Assessing the Co-relation between Mandibular Flare and Thickness of Lingual Cortex in Relation to the Third Molars: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the co-relation between mandibular flare and thickness of lingual cortex in relation to the third molars. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively obtained computed tomography (CT) data of 26 patients was used after classifying them into respective skeletal malocclusion groups (classes I, II, and III). Thickness of lingual cortex was measured at crestal, middle, and apical levels in mandibular third molar region. Two angular and two linear measurements were used to measure mandibular flare. Angular measurements included the angle between condylion (Co) and menton (Me), and between gonion (Go) and menton (Me). Linear measurements included bigonial and bicondylion widths. Results: The two angular measurements did not differ significantly among the three skeletal malocclusion groups. Contrastingly, bicondylion width differed significantly among the three groups. Class II group showed no significant correlation between mandibular flare and lingual cortical thickness. Class III group demonstrated a significant negative correlation of linear and angular measurements with cortical bone thickness. Bicondylion width was significantly more in Class III group than in other skeletal groups, which proved an increased mandibular flare in patients with Class III malocclusion. Conclusion: Increase in mandibular flare was associated with decreased thickness of lingual cortical bone.