A study on the error of tooth size measurements

Sim, Eun Ju; Hwang, Hyeon Shik; Moon, Jai Dong

Abstract

Precise and accurate measuring of tooth size is essential procedure in orthodontic diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of tooth size measurements with regard to tooth and investigator. Five investigators measured the size of one side of teeth, from central incisor to first molar, on 20 sets of casts that show a moderate degree of crowding. Mesio-distal width was measured with digital vernier calipers in each tooth and this procedure was repeated three times at two weeks interval. To obtain a standard measurement for each tooth, dental casts were cut into individual tooth, and its width was measured with micrometer. The difference between the measurement from dental cast and the standard measurement was defined as the measurement error. Through various statistical analyses, following results were obtained. 1. The reproducibility did not show significant differences with regard to tooth or investigator. 2. The measurement error showed some difference with regard to tooth and investigator. 3. The magnitude of the measurement error showed increasing tendency from anterior to posterior teeth with maximum value in the first molar. 4. While the measurements obtained on study casts generally showed smaller number compared to standard measurements, the direction of the difference showed variability according to tooth or investigator. 5. The measurement errors did not show significant correlations with the degree of crowding. The results of the present study indicate that the possibility of tooth size measurement error should be taken into consideration when diagnosing an orthodontic case.