Comparison of median and paramedian regions for planning palatal mini-implants: a study in vivo using cone beam computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to compare the bone height at the median and paramedian sites of the hard palate using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 110 subjects were selected and the palatal bone height measured in the coronal view of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images at the midsagittal site and at paramedian sites, 3mm and 6mm bilaterally, in the region of the upper first premolars; NemoCeph 3D software was used. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient. Differences between the median site and paramedian sites were calculated with the Friedman test. No significant differences were found among the sites evaluated (P>0.05). Paramedian sites at 3mm and 6mm bilaterally from the palatal suture showed comparable height to the central site. The observed comparable bone height might be helpful in increasing the choice of host sites for palatal implants. The alternative placement of implants in the paramedian regions is not indicated as a viable treatment option for patients with insufficient bone height, but represents a feasible alternative for mini-implant insertion in patients in whom the middle region should be avoided.

Relationship between orofacial function, dentofacial morphology, and bite force in young subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the relationship between orofacial function, dentofacial morphology, and bite force in young subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and sixteen subjects were divided according to dentition stage (early, intermediate, and late mixed and permanent dentition). Orofacial function was screened using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Orthodontic treatment need, bite force, lateral and frontal craniofacial dimensions and presence of sleep bruxism were also assessed. The results were submitted to descriptive statistics, normality and correlation tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression to test the relationship between NOT-S scores and the studied independent variables. RESULTS: The variance of NOT-S scores between groups was not significant. The evaluation of the variables that significantly contributed to NOT-S scores variation showed that age and presence of bruxism related to higher NOT-S total scores, while the increase in overbite measurement and presence of closed lip posture related to lower scores. Bite force did not show a significant relationship with scores of orofacial dysfunction. No significant correlations between craniofacial dimensions and NOT-S scores were observed. CONCLUSION: Age and sleep bruxism were related to higher NOT-S scores, while the increase in overbite measurement and closed lip posture contributed to lower scores of orofacial dysfunction.