The effect of heritability on Bolton tooth-size discrepancy

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effect of genetic factors on Bolton tooth-size discrepancy. Subjects who applied for orthodontic treatment and their siblings (106 females and 78 males) were included in the study. The ages of the subjects ranged from 13 to 21 years. The siblings were grouped according to gender: male-male (24 pairs), female-female (38 pairs) and male-female (30 pairs). Mesio-distal tooth size was measured using a pair of dividers with fine tips, and Bolton anterior and overall ratios were calculated. The effect of heritability on Bolton ratios was studied by means of Harvey's mixed model least-squared and maximum likelihood computer program (LSMLMW) model type II. Statistical analysis showed that heritability was effective on Bolton tooth-size discrepancy in all groups except the male-female group. Siblings of the same gender showed high heritability for anterior and overall ratios, but no statistically significant difference was observed in the siblings of different gender.