Is Tanaka-Johnston mixed dentition analysis an applicable method for a Saudi population?

OBJECTIVES To test the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston prediction method in a Saudi population. METHODS The current study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2013 to January 2014, on a sample of 409 pairs of orthodontic study models. The mesiodistal width of the mandibular permanent incisors, permanent canines, and permanent premolars were measured using an electronic digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01mm. The predicted widths derived from the Tanaka and Johnston equation were compared with the actual measured widths. RESULTS Gender differences were observed in the sum of the mesiodistal width of canine and premolars in both arches as indicated by t-test (p<0.001). The sum of the actual mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars were compared with the predicted widths derived from the Tanaka and Johnston equation and significant differences were found (p<0.001). The regression analysis indicated that the sum of the mesiodistal width of the mandibular permanent incisors is a good predictor for those of unerupted canines and premolars, with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.51 to 0.61. Accordingly, 2 linear regression equations were developed for tooth width prediction for Saudi males and females. CONCLUSION The Tanaka and Johnston prediction equation overestimated the sum of mesiodistal widths of permanent canines and premolars in Saudis. New regression equations were formulated for the prediction of tooth width in the Saudi population.