Evaluation of the palatal soft tissue thickness by cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were to measure the palatal soft tissue thickness at popular placement sites of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and evaluate the age, gender, and positional differences in this parameter.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 23 children (10 boys and 13 girls; mean age, 10.87 ± 1.24 years; range, 6.7 to 12.6 years) and 27 adults (14 men and 13 women; mean age, 21.35 ± 1.14 years; range, 20.0 to 23.8 years). Nine mediolateral and nine anteroposterior intersecting reference lines were drawn on CBCT scans of the 50 subjects, and the resultant measurement areas were designated according to their mediolateral (i.e., lateral, medial, and sutural) and anteroposterior (i.e., anterior, middle, and posterior) positions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to analyze intragroup and intergroup differences.ResultsNo significant age and gender differences were found (p = 0.309 and 0.124, respectively). Further, no significant anteroposterior change was observed (p = 0.350). However, the lateral area presented the thickest soft tissue whereas the sutural area had the thinnest soft tissue (p < 0.001).ConclusionsClinical selection of the placement sites of TADs should be guided by knowledge of the positional variations in the palatal soft tissue thickness in addition to other contributing factors of TAD stability.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography evaluation of palatal bone thickness for miniscrew placement in Down's syndrome

“…It has been suggested that one of the main limitations of CBCT is its lack of ability to differentiate between soft tissues due to its poor contrast resolution. 31 However, Vu et al 32 recently used retractors to separate the soft tissues of the tongue during CBCT image acquisition, and they evaluated the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa in 50 healthy subjects (children and adults). They found that the thickness was lower in the area of the palatal suture and adjacent areas than in the lateral regions closer to the teeth.…”

Sagittal correction of adolescent patients with modified palatal anchorage plate appliances

“…6,8 Also, palatal soft tissue thickness has been assessed using an ultrasonic device and cone-beam computed tomography images to find the most appropriate TSAD placement sites. 7,23 These studies support the suitability of the palate, especially the anterior and middle paramedian areas, for receiving TSADs in patients in the mixed dentition.…”

Correction of severe bimaxillary protrusion with first premolar extractions and total arch distalization with palatal anchorage plates

“…Moreover, the palatal bone's thickness and density and the palatal soft tissues have been evaluated for the placement of miniscrews. [24][25][26][27] In our case, it would have been possible to decrease treatment time by placing the MPAP at the time of the premolar extractions and using it as an anchorage for both en-masse retraction and molar distalization, although this might have required some modifications on the palatal arch during treatment. A future study is recommended to evaluate the treatment effect of this combination using finite element analysis.…”