Bolton Discrepancy
A proportional mismatch between the mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and mandibular teeth that prevents ideal occlusal interdigitation.
Full Definition
The Bolton discrepancy is calculated using the Bolton analysis, which compares the sum of the mesiodistal widths of the mandibular teeth to those of the maxillary teeth as a ratio. A discrepancy arises when this ratio falls outside the normative range (overall ratio ~91.3%; anterior ratio ~77.2%), indicating that one arch has relatively larger or smaller teeth than the other. A mandibular excess means mandibular teeth are proportionally wider, making it difficult to achieve normal overjet and overbite. Editors should ensure 'Bolton' is capitalized (eponym for Wayne A. Bolton) and that the analysis is referred to as the 'Bolton analysis,' not the 'Bolton index' or 'Bolton ratio' indiscriminately. Tables presenting Bolton data should clearly distinguish anterior from overall ratios.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Bolton' as an eponym. Specify whether the anterior or overall Bolton ratio is being reported.
In Context
- "A significant Bolton discrepancy in the anterior segment precluded achieving ideal overjet without interproximal reduction." — Orthodontic case summary
- "The table labelled both ratios simply as 'Bolton ratio'; the editor requested that anterior and overall values be differentiated." — Journal table review