title: Evaluation of Bone Thickness and Density in the Lower Incisors' Region in Adults with Different Types of Skeletal Malocclusion using Cone-beam Computed Tomography.
abstract: To evaluate the bone thickness and density in the lower incisors' region in orthodontically untreated adults, and to examine any possible relationship between thickness and density in different skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
  
  
  
  The CBCT records of 48 patients were obtained from the archive of orthodontic department comprising three groups of malocclusion (class I, II and III) with 16 patients in each group. Using OnDemand 3D software, sagittal sections were made for each lower incisor. Thicknesses and densities were measured at three levels of the root (cervical, middle and apical regions) from the labial and lingual sides. Accuracy and reliability tests were undertaken to assess the intraobserver reliability and to detect systematic error. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to detect significant differences among the three groups of skeletal malocclusion.
  
  
  
  Apical buccal thickness (ABT) in the four incisors was higher in class II and I patients than in class III patients (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between buccal and lingual surfaces at the apical and middle regions only in class II and III patients. Statistical differences were found between class I and II patients for the cervical buccal density (CBD) and between class II and III patients for apical buccal density (ABD). Relationship between bone thickness and density values ranged from strong at the cervical regions to weak at the apical regions.
  
  
  
  Sagittal skeletal patterns affect apical bone thickness and density at buccal surfaces of the four lower incisors' roots. Alveolar bone thickness and density increased from the cervical to the apical regions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus Dental School, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
authors.forename: Maram M N
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Al-Masri
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus Dental School, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
authors.forename: Mowaffak A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ajaj
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus Dental School, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Phone: 00963113141343, e-mail: myhajeer@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mohammad Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Hajeer
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, University of Damascus Dental School, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
authors.forename: Muataz S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Al-Eed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015519:Bone Density; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: Alveolar bone density; Alveolar bone thickness; Class I malocclusion; Class II malocclusion; Class III malocclusion; Hajeer MY; Cone-beam computed tomography