Labial Enamel Thickness of Anterior Teeth Utilizing Pre-Apical Radiographes

Objective: Literature dose not show a valid research regarding the exact labial enamel thickness of human anterior teeth, which is needed for many clinical procedures. The aim of this in vitro study was to creat a mathematical equation by using proximal enamel thickness in a X-ray image to find exact thickness of labial enamel of anterior teeth. Methods: Sixty anterior sound teeth were selected. Samples assigned as: Maxillary central (1-10), Maxillary lateral (11-20), Maxillary canine (21-30), Mandibular central (31-40), Mandibular lateral (41-50) and Mandibular canine (51-60). PA X-ray was made for all samples. Each image divided as incial 1/3, middle 1/3 and gingival 1/3. Later natural teeth related to each image sectioned inciso-gingivally and enamel thickness was measured in those areas, and named A, B, C, A2, B2 and C2, respectively. Data recorded and analyzed using non-linear regression statistical analysis with 99% coefficient probability. Results: Enamel measurement of each area in radiographic image compared with the same area of the natural tooth, statistically analyzed and for each area of tooth, one special mathematical equation was found. In these equations X is enamel thickness in image (independent variable), Y is the thickness of enamel in tooth (dependent variable). Also a constant value for each zone was found. Conclusion: awareness of enamel thickness for veneer preparation is valuable. Using PA images, dentist could find the exact amount of labial enamel thickness by measuring only mesial enamel thickness of the image and using the equation to get thickness of labial enamel. In case of enamel erosion or hypoplasia, such equation may not be useful.