Three-dimensional evaluation of the relationship between dental and basal arch forms in normal occlusion

Objective: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the relationship between the dental and basal arch forms; to analyze their differences in the tapered, ovoid, and square arch forms in normal occlusion by using three-dimensional (3D) virtual models; and to test the hypothesis that the overjet and max-illomandibular basal arch width difference have a significantly positive correlation. Methods: Seventy-seven normal occlusion plaster casts were examined by 3D scanning. Facial axis (FA) and WALA points were digitized using the Rapidform 2006 software. The dimensions of the dental and basal arches and the over-jet were measured. The samples were classified into 3 groups according to arch forms: tapered (n = 20), ovoid (n = 20), and square (n = 37). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the dental and basal arch dimensions. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the intercanine as well as the inter-molar widths at the FA and WALA points were calculated. Results: With regard to the basal arch dimensions, the tapered arch form showed a larger mandibular intermolar depth than the ovoid. Strong correlations were noted between the basal and dental intermolar widths in both the upper and lower arches (r = 0.83 and 0.85, respectively). Moderate correlation was found between the upper and lower intercanine widths (r = 0.65 and 0.48, respectively). Conclusions: The 3 dental arch form groups differed only in some dimensions of the skeletal arch. Moderate correlations were found between the basal and dental inter-canine widths. These findings suggest that the basal arch may not be a principle factor in determining the dental arch form.