Approximately what proportion of the mesiodistal width of the maxillary CENTRAL incisor does the maxillary LATERAL incisor represent?

Correct answer: D. About 70%

• A. 40% would make the lateral incisor implausibly narrow — closer to a peg lateral, which is a developmental anomaly rather than the norm.
• B. 50% would mean the lateral is half the width of the central, which is well below the measured average.
• C. 95% would make the two teeth nearly equal in width, which is not the case and would look unnatural.
• D. CORRECT. Average mesiodistal crown widths are roughly 8.5 mm for the maxillary central and 6.5 mm for the lateral, giving a ratio of approximately 70–75%. The lateral incisor is a smaller, more variable version of the central, with a more rounded incisal edge and greater curvature of the distal outline.

Note: Do not confuse ACTUAL width with the GOLDEN PROPORTION used in smile design. The golden proportion describes the APPARENT width seen from straight ahead, where the lateral appears about 62% of the central because of the curvature of the arch. Boards may test either — read whether the question asks about real measurement or perceived proportion.