Comparative evaluation of transverse discrepancies in different sagittal malocclusions-An observational study

Introduction: Successful orthodontic treatment outcome depends on an accurate diagnosis along with clinical management of vertical and transverse discrepancies. Thus, this study is carried out to evaluate dental arch and alveolar width along with buccolingual inclination of maxillomandibular teeth in different malocclusions. Materials and Methods: Based on the Angle's classification of malocclusion, 140 study models were selected and four separate groups were formed- normal occlusion, Class I malocclusion, Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 respectively. Maxillomandibular arch and alveolar widths at canines, 1st and 2nd premolars and first molars were measured. Buccolingual inclination of posterior teeth were measured. Lateral cephalogram of all the sample subjects was taken to calculate SNA, SNB, ANB angle, Wits Appraisal and McNamara Differential. Oneway Anova test was performed. Results: Maxillary intercanine, interpremolars, intermolar and maxillary dentoalveolar width is more in normal occlusion when compared with Class I, Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 malocclusions. Class II division 1 has narrower intercanine and interpremolar width with similar intermolar width as compared to Class II division 2. For transverse discrepancy buccolingual inclination is fundamental. Conclusion: Class II division 2 has a smaller arch width and Class II division 1 shows a significantly larger arch width than Class I malocclusions.