Retrospective study of maxillary sinus dimensions and pneumatization in adult patients with an anterior open bite

Evaluation of Dimensional Changes in Maxillary and Frontal Sinus in Adult Patients With Anterior Open Bite and Normal Overbite: A Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

INTRODUCTION

An anterior open bite is a form of vertical discrepancy that presents as a lack of contact between maxillary and mandibular segments. The treatment modalities usually involve either intrusion of posterior teeth or extrusion of anterior or a combination of both. The anatomical relationship between the apex of the maxillary molar roots to the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus floor is crucial in planning posterior intrusion. The paranasal sinuses influence the growth of the facial structures that eventually get altered in various malocclusions. Studies have proven that the height of the sinus gets modified in anterior open bite owing to pneumatization. This study aims to evaluate the distance from the root apex of maxillary first molars (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal roots) to the maxillary sinus floor to evaluate the significance of the vertical pneumatization of the sinus on planning for true intrusion in anterior open bite and to assess the correlation between frontal and maxillary sinuses in an anterior open bite.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 30 pre-treatment cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs) of patients out of which 15 were with anterior open bite and 15 with ideal overbite. Linear measurements were carried out using care stream software in CBCTs.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between the distance of the palatal root and the distobuccal root of the maxillary first molar to the maxillary sinus floor bilaterally in the anterior open bite (p<0.04). A significant moderate positive correlation of the maxillary and frontal sinus height in anterior open bite (p<0.006). A significant moderate negative correlation between the distance from the palatal root to the maxillary sinus floor and maxillary sinus height in anterior open bite (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vertical pneumatisation of the maxillary sinus has caused a significant negative correlation between the apex of the palatal root of the maxillary first molar tooth and the maxillary sinus floor in the anterior open bite. The palatal root being the closest to the sinus floor, and the distobuccal root being second nearest. There is a significant correlation between the height of the sinuses in the anterior open bite.

Anterior open bite correction via molar intrusion: Diagnosis, advantages, and complications

Anterior open bite can be effectively treated nonsurgically via molar intrusion. This technique, involving the intrusion of posterior teeth using temporary skeletal anchorage devices, prompts counterclockwise rotation of the mandible. This rotation not only corrects anterior open bite but also contributes to a decrease in anterior facial height, improvements in lip incompetency, and forward movement of the chin. For successful outcomes, temporary skeletal anchorage devices, installed on both the buccal and palatal sides, must deliver equivalent intrusion force to the maxillary teeth. Treatment planning should consider factors such as skeletal discrepancies, vertical excess, incisor exposure, and configuration of the occlusal plane. Clinicians are advised to closely monitor periodontal changes and consider overcorrection to ensure lasting stability and maintenance of incisal overlap post-treatment.

Maxillary Sinus Dimensions in Skeletal Class I Chinese Population with Different Vertical Skeletal Patterns: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Due to the close relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth roots and the maxillary sinus floor, the maxillary sinus can significantly impact various dental treatments, including endodontic procedures and surgical apicectomy, periodontal flap surgery, surgical tooth extraction, dental implantation, and orthognathic surgeries. Specifically, in orthodontics, the location of the maxillary sinus floor may affect tooth movement and insertion of temporary anchorage devices (TADs). This study aims to evaluate the dimensions and location of the maxillary sinus in the Chinese orthodontic patient population with skeletal class I. Using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the volumetric size, height, width, and depth of the sinus and the amount of alveolar bone below the sinus floor and buccal/palatal to the sinus wall were compared between patients of different genders and different vertical skeletal patterns. Unlike the previously reported skeletal class II population, the skeletal class I patients with different vertical patterns do not have significantly different size sinuses. On the other hand, males have larger maxillary sinuses in all parameters than females in the testing population. In addition, no significant correlation was noticed between the SN-MP angle and sinus dimensions or between the ANB angle and sinus dimensions. Nevertheless, the distance from the sinus floor to the alveolar bone crest is not correlated with skeletally sagittal or vertical parameters in females but negatively correlated with the skeletal sagittal parameter in males. In summary, different from the skeletal class II population, there is no significant difference in maxillary sinus size and location among different vertical skeletal patterns in the skeletal class I population. Compared to the skeletal class II population, a higher percentage of the skeletal class I population has an alveolar bone with less than 5 mm thickness, representing a narrowed safe zone of TADs placements.

Effect of Maxillary Expansion Treatment Protocols On Maxillary Sinus Volume, Pharyngeal Airway Volume, and Hyoid Bone Position: A Prospective, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate the changes in maxillary sinus volume, pharyngeal airway volume, and hyoid bone position in patients treated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction (AltRaMEC) – Facemask therapy and compare between the groups.

Materials and Methods:

The records of 15 patients between the age group of 8-14 years with Class I and Class III malocclusion were collected, and the patients were assigned into two groups. The first group comprised of 8patients (4 girls and 4 boys) who were treated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion. The second group comprised 7 patients (5 boys and 2 girls) treated with expansion devices using Alt-RaMEC protocol followed by maxillary protraction using a facemask. Pre and post-treatment CBCT scans were obtained and analyzed for changes in the pharyngeal airway, maxillary sinus volume, and hyoid bone position. The maxillary sinus volume was calculated in 3 dimensions by measuring the craniocaudal height, anteroposterior depth, and mediolateral width. Measurements were taken before and after the procedure to compare the groups and between the groups. The data were analyzed using Paired t-test and an Independent t-test.

Results:

In the RME group, a significant increase in the total maxillary sinus volume (mean difference = 520±576.57mm3), especially in the craniocaudal height, was seen, but no changes were noted in the pharyngeal airway and hyoid position. The AltRAMEC group showed a statistically significant increase in the maxillary sinus volume (anteroposteriorly) and nasopharyngeal volume with a p-value <0.005. Comparing the maxillary sinus volume changes in RME and AltRAMEC groups showed a statistically significant increase in the volume of the maxillary sinuses in both groups, significantly higher in the RME group.

Conclusion:

RME and AltRAMEC protocol followed by facemask therapy caused a significant increase in the maxillary sinus volume, while no changes were noted in the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and hyoid bone position. While comparing the treatment effects between the groups, RME showed a greater increase in maxillary sinus volume (p < 0.05), specifically in the anteroposterior dimension. Since there are no changes in airway volume and hyoid position with the skeletal expansion protocols, there will be no difference in nasal resistance to airflow.

Evaluation of maxillary sinus dimensions and volume using cone beam computed tomography in patients with unilaterally displaced palatal and buccal maxillary canines

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions and volume in unilaterally displaced palatal and buccal maxillary canines.

METHODS

CBCT images for 133 patients were included in the study. Maxillary canines were unilaterally displaced palatally in 83 patients (PDCs) and buccally in 50 patients(BDCs). The following variables were measured: canine position in relation to MS walls, MS pneumatization and MS dimensions and volume.

RESULTS

MS was extended to the incisor region in 10% and 13% and to the canine region in 48% and 23% in BDCs and PDCs subjects, respectively. In BDC subjects, maxillary canine crown tip was more laterally (24.23 mm compared to 22.93 mm (p < 0.05)) and closer vertically (5.82 mm compared to 9.58 mm (p < 0.001)) to the MS, maxillary canine root tip was closer to the MS anterior (0 mm compared to 1.64 mm (p < 0.05)) and lateral (19.70 mm compared to 22.02 mm (p < 0.001)) walls and the MS volume (11.57mm³ compared to 9.09 mm³ (p < 0.001)) was increased in the displaced side compared to the non-displaced side. In PDC subjects, a significant difference between the displaced and non-displaced sides was detected in the vertical (3.28 mm compared to 5.89 mm (p < 0.001)) and lateral (21.63 mm compared to 24.25 mm (p < 0.001)) position of maxillary canine to the MS wall, the anterior (- 0.84 mm compared to 1.13 mm (p < 0.05)) and lateral (20.48 mm compared to 22.44 mm (p < 0.001)) position of canine root tip to the MS and the MS volume (7.71mm³ compared to 9.14mm³ (p < 0.001)). PDC sides differed from BDC sides in the lateral and vertical position of canine crown tip to MS and in MS volume. PDC showed negative association with MS volume and anteroposterior skeletal relationship and a positive association with MS height.

CONCLUSIONS

PDCs subjects have a reduced MS volume and BDCs subjects have an increased MS volume. PDCs are associated with reduced MS volume, increased MS height and Class III skeletal relationship.

Treatment effects after maxillary total arch distalization using a modified C-palatal plate in patients with Class II malocclusion with sinus pneumatization

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment effects after molar distalization using modified C-palatal plates in patients with Class II malocclusion with maxillary sinus pneumatization.

METHODS

This study consisted of 70 lateral cephalograms derived from cone-beam computerized tomography images of 35 patients with Class II malocclusion (mean age 22.3 ± 7.4 years) who had undergone bilateral total arch distalization of the maxillary dentition using modified C-palatal plates. The samples were divided into 2 groups according to sinus pneumatization; group 1 (n = 40), cephalograms with sinus pneumatization and group 2 (n = 30) cephalograms without sinus pneumatization. Paired t tests and independent-sample t tests were used to compare the changes in each group and between groups.

RESULTS

The distal movement of the maxillary first molars was 4.3 mm for group 1 and 3.5 mm for group 2, with the intrusion of 1.4 mm and 2.5 mm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Group 1 showed 3.5° of distal tipping of the maxillary second molars, which was significantly greater than the 0.2° in group 2 (P <0.05). The total treatment period, including distalization, was 2.2 years for group 1 and 1.9 years for group 2, but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the amount of distal movement and intrusion of the maxillary first molars between groups 1 and 2. Therefore, these results suggest that regardless of sinus pneumatization, molar distalization using temporary skeletal anchorage devices in Class II patients can be performed as a nonextraction treatment.

Maxillary Sinus Volume in Patients with Canted Occlusal Plane: A Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the maxillary sinus volume between both sides in adult patients with upper occlusal canting (>2 mm cant) and a control group (≤2 mm cant) using cone-beam computed tomography scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 84 scans (42 scans per group) according to predetermined selection criteria. OnDemand 3-D™ software was used for volumetric and linear measurements of the maxillary sinus. Maxillary occlusal canting was determined at the level of the maxillary first molars. It was defined as the vertical difference between right and left sides relative to the Frankfort horizontal plane. Non-parametric tests were applied.

RESULTS

The median difference in the maxillary sinus volume between the sides was statistically significant between the control and cant groups (P < 0.001). Also, the median difference in the maxillary sinus craniocaudal height and apex sinus distance between the sides was statistically significant between the control and cant groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In adult patients, maxillary occlusal canting of more than 2 mm was associated with asymmetric maxillary sinus volumes. In the cant group, maxillary first molars on the canted-down side were in close proximity to the sinus floor, which suggests a limited leeway for molar intrusion.

'Comparison and correlation of the maxillary sinus dimensions in various craniofacial patterns: A CBCT Study'

Background: To compare and correlate the maxillary sinus dimensions and basal bone height among various facial patterns using CBCT for advanced diagnosis and treatment planning in Orthodontics.

Methods: 66 CBCT images within age group of 18-30 years were divided into horizontal (Group 1), average (Group 2) and vertical (Group 3) facial growth patterns. Maxillary sinus dimensions were compared and correlated in all three groups. The sinus height and basal bone height were recorded at 3 locations-between 1 ^st premolar and 2 ^nd premolar (PM1-PM2), between 2 ^nd premolar and 1 ^st Molar (PM2-M1) and between 1 ^st and 2 ^nd molar (M1-M2).

Results: Overall reduction in sinus height and significantly reduced sinus volume was seen in Group-1. Longest maxillary sinus height in M1-M2 region and shortest in PM1-PM2 region was seen in Group-3. The basal bone height in PM1-PM2 region was significantly longer in Group-3 than in Group-1(p<.05).Shortest basal bone height in M1-M2 region was seen in Group-3. A significant negative correlation was seen between the maxillary sinus height and the basal bone height in Group-1 and Group-3(p<.05).

Conclusion: There is a correlation between the maxillary sinus height and basal bone height with that of facial pattern which needs to be considered during orthodontic treatment planning and while carrying out facial growth modification procedures in younger patients.

Maxillary sinus dimensions in skeletal class II population with different vertical skeletal patterns

OBJECTIVES

The location of the maxillary sinus significantly affects the orthodontic treatment, particularly when temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are taking place. The current study aims to evaluate the maxillary sinus size and location in a skeletal class II population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pre-orthodontic treatment CBCT images of the skeletal class II population were selected. The sinus's volumetric size, height, width, and depth were measured and compared among different skeletal vertical patterns and between genders. In addition, the height and width of the alveolar bone surrounding the maxillary sinus floor were quantified in the same manner.

RESULTS

Patients who displayed a high-angle skeletal pattern had significantly greater maxillary sinus dimensions, shorter vertical distance between the maxillary sinus floor and the alveolar bone crest, and thinner alveolar bone surrounding the maxillary sinus. Meanwhile, the maxillary sinus dimension measurements were positively correlated with the SN-MP angle in both genders but only correlated with ANB angle in females. On the other hand, the vertical distance between the maxillary sinus floor and the alveolar bone crest was negatively correlated with the SN-MP angle in males but the ANB angle in females.

CONCLUSIONS

In the skeletal class II population, the high-angle patients faced a higher risk of maxillary sinus perforations by TADs. In addition, gender-related variations were noticed warranting clinical attention, as males have a higher potential for maxillary sinus penetration from TAD placement than females.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Maxillary posterior alveolar TADs are often prescribed to achieve the distalization of maxillary posterior teeth in class II patients. The current study provided more insight into the "safe zone" for TAD placement related to the maxillary sinus.

A study on the association between accessory maxillary ostium and maxillary sinus mucosal thickening using cone beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) has a major role to play in the aetiology of maxillary sinusitis. Mucosal thickening is one of the key radiographic features of chronic maxillary sinusitis. The aim of this study was to identify the location of the AMOs and investigate the association between Mucosal Thickening [MT] and AMO using Cone Beam Computed Tomography [CBCT].

METHODS

CBCT scans of 400 maxillary sinuses from the records of 200 patients who seeked various dental treatments at the Thumbay Dental Hospital, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates were evaluated. The incidence, anatomical position and maximal length of accessory maxillary ostia (AMO) in the maxillary antrum were reviewed using CBCT by two examiners. The association between MTs and AMOs were also analysed.

RESULTS

Among the 200 CBCT scans, 131 belonged to male patients and 69 scans belonged to female subjects within the age group of 18-65 years (mean age 41.32 years). AMOs were found in 142 maxillary antra (35.5 %). The inter-observer reliability for using CBCT to detect AMO was (k = 0.83). There was no significant difference in the frequency of AMOs when the age (P = 0.19) and gender (P = 0.54) distribution were considered. Sinuses with AMOs, showed significantly greater frequency of MTs (p = 0.001). AMOs with maximal length of less than 1mm were most commonly observed (51.40 %). AMOs with larger greater maximal length were associated with higher degrees of MT. The location of the AMOs, were not affected by the degree of MT.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates a clear association between degree of MT and occurrence of AMO in the maxillary sinus. However, the location of the AMO is independent of the degree of the MT. There is a greater probability of finding an AMO in the maxillary sinus if the MT in the sinus is more than 3 mm.

A 3D comparison of dimension of infrazygomatic crest region in different vertical skeletal patterns: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Infrazygomatic crest (IZC) dimension is an important factor in the safety and stability of bone screws. The dimension is known to vary according to the dimensions of the maxillary sinus, which in turn depends on the vertical facial skeletal pattern.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare the infrazygomatic crest thickness (IZC) above the mesiobuccal root of the first and second maxillary molar in different vertical skeletal patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and lateral cephalograms of 36 subjects were collected and divided into 3 groups (12 subjects in each group) depending on their vertical skeletal pattern, namely normal, low and high angle. Vertical skeletal pattern was assessed using lateral cephalogram whereas IZC thickness was measured using CBCT. Mann Whitney U test was done to compare the bone thickness in the right and left sides and also to compare the same above the mesiobuccal root of the first and second molar. Kruskal Wallis and post hoc tests were done to compare bone thickness among the three groups. P-value was set at 0.05 for all the analysis.

RESULTS

Significant difference in IZC bone thickness above the first molar region was noted between high angle and average angle groups (P-value 0.001) and high angle and low angle (P-value 0.001). Above the second molar region, a significant difference was seen between high angle and average angle groups (P-value 0.001). Significant difference in bone thickness was also observed among the first molar and second molar region in all the three groups (P-value<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IZC thickness was the least in high-angle subjects. Clinically, it is desirable to place the IZC screw above the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary second molar especially in high-angle subjects.

Morphological Analysis of the Human Maxillary Sinus Using Three-Dimensional Printing

Background

The maxillary sinus (MS) is described as a pyramid-shaped cavity of the maxilla.

Aim

The aim of this research is to present a strategy for morphological analysis of the MS using three-dimensional (3D) printing acquired through cone-beam computed tomography images.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional exploratory, single-blind study was conducted, including 24 subjects. MSs were reconstructed, and 3D virtual modeling was done bilaterally, obtaining 48 physical models generated on a 3D printer. The statistical analysis used tests of normality and tests using a value of P < 0.05 to establish statistical significance.

Results

The mean of the MS volume was 15.38 cm³ (±6.83 cm³). The minimum volume was 5.4 cm³ and the maximum was 30.8 cm³. In a bilateral comparison of the right and left volume of the same individual, there were no significant differences (P = 0.353). In relation to the morphology of the MSs, the most prevalent was pyramidal with a square base with a prevalence of 66.7%. Related to gender, significant differences were observed only for the left volume (P = 0.009), with the mean volume being significantly greater in the men (19.69 cm³) than in the women (12.28 cm³).

Conclusion

3D printing of the MS permitted the more precise observation of anatomical features that cannot be seen on a 2D screen. A classification is presented that allows an analysis of sinus morphology, although it is necessary to conduct studies with larger samples to obtain more conclusive results.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Changes in Growing Subjects: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to evaluate changes of maxillary sinuses in growing subjects. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of 146 patients were divided according to gender and age (6–8, 9–11, 12–14 years old). Left, right and total maxillary sinus volume (MSV-R, MSV-L, MSV-Tot) and surface (MSS-R, MSS-L, MSS-Tot), left and right linear maximum width (LMW-L, LMW-R), depth (LMD-R, LMD-L) and height (LMH-R, LMH-R) were calculated using Mimics Research 22. Kruskal–Wallis Test and showed a statistically significant increase in both genders for all variables. Pairwise comparisons in females are always statistically significant in: LMH-R, LMH-R, MSS-Tot, MSV-Tot. All other variables showed a statistical significant increase between 9–11 and 12–14, and between 6–8 and 12–14 age groups, apart from LMSW-R, LMSW-L, LMSD-R, LMSD-L between 6–8 and 12–14 age groups. Pairwise comparisons in males are always and only statistically significant between 9–11 and 12–14, and between 6–8 and 12–14 groups. Symmetrical measurements (right and left) evaluated using Wilcoxon test retrieved no statistical significant difference. Comparisons between measurements on male and female subjects using Mann–Whitney test showed a statistical significant difference in 6–8 years group in MSV-R, MSV-L and MSV-Tot, and in 12–14 age group in MSV-R, MSV-L, MSV-Tot, MSS-r, MSS-l, MSS-Tot, MSW-R, MSW-L, MSD-R, MSD-L. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) assessing inter-operator and intra-operator concordance retrieved excellent results for all variables. It appears that maxillary sinus growth resembles the differential peak of growth in male and female subjects. Sinuses starts to develop early in female subjects. However, in the first and last age group female sinuses are statistically significantly smaller compared to male ones. In male subjects, sinus growth occurs mainly between the second and third age group whilst in female subjects it starts between the first and second age group and continues between the second and the last. Sinus has a vertical development during the peak of growth, which is the main reason for its increase in volume.

Treatment of Class II malocclusion with tooth movement through the maxillary sinus

This case report describes the successful extraction treatment of a Class II malocclusion with excessive maxillary sinus pneumatization. A 20-year-old man sought treatment with the major complaint of protrusive mouth and anterior teeth. He was diagnosed with a skeletal Class II relationship and protrusion of the maxilla. The clinical examination showed a severe Class II molar relationship with excessive overjet and deep overbite. Panoramic radiograph showed obvious maxillary sinus pneumatization bilaterally. Three premolars and one deciduous molar were extracted, and spaces were used to correct molar relationship and retract maxillary incisors. Light forces and low speed movement were applied to overcome the challenge of moving teeth through the maxillary sinus wall. Balanced facial esthetic and stable occlusion were obtained posttreatment with a notable bone formation of the maxillary sinus wall. This result highlights the possibility of tooth movement through cortical floor with bone remodeling and no obvious complications.

Anatomical relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth and the sinus floor according to an anterior overbite

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the vertical relationship between the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) and the maxillary posterior teeth (MPT) according to an anterior overbite.

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION

The patients were divided into three groups according to an anterior overbite. The open bite group (OBG) included patients with an anterior overbite of ≤0 mm, the normal overbite group (NBG) included patients with an overbite of 0-3 mm, and the deep bite group (DBG) included patients with an overbite ≥3 mm. Thirty patients were randomly matched into each group based on age and sex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The distances and vertical relationship between the MSF and the MPT was analysed using cone-beam computer tomography. The vertical relationship between the two was classified as either favourable or unfavourable for the intrusion of the posterior teeth.

RESULTS

A higher ratio of patients in the OBG had MPT positioned close to the MSF than the DBG. Intrusion of the posterior teeth was unfavourable for an average of 87.2%, 77.2% and 70.2% molars in the OBG, NBG and DBG, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The vertical distance between the MSF and the MPT is associated with an anterior overbite. The posterior teeth were in an unfavourable position for the orthodontic intrusion in the OBG as compared to the other groups. Additional caution is needed when planning orthodontic intrusion treatment for patients with an anterior open bite. But, there were some individual variations within each group.

The effect of tongue thrusting on tongue pressure production during swallowing in adult anterior open bite cases

BACKGROUND

Tongue thrusting, which often occurs during swallowing in patients with anterior open bite, is considered to show different tongue dynamics from healthy individuals, but the details are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the effect of tongue thrusting on tongue pressure production during swallowing in patients with anterior open bite.

METHODS

The subjects were 11 patients with an anterior open bite and 8 healthy volunteers with individual normal occlusion. The patients were divided into a tongue-thrusting group (n = 8) and a non-thrusting group (n = 3). Tongue pressures while swallowing jelly (4 mL) were recorded by a sensor sheet system with five measuring points (Chs1-5) attached to the palatal mucosa. The time sequences, maximum magnitude and duration of tongue pressure, and swallowing time of tongue pressure were analysed.

RESULTS

Tongue pressure waveforms in the tongue-thrusting group were quite diverse compared with the other two groups. The duration at the posterior-median part in the tongue-thrusting group was significantly shorter, and the maximum magnitudes at the mid-median, posterior-median and the peripheral part were also significantly lower than in the healthy group. These results suggest that the compensatory tongue thrust action by which the tongue closes the front part of the oral cavity may make it difficult to lift the tongue and transfer the bolus.

CONCLUSION

Patients with an anterior open bite and tongue thrusting at swallowing showed diversity of tongue pressure waveforms and noticeably weaker tongue pressures from mid-median to posterior-median regions than healthy individuals.

Three-dimensional CAD/CAM imaging of the maxillary sinus in ageing process

OBJECTIVES

During the physiological ageing process atrophy of the alveolar bone appears in vertical direction. This bone resorption causes pushing the limits of the maxillary sinus at the expense of a degraded bone. The sinus volume increases due to the facial development in children and adolescents or during the ageing process due to the loss of teeth and bone mass. The main aim of this study is to determine the sinus shape and sinus floor morphology related to age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human adult male and female cadaveric heads (aged 37 to 83 years) with different dental status were used. The three-dimensional CAD/CAM software was used to scan the solid impressions of the maxillary sinus to visualize the real sinus shape and sinus floor. Subsequently, other findings are shown in tables and evaluated graphically.

RESULTS

The maxillary sinus morphology, its relationship to the nasal cavity, the sub sinus alveolar bone height, displacement of the lowest and highest points of sinus, and the sinus relationship to the roots of the upper teeth were studied and evaluated. Some septa, crests, and the prominent infraorbital canal were also found in the area of the sinus floor.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper provides a unique view on the maxillary sinus and its changes during the ageing process with preserved topographical relations in a representative sample of the Slovak population. The visualization of the maxillary sinus anatomy is necessary in the diagnosis and treatment plans for dental implants and during current surgical procedures.

Evaluation of maxillary sinus volume and dimensions in different vertical face growth patterns: a study of cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare sinus volume and dimensions in patients with high-, low-, and normal-angle vertical growth patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to skeletal vertical face growth patterns, 60 adults (31 female, 29 male, average age: 29.90 ± 10.91 years) were divided into three groups equally: high-angle, low-angle, and normal-angle groups. Cephalometric tracings were obtained from CBCT images and SN-GoGn (angle between Sella-Nasion line and Gonion-Gnathion line) cephalometric angular measurements used for the classification of skeletal vertical pattern evaluations. Morphological and dimensional changes in the maxillary sinuses were evaluated on CBCT images. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of age (p > .05). The low-angle vertical growth pattern group showed significantly better results than the high-angle group in the right maxillary sinus length parameter (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results, the high-angle subjects showed statistically lower values in terms of maxillary sinus length and width than the low-angle subjects. There were no effects of vertical face development on right and left maxillary sinus volumes. The results of this study may be useful in maxillary sinus evaluation when planning for orthognathic surgery and orthodontic mini screw application in various vertical face patterns.