Validity of Moyers Mixed Dentition Analysis and a New Proposed Regression Equation as a Predictor of Width of Unerupted Canine and Premolars in Children

Abstract

Introduction: The Moyer’s mixed dentition analysis forms an essential part of diagnostic procedures to determine adequacy of the space available for the erupting permanent teeth. However, its reliability among different racial groups has been questioned. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to test the reliability of Moyer’s method and to produce new regression equation for Bangalore population for predicting the mesiodistal diameters of the unerupted permanent canines and premolars. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from study models of 400 randomly selected Bangalore subjects aged 13 to 16 years with fully erupted, intact dentitions and no significant malocclusion. The mesiodistal widths of the incisors, canines and premolars of both arches were measured. This data was then utilized to predict the mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars and further compared with Moyer’s table. Conclusion: It was found that 50% is more applicable to boys and 75% to girls. The canine premolar segment in both arches is statistically larger in men than in women (p<0.05). New regression equation was formulated, the accuracy of which needs to be evaluated further in a larger sample.

Keywords

• combined mesio distal width
• malocclusion
• space analysis