the 2 ethnicities. The distribution of the outcome variables were examined for normality with the Kolmigorov-Smirnov test. Independent sample t tests were used to examine differences in outcomes in Asian and white subjects.

Results: There was a significant difference (P<.05) in the width/length ratios of all maxillary anterior teeth in Asian and white subjects. In addition, there was a significant difference in the width of unworn central incisors and the length of worn lateral incisors and canines.

Conclusions: Ethnicity influences width/length ratios for all 4 anterior maxillary teeth. Anterior maxillary teeth in Asian subjects appear to be more slender when compared with those in white subjects.