Optimal sites for orthodontic mini-implant placement assessed by cone beam computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To determine (1) the optimal sites for mini-implant placement in the maxilla and the mandible based on dimensional mapping of the interradicular spaces and cortical bone thickness and (2) The effect of age and sex on the studied anatomic measurements.


METHODS
The cone beam computed tomography images of 100 patients (46 males, 54 females) divided into two age groups (13-18 years), and (19-27 years) were used. The following interradicular measurements were performed: (1) Buccolingual bone thickness; (2) Mesiodistal spaces both buccally and palatally/lingually; and (3) Buccal and palatal/lingual cortical thicknesses.


RESULTS
In the maxilla, the highest buccolingual thickness existed between first and second molars; the highest mesiodistal buccal/palatal distances were between the second premolar and the first molar. The highest buccal cortical thickness was between the first and second premolars. The highest palatal cortical thickness was between central and lateral incisors. In the mandible, the highest buccolingual and buccal cortical thicknesses were between the first and second molars. The highest mesiodistal buccal distance was between the second premolar and the first molar. The highest mesiodistal lingual distance was between the first and second premolars. The highest lingual cortical thickness was between the canine and the first premolar. The males and the older age group had significantly higher buccolingual, buccal, and palatal cortical thicknesses at specific sites and levels in the maxilla and the mandible.


CONCLUSIONS
A clinical guideline for optimal sites for mini-implant placement is suggested. Sex and age affected the anatomic measurements in certain areas in the maxilla and the mandible.
Fayed
Mona Mohamed Salah
MM
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. monasfayed@yahoo.com
Pazera
Pawel
P
Katsaros
Christos
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D003481:Cuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010159:Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012737:Sex Factors; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult
D015921:Dental Implants