The application and correlation of Pont’s Index to the facial framework of three main ethnic groups in Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the applicability of Pont’s Index in a Malaysian population by obtaining baseline measurements of dental arch shape based on premolar arch width, molar arch width and the combined width of the maxillary incisors. A secondary aim was to determine whether a correlation exists between arch widths, Pont’s Index and the facial framework. Methods: Ninety subjects of mixed racial backgrounds had maxillary dental casts made, measured and selected craniofacial anthropometric measurements taken. Arch widths were compared between the measured and the predicted values derived from Pont’s formula. A comparative analysis was performed between interpremolar and intermolar widths and the craniofacial anthropometric measurements. Comparative statistics were applied. Results: The average interincisal measurement, interpremolar and intermolar widths were 30.31 ± 2.49 mm, 36.67 ± 2.50 mm and 45.21 ± 2.90 mm respectively. No significant differences were detected between the races. The interincisal measurement in males was significantly lower than for females but male intermolar width was significantly higher than for females. The average predicted interpremolar width (37.89 ± 3.11 mm) and intermolar widths (47.36 ± 3.89 mm) were higher than the actual measured means, suggesting that Pont’s Index overestimated interpremolar and intermolar widths in the majority of Malaysians. The premolar index (83.34) and molar index (67.71) of the Malaysians were higher than the original Pont’s Indices. Significant correlations were noted for intermolar width with facial width, mandibular width, mandibular depth and mouth width. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Pont’s Index should not be applied to the Malaysian population.