Functional and morphological evaluation of the dentofacial system in patients with distal occlusion using ultrasonic diagnostic methods

Abstract

Relevance. The integrity of the dentofacial system, significantly influenced by the functional condition of the masseter muscles (MM) and the morphological alterations in the alveolar bone, plays a crucial role in the outcome and duration of orthodontic treatment for distal occlusion. Ultrasonic diagnostic methods, due to their physiological compatibility, high information content, and ergonomic design, offer a preferable alternative for assessing and tracking these changes throughout orthodontic treatment.Materials and methods. This study included 55 individuals of both genders, aged 9-12, with either normal occlusions (NO) or distal occlusions (DO). Ultrasound examinations of the MM at rest and during maximum voluntary teeth clenching were conducted to evaluate MM thickness and echotexture. Ultrasonic densitometry measurements were conducted through the assessment of ultrasound transit velocity (UTV). This was carried out across the interalveolar bone with probes positioned on the buccal and oral sides between two neighboring teeth roots.Results. The findings indicated that DO patients had a notably thicker MM compared to their NO counterparts. Variations in MM echotexture were observed, with differences in the anechogenic and hyper echogenic zones. Recorded UTV values illustrated that the highest alveolar bone density in DO subjects was predominantly in the frontal regions of both jaws on the left side, whereas the lowest density was observed in the right lateral regions. For NO subjects, the highest density values were identified in the frontal region of the mandibular bone, with the lowest in the maxillary bone's lateral regions on both sides.Conclusion. The application of advanced ultrasonic diagnostic methods in this study facilitated a detailed functional and morphological analysis of the MM, as well as an evaluation of alveolar bone density in individuals with both distal and normal occlusions. The development of ultrasonic alveolar bone density chart from this research provides a valuable addition to dental examination protocols for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.