• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.184-190
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• 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the enamel thickness of proximal surfaces and the morphologic features of mandibular incisors. Methods: Mesiodistal/faciolingual (MD/FL) index, MD width, and height of contour width/cervical width ratio were measured in 40 incisors extracted from Koreans. For determining the height of contour width/cervical width ratio, the cervical width was measured as the distance between proximal cementoenamel junctions. Then, the labial surface was ground to the height of the contour level to measure enamel thickness. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between enamel thickness and morphologic features. Results: Enamel thickness was $0.75{\pm}0.07mm$ per side, and MD width was $5.56{\pm}0.40mm$. Enamel thickness and MD width were significantly correlated. However, a significant relationship was not observed between enamel thickness and MD/FL index or the height of contour width/cervical width ratio. Conclusions: The results suggest that enamel thickness is affected only by MD width. Therefore, if the MD width is the same for mandibular incisors with a large MD/FL index or triangular shape and mandibular incisors with normal shape, then the limit of enamel reduction for reproximation will be the same.