Dental Arch Development of Chinese Adolescents: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Chao Liu; Jieyi Chen; Mengjuan Cui; Zhengliang Wang; Wentao Shi; Siyuan Du; Yang Feng; Manfei Zhang; Zhenxia Li; Shufei Ge; Bing Fang

International Dental Journal (Jun 2025)

Dental Arch Development of Chinese Adolescents: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Chao Liu,
Jieyi Chen,
Mengjuan Cui,
Zhengliang Wang,
Wentao Shi,
Siyuan Du,
Yang Feng,
Manfei Zhang,
Zhenxia Li,
Shufei Ge,
Bing Fang

Affiliations

Chao Liu: Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
Jieyi Chen: Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Mengjuan Cui: Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
Zhengliang Wang: Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
Wentao Shi: Clinical research unit, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Siyuan Du: Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Yang Feng: Angelalign Research Institute, Angelalign Technology, Shanghai, China
Manfei Zhang: Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Zhenxia Li: Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China; Corresponding author. Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
Shufei Ge: Institute of Mathematical Sciences, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Corresponding author. Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
Bing Fang: Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China; Corresponding author. Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 75, no. 3
pp. 1482 – 1492

Abstract

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Introduction and aims: Understanding the patterns of dental arch development is crucial for precise diagnosis and management of malocclusion in adolescents. However, large-scale, region-specific analyses based on big data are scarce.This study aimed to identify the dental arch growth patterns of Chinese adolescents to refine early orthodontic treatment strategies. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 3D digital impressions from 5951 Chinese adolescents, collected between July 2020 and June 2021. AI-assisted measurements delineated dental arch dimensions, which were analyzed using locally weighted regression to chart developmental trends and Lasso regression to explore influencing factors, with a particular focus on geographical variances. Results: Significant differences in dental arch dimensions were observed between genders and across different latitudes. Males generally displayed larger arch dimensions than females of the same age. The dental arches experienced rapid growth before age 13.7 in males and 13.1 in females, with limited growth potential in later years, with regional disparities evident in the magnitude of dental arch dimensions. These variations were prominently associated with geographical latitude, underscoring the influence of environmental factors on dental arch development. Conclusion: This comprehensive study provides valuable regional insights into the dental arch development of Chinese adolescents, facilitated by advanced AI methodologies. The fitted curves of age-specific dental arch offer valuable insights for optimizing early orthodontic treatment strategies. The findings advocate for region-tailored orthodontic planning and highlight the potential of AI in enhancing the precision of orthodontic treatment. Clinical Relevance: Our study of 5951 3D dental models reveals gender and geographical differences in arch growth, highlighting pre-teen rapid growth and later limitations, informing treatment planning.

Published in International Dental Journal

ISSN: 0020-6539 (Print); 1875-595X (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Dentistry
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-dental-journal

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