Mandibular muscle morphology in children with different vertical facial patterns: A 3-dimensional computed tomography...

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial morphology
• 3D imaging
• Pediatric dentistry

Background:

• Assessing mandibular muscles and craniofacial morphology is crucial in pediatric dentistry.
• Understanding vertical facial patterns aids in diagnosing and treating dentofacial abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of 3D CT in assessing mandibular muscle relationships with craniofacial morphology in children.
• To investigate correlations between muscle characteristics and vertical facial patterns.

Main Methods:

• Twenty children underwent 3D CT scans.
• Reconstructed images were used to measure masseter, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscle cross-sectional size, volume, and spatial orientation.
• Muscle factors were analyzed in relation to vertical and transverse craniofacial form.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations were observed between muscle cross-sectional area, volume, and transverse facial width.
• Significant differences in masseter and medial pterygoid muscle orientation were identified among children with varying vertical facial patterns.

Conclusions:

• 3D CT is a viable tool for assessing both soft and hard tissue dentofacial forms.
• Clinicians should consider variations in mandibular muscle size and orientation when evaluating children with different vertical facial patterns.