Evidence-Based Orthodontics

Abstract

Dr. Raymond Sugiyama and Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez Balut have conducted extensive research into the rationale for a bracket prescription that is different from standard prescriptions, which are derived from measurements of Caucasians. Evidence-based data shows statistically significant differences in the dental anatomy and cephalometric measurements when comparing Caucasians to other ethnic patients. For example, studies show that the intercisal angle of Asian, Black, and Latin-Hispanic patients range from 10 to 16.6 degrees less when compared to Caucasians . This is the result of the increased proclination of the upper and lower incisors relative to basal bones in these groups. This fact suggests the need for more torque in the anterior teeth for this group of patients.