title: Dimensions of central incisors, canines, and first molars in subjects with Down syndrome measured on cone-beam computed tomographs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The literature on tooth dimensions in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) is scarce. To our knowledge, no studies have yet been published in which the morphometry of the teeth in DS subjects has been determined using computed tomography.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 40 subjects with DS, aged 10 to 40 years. An age- and sex-matched control group was selected. Cone-beam computed tomography images were retrieved from the archive of the Santiago de Compostela University in Spain. The maxillary central incisors, canines, and first molars were evaluated. The following variables were analyzed: overall tooth length, crown height, root length, mesiodistal diameter, vestibular-palatine diameter, crown-to-root ratio, and cervical circumference.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The teeth of subjects with DS were smaller than those of the controls, although the crown-to-root ratio was maintained. No clear sexual dimorphism was detected, but the root lengths of the incisors were greater in male subjects. Crown height, mesiodistal diameter, and crown-to-root ratio showed progressive reductions with age. There appeared to be a degree of "fluctuating dental asymmetry" with respect to vestibular-palatine diameter and cervical circumference.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings confirm microdontia of the permanent teeth and progressive reductions in tooth sizes with age in persons with DS. These variations might be relevant to orthodontic treatment planning.
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Grupo de Investigación en Odontología Médico-Quirúrgica, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: María Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Abeleira
authors.affiliation: Honorary clinical professor, Department of Special Needs, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Outumuro
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Orthodontics and Grupo de Investigación en Odontología Médico-Quirúrgica, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Assistant professor, Department of Special Needs and Grupo de Investigación en Odontología Médico-Quirúrgica, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Jacobo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Limeres
authors.affiliation: Honorary clinical professor, Department of Special Needs, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Marcio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.affiliation: Full professor, Department of Special Needs and Grupo de Investigación en Odontología Médico-Quirúrgica, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Electronic address: pedro.diz@usc.es.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Diz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003481:Cuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009811:Odontometry / Q000379:methods*; D012737:Sex Factors; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult