Evaluation of Mandibular Arch Form in A Sudanese Adult Sample With Normal Occlusion 

Abstract

Background: In fixed orthodontic therapy, maintenance of the original mandibular arch form is considered an essential factor for stability, moreover with the popular use of elastic archwires, and because its shape cannot be easily altered, the pre-determination of mandibular arch form becomes very important for each patient. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mandibular dental arch forms of Sudanese adults with normal occlusion and provides an easy method for orthodontists to determine different types of arch form. Methods: This Descriptive analytical, cross-sectional study determined the mandibular arch in a sample of 104 Sudanese university students. Measurements were done in the mandibular dental cast. Three arch widths and three arch lengths measurements were established and five ratios were determined. Analysis of arch form was done according to Raberin’s polynomial method. Results: The mid arch form was the most prevalent (75%), followed by narrow arch form (11.54%), wide arch form (6.73%), and pointed arch form (6.73%). There were no cases in flat arch form. Conclusions: In Sudanese subjects, four types of arch form were recognized. Norms of transverse and sagittal dimensions of the mandibular arch to determine types of the mandibular arch form in Sudanese orthodontic patients become available.