Evaluation of the Mesiodistal Crown Sizes of the Remaining Dentition in Patients with Hypodontia, between 12 and 16 Years of Age

Objective: This study evaluated the mesiodistal crown sizes of the remaining dentition in patients affected with hypodontia, compared with the control group possessing complete dentition. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of the patients treated in the Department of Orthodontics, Dental School - branch of Medical Faculty – University of Pristina, were reviewed to select a sample of 22 cases with agenesis of one or more permanent teeth, except the third molars (hypodontia group). A control group included 22 patients with complete dentition. Dental casts were measured for both groups. The patients ranged in age from 12 to 16 years. Mesiodistal crown dimensions were recorded by measuring all erupted teeth on study models with a manual caliper. Statistical calculation was performed using SPSS 15.0. Paired samples t-test was used to detect the statistical differences in tooth width measurements between the two groups. The significance level was predetermined at α = 0.05.Results: The mean age of the patients in the hypodontia group was 14.55±1.57 years, while that of the control group was 14.23±1.11. The most common congenital missing teeth were the upper lateral incisors (46.16%) followed by the upper first premolars (11.54%). We found significant differences between the groups in tooth size for the maxillary arch central incisors and the maxillary arch molar right quadrant, while in the left quadrant differences between the two groups were observed in the central incisor (P<0.05). However, we did not observe any significant differences between the groups with respect to tooth size for the lower jaw. Conclusion: The reduced tooth size was evident except in the posterior segment right molar in the hypodontia group. This should be taken into consideration during treatment planning and deciding upon the treatment mechanics in order to achieve functional occlusion and an esthetic dentition at the culmination of the orthodontic treatment