Original scientific paper
Comparison of the Statistical Methods in the Follow-up of the Growth of Dentition
Rajka Brčić
; Dom zdravlja Velika Gorica, Hrvatska
Vesna Gaži-Čoklica
; Zavod za ortodonciju Stomatološkog fakulteta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Asja Miličić
; Zavod za ortodonciju Stomatološkog fakulteta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Developmental alterations occurring in the region o f dentition during the process o f growth are o f utmost importance in orthodontics. The aim o f this study was to assess the advantages and shortcomings o f statistical analyses in a longitudinal follow-up o f a sample o f subjects in various developmental stages o f dentition. A sample o f 51 subjects o f both sexes, initially considered normal (i.e. free o f any marked symptoms o f orthodontic anomalies) were observed in a longitudinal study, from the stage o f a complete deciduous dentition to the completion o f permanent dentition (i.e. from the age o f 4.7 to 11.5 years). Alterations observed by the analysis o f 22 variables were recorded. Dentometric and gnathometric results were processed by the longitudinal regression analysis according to Goldstein, basic
summary statistical method, analysis o f mean values and measure
o f variability for both individual examination and for the whole study period. The findings are tabularly and graphically presented. A comparison shows consistent results, with the possible differences falling within + 1-0.5 standard deviation, except for the initial examinations occasionally revealing about + /- 1 standard deviation.In conclusion, both statistical methods appear to e almost
equally reliable, provided their results are reasonably interpreted and taking their inherent limitations into consideration.
Keywords
growth; dentition; gnathometry
Hrčak ID:
99267
URI
Publication date:
15.3.1994.
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