Bolton analysis: An alternative proposal for simplification of its use

Karina Eiras Dela Coleta PIZZOL, João Roberto GONÇALVES, Ary dos SANTOS-PINTO, Adriano Porto PEIXOTO

Introduction: Mesiodistal size discrepancies of upper and lower teeth and their effect on occlusion have been related. Bolton?s method for tooth size discrepancies is, undeniably, one of the most commonly-used methods in orthodontics because of its simplicity. However, the application of this method requires mathematical calculations and use of tables, which often prevents its clinical use. Purpose: Evaluate an alternative method for Bolton?s analysis proposed by Wolford that does not require table information. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 90 initial dental casts of adult patients, with different malocclusions. The ratio between the sum of widths of maxillary and mandibular teeth was calculated for each patient, resulting in the attainment of two indices: The overall ratio and the anterior ratio. Indices were calculated by Bolton?s method and by an alternative method, using two different formulas (one simplified and a variation of the same formula) that were separately analyzed. Results: In comparison with Bolton?s method, the Simplified Formulas demonstrated a slight trend towards an overestimation of the inferior dental discrepancies (overall and anterior). Conclusion: Both formulas employed for the alternative method may be used to substitute the traditional method, since each demonstrated, on average, differences of less than 0.58 mm when compared with Bolton?s method and no clinical significance.

Keywords: Bolton’s analysis. Tooth size discrepancy. Diagnosis. Orthodontic treatment planning.

How to cite: Pizzol KEDC, Gonçalves JR, Santos-Pinto A, Peixoto AP. Análise de Bolton: uma proposta alternativa para a simplificação de seu uso. Dental Press J Orthod. 2011 Nov-Dec;16(6):69-77.

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