What are the average percentages used in Bolton's analysis to describe the maxillary to mandibular anterior teeth relationship?

Bolton's analysis is a vital concept in orthodontics used to assess the proportional relationships between the sizes of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. The key measurement that Bolton established is the proportion of the mesiodistal widths of the maxillary anterior teeth to the mandibular anterior teeth.

The average percentage found in Bolton's original studies indicates that the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth should ideally be approximately 77.2% compared to that of the mandibular anterior teeth. This finding is typically rounded to about 78.3% for practical use in orthodontic treatment planning.

Choosing 78.3% reflects the established standard based on Bolton's research and is widely accepted as the correct average percentage in orthodontic practice. This specific figure captures the essential balance needed for effective occlusion and aesthetic harmony in dental alignment. The other ranges provided, while they may approximate the concept, do not pinpoint the specific average as accurately as the 78.3% figure does, making it the most relevant selection for understanding the maxillary to mandibular anterior teeth relationship.