Primary canine and molar relationships in centric occlusion in 3–6-year-old children in Davanagere population: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

: As a dentist, it is very important to know the occlusal relationship of primary dentition so that any malocclusion in permanent dentition can be predicted at early stages and corrected accordingly by orthodontic treatments. The ideal occlusion and spacing in primary dentition acts as a mirror for the prevalence of malocclusion in the permanent dentition. : The aim of the study was to assess the occlusal relationships between the primary canines and the primary molars and spacings in primary dentition among a group of 3-6-year-old children.: A total of 120 children, comprising of 60 boys and 60 girls aged between 3-6 years irrespective of the race and socioeconomic status were randomly selected. The examination was done using pen light and mouth mirror. The occlusal assessment will be done only on children who are healthy and free from extensive caries that would affect the mesiodistal or occluso-gingival dimension of a tooth and, therefore, influence the occlusal characteristics. The primary molar relationship and the canine relationship will be assessed using Foster and Hamilton criteria with the teeth in centric occlusion. Primate space will be measured between primary lateral incisor and canine in the upper and primary canine and deciduous first molar on the lower on both the arches using a digital caliper [0-4 mm]. The obtained data was entered into Microsoft excel and chi-square test will be used for statistical analysis. : The study showed that, on left side, mesial step molar relationship was found in 53.3% boys and 55% girls, whereas on right side, 55% of boys and 51.6% of girls showed mesial step molar relationship. On left side, 77% of boys and 70% of girls showed class I canine relationship. On right side, 73% of boys and 67% of girls showed class I canine relationship. Primate spacings were found in 77% of children in maxilla and 84.7% of mandible.: The in vivo study concluded that, 1. Mesial step molar relationship was the most common Occlusal relationship of primary molars. 2. Class I canine relationship was the most common canine relationship in primary dentition. 3. Maxillary arch showed more percentage of primate spacings than mandibular arch. The early identification of molar and canine relationships and spacing present will help in prediction of future permanent molar relationship and probable future malocclusion.