Mesiodistal dimensions and sexual dimorphism of teeth of contemporary western australian adolescents

Purpose: Many studies of tooth dimensions have reported both diversity among populations and sexual dimorphism. This study aimed to collect data on mesiodistal dimensions and sexual dimorphism of permanent teeth of contemporary Western Australian adolescents. Methods: The mesiodistal dimensions of teeth from 500 adolescents (177 males, 323 females; age, 13-18 years) were obtained from pre-orthodontic treatment digital dental records of examinations using Invisalign technology. Differences between contralateral teeth and sexual dimorphism were analyzed by using SPSS. Results: Mesiodistal dimensions significantly differed between right and left teeth in both sexes. Males had larger teeth than females, and the difference was significant for most teeth. Reverse dimorphism (females had slightly larger teeth than males) was observed for the maxillary second premolar. Mandibular canines exhibited the greatest dimorphism. In addition, secular trends—specifically, a reduction in the degree of dimorphism— were observed in mesiodistal dimensions. Conclusion: Mesiodistal dimensions significantly differed between teeth in contralateral quadrants, in both arches. Most teeth exhibited sexual dimorphism, which was the greatest for permanent mandibular canines. Dimorphism was less obvious in this population than in other populations.