Evaluation of the inclination in posterior dentoalveolar structures after rapid maxillary expansion: a new method.
OBJECTIVE
In order to compare the skeletal and dental effects of rapid maxillary expansion, orthodontists need an assessment of buccal dentoalveolar inclination. The aim of the present paper is to introduce a new technique for the evaluation of buccal inclinations in dentoalveolar structures.


METHODS
Using barium sulphate solution with a paintbrush, a thin line was drawn on and between the first molars of the maxillary stone casts. Then, radiographic images of the stone casts were obtained. Buccal tipping of molar crowns and alveolar processes were evaluated on these images by means of a computerized imaging software program.


CONCLUSIONS
This new evaluation technique is inexpensive, simple and reliable for the assessment of dentoalveolar inclination. In addition, the changes in dentoalveolar structures may also be visualized by superimposing the pre- and post-treatment images.
Oktay
H
H
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. husamoktay@yahoo.co.uk.
Kiliç
N
N
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002508:Cephalometry; D003287:Contrast Media; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003765:Models, Dental; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009811:Odontometry; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate