Abstract

In this study arch length discrepancy or ALD was studied in 50 untreated patients. The measurements obtained from Hilgers' corrected occlusal x-ray using his Occlusal Paralleling Instrument or O.P.I, were compared with those derived by four conventional methods, - "Eye balling," digital caliper determination, conventional mandibular x-ray, and the Rocky Mountain Data Systems computer analysis (31 cases). When using the OPI, results give a higher negative ALD as it takes into consideration the space required to level a curve of Spee.

Measurements were made by the author and 3 faculty members using the above methods. Statistical analysis of the means derived by each procedure and by each researcher were compared in all possible combinations. Reliability of the measurements made by the author was tested by remeasuring randomly selected cases. To 12 of the most difficult cases for caliper measurements were added 4 randomly chosen cases, and these 16 subjects were compared to OPI determinations.

The OPI method was the only one to show significant differences between all combinations of procedures. The mean OPI ALD was the highest of any method. In this study the corrected occlusal x-ray was more consistent between measurements made by different individuals than was the caliper method.

Despite the progress orthodontics has made, there still is not a standardized method for measuring ALD. The O.P.I. helps to standardize the occlusal x-ray. This corrected occlusal x-ray was shown to be a reliable and consistent instrument with which to determine ALD.

LLU Discipline

Orthodontics

Department

Dentistry

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Joseph M. Caruso

Second Advisor

Norman S. Carter

Third Advisor

Michael J. Fillman

Fourth Advisor

Daniel A. Flores

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1991

Date (Title Page)

6-1991

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Malocclusion -- diagnosis; Dental Instruments; Radiography

Type

Thesis

Page Count

2; iv; 36

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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