Dentition analysis explained

Dentition analyses are systems of tooth and jaw measurement used in orthodontics to understand arch space and predict any malocclusion (mal-alignment of the teeth and the bite).^[1] Example systems of dentition analysis are listed below.

Permanent dentition (adult teeth) analysis

• Maxillary dentition (upper teeth)
  • Pont's Analysis
  • Linder Harth Index
  • Korkhaus Analysis
  • Arch Perimeter Analysis
• Mandibular dentition (lower teeth)
  • Ashley Howe's Analysis
  • Carey's Analysis
• Both Arches (upper and lower teeth)
  • Bolton Analysis

Mixed dentition analysis

• Moyer's Mixed Dentition Analysis
• Tanaka and Johnston Analysis
• Radiographic Analysis
• Ballard and Willie Analysis
• Huckaba's Analysis
• Staley Kerber Analysis
• Hixon and Old Father Analysis
• Tweed's analysis (cast + cephalometric)
• Total space analysis (cast + cephalometric + soft tissue)

Dental arch analysis

• Intermolar Width - It is the distance between the mesiobuccal cusp tip points of the first permanent molars
• Intercanine Width - It is the distance between the tip of the cusp from canine to canine.
• Arch Length - It is the distance from the line perpendicular to the mesiobuccal cusp tips of the first permanent molars to the midpoint between the mesioincisal points of the central incisors.
• Arch Perimeter - It is the distance from mesial contact of a permanent molar on one side to the mesial contact of permanent molar on the other side, with the line connecting the buccal/incisor tip points in the intervening teeth.

Others

• Little's Irregularity Index
• Bolton analysis

References

1. Ngan. P. Management of space problems in the primary and mixed dentitions. Journal of the American Dental Association.