Transverse growth of the mandibular body in untreated children: a longitudinal CBCT study.

OBJECTIVES: Currently available reports on mandibular transverse growth are limited to two-dimensional images and cross-sectional studies. The objective of this study was to examine transverse growth of the mandibular body in untreated growing individuals during the mixed dentition stage using longitudinal three-dimensional imaging. METHODS: CBCT images of 25 (13 females and 12 males) untreated subjects at two time points were analyzed. The average age was 9.1 years at T1 and 11.3 years at T2. Mandibular segmentation and superimposition were performed to obtain linear and angular measurements at different axial levels. RESULTS: At the superior (mental foramen) axial level, transverse growth between the buccal surfaces gradually increased from the premolars to the ramus. At the inferior axial level, significant transverse growth differences were detected between the ramus and the dentition regions. In contrast, between the lingual surfaces, both superior and inferior levels showed minimal change in the region under the dentition and a significant amount of resorption in the ramus region. This difference between buccal and lingual surface changes led to a mandibular body angulation change in the premolar and molar regions. In contrast, the overall mandibular body angulation measured from the posterior-most border of the mandible to the symphysis remained the same. Differences were detected between males and females, with males tending to exhibit greater transverse growth in the ramus region at the inferior level. CONCLUSIONS: The mandibular body exhibited different transverse growth patterns at different axial levels. Differences were also found between genders. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An in-depth understanding of craniofacial growth and development is crucial to diagnosis and treatment planning. The current study provides additional insight into the transverse growth of the mandible.

The Influence of Teleworking in a Pandemic Context on the Work Experience of Individuals with Physical Disabilities: A Quebec Qualitative Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous changes in work environments. Thousands of workers quickly found themselves having to telework without being prepared, which had consequences on their work experience and health. Authors proposed telework practices that promote the healthy work experience of workers in a pandemic context, but less attention has been paid to consider the realities and needs of individuals with physical disabilities. Purpose This study aimed to explore the influence of telework during the pandemic on the work experience of people with physical disabilities. Methods Following an interpretive descriptive research design, interviews were conducted with 16 workers with physical disabilities (i.e., motor, or sensory). The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis strategy. Results The results revealed 15 factors that influence the work experience of teleworkers with physical disabilities. These factors are related to interactions between three spheres of the worker's life: the individual, the organization, and the environment. Ten recommendations are proposed to consider the reality and needs of individuals with physical disabilities in the telework practices. Conclusion Given that telework has expanded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and will likely continue to remain a widespread modality of work delivery, it becomes even more important to expand knowledge about it, to benefit the work experience of teleworkers with physical disabilities.

Mandibular transverse dentoalveolar and skeletal changes associated with lip bumper and rapid maxillary expander: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is little consensus regarding the spontaneous uprighting of the mandibular dentoalveolar complex in response to maxillary expansion, which poses the question about the necessity of combining mandibular treatment with rapid maxillary expansion to coordinate the maxilla and mandible transversely. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the bonded rapid maxillary expander (RME) alone compared with RME with lip bumper (LB) treatment on the mandibular transverse changes. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 3 groups: the control group with no orthodontic or orthopedic treatment (23 patients [14 females, 9 males]; mean age 9.13 years at T1 and 11.24 years at T2); the RME group with no mandibular treatment (22 patients [9 females, 13 males]; mean age 8.73 years at T1 and 12.04 years at T2); and RME + LB group (23 patients [16 females, 7 males]; mean age 9.45 years at T1 and 12.18 years at T2). Three-dimensional superimposition of the mandibular images was performed with cone-beam computed tomography taken at prephase and postphase I treatment (growth and development check records for the control group) to conduct the angular and linear measurements at the dental, alveolar, and skeletal levels. The intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Accompanying slight molar self-uprighting during the normal mandibular growth period observed in the control group, transverse growth was also observed in both alveolar and basal bone levels of the mandible, but no significant changes in the alveolar bone inclination occurred. The bonded RME slightly increased the mandibular first molar uprighting but not the mandibular widths at the tooth or alveolar levels. Adding a LB significantly increased the intermolar width and molar uprighting while decreasing the alveolar bone inclination but did not increase the amount of mandibular transverse growth at the bone level. CONCLUSIONS: RME alone did not significantly increase the transverse dimension of the mandible. RME + LB significantly increased mandibular intermolar width, uprighted the mandibular molars, and reduced the alveolar bone inclination.

Postoperative Changes in the Upper Airway Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Pediatric Hemifacial Microsomia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) may undergo unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) before skeletal maturity in an effort to improve facial symmetry. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis's effect on airway volumes have been studied in the past, though to our knowledge, none have accounted for the effect of head and neck posture on airway morphology. This study aimed to tackle this shortcoming, using imaging to analyze the upper airway of patients with HFM before and after surgical intervention with MDO. METHODS/DESCRIPTION: The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with a diagnosis of unilateral HFM whom underwent unilateral MDO with an oblique vector at age 4 to 14 years at a single institution from 2004 to 2019. Patients with pre- and post-MDO three-dimensional computed tomography scans of the upper airway within 12 months of distractor placement and removal, respectively, were included. Head and neck postures were determined by craniocervical, pitch, roll, and yaw angles. Pre- and post-operative pharyngeal airway volumes, pharyngeal surface area, minimum retropalatal cross-sectional areas (RP CSA) and retroglossal (RG) CSA and associated anteroposterior distances were measured using Mimics 22.0 (Materialise; Leuven, Belgium). Comparison was done using Kruskal-Wallis tests and linear mixed-effects models controlling for head and neck postures. RESULTS: Ten patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age at pre-distractor placement computed tomography scan was 99 ±â€Š35 months, and mean duration between pre- and post-surgery scans was 220 ±â€Š90 days. Head and neck posture were found to be significant predictors of all airway dimensions. After controlling for significant factors with fixed effects linear modeling, surface area was found to be significantly smaller in patients after MDO by 189.48 mm2 (F[10.8] = -3.47, P = 0.0053), compared to their preoperative measurements. Surgery was not a significant predictor of changes in airway volume (F[11.6] = 0.52, P = 0.61), minimum RP CSA (F[12.2] =  -0.64, P = 0.53), minimum RG CSA (F[12.6] =  -1.64, P = 0.13), RP anteroposterior distance (F[14.0] = 0.30, P = 0.77), or RG anteroposterior distance (F[20.0] =  -0.04, P = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Oblique vector MDO in patients with HFM is associated only with statistically significant changes in the surface area of the upper airway, and is not associated with statistically significant changes in dimensions like volume, CSA, or anteroposterior dimension. This is an important finding, as it may guide discussions surrounding risk/benefit ratio for MDO in childhood.

Influence of gender on people with disabilities' work relationships: prospects for ergonomics interventions.

Norms and values embedded in what is referred to as 'institutionalised gender,' defined by the distribution of power between genders in the political, educational, religious, medical, cultural or social institutions of a society, exist even today. The above mentioned influential institutions shape societal norms that define, reproduce and justify differing expectations and opportunities for women, men, girls and boys. Using qualitative methods, 41 semi-structured interviews among employed people with deafness/hard of hearing (DHH), blindness/low vision, motor disabilities, or chronic pain from three administrative regions of Québec (Montréal, Outaouais, and Montérégie) were analysed. The results show that while gender is omnipresent in participants' remarks, it is not necessarily associated with exclusion from employment, but most certainly with perpetuating some forms of inequity in work situations. Solutions to raise awareness among ergonomists working with people with disabilities are suggested.Practitioner summary: Based on 41 semi-structured interviews among employed people with disabilities, a relationship between the gender of the participants and factors facilitating or inhibiting their integration into employment were established. Solutions to raise awareness among ergonomists working with a doubly marginalised population-women with disabilities-are suggested.Abbreviations: DEPPI: disability, employment, and public policies initiative; DHH: deaf or hard of hearing; LSQ: québec sign language; M: men; P: participant; s/g: sex and gender; W: women.

Sagittal and Vertical Growth of the Maxillo-Mandibular Complex in Untreated Children: A Longitudinal Study on Lateral Cephalograms Derived from Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the sagittal and vertical growth of the maxillo-mandibular complex in untreated children using orthogonal lateral cephalograms compressed from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Two sets of scans, on 12 males (mean 8.75 years at T1, and 11.52 years at T2) and 18 females (mean 9.09 years at T1, and 10.80 years at T2), were analyzed using Dolphin 3D imaging. The displacements of the landmarks and rotations of both jaws relative to the cranial base were measured using the cranial base, and the maxillary and mandibular core lines. From T1 to T2, relative to the cranial base, the nasion, orbitale, A-point, and B-point moved anteriorly and inferiorly. The porion moved posteriorly and inferiorly. The ANB and mandibular plane angle decreased. All but one subject had forward rotation in reference to the cranial base. The maxillary and mandibular superimpositions showed no sagittal change on the A-point and B-point. The U6 and U1 erupted at 0.94 and 1.01 mm/year (males) and 0.82 and 0.95 mm/year (females), respectively. The L6 and L1 erupted at 0.66 and 0.88 mm/year (males), and at 0.41 mm/year for both the L6 and the L1 (females), respectively.

Transverse Growth of the Maxillo-Mandibular Complex in Untreated Children: A Longitudinal Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the longitudinal transverse growth of the maxillo-mandibular complex in untreated children using the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Two sets of scans on 12 males (mean 8.75 years at T1 and 11.52 years at T2) and 18 females (mean 9.09 years at T1 and 10.80 years at T2) were analyzed using Dolphin 3D imaging. The transverse widths of various maxillary and mandibular skeletal landmarks and the dentoalveolar and dental landmarks at the level of first molars were measured. Overall, there were greater increases in the transverse dimension in the posterior than anterior portions of the maxilla and mandible. The increase in intergonial width of the mandible seems to be primarily due to the lengthening of the mandibular body. The dentoalveolar process at the first molar level increases at an equal rate corono-apically and is independent to the changes in molar inclination. When comparing maxillary dentoalveolar changes with that of the mandible, greater increases were noticed in the maxilla, which might be explained by the presence of sutural growth in the maxilla. Moreover, the first molars maintain their coordination with each other despite the differential increase in the maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar processes.

Posterior Palatal Expansion via Subnasal Endoscopy (2PENN) for Maxillary Deficiency: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) addresses transverse maxillary deficiency, a known contributor to nasal obstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, preliminary outcomes, and safety of posterior palatal expansion via subnasal endoscopy (2PENN), a modified SARPE procedure, aimed at achieving anterior and posterior maxillary expansion. METHODS: This prospective case series included consecutive adult patients with findings of transverse maxillary deficiency that underwent the 2PENN procedure from 4/2021 to 4/2022. Patients completed pre- and post-operative clinical evaluations, Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaires, and computed tomography (CT), with measures including expansion at the level of the posterior nasal spine (PNS), first maxillary inter-molar distance (IMD), and anterior nasal spine (ANS). RESULTS: The cohort (N = 20) was middle-aged (39 ± 11 years), predominantly male (80%), and overweight (BMI 28 ± 4 kg/m2 ). The majority (85%) of patients had sleep breathing issues, of which 10 (59%) had polysomnography-confirmed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Full anterior-posterior separation of the mid-palatal suture line was evident on all post-operative CT scans, with mean expansion at the PNS of 3.6 ± 1.3 mm, IMD of 6.1 ± 1.6 mm and ANS of 7.0 ± 1.6 mm (p < 0.001). Following surgery, mean NOSE scores improved from 57 ± 23 to 14 ± 13 (p < 0.001). One patient required maxillary antrostomy for post-operative sinusitis. CONCLUSION: 2PENN is an effective and safe technique for achieving both anterior and posterior maxillary expansion in patients with transverse maxillary deficiency. Further study is warranted to better understand the effect of 2PENN in patients with OSA, particularly as it relates to improving pharyngeal patency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1970-1977, 2024.

Life habits performance of individuals with brain injury in different living environments.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about variations in social participation among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) living in different environments. OBJECTIVE: To examine the social participation of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI across various living arrangements. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, living either in natural settings (e.g. home), intermediate settings (e.g. group homes or foster families) or structured settings (e.g. nursing home or long-term care facilities) and requiring daily assistance, were interviewed using the LIFE-H tool, which measures the level of difficulty and the assistance required to carry out life habits and resulting social participation. Participation in six categories of life habits pertaining to Activities of Daily Living and five categories pertaining to Social Roles were examined. RESULTS: The level of difficulty and the assistance required to carry out the life habits and the overall level of social participation were associated with living arrangements. Participation scores in Activities of Daily Living varied across living arrangements while Social Roles scores did not. CONCLUSION: Living arrangements (such as intermediate settings) may better support social participation in individuals with TBI. There is a need to further study the issue of living arrangements as they seem to facilitate the performance of life habits, which impacts the social participation of individuals with TBI.

Effects of rapid palatal expansion on the sagittal and vertical dimensions of the maxilla: a study on cephalograms derived from cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography imaging to examine the skeletal and dental changes in the sagittal and vertical dimensions after rapid palatal expansion. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy children (mean age, 9.9 years; range, 7.8-12.8 years; 17 boys, 11 girls) who required rapid palatal expansion treatment were included. For each patient, a bonded Haas-type expander with full occlusal and palatal acrylic coverage was cemented in place. Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained as part of the pretreatment orthodontic records and at the completion of rapid palatal expansion for all patients. The mean interval between pretreatment and completion of rapid palatal expansion was 52 days (range, 19-96 days). The average skeletal age of the patients, determined from hand-wrist films also obtained before treatment, was 10.1 years. The mean expansion of the expander was 8.0 mm (range, 5.9-9.6 mm). Each cone-beam computed tomography image was compressed from the outer portion of the right side of the patient's head to the center of the left central incisor into a 2-dimensional synthesized cephalogram, which was then traced and measured. RESULTS: The results showed that from pretreatment to completion of rapid palatal expansion, SNA, FH-NA, and A-Nperp increased by means of 1.04°, 0.92°, and 0.87 mm, respectively (P <0.05). In addition, 1/-NA, 1/-SN, 1/-NA, 1/-Nperp, and 1/-PP showed mean decreases of 3.74°, 2.53°, 1.17 mm, 0.49 mm, and 2.69°, respectively (P <0.05). Both ANS and PNS moved significantly downward (ANS, 2.05 mm; PNS, 1.16 mm). CONCLUSIONS: There was forward movement of the maxilla as a result of rapid palatal expansion treatment. Bonded rapid palatal expansion treatment resulted in downward displacement of the maxilla with a greater displacement of ANS than PNS and posterior movement of the maxillary central incisors.

A Novel Geospatial Assistive Navigation Technology for Seamless Multimodal Mobility of Wheelchair Users.

Mobility is fundamental for social participation of people with disabilities. Unfortunately, traditional design of urban environments, including infrastructure and services are developed based largely on a standard perception of an independent, fully functional citizen without disability which limits the mobility social participation of PWD. This paper presents the design and development of a novel geospatial assistive navigation technology to support multimodal mobility of people with disabilities, especially those using manual wheelchair in urban areas.

Mandibular alveolar bone thickness in untreated Class I subjects with different vertical skeletal patterns: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mandibular alveolar bone thickness in untreated skeletal Class I subjects with different vertical skeletal patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 preorthodontic treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of a skeletal Class I Chinese population with near-normal occlusion were selected. The buccal and lingual alveolar bone thicknesses of mandibular canines to second molars were measured at 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), mid-root, and root apex levels. Differences in the measurements were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. The correlation between alveolar bone thickness and the sella-nasion-mandibular plane (SN-MP) angle was calculated using Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Buccal alveolar bone was thinner on all mandibular canines to first molars but thicker on second molars in comparison with lingual alveolar bone. Buccal alveolar bone was within 1 mm at the levels of 2 mm below CEJ and mid-root for the canines and first premolars. Significant differences were detected among subjects with different vertical patterns, with a negative correlation between the SN-MP angle and alveolar thickness, especially in the canine and premolar regions. The thinnest buccal and lingual alveolar bone were detected in the high-angle group canine region (0.50 mm at the levels of 2 mm below CEJ and mid-root for the buccal side, 0.90 mm at the level of 2 mm below the CEJ for the lingual side). CONCLUSIONS: To avoid periodontal complications, buccal-lingual movement of the mandibular canines and first premolars should be limited, especially in high-angle patients.

Correlation between TMJ Space Alteration and Disc Displacement: A Retrospective CBCT and MRI Study.

This study aims to determine if a large anterior and reduced posterior/superior joint space is highly predictable for disc displacement. From patients with temporomandibular disorders symptoms, fifty-two experimental joints and fourteen control joints were included. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to calculate posterior-to-anterior (P-A) and superior-to-anterior (S-A) joint space ratios, while disc position was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One-way analysis of covariance test and receiver operating characteristics analysis were carried out. The results showed that among the 52 experimental joints, 45 were diagnosed as disc displacement and 7 as normal disc positions (N). All 14 control joints showed normal disc positions. The P-A ratio was 1.46 ± 0.21, 0.99 ± 0.23, and 0.86 ± 0.30 in the control, N, and DD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The S-A ratio was 1.80 ± 0.27, 1.44 ± 0.33, and 1.08 ± 0.35 in the control, N, and DD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). When an altered P-A ratio and/or S-A ratio are observed on the CBCT, the diagnosis of disc displacement is quite predictable with high sensitivity and specificity.

Impacts and Identification of Hearing Aid Refurbishing Programs for People with Hearing Loss: A Scoping Review.

This article consists of a scoping review completed to describe the impacts of refurbished hearing aids (HAs) for people with hearing loss, and to identify existing HA refurbishing programs around the world. In this review, JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews was followed. All types of sources of evidence were considered. Thirty-six sources of evidence were included, 11 articles and 25 web pages. Results suggest that refurbished HAs may improve communication and social participation for individuals with hearing loss and provide monetary savings to them and to governmental agencies. Twenty-five HA refurbishing programs were identified, all based in developed countries and distributing refurbished HAs mostly locally, but also in developing countries. Issues related to refurbished HAs were highlighted, such as potential cross-contamination, quick obsolescence, and repairing problems. Some facilitators for the success of this intervention are to offer accessible and affordable follow-up services, repairs, and batteries, and to ensure awareness and participation of hearing healthcare professionals and citizens with hearing loss. In conclusion, the use of refurbished HAs appears to be a valuable option for low-income people with hearing loss, but it should be included in a more global intervention program to ensure its sustainability.

Intersectoral Development of an Evaluation Tool for the Socio-Professional Rehabilitation Process Adapted to People with Autism.

Since there was no French tool adapted to the reality of people with autism enrolled in a work integration program in Quebec, we have modified the Profile of Rehabilitation and Adaptation in a Work Context for People with Intellectual Disabilities according to the scientific literature on autism. Content validity (n=17) and applicability (n=5) were done with success. Result is an Excel compiler containing 3 informative tabs, 10 tabs on the dimensions of work rehabilitation (59 items) and 4 tabs used to compile the results. Socio-professional practicians are welcomed to use this new tool to pursue construct and internal validity.

Teleworking to Support Accommodation, Inclusion, and Health of Aging Workers: Protocol for a Study to Design, Validate, and Test a Reflective Application Guide.

BACKGROUND: Aging workers constitute a growing population in many countries and form an indispensable and qualified resource, especially in the context of the labor shortage. Despite work's many benefits for individuals, organizations, and societies, it also presents several risks and challenges that may lead to occupational injuries. Thus, rehabilitation professionals and managers working with this emerging and unique clientele during their return to work after an absence often lack the tools and skills to support them, especially in the changing world of work that includes the rise of telework. Indeed, as an increasingly present work arrangement, telework has the potential to be used as an accommodation modality that can facilitate inclusion and healthy participation in the workplace. However, the implications of this topic for aging workers require study. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the protocol of a study that aims to develop a reflective telework application guide to support the accommodation, inclusion, and health of aging workers after an absence from work. Specifically, this study will (1) explore the experience of aging workers, managers, and rehabilitation professionals regarding telework and its impact on accommodation, inclusion, and health; (2) use a validated logic model to design a reflective application guide; and (3) test and evaluate the guide. METHODS: Following a 3-phase developmental research design, individual interviews with aging teleworkers, managers, and rehabilitation professionals will enable the collection of qualitative data to be used in generating a logic model of levers and good practices, leading to the creation of a reflective application guide. Validation of this guide by workers and managers to measure its acceptability and applicability in daily life will precede its implementation. RESULTS: Data collection began in spring 2023 and initial results are expected in fall 2023. This study aims to generate a concrete tool-namely, the reflective telework application guide-that rehabilitation professionals could use to support managers and aging workers during their return to work through the healthy use of telework. All phases of the study include conducting dissemination activities to share the results of the project and increase its sustainability potential (ie, publication through social networks, podcasts, conferences, and scientific publications). CONCLUSIONS: As the first of its kind, this project aims to produce innovative impacts at several levels, including practical, scientific, and societal impacts. In addition, the results will provide healthy solutions to the labor shortage in a changing world of work, where digital and teleworking are becoming increasingly important. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/46114.

Transverse Analysis of Maxilla and Mandible in Adults with Normal Occlusion: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

Objectives: To study the transverse widths of maxilla and mandible and their relationship with the inclination of first molars. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six untreated adults (12 males, 44 females) with normal occlusion were included. On each Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image of the subject, inter-buccal and inter-lingual bone widths were measured at the levels of hard palate, alveolar crest and furcation of the first molars, and maxillomandibular width differentials were calculated. In addition, the buccolingual inclination of each first molar was measured and its correlation with the maxillomandibular width differential was tested. Results: At the furcation level of the first molar, the maxillary inter-buccal bone width was more than the mandibular inter-buccal bone width by 1.1 ± 4.5 mm for males and 1.6 ± 2.9 mm for females; the mandibular inter-lingual bone width was more than the maxillary inter-lingual bone width by 1.3 ± 3.6 mm for males and 0.3 ± 3.2 mm for females. For females, there was a negative correlation between the maxillomandibular inter-lingual bone differential and maxillary first molar buccal inclination (p < 0.05), and a positive correlation between the maxillomandibular inter-lingual bone differential and mandibular first molar lingual inclination (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is a randomized clinical study on transverse analysis of maxilla and mandible in adults with normal occlusion using CBCTs. On average: (1) At the furcation level of the first molars, the maxillary inter-buccal bone width was slightly wider than mandibular inter-buccal bone width; whereas the mandibular inter-lingual bone width was slightly wider than maxillary inter-lingual bone width; (2) A statistically significant correlation existed between the maxillomandibular transverse skeletal differentials and molar inclinations.

Buccolingual Inclination of Second Molars in Untreated Adolescents and Adults with Near Normal Occlusion: A CBCT Study.

The mandibular second molars are lingually positioned relative to the alveolar ridge and have a limited amount of lingual alveolar bony support. As the maxillary second molars are articulated with the mandibular second molars, maintaining the normal buccolingual inclination of both maxillary and mandibular second molars would potentially help to not only optimize the masticatory function, but also avoid dehiscence and fenestration. The current study evaluated the buccolingual inclination of second molars in untreated adolescents and adults. One hundred and two Caucasian subjects with skeletal class I and minimum dental arch crowding/spacing were selected and divided into two groups: (1) adolescent group: age 12-18 years, N = 51 (21 females, 30 males); (2) adult group: age 19-65 years, N = 51 (40 females, 11 males). For each subject, the inclination for each second molar was measured as the angle between the long axis of each tooth and a vertical line on cone beam computed tomography images. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparisons. Maxillary second molars exhibited a buccal inclination of 15.30° in the adolescent group and 15.70° in the adult group. Mandibular second molars exhibited a lingual inclination of 17.05° in the adolescent group and 15.20° in the adult group. No statistically significant differences were detected between the age groups. In addition, a statistically significant difference was only found between genders in the adolescent group for the maxillary second molar inclination. In summary, maxillary second molars exhibited buccal inclination and mandibular second molars exhibited lingual inclination. The amount of buccolingual inclination of the second molars was similar in the adolescent and adult groups.