title: Cortical bone thickness and bone depth of the posterior palatal alveolar process for mini-implant insertion in adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cortical bone thickness and bone depth are important factors when placing an orthodontic mini-implant. The objective of this study was to investigate both variables for the palatal alveolar process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty dry human skulls were imaged by using cone-beam computed tomography technology. Two-dimensional slices bisecting the posterior interdental sites were generated, and cortical bone thickness and bone depth were measured at 4, 8, and 12 mm from the alveolar crest. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interdental site and measurement level had a significant impact on both cortical bone thickness and bone depth. Cortical bone thickness was typically greatest at the 8-mm measurement level and more anterior interdental sites. Bone depth decreased with higher measurement levels and was smallest at the most posterior-superior measurement points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cortical bone thickness and bone depth of the palatal alveolar process are, on average, favorable for the insertion of orthodontic mini-implants; however, some sites should routinely be avoided to prevent damage to the maxillary sinus unless 3-dimensional imaging is available.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. sxb155@case.edu
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Baumgaertel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001641:Bicuspid; D015519:Bone Density; D002102:Cadaver; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D008963:Molar; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D021362:Palate, Hard; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants