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Objectives: To test the applicability of Bolton’s method for use in Nepalese population and to compare the reliability of present values against those of most commonly used values.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 Nepalese males and 60 females (total 120 subjects) aged between 17 to 23 years. Subjects without any previous orthodontic treatment, fully erupted permanent teeth, and with no dental anomalies were included in this study. The measurements of mesio-distal widths of teeth were made on dental cast using digital caliper. Sample t test was used whenever necessary and the mean, range, and standard deviation were calculated for the anterior ratio and overall ratio. The measured values were compared with Bolton’s original values.

Results: The mean anterior “6” ratio for Nepalese subjects was found to be 79.46 with a standard deviation of 2.60. The values ranged from 68.75 to 89.17. The mean overall “12” ratio for Nepalese subjects was found to be 92.42 with a standard deviation of 1.80. The values ranged from 85.93 to 98.68.

Conclusion: Mean anterior tooth width ratios between Nepalese male and female samples were statistically significant but mean overall tooth width ratios between Nepalese male and female were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that a large number of Nepalese subjects presenting for orthodontic treatment possess a Bolton’s tooth size discrepancy that may influence treatment goals and results.

Tooth size ratio, Bolton’s analysis, Digital caliper