The crown-root morphology of central incisors in different skeletal malocclusions assessed with cone-beam computed tomography

Morphology of maxillary and frontal sinuses in different skeletal vertical malocclusions

BACKGROUND

On every patient's lateral cephalogram, the frontal and maxillary sinuses are the most often seen paranasal sinuses. Impacted teeth alter the morphology of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Consequently, it has an impact on the patient's look and occlusion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mean height, width, and index of maxillary and frontal sinuses and compare them among high, average, and low-angle patients underwent orthodontic treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 192 cephalometric radiographs of patients who presented with malalignment of teeth having high, average, and low angles and underwent orthodontic treatment were selected. On radiograph, frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, and cephalometric landmarks were traced. Patients were divided into different classes of skeletal vertical malocclusion. The morphology of maxillary and frontal sinuses on lateral cephalogram was measured. Means ± SDs of the quantitative variable were calculated. ANOVA test was applied to compare maxillary and frontal sinus heights, widths, and indexes between high-angle, average-angle, and low-angle patients.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD of height, width, and index of frontal sinus was 30.41 ± 2.59, 10.81 ± 1.53, and 3.44 ± 0.68, respectively, while these findings for maxillary sinus were 40.09 ± 2.36, 36.33 ± 3.38, and 1.11 ± 0.07, respectively. The mean frontal sinus width was significantly different among profile angles (P < 0.001), while the mean maxillary sinus width, mean maxillary sinus width, and mean maxillary sinus index were significantly different among profile angles with P < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to high- and low-angle profiles, the frontal sinus width was greater in the average angle profile. The average width, breadth, and index in the maxillary sinus varied statistically between different angle profiles. In comparison to high- and low-angle profiles, the height, width, and index of the maxillary sinus were all higher in the average angle profile.

Dentoalveolar characteristics in subjects with different anteroposterior relationships: a retrospective cross-sectional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography study

BACKGROUND

The collum angle, tooth dimensions, root length, and alveolar bone thickness have a significant impact on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The boundaries of orthodontic tooth movement are determined by alveolar bone thickness and dimensions while the collum angle determines the appropriate positioning of the root relative to the cortical plate. This study aimed to compare the collum angle, crown dimensions, root length, and alveolar bone thickness of the upper and lower incisors, canines, and premolars in subjects with varying anteroposterior relationships.

METHODS

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of 89 patients (178 teeth/tooth type) were included in the study. The patients were divided into 4 subgroups according to the incisor relationship. Group 1: Class I (64/tooth type), Group 2: Class II Div 1 (28/ tooth type), Group 3: Class II Div 2 (28/tooth type), and Group 4: Class III (58/ tooth type). The following variables were measured using Carestream CS 3D imaging software on coronal, sagittal, oblique, and reconstructed panoramic views: collum angle, mesiodistal crown width, crown height and thickness, root length, and alveolar bone thickness.

RESULTS

In Class II Div 2 subjects, the collum angles of the upper central and upper lateral incisors were increased. Class III subjects had an increased root length of the upper first premolars, upper central incisors, and lower first and second premolars compared to other groups. In Class II Div 2 subjects, the mesiodistal crown widths were increased in the lower canines compared to Class I and Class III and in the lower central incisors compared to Class II Div 1 and Class III, the height of the crowns was increased in the upper lateral incisors compared to Class III and Class I and in the upper central incisors compared to Class I and Class II Div 1, the buccolingual thickness of teeth was increased in the upper central incisors compared to Class I, Class II Div 1, and Class III and the alveolar bone thickness was increased compared to other groups.

CONCLUSION

Class II Div 2 subjects exhibited increased collum angle, large crown width, height, and thickness, and increased alveolar bone thickness. Class III subjects had a longer root length compared to other groups.

Evaluation of anterior teeth crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in patients with closed deep overbite using cone beam computed tomography

This retrospective study used cone-beam computed tomography to investigated the crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in incisors region in subjects with closed deep overbite and comparison the difference between gender and age. The CBCT images for 40 subjects (group C) with Angle II division 2 were selected from patients of the HeFei Stomatological Hospital from November 2023 to March 2024.20 individual normal occlusion subjects (group A),20 patients with Angle II division 1(group B) were included. The crown-root ratio of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, crown-root angle and alveolar bone structure were measured on the CBCT images, the data were statistically analyzed. In addition to mandibular lateral incisor, the crown-root ratio of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was higher than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The crown-root angle of maxillary anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was smaller than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The alveolar bone thickness of the maxillary central incisor was comparatively smaller, while the alveolar bone height was relatively higher in the Class II division 2 group. Age and gender were associated with change in root lengths and crown-root angle for the Class II division 2 group (P < 0. 05). Patients with closed deep overbite malocclusion exhibit a significant difference compared to the controls for most measurements. The patients presenting with Class II division 2 malocclusion exhibit excessive inward positioning of the anterior teeth, resulting in evident crown-root angle, a large crown-root ratio, and minimal labial alveolar bone. In order to keep the tooth movement within the safe range of alveolar bone movement, it is necessary to strictly control the torque and use appropriate orthodontic force to reduce the risk of bone fenestration, bone dehiscence, gingival recession and root resorption.

Biomechanical effects of a new crimpable gate spring combined with conventional rectangular archwires for torque adjustment of individual anterior teeth : A comparative finite element study

OBJECTIVE

Precise root torque adjustment of anterior teeth is indispensable for optimizing dental esthetics and occlusal stability in orthodontics. The efficiency of traditional rectangular archwire manipulation within bracket slots seems to be limited. The crimpable gate spring, a novel device, has emerged as a promising alternative. Yet, there is a paucity of guidelines for its optimal clinical application. This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the biomechanical impact of the gate spring on torque adjustment of individual anterior teeth and to elucidate the most effective application strategy.

METHODS

A FEA model was constructed by a maxillary central incisor affixed with an edgewise bracket featuring a 0.022 × 0.028 inch (in) slot. A range of stainless steel rectangular archwires, in conjunction with a gate spring, were modeled and simulated within the bracket slots. A control group utilized a conventional rectangular wire devoid of a gate spring. Palatal root moments were standardized to 9, 18, and 36 Nmm for both experimental and control groups.

RESULTS

The gate spring significantly amplified palatal root movement, notably with the 0.019 × 0.025 in archwire. However, this was accompanied by an increase in stress on the tooth and periodontal ligament, particularly in the cervical regions. The synergistic use of a 0.019 × 0.025 in rectangular archwire with a gate spring in a 0.022 × 0.028 in bracket slot was identified as most efficacious for torque control of individual anterior teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

The gate spring is a viable auxiliary device for enhancing torque adjustment on individual teeth. However, caution is advised as excessive initial stress may concentrate in the cervical and apical regions of the periodontal ligament and tooth.

Inclination of mandibular incisors and symphysis in severe skeletal class III malocclusion

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically explore the inclination of the lower central incisor and symphysis in alveolar bone in severe skeletal class III patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 198 severe skeletal class III patients (ANB ≤ -4°) who underwent combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment were divided into three groups based on the mandibular plane angle (MP-SN). Pretreatment lateral cephalograms were analysed and compared among the three groups. We also assessed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 11 samples to investigate the reliability of the cephalometric analysis.

RESULTS

ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences in the angle between the long axis of the mandibular symphysis and the long axis of the lower central incisor (MIA) among the low-angle, normal-angle and high-angle groups (P > 0.05), while significant differences were found in the angle between the axis of the lower incisor and the mandibular plane (IMPA) among the three groups (P < 0.001). The mean IMPA decreased with increasing MP-SN in the 198 patients. The mean MIA in the low-angle and normal-angle groups was 3.70° and 3.52°, respectively, while the value (2.33°) was smaller in the high-angle group. Paired-samples t test showed no statistically significant differences between the cephalometric and CBCT measurements of the MP-SN, the angle between the mandibular plane and the Frankfort plane (FH-MP) and the MIA (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In severe skeletal class III patients, the long axis of the lower central incisor was highly consistent with the long axis of the mandibular symphysis, which was more obvious in the high-angle subjects. The MIA reflects the physiological inclination of the lower central incisor better than the IMPA.

Accuracy and eligibility of Bonwill⁃Hawley arch form established by CBCT image for dental crowding measurement: a comparative study with the conventional brass wire and caliper methods

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel Bonwill⁃Hawley method (Bonwill⁃Hawley arch form based on CBCT image) for the assessment of dental crowding, and to investigate and compare the accuracy and eligibility with the conventional brass wire and caliper methods under different crowding conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty patients with the pair of plaster casts and CBCT data were collected. All the casts were marked and transformed into digital models using iTero scanner, and imported into OrthoCAD software to measure the required space. Using the conventional brass wire (M1) and caliper methods (M2), the available space and dental crowding were measured and calculated basing on digital models, respectively. Correspondingly, the axial planes in the level of dental arches were oriented and captured from the CBCT images to draw the Bonwill⁃Hawley arch forms (M3), which were used to measure and calculate the available space and dental crowding. For each method, intra and inter-examiner reliabilities were evaluated with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed for statistically analyzing the discrepancy among different groups.

RESULTS

Both intra- and inter-examiner reliability were generally excellent for all parameters obtained by the three methods, except for the dental crowding measured using M1(ICC: 0.473/0.261). The dental crowding measured using M2 were significantly increased in mild, moderate and severe-crowding groups compared with M1. However, no significant difference was detected between M1 and M3 in severe-crowding group (maxilla, p = 0.108 > 0.05; mandible, p = 0.074 > 0.05). With the deterioration of crowding condition, the discrepancy of dental crowding between M1 and M2, or M1 and M3 were significantly decreased (maxilla, M2-M1, mild VS serve, p = 0.003 < 0.05; maxilla, M3-M1, mild VS serve, p = 0.003 < 0.05; mandible, M2-M1, mild VS serve, p = 0.000 < 0.001; mandible, M3-M1, mild VS serve, p = 0.043 < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dental crowding measured using the novel Bonwill⁃Hawley method was relatively greater than the caliper method, but not exceeding the brass wire method, which wound gradually come close to the brass wire method with the deterioration of crowding condition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The Bonwill⁃Hawley method basing on CBCT image proved to be a reliable and acceptable choice for orthodontists to analyze the dental crowding.

Effectiveness of clear aligners in achieving proclination and intrusion of incisors among Class II division 2 patients: a multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND

The predictability of incisor movement achieved by clear aligners among Class II division 2 patients is poorly understood. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of clear aligners in proclining and intruding upper incisors and its influencing factors.

METHODS

Eligible patients with Class II division 2 malocclusion were included. For clear aligner therapy, three types of incisor movements were designed: proclination, intrusion and labial movement. Pre-treatment and post-treatment dental models were superimposed. The differences between predicted and actual (DPA) tooth movement of incisors were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the potential influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients and their 173 upper incisors were included. Actual incisor proclination and intrusion were less than predicted ones (both P < 0.001), while actual labial movement was greater than predicted one (P < 0.001). Predictability of incisor proclination and intrusion was 69.8% and 53.3%, respectively. Multivariate linear regression revealed that DPA of proclination was significantly positively associated with predicted proclination (B = 0.174, P < 0.001), ipsilateral premolar extraction (B = 2.773, P < 0.001) and ipsilateral canine proclination (B = 1.811, P < 0.05), while negatively associated with molar distalization (B = - 2.085, P < 0.05). The DPA of intrusion was significantly positively correlated with predicted intrusion (B = 0.556, P < 0.001) while negatively associated with labial mini-implants (B = - 1.466, P < 0.001). The DPA of labial movement was significantly positively associated with predicted labial movement (B = 0.481, P < 0.001), while negatively correlated with molar distalization (B = - 1.004, P < 0.001), labial mini-implants (B = - 0.738, P < 0.001) and age (B = - 0.486, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For Class II division 2 patients, predicted incisor proclination (69.8%) and intrusion (53.3%) are partially achieved with clear aligner therapy. Excessive labial movement (0.7 mm) of incisors may be achieved. Incisor movement is influenced by predicted movement amount, premolar extraction, canine proclination, molar distalization, mini-implants and age.

The evaluation of lateral incisor adjacent to treated labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisor: A retrospective follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the further development of the lateral incisor and its associated periodontium adjacent to the treated labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisor.

METHODS

We enrolled 23 participants (average age, 8.24 ± 1.43 years) undergoing a mean follow-up period of 31.10 ± 13.05 months. Each participant had an unimpacted lateral incisor and a successfully treated unilateral labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisor. The contralateral lateral incisors served as controls. Cone-beam computed tomography data were available for treatment completion and follow-up stages. The variables (including root length, dental age, root canal width, root-crown angulation, and alveolar bone loss and thickness) were evaluated with Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.95; Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif).

RESULTS

At the follow-up stage, the lateral incisors in the impacted side had significantly longer root lengths, smaller root canal widths, and thinner labial bone widths at the apex than at the posttreatment stage (P <0.001, P = 0.036, and P = 0.001, respectively). A significant lateral incisor root length reduction was noted when comparing the impacted and contralateral sides, although no variation was observed in root canal width. Similarly, crown-root angulation of the lateral incisor on the impacted side was significantly larger than that of the contralateral lateral incisor. The lateral incisor on the impacted side also had thicker labial and thinner lingual bone widths at the apex than the contralateral lateral incisor.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral incisor adjacent to the successfully treated labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisor showed continuous growth during follow-up stages, exhibiting a similar morphology and alveolar bone quality but shorter root length, larger root angulation, and thinner lingual bone width at the apex than those of the contralateral lateral incisors.

Changes of maxillary central incisor and alveolar bone in Class II Division 2 nonextraction treatment with a fixed appliance or clear aligner: A pilot cone-beam computed tomography study

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective clinical study investigated the clinical changes of maxillary central incisor and alveolar bone in Class II Division 2 nonextraction treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners on the basis of cone-beam computed tomography.

METHODS

Fifty-nine Chinese Han patients with similar demographic characteristics were collected from a conventional bracket group, a self-ligating bracket group, and a clear aligner group. All measurements about root resorption and alveolar bone thickness on the cone-beam computed tomography images were tested. Changes between pretreatment and posttreatment were evaluated by paired-sample t test. The variation among the 3 groups was compared by 1-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The resistance center of the maxillary central incisor showed upward or forward movement, and the axial inclination was increased in 3 groups (P <0.0001). Root volume loss in the clear aligner group (23.68 ± 4.82 mm³) was significantly less than that in the fixed appliances group (28.24 ± 6.44 mm³ in the conventional bracket group, 28.17 ± 6.07 mm³ in the self-ligating bracket group) (P <0.05). All 3 groups showed a significant decrease in palatal alveolar bone and total bone thickness at all 3 levels at posttreatment. In contrast, labial bone thickness significantly increased except for crestal level l. Among the 3 groups, the clear aligner group had a prominent increase in labial bone thickness at the apical level (P = 0.0235).

CONCLUSIONS

Clear aligner treatment for Class II Division 2 malocclusions could effectively reduce the incidence of fenestration and root resorption. Our findings will be beneficial to comprehensively understand the effectiveness of different appliances for Class II Division 2 malocclusions treatment.

The variation in crown-root morphology of anterior teeth assessed with cone-beam computed tomography

Objective:

To determine the discrepancy of crown-root morphology of anterior teeth, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to provide a guidance for proper torque expression.

Methods:

A total of eligible 200 CBCT were imported into Invivo v. 5.4 software, to obtain the middle labio-lingual sections of anterior teeth. AutoCAD 2007 software was applied to measure the crown-root angulation (Collum angle) and the angle formed by a tangent to the center of the labial surface and the long axis of the crown (labial surface angle). SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical comparisons of the two measurements, at the level of p< 0.05, and the Pearson correlation analysis was applied to investigate the association between the two measurements.

Results:

The value of Collum angle in maxillary central incisor was close to 0°. Significantly negative Collum angle in lateral incisors and maxillary canine, and positive value in mandibular canine were detected (p < 0.001). The labial surface angle in canine was significantly greater than the intra-arch incisors (p< 0.001), and no significant difference was detected between the central and lateral incisors (p > 0.05). Notably, there was also a significant positive correlation between the two measurements.

Conclusions:

The crown-root angulations were greatly different among anterior teeth. Accompanying the obvious crown-root angulations, the canines both in maxillary and mandibular arches presented considerable labial surface curvatures. Hence, equivalent deviation during bracket bonding might cause greater torque expression error and increase the risk of alveolar fenestration and dehiscence.

Facial Flatness Indices: A Comparison of Two Methods of Assessment

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare facial flatness indices calculated from the trigonometric formula as opposed to those generated from the direct measurements on three-dimensional radiographs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 322 cone-beam computed tomography radiographs were digitized and three facial indices (frontal, simotic, and zygomaxillary) were assessed in two different methods and compared between different groups.

RESULTS

There was a discrepancy between facial flatness indices generated from the two different approaches. The highest difference was seen in the findings of the simotic index and the lowest for the zygomaxillary index. No statistically significant difference was displayed in the three formula-generated flatness indices between males and females and between growing and non-growing subjects (P > 0.05). The zygomaxillary index was the only measurement revealing no statistically significant difference in Class III sagittal malocclusions (t = -0.5 P = 0.621). The orthodontic application would yield to the same interpretations for both ways of indices calculation.

CONCLUSION

The validity of the trigonometric formula used to appraise facial flatness indices might be questionable. The zygomaxillary index could be more clinically considered compared to the frontal and simotic indices.

Comparison of the collum angle of incisors and canines in skeletal malocclusions - A CBCT study

INTRODUCTION

The collum angle that defines the crown root angulation of the single rooted teeth plays an important in treatment planning.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the collum angle (crown root angulation) of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in different skeletal malocclusions using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty subjects were categorized into four groups (fifteen subjects in each group) Class I, Class II division 1, Class II division 2 malocclusion and Class III based on Angle classification, Wits and ANB. The collum angle of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth was measured using CBCT. One way ANOVA, Post hoc comparison with Tukey HSD and Paired t-test were used to analyse the measured data.

RESULTS

The collum angle of corresponding right and left side teeth were averaged. Thus, the mean and standard deviation of the collum angle (n-30) were generated for maxillary and mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. A statistically significant increase was observed in the maxillary central incisors of Class II division 2 and mandibular lateral incisors of class III malocclusion. The collum angle was increased in mandibular canines of Class III malocclusion when compared with class I and Class II division 2 malocclusion. The collum angle was negative in mandibular central incisors of Class II division 2. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean collum angle between the right and left side anterior teeth in all the four groups.

CONCLUSION

A variation in Collum angle was observed between the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and malocclusions. The effect of these variations in collum angle in torque expression and biomechanics should be kept in mind by the orthodontist before treatment planning especially in Class II division 2 malocclusion.