title: Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of Pont's index predictability for Malay population in orthodontics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In orthodontic treatment, three-dimensional (3D) dental casts has a significant role in diagnosis and treatment planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate Pont's index predictability in orthodontics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Premolar arch width, molar arch width and mesiodistal width of the maxillary incisors were measured three-dimensionally to assess shape of dental arches. The data source was cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) high volumetric data acquisitions from Malay ethnic background. Arch widths were measured and recorded from 53 subjects (32 male and 21 female with the mean age, 25.81), both the maxillary and mandibular arches, to obtain CBCT high volumetric data. All measurements were obtained through CBCT Planmeca Romexis TM Software 2.3.1.R (Helsinki, Finland).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pont's formula overestimated the upper and lower interpremolar distance, with mean differences of 8.35 ± 3 mm and 12.02 ± 3.20 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the formula overestimated the upper and lower intermolar distance, with mean differences of 7.87 ± 3 mm and 16.14 ± 5.86 mm, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that Pont's index is not practical for use with the Malaysian population since the index overestimated interpremolar and intermolar widths. This raises questions whether the index is a true predictor of arch width measurements.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontic Unit, School of Dental Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohammad Khursheed
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Alam
authors.affiliation: Orthodontic Unit, School of Dental Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Fazal
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shahid
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, School of Dental Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Kathiravan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Purmal
authors.affiliation: Forensic Dentistry/Oral Biology Unit, School of Dental Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohd Fadhli
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Khamis
keywords: Arch width; Cone beam computed tomography; Pont's index; Tooth size