title: Simplifying optimal tooth-size calculations and communications between practitioners.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to present a simple method for determining the optimal sizes of anterior teeth. This is needed because of the frequency of anomalous and missing maxillary lateral incisors. In addition to anomalous and missing incisors, other factors that create challenges for the dentist and orthodontist when designing an esthetic and occlusally sound dentition are attrition, trauma, transposition, erosion, and caries. Optimal esthetics and occlusion require correctly sized teeth in proportion to themselves and the other teeth. Orthodontics, in partnership with restorative dentistry, allows doctors to accomplish the objectives of ideal occlusion and enhanced esthetics. Data compiled from previously published research enabled us to create simple formulae to determine optimal tooth sizes, an esthetic guide worksheet to use with collaborating dentists, and a sample written communication to accompany the completed esthetic guide worksheet. The method for establishing optimal tooth sizes is presented in a manner that allows easy memorization of the formulae and determination of the best dimensions for teeth without the use of a calculator.
authors.affiliation: Part-time clinical assistant professor, Division of Orthodontics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; private practice, Dayton, Ohio.
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: German
authors.affiliation: Clinical associate professor, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Dayton, Ohio. Electronic address: mfurlong@germanorthodontics.com.
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Furlong
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Canton, Ga; part-time associate, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Center for Craniofacial Disorders, Atlanta, Ga.
authors.forename: Alpesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003481:Cuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003792:Dental Records / Q000592:standards; D003813:Dentistry / Q000592:standards*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000592:standards; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology*