[A comparison of methods for predicting the dentition space for Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to find the most reliable method used for space analysis for Chinese population.

METHODS

140 study models in accordance with the conclusion standards were measured using a calibrated digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and the statistic comparision and analysis had been done between the predictions and measurements. The methods were "West China Moyers", "Tanaka -Johnston", "Bachmann", "Gross and Hasund", "Trankmann".

RESULTS

All the methods tend to under-estimate the mesiodistal crown diameters of the permanent canines and premolars(MDD). The under-estimated predictive scale in the method of Trankmann is the largest while in the method of Moyers is the least.

CONCLUSION

The method proposed by Moyers that was improved by West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University proved to be most reliable in this study which showed the greatest correltion. However, the reliability of the method of Trankmann which seems to be the most unfit for Chinese population is the lowest.