Prediction of mesiodistal diameter of unerupted lower canines and premolars using 45 degrees cephalometric radiography.

The reliability of using the oblique cephalometric radiograph for early prediction of the mesiodistal widths of unerupted lower canines and premolars was investigated. Mandibular models and oblique cephalometric radiographs were obtained for 40 Brazilian children (20 boys and 20 girls), in the mixed dentition phase. Further models were obtained for the same sample when all permanent teeth had erupted. A Student t test showed statistically significant differences of tooth size between the sexes but not between right and left sides. Measurements of the unerupted canines and premolars taken from the 45 degrees cephalometric radiograph were statistically greater than the actual values, although a high correlation was observed between them. Linear regression equations and correction tables were established to compensate for this magnification. The actual values for these teeth were compared with the corrected predicted values from the 45 degrees radiograph and with the predicted values obtained from the methods of Ballard and Wylie, Carey, Moyers, and Tanaka and Johnston. A high correlation was observed only between the actual values and the corrected predicted values from the radiograph. The results indicate that, correcting the magnification, the 45 degrees cephalometric radiographic may be used in predicting unerupted lower canine and premolar widths in Brazilian children.