Pont’s index is a method used in orthodontic diagnostics to assess the width of the dental arch.

Aim

The study aimed to compare the actual dimensions of the anterior and posterior widths of the dental arches relative to the values calculated based on Pont’s index for children from the Polish population aged 11–13.5.

Material and methods

The study material included diagnostic models of 134 patients. The measurements represented the summed widths of the four upper incisors (SI). The anterior and posterior widths of the lower and upper dental arches were measured at landmarks based on Pont’s index with the Korkhaus modification.

Results

The study group included 52% of girls and 48% of boys aged 11–13.5. The mean age of all patients was 12. There were age differences between the genders (the mean age for girls is 12 years 3 months, while for boys – 11 years 9 months). The actual width of the upper and lower dental arches varied from the predicted values; most patients had smaller actual values. The differences were most evident for the mandible (5.57–5.80 mm). Greater differences were observed in girls. Statistical analysis revealed a higher correlation (r) and determination (r2) in girls (r = 0.259–0.396, r2 = 0.067–0.157) compared to boys (r = 0.084–0.316, r2 = 0.007–0.099).

Conclusions

Pont’s index appears to be inadequate for assessing the anterior and posterior widths of the upper and lower dental arches in the Polish population. This results from the poor correlation between the actual values and those calculated based on the index.