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


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


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.
Department of Periodontology/Advanced Education of Esthetic Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. tsukiyam3@hotmail.com
Teppei
T
Tsukiyama
Eduardo
E
Marcushamer
Terrence J
TJ
Griffin
Emilio
E
Arguello
Pascal
P
Magne
German O
GO
Gallucci
D044466:Asian People; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003481:Cuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008437:Maxilla; D009811:Odontometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D023861:Photography, Dental / Q000379:methods; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000473:pathology; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D057085:Tooth Wear / Q000473:pathology*; D044465:White People