Prevalence of the different maxillary central incisor shapes in\nindividuals with natural normal occlusion

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of crown shape in maxillary central\nincisors of individuals with natural normal occlusion. Methods: The\nsample consisted of 51 Caucasian individuals with natural normal\nocclusion, no history of previous orthodontic treatment, and at least\nfour of Andrews′ six keys to normal occlusion. The images of the\nmaxillary incisors generated from model scans were evaluated by 12\northodontists. The Kappa test was applied to verify inter-examiner\nagreement with regard to classification of the central incisor shape.\nResults: The results of the Kappa test showed significant agreement for\ntooth shape. The following prevalences were observed: ovoid (47.06%),\nsquare (31.37%) and triangular (21.57%). Conclusions: The choice and\nuse of one of these three shapes when selecting teeth for prosthetic\nrehabilitation (total and partial dentures) can contribute\nsignificantly to obtaining an improved facial harmony and balance.\nOvoid-shaped teeth should be "stocked" in greater quantities than other\ntooth shapes.