'Bone map' for a safe placement of miniscrews generated by computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Anatomy
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Miniscrews are vital for orthodontic anchorage.
• Accurate bone mapping is essential for safe miniscrew insertion.
• Understanding interradicular bone dimensions is key to preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a bone map for guiding safe miniscrew anchoring.
• To identify optimal anatomical regions for miniscrew placement.
• To provide quantitative data on interradicular bone dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans of 21 maxilla and mandible samples were analyzed.
• Interradicular bone space was measured in mesiodistal and buccolingual planes.
• Measurements were taken at varying depths from the alveolar crest.

Main Results:

• Maximal mesiodistal bone volume is found between mandibular molars (vestibular and lingual aspects).
• Minimal mesiodistal bone is located between mandibular incisors (vestibular aspect).
• Maximal buccolingual bone is between the first and second mandibular molars; minimal is between central and lateral incisors.

Conclusions:

• Mesiodistal measurements on the vestibular side are critical for safe miniscrew insertion to avoid damaging dental roots.
• Palatal-lingual mesiodistal measurements do not pose significant risks for miniscrew placement.
• The developed bone map serves as a guide for clinicians to enhance safety and efficacy in orthodontic miniscrew anchorage.