Assessment of fluctuating asymmetry in permanent dentition
Introduction: Fluctuating asymmetry is the difference between the two sides of bilateral traits. The aim of this study was to assess fluctuating asymmetry of maxillary and mandibular arches in faciolingual and mesiodistal crown dimensions. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study conducted from July to August’ 2010, at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Data was obtained from pre-treatment dental casts of 74 patients who visited the orthodontic clinic from June 2004 to August 2010. Antimeric pairs of the maxillary and mandibular permanent central incisors, canines and first molars were measured in mesiodistal and faciolingual crown dimensions. All measurements were done  using digital vernier caliper. Paired sample t-test was used to depict the difference between the two sides of both jaws. Bland Altman test was used to assess the intra-examiner reliability for the measurements done in this study. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between right and left sides in the mesiodistal width of maxillary canines and buccolingual width of maxillary first molars. Conclusions: Fluctuating asymmetry was observed between right and left sides in the mesiodistal width of maxillary canines and faciolingual width of maxillary first molars. Assessment of asymmetry should be done for every patient before initiation of orthodontic treatment for its input in treatment planning.