Quantitative evaluation of maxillary alveolar cortical bone thickness and density using computed tomography imaging

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomaterials Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) is crucial for treatment success.
• Mechanical retention between OMIs and supporting bone, primarily alveolar cortical bone, is key.
• Understanding alveolar bone properties is essential for optimal OMI placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize alveolar cortical bone thickness and density in the maxilla.
• To explore patient-specific factors influencing these bone properties.
• To provide data for informed OMI site selection.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 60 maxillary CT scans using Synapse 3D software.
• Measurement of interradicular alveolar bone thickness and density at various depths.
• Statistical analysis using multivariate mixed-effects regression models and paired t tests.

Main Results:

• Cortical bone thickness and density increase significantly from coronal to apical regions.
• Palatal bone is generally thicker and denser than buccal bone.
• Age and BMI positively correlate with bone thickness and density; females have denser bone.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary alveolar bone properties exhibit distinct regional variations.
• These variations can inform clinicians in selecting optimal sites for OMI placement.
• Site-specific bone characteristics are critical for achieving primary stability.