Arch Dimensions and Mesiodistal Tooth Width of Indonesian Malays

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare normal variations of dental arch dimensions and tooth width between Proto Malay and Deutero Malay subjects, and between males and females in each group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to 160 pairs of study casts taken from 160 college students aged 18-25 in 3 universities in Jakarta and Medan. The study casts were taken from 79 subjects (32 males, 47 females) of Batak people (Proto Malay) and 81 subjects (36 males, 45 females) from Java people (Deutero Malay). An electronic digital caliper was used for the measurements. T-test were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in intercanine width and intermolar width between Proto Malay and Deutero Malay subjects. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was also found in arch length between the two groups. Furthermore, there was statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) in anterior maxillary tooth width (canine, first and second incisors) between Proto Malay and Deutero Malay subjects. In each race group, there are also significant differences (p < 0.05) in dental arch dimensions and tooth width between males and females, the males showed higher mean values. Conclusion: there are dental arch dimensions and tooth width differences between the Bataknese (Proto Malays) and Javanese (Deutero Malays). There are also dental arch dimensions and tooth width differences between males and females in each group.