Maxillary incisor crown-root relationships in different angle malocclusions

Abstract

The long axis of the maxillary incisor root is not always identical to that of the crown. Instead, there is appreciable variation in the crown-root angle, generally with the crown torqued lingual to the root axis. In orthodontic cases assessed before and at the end of full-banded treatment, the crown-root angle was significantly deflected in the Class III molar relationship series, notably so in moderate to severe cases where the maxillary incisors are constrained lingual to the lower arcade. Apical root resorption was not significantly associated with the crown-root angle before or after comprehensive orthodontics. Cephalometric predictors of the amount of deflection of the crown-to-root axis were localized to intertooth relationships (overjet, interincisal angle). It is proposed that the large collum angles in Class III cases develop during tooth eruption when the maxillary incisors are trapped within the lower arch; this torques the crown of the maxillary incisor but leaves the unmineralized portion of the root free to develop as if the crown were still in its prior, more procumbent orientation.