Quantitative cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of premaxilla and symphysis in Class I and Class III malocclusions.
OBJECTIVE
In order to compare the premaxilla and symphysis in Class I and Class III individuals, we measured the following parameters on CBCT scans: incisor inclination, symphyseal morphology, upper alveolar process morphology, symphyseal and maxillary leeway space, as well as anterior and posterior maxillary and mandibular bone thickness at various points below the cementoenamel junction.


METHODS
CBCT scans were taken of 62 individuals (41 females and 21 males) of ages ranging between 11 and 53years (mean 23.26). The dentoskeletal relationship and alveolar process morphology (thickness) were evaluated on axial slices of the upper and lower jaws, and Student's parametric t-test for paired data was used to compare Class I and Class III values within different facial types.


RESULTS
Many significant differences in measurements between the two facial types were noted in terms of tooth inclination, alveolar thickness, and leeway space.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings confirm that Class III patients have little periodontal support at the upper and lower incisors, irrespective of the amount of symphyseal leeway space available, and any tooth movement must therefore be carefully planned and monitored.
Postgraduate school of orthodontics, Ferrara University, via Montebello 31, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. Electronic address: lulombardo@tiscali.it.
Luca
L
Lombardo
Postgraduate school of orthodontics, Ferrara University, via Montebello 31, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Chiara
C
Berveglieri
Postgraduate school of orthodontics, Ferrara University, via Montebello 31, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Raffaele
R
Spena
Postgraduate school of orthodontics, Ferrara University, via Montebello 31, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Siciliani
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
CBCT; Premaxilla; Symphysis