The Effect of Attrition on the Pre-Columbian Indian Arch Length

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1983

Description

A statistically significant difference is shown between the mesiodistal crown diameters of unworn and worn permanent mandibular teeth of pre-Columbian Peruvian Indians. It would appear from the data presented that interproximal attrition prior to the emergence of the third molars could make space for the unimpeded eruption of these teeth. This is substantiated with data from previous studies where it was found that in this population those cultural groups with the highest attrition indices had the lowest incidences of impacted teeth while the culture with the lowest level of attrition had the greatest incidence of impacted teeth (Sawyer, 1977; Sawyer et al., 1978c). The relationship of these findings with a modern theory and technique of orthodontic treatment is noted.

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