Archives

Introduction: Dental arch circumference or arch perimeter is described as the curve measured from the mesial surface of the first permanent molar around the arch over the contact points and incisal edges to the mesial surface of the first permanent molar of the opposite side. There is wide range of variability in the arch circumference, which is the most important of all dental arch dimensions. Evidence shows considerable variation in size and form of the dental arches between the sexes and among the races.

Objective: To analyze the difference between the dimensions of dental arch circumference of Nepalese adult males and females.

Materials and Method:Maxillary and mandibular dental casts of 100 Nepalese adults aged 17 to 32 years of equal female to male ratio were included in the study. The differences between the dimensions of dental arch circumference was analyzed using the measurement method described by Moyers. The measurement was performed using soft Brass wire (0.020”) adapted across the anatomical landmarks on the dental casts. The mean arch circumferences were analyzed for the statistical difference between the sexes.

Result: The mean maxillary and mandibular arch circumference of the Nepalese males was significantly greater than the females.

Conclusion: Sexual dimorphism in arch circumference warrants consideration of different arch-wires to be used in different orthodontic patients.

Dental arch circumference; Nepalese adults; orthodontic treatment.