[The form of the dental arch according to the Tweed-Merrifield philosophy: individualization and attempt at standardization].
A literature review reveals that changes from the initial arch form lead to a proportionate amount of subsequent relapse and that there is great variation among human arch forms. A persistent search for the ideal arch form is still going on. Many authors presented different techniques for its individualization. A new software ("Arch form generator") was developed to create the arch form following the Tweed-Merrifield concepts. The form and dimensions of 169 mandibular arches were evaluated along with Angle classification and facial type as variables. The reliability of the Ricketts pentamorphic arch forms was questioned and a new arch guide was developed as part of a trial for standardization. The Class III cases showed greater width and smaller cuspid depth when compared to the Class I and Class II cases. The hypodivergent cases showed greater width when compared to the hyperdivergent and normodivergent cases. There is no characteristic form for the human dental arch.
Département d'orthodontie, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Campus des sciences médicales, Université Saint-Joseph, Riad El-Solh, Beyrouth, Liban. elieamm@doctor.com
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Amm
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JP
Bou-Serhal
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000592:standards*; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000592:standards*; D010685:Philosophy, Dental; D012008:Recurrence; D012015:Reference Standards; D012016:Reference Values; D012984:Software