Tooth wear and compensatory modification of the dentoalveolar complex in a Nubian sample

The main aim of this study was to quantify certain dentoalveolar compensations in a group of individuals with severe tooth wear. A sample of 53 adult individuals was created from the Nubian series in Mirgissa (ca 2180 to 1552 BC). Various methods were used to quantify wear on the molars (M1 and M2) and the maxillary central incisors (I1). To quantify dentoalveolar compensations, different craniometric and cephalometric measurements were carried out on two groups, one with moderate wear (MW), and one with advanced wear (AW). Craniometric results revealed that dental arch length was significantly less in the AW group, whereas dental arch width did not differ between the two groups. Vertical dimensions also did not differ significantly between the MW and AW groups. Cephalometric results showed that the I1 axis was significantly more vertical in the AW group than in the MW group. Dentoalveolar compensations such as mesial drift, continuous eruption, and maxillary incisor posterior tipping were found in the Mirgissa sample. These indicate that functional occlusion and an effective level of masticatory function were maintained, despite the progress of tooth wear. Keywords: cephalometry, continuous eruption, dental anthropology, dentoalveolar compensations, mesial drift, occlusal vertical dimension, tooth wear