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Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
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Evaluation of maxillary sinus changes following molar distalization using clear aligners: A three-dimensional study
Naseem Ali Al-Worafi1, Maged Ali Al-Aroomi2, Akram Al-Nasri3
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, Shenyang 110002, PR China.
Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|March 8, 2024
Summary
Clear aligner molar distalization significantly increases maxillary sinus volume and surface area, especially in younger males. Molar roots move closer to the sinus floor, with the maxillary second molar mesiobuccal root showing the most significant change.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Molar distalization is a common orthodontic procedure.
- Clear aligners (CAs) offer an alternative for molar distalization.
- The impact of CA-induced molar distalization on the maxillary sinus is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of molar distalization using clear aligners on maxillary sinus parameters.
- To assess changes in the proximity of maxillary molar root apices to the sinus floor post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of 27 adult patients before and after treatment were analyzed.
- Maxillary sinus volume, surface area, and dimensions were measured using specialized software (MIMICS 21.0, Invivo Dental 6.0).
- Proximity of maxillary molar root apices to the sinus floor was quantified.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in maxillary sinus volume and surface area was observed post-treatment.
- Statistically significant changes in sinus proximity to molar root apices were noted, particularly on the left side.
- Younger patients and males exhibited more pronounced increases in sinus parameters and root proximity changes.
- No significant differences were found between left and right sinuses.
Conclusions:
- Molar distalization with clear aligners leads to increased maxillary sinus volume and surface area.
- The procedure results in molar roots moving closer to the sinus, with the maxillary second molar mesiobuccal root being most affected.
- Patient age and gender influence the extent of these anatomical changes.
