Alveolar bone mapping in subjects with different vertical facial dimensions

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• Vertical facial dimensions influence craniofacial morphology.
• Understanding alveolar bone characteristics relative to facial type is crucial for orthodontic treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in alveolar and skeletal dimensions among subjects with varying vertical facial dimensions using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To examine the relationship between facial type and posterior alveolar thickness in the maxilla and mandible.

Main Methods:

• CBCT scans were used to categorize 152 subjects into three vertical skeletal pattern groups.
• Alveolar height and thickness measurements were performed using iCATVision™ software.
• AutoCAD™ software assessed anatomical limitations for incisor movement; statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests.

Main Results:

• High-angle subjects exhibited larger anterior dentoalveolar height but thinner anterior maxillary and mandibular alveoli compared to other groups.
• No significant differences in posterior alveolar height were observed between groups.
• Low-angle subjects showed greater limitations for incisor movement.

Conclusions:

• A significant relationship exists between facial type and alveolar dimensions (height and thickness).
• High-angle individuals may face a higher risk of incisor movement beyond alveolar bone support.
• CBCT limitations and sample size should be considered in future research.