Two- and three-dimensional orthodontic imaging using limited cone beam-computed tomography

Considerable progress has been made in diagnostic, medical imaging devices such as computed tomography (CT). However, these devices are not used routinely in dentistry and orthodontics because of high cost, large space requirements and the high amount of radiation involved. A device using computed tomography technology has been developed for dental use called a limited cone beam dental compact-CT (3DX). The aim of this article is to demonstrate the usefulness of 3DX imaging for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. We present three cases: (1) one case shows delayed eruption of the upper left second premolar, (2) the second case shows severe impaction of a maxillary second bicuspid; and (3) the third case shows temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). In the tooth impaction cases, the CT images provided more precise information than conventional radiographic images such as improved observation of the long axis of the tooth, root condition, and overlap with bone. In the TMD case, clear and detailed temporomandibular joint images were observed and pre- and posttreatment condylar positions were easily compared. We conclude that 3DX images provide useful information for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.