The Correlation of Dental Arch Width and Ethnicity

Thomas W. Radmer, Marquette University
L Thomas Johnson, Marquette University

Article comments

Published Version. Journal of Forensic Identification, Volume 59, No. 3, (2009), pp. 268-274.

©2009 International Association for Identification

Abstract

This study sought to demonstrate a correlation between arch width, ethnic background, individual height, weight, and whether orthodontic treatment had been rendered. Conclusions revealed that arch widths were significantly larger (p= 0.002 for the mandible and p= 0.008 for the maxilla) in non-Whites than in Whites. In addition, arch widths of the mandible were significantly larger in individuals who had had orthodontic treatment compared to those who had not (p=0.005). This did not carry through to those arch widths in the maxilla of orthodontic versus nonorthodontic care (p=0.258).