Distances between mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge in Peruvians with normal occlusion

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this investigation were to determine the horizontal distances between the mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge in a sample of Peruvians with normal occlusion and to compare them by tooth type, sex, arch side, and age groups. Methods: 65 dental casts of subjects with normal occlusion were collected. Posterior teeth, except for third molars, were evaluated. The horizontal distances between the occluso-gingival midpoints of the buccal surfaces (FA points) of each tooth and the WALA ridge were measured using a modified digital caliper. The values between each different tooth type within the sample were compared using the ANOVA and Scheffe tests, while comparisons by sex, arch side and age groups, using the Student’s t-test. Results: The mean distances in the sample was 0.96 mm for first premolars, 1.45 mm for second premolars, 2.12 mm for first molars and 2.55 mm for second molars. Statistically significant differences between each of the four tooth types were found. There were no significant differences found between sex, arch side and age groups. Conclusion:The horizontal distances between the mandibular posterior teeth and the WALA ridge increased progressively from the first premolars to the second molars in Peruvians with normal occlusion. The WALA ridge was a good landmark to evaluate the positions of posterior teeth in Peruvians with normal occlusion.

Evaluation of Horizontal Distance between WALA-FA Point in Angle'S Class I, Class II, and Class III Malocclusion

“…The primary goal of orthodontic treatment relies on establishing a stable relationship with the underlying basal bone. [ 5 ] Shape, size, and position of teeth, jaw size, facial pattern, musculature, and occlusion are various factors that can cause variation. The six elements of orofacial harmony developed by Andrews act as a guideline for achieving ideal occlusion, where the teeth are positioned in harmony with the basal bone and the surrounding soft tissue.…”

Modified Arnold expander: an alternative for mandibular arch expansion

“…I, Paschoal MAB, Figueiredo NC Modified Arnold expander: an alternative for mandibular arch expansion Furthermore, it has been reported that the mandibular arch form has a correlation to the shape of the underlying basal bone, which can potentially be used as a reliable diagnostic reference for determining the best position of the mandibular teeth, providing a more stable orthodontic treatment outcome. 1,16 With that purpose, Andrews and Andrews 17 proposed the WALA ridge as an anatomic reference on the mandibular alveolar process that demarcated the soft-tissue band immediately superior to the mucogingival junction, 18 which is located close to the same vertical level as the horizontal center of rotation of each tooth. 19 The WALA ridge is easy to identify and might be clinically useful for individualizing dental arch shape 20 (Fig 1).…”

“…The transverse dimension and shape of both dental arches varies widely between individuals, according to dental alignment, tooth shape and size, musculature, jaw size and shape, facial and cranial patterns and the dental occlusion. 1 The transverse discrepancy between the maxillary and mandibular arches is one of the most commonly seen malocclusions in the primary and mixed-dentition stages. 2 The prevalence of posterior crossbite is 14% in the primary dentition and 8% in the mixed dentition.…”