Three-dimensional evaluation of maxillary anterior alveolar bone for optimal placement of miniscrew implants.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to propose clinical guidelines for placing miniscrew implants using the results obtained from 3-dimensional analysis of maxillary anterior interdental alveolar bone by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).


METHODS
By using CBCT data from 52 adult patients (17 men and 35 women; mean age, 27.9 years), alveolar bone were measured in 3 regions: between the maxillary central incisors (U1-U1), between the maxillary central incisor and maxillary lateral incisor (U1-U2), and between the maxillary lateral incisor and the canine (U2-U3). Cortical bone thickness, labio-palatal thickness, and interdental root distance were measured at 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm apical to the interdental cementoenamel junction (ICEJ).


RESULTS
The cortical bone thickness significantly increased from the U1-U1 region to the U2-U3 region (p < 0.05). The labio-palatal thickness was significantly less in the U1-U1 region (p < 0.05), and the interdental root distance was significantly less in the U1-U2 region (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that the interdental root regions U2-U3 and U1-U1 are the best sites for placing miniscrew implants into maxillary anterior alveolar bone.
Private Practice, Seoul, Korea.
Jin Hwan
JH
Choi
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Hyung Seog
HS
Yu
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Kee Joon
KJ
Lee
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Young Chel
YC
Park
Cone-beam computed tomography; Cortical bone thickness; Gummy smile; Miniscrew implant; Upper incisor intrusion