Applicability of tanaka-johnston mixed-dentition analysis in indonesian children

The Tanaka-Johnston method was used to predict the size of the un erupted canine and premolar teeth in the maxilla and mandible. However, the accuracy of the Tanaka-Johnston equation is still questionable when used in different ethnic groups. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Tanaka-Johnston method in predicting the size of un erupted permanent canines and premolars in Indonesian children. Dental study casts were obtained from 300 samples (130 males, 170 females) that fulfilled inclusion criteria. Mesiodistal crown widths of permanent teeth were measured using a digital calliper (Krisbow, Jakarta, Indonesia) of 0.01 mm resolution. The actual tooth measurements were then compared with predicted values using the Tanaka-Johnston equation. Tooth dimensions were statistically different between males and females, with males having larger teeth than females. There were significant differences between the values from actual measurements with the Tanaka-Johnston prediction value for both sexes. This study showed that the Tanaka-Johnston method cannot accurately predict the mesiodistal widths in Indonesian children.