Predictive Factors Affecting the Maxillary Alveolar Bone Thickness: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Many important structures are associated with the maxillary alveolar bone and should be considered during orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the anterior maxillary alveolar bone thickness (AMABT), inclination of the central incisors, and the incisive canal (IC), as well as changes in the thickness based on age and sex of the patients.

This cross-sectional study was conducted using archived cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) records categorized according to age and sex. The parameters measured were; AMABT at three levels: alveolar crest, mid-root, and apex; incisor to palatal plane (Inc/PP) angle and IC width at palatal opening. OnDemand 3D Imaging software was utilized for image reconstruction and measurement. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis and Mann-Whitney test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Out of the 300 CBCT images assessed, only 135 images (70 males and 65 females; age range=17-63 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Inc/PP angle had a significant effect on the AMABT at the alveolar crest and mid-root levels (P<0.01). Width of the IC at palatal opening had a significant effect on AMABT at the mid-root and apex level (P<0.01). Age had a significant effect on AMABT at three levels (P<0.05). Males demonstrated significantly greater AMABT at all levels than females (P<0.01).

There was an association between AMABT and the Inc/PP angle, width of the IC at palatal opening, age, and sex of the patients.