Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Orthodontics

Abstract

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an important source of three-dimensional volumetric data in clinical orthodontics. Due to the progress in the technology of CBCT, for orthodontic clinical diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, CBCT supply much more reliable information compared to conventional radiography. The most justified indications for the use of CBCT in orthodontics are the existence of impacted and transposed teeth. For the management of the impacted teeth, CBCT enhances the ability to localize these teeth accurately and to assess root resorption of adjacent teeth. Patients with craniofacial anomalies like cleft palate cases, the abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint contributing malocclusion, evaluation of airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnea cases, patients needing maxillary expansion or planning orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal discrepancies are also listed among the indications of using CBCT in orthodontics. CBCT is useful in identifying optimal site location for temporary skeletal anchorage device. The use of CBCT for the assessment of treatment outcomes and evaluation of cervical vertebral maturation are still controversial issues. It should be kept in mind that before using CBCT, justification and evaluation of risks and benefits are needed. In order to minimize the radiation dose, the exam should include only the areas of interest.

Evaluation of Sagittal Change in the Maxilla and Incisor Inclination Following Rapid Palatal Expansion Using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography

“…Using previous literature as reference,change in angular measurement of point A to cranial base that is SNA in degrees (Pre-expansion Mean 74.97 ± 0.96 and post-expansion 76.76 ± 0.08 )and incisor to palatal plane that is 1 to PP in degrees (Pre-expansion Mean 111.57 ± 1.79 and post-expansion 110.18 ± 2.04 ) in the sagittal dimension of the maxilla as done by Ayse T. Altug Atac and colleagues, 11,12 and using Open Epi Info calculator with confidence interval of 95%, power of test at 80% minimum sample size was calculated to be at 30. Approval has been taken from the Ethical Review committee of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (IRB form no.905/Trg-ABP 1K2).…”