Understanding Bolton Analysis

Overview

Bolton Analysis is essential in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
It determines disproportions between the sizes of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.
It helps in assessing tooth size discrepancies which contribute to malocclusions.

It measures the mesiodistal widths of the maxillary teeth compared to the mandibular teeth.
Introduced by Dr. Wayne A. Bolton.
Useful for permanent dentition after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Provides a quick diagnostic tool to assess arch length deficiencies or tooth size discrepancies.

Overall Ratio
- Percentage relationship of mandibular arch length to maxillary arch length.
- Mesiodistal width of 12 maxillary teeth vs 12 mandibular teeth.
- If ratio < 91.3%, indicates maxillary tooth material excess.
Anterior Ratio
- Percentage relationship of mandibular anterior width to maxillary anterior width.
- Mesiodistal width of 6 anterior maxillary teeth vs 6 anterior mandibular teeth.
- If ratio < 77.2%, indicates maxillary anterior excess.
- If ratio > 77.2%, indicates mandibular anterior excess.

Disharmony in tooth widths can be improved by:
1. Extractions
2. Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
3. Expansion procedures
4. Increasing mesiodistal tooth size of disproportionate teeth

Tools available to analyze tooth size discrepancies.
The Bolton Analysis Table in ClearPilot considers pontics as missing teeth.
Accessing Bolton Analysis tool:
1. Use Measurement tool icon in ClearPilot.
2. Toggle to activate Bolton table, appears on the left side.
3. Change orientation or drag to new location using top icons.
4. Click "X" in Bolton window to remove the table.