title: Bone resorption under chin implants: The orthodontist's role in its diagnosis and management.
abstract: Alloplastic chin implants have been a valuable treatment modality for the correction of microgenia. Their use has provided satisfactory esthetic results by improving facial balance. However, bone resorption under these implants can occur. Case reports of 4 patients with the incidental radiographic finding of the presence of chin implants are presented. All 4 subjects had lateral cephalograms and panoramic x-rays taken as part of their orthodontic evaluation. One had a normal mandibular symphyseal contour, and 3 had bone resorption under the implants. One subject had severe resorption. In addition to panoramic and cephalometric x-rays, the subject with severe resorption also had magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography as part of the evaluation workup.
authors.affiliation: Private practice, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Post-Graduate Program, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan; consultant, San Jorge Children's Hospital/Plastic and Reconstructive Institute, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Electronic address: drmariopolo@mariopolo.com.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Polo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002680:Chin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000066792:Orthodontists; D024382:Professional Role; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic