Dimensional Changes of the Dental Arches

Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Lutheran Medical Center

Kris Hendricks Date: 10-02-09

Article title: Dimensional Changes of The Dental Arches: Longitudinal Study From Birth To 25 Years

Author(s): J. H. Sillman, MA, DDS

Journal: AMJO

Volume (number):

Month, Year: Nov, 1964

Major topic: Changes in arch size and their correlation to age

Minor topic(s: Growth and Development

Type of Article: Longitudinal Study

Main Purpose:

To present mean dimensions of the total dental arches and the mean size of teeth as it correlates with chronologic age.

Overview of method of research:

750 dental casts were studied, taken from children ages 0-25years. 40 people were studied from birth to age 25, and there were an additional eight who were recorded from birth to ages between 12 and 19. 5 additional subjects recorded from age 1 or 2 to 16-19.

Measuring points were determined using a repeatable hard and soft tissue measuring points. These points can be read in the study, but are not important for our purposes.

The study divided up the dental stages into 6 groups: Edentulous, Deciduous, I1M1, Pm, M2, M3 or age greater than 19.

Data from measurements of mesiodistal tooth sizes were also collected and compiled.

Findings:

An attempt was made to give normative values of dental arch diameters based on age, which is available in the articles tables.

Key points/Summary :

The important information is for reference,which again can be derived from the tables. I chose not to reproduce them here.

Assessment of article:

Very boring to read, but this article strikes me as very important for dental knowledge overall. This is significant for treatment timing for those of us interested in mixed dentition orthodontics.