Mesiodistal angulations of the mandibular canines, premolars and molars with or without the presence of third molars.

SUMMARY: The purpose of the present research was to compare the normal average values of mesiodistal axial angulation, with the mesiodistal axial angulation of canines, premolars and mandibular molars in individuals with and without the presence of the mandibular third molars. Panoramic radiographs of 19 male and 21 female Caucasians, with a mean age of 22.35 years, who had not undergone orthodontic treatment were studied. The subjects were divided into two groups: group I, 20 radiographs of subjects without, and group II, 20 radiographs of subjects with mandibular third molars. The mean values of the groups were compared using a Student's t-test. The results show that, in both groups, the mandibular premolars and molars had enhanced angulation in the mesial direction, when compared with a control group of 42 Caucasians ranging in age from 12 to 17 years with a 'normal' occlusion (P < 0.05), while the mesiodistal axial angulation of the mandibular canines was similar to the control group (P < 0.05). The two groups, when compared, exhibited similar angular values for the canines, premolars and mandibular molars (P < 0.05), indicating no influence of the third molars.