Methodology standardization for measuring buccal and lingual alveolar bone plates using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Marcos Cezar FERREIRA, Daniela Gamba GARIB, Flávio COTRIM-FERREIRA

Introduction: The thickness of the buccal and lingual bone plates constitutes one of the limiting factors of the orthodontic movement. The imaging technology has permitted the evaluation of this anatomical region, by means of cone beam computed tomography. Purpose: To describe and standardize, in details, a method for measuring the buccal and lingual bone plate thickness in CBCT images. Methodology: Digital standardization of face image should constitute the first step before the selection of CBCT slices. Two axial sections of each jaw were used for measuring the thickness of buccal and lingual bone plates. The cemento-enamel junction of the first permanent molars was used as a reference, both in the upper and lower arches. Results: Axial sections parallel to the palatine plane were recommended for quantitative evaluation of the alveolar bone plate in the maxilla. In the mandibular arch, the axial sections should be parallel to the functional occlusal plane. Conclusion: The method described shows reproducibility for evaluating the periodontal effects of tooth movement for clinical or researching purposes, permitting the comparison between pre and post-treatment images.

Keywords: Tomography. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. Orthodontics. Diagnosis. Alveolar process.

Friday, December 27, 2024 14:32