Factors related to Bolton’s anterior ratio in Brazilians with natural normal occlusion

Abstract

Aim: To verify whether some factors could be related to Bolton’s anterior ratio: buccolingual thickness of upper incisors, mesiodistal tipping of upper incisors, overjet and overbite, and if there is gender dimorphism. Methods: Thirty-five pairs of dental casts with natural normal occlusion were evaluated, proceeding from 27 females and 8 male Caucasian individuals, aged between 13 years old and 17 years and 4 months (mean age: 15y8m). A digital caliper and a ruler were used to make the measurements. Results: The anterior ratio was 77.48% ± 2.22, being statistically similar to Bolton’s, 77.20% ± 1.65. Based on Pearson’s correlation test, only the overbite presented relation to the anterior ratio. It was not found gender dimorphism. Conclusions: Overbite was inversely proportional to Bolton’s anterior ratio, hence, when the anterior ratio is increased, the overbite could be decreased and vice-versa.