Digital Assessment of Transverse Maxillary Arch Measurements for Predicting Arch Length: Implications for Early Orthodontic Diagnosis and Preventive Dentistry

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between the maxillary dental arch length and three other transverse linear measurements on three-dimensional digital models for developing a predictive model to be applied in early orthodontic diagnosis and prevention of the possible future malocclusion. Methods: A sample of 108 digital models of maxillary dental arches was derived from the scanned images belonging to orthodontic patients aged 18 to 25 years in Sulaimani City. Transverse dimensions and arch length were digitally measured, and the data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, V. 25). Results: A pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability of measurements between conventional and digital methods for evaluating dental arch dimensions. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two approaches. No significant gender differences were found in regard to the measurements. Correlation analysis demonstrated no significant relationship between dental arch length and inter-molar width (rho = 0.028, p = 0.776), inter-premolar width (rho = 0.004, p = 0.965), or inter-canine width (rho = 0.046, p = 0.638). However, significant positive correlations were observed among the three transverse arch dimensions: inter-molar and inter-premolar widths (rho = 0.687), inter-molar and inter-canine widths (rho = 0.682), and inter-premolar and inter-canine widths (rho = 0.926). Conclusions: Within the study’s limitations, no significant correlations were found between arch length and transverse linear measurements; therefore, a predictive model could not be established. Although inter-premolar and inter-molar widths showed statistically significant correlations, they did not contribute meaningfully to predicting arch length. Personalized evaluation using digital tools remains essential for accurate orthodontic planning and prevention of future malocclusion