Prediction of Mesio-distal width of Canines and premolars in a sample of north Indian population

Background: This study was done to evaluate the applicability of the Tanaka-Johnston method of prediction of mesiodistal widths of permanent canines and premolars in North Indian population. Methods: 202 dental casts were obtained and mesiodistal widths of permanent lower incisors, canines and premolars were recorded using vernier calipers to nearest of 0.02mm. The predicted values of mesiodistal widths of permanent canines and premolars were obtained using Tanaka Johnston method. These values were put to statistical evaluation using Student't' test and Pearson's coefficient of correlation. Results: The results revealed that the differences between the actual and predicted values of permanent canines and premolars were statistically significant in maxilla and mandible in both sexes. Conclusion: The present study suggests that Tanaka Johnston mixed dentition analysis overpredicted the mesiodistal dimension of unerupted premolars and canines in both male and female subjects and tooth dimension show sexual dimorphism with males having larger mesiodistal tooth dimensions than females