Transverse Diagnosis and CBCT Technology: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Imaging
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Accurate orthodontic diagnosis requires assessment in all three spatial planes, not just the sagittal.
• The transverse plane is critical for understanding patient biomechanics and treatment planning.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables comprehensive 3D imaging for evaluating all planes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate diagnostic methods for transverse analysis in orthodontics.
• To determine the utility of CBCT in assessing transverse discrepancies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies published between 1965 and 2021 from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating the transverse plane using CBCT or CT.
• Assessment of evidence level (OCEBM) and risk of bias (QUADAS-2).

Main Results:

• 16 studies were selected from 535 initial articles.
• Identified limitations include the absence of a gold standard for transverse discrepancy measurement and variability in diagnostic methods.
• Diagnostic techniques, especially CBCT, showed reliability in differentiating dental and skeletal transverse discrepancies.

Conclusions:

• Dental and skeletal transverse discrepancies can be reliably diagnosed using current methods, particularly CBCT.
• Transverse discrepancy diagnosis is achievable with objective, measurable criteria.
• Accurate 3D interpretation via CBCT is vital for informed orthodontic treatment decisions.