Maxillary transverse dimensions in subjects with and without impacted canines in South Indian population: a comparative cone-beam computed tomography study

Aim: Aim of this study was to assess transverse maxillary dimension in subjects with unilateral and bilateral canine impaction, compare with a similar control group and to establish correlation, if any. Materials and Methods: This study included 135 subjects who were split into three groups: (i) unilateral canine impaction group, (ii) bilateral canine impaction and (iii) control group each having 45 subjects. For each subject 4 maxillary transverse dimensions were evaluated on the following 4 levels: first molar basal width (MBW), first molar alveolar width (MAW) (Figure 2), first premolar basal width (PMBW), and first premolar alveolar width (PMAW) using CBCT. Results: MBW, MAW, PMBW and PMAW were significantly reduced in groups with bilateral and unilateral canine impaction (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that subjects with bilateral and unilateral canine impactions have narrower maxillary transverse dimensions than those without impaction. Orthodontists must be aware and should consider the relationship between transverse maxillary width and canine impaction during pedantic treatment planning.