Molar Size Sequence in American Blacks

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present the data on molar size sequence (MSS) in American Blacks. The results are compared with other studies on American Whites. It is evident from the findings that a reasonably high percentage of M₂ > M₁ (where second molars are larger mesiodistally than first molars) exists in both the groups. This suggests that the M₂ > M₁ molar sequence should not be considered as a primitive characteristic, since a high percentage of this sequence is seen in the modern population. The percentage of incidences of M2 > M₁ in the maxillary arch seems to be significantly higher in American Whites, in both the sexes and as a total group, than in American Blacks. In the case of the mandibular arch, the percentage is significantly higher in American Blacks.

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