Pilot study for three-dimensional cephalometric Enlow's counterpart analysis: Vertical track. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional comparison.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry has given orthodontists the possibility of studying craniofacial structures in three dimensions. Despite the possibility to obtain lateral cephalograms synthesized from CBCT, this approach still does not provide a fully three-dimensional evaluation of the patient's anatomy. While there has been some success in adapting traditional two-dimensional cephalometric analyses to three dimensions, the specific application of Enlow's cephalometric analysis using CBCT remains unexplored. AIM: This pilot study aims to introduce a novel approach for performing Enlow's vertical track analysis using CBCT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen CBCT images of skeletal Class I (ANB = 2 ± 2) subjects (12 males and 6 females, aged from 9 to 19 years) with no history of previous orthodontic treatment were selected. For each subject, 2D Enlow's vertical track analysis was performed on lateral cephalograms extracted from the CBCT images, and separately, 3D vertical track analysis was directly performed on the CBCT images. To validate the proposed method, we compared the differences between the posterior vertical counterpart (PVC) and the middle vertical counterpart (MVC), as well as between the middle vertical counterpart (MVC) and the anterior vertical counterpart (AVC), as obtained from both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was applied for each variable to check whether data were normally distributed and a paired Student's t-test was performed. The level of statistical significance was .05. RESULTS: The comparison between three-dimensional PVC-MVC (-0.43 ± 0.37 cm) and two-dimensional PVC-MVC (-0.53 ± 0.36 cm) revealed no statistical difference (P = .27). Similarly, no significant difference (P = .28) was observed between two-dimensional MVC-AVC (-0.56 ± 0.34 cm) and three-dimensional MVC-AVC (-0.47 ± 0.37 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The method proposed by this study to realize the vertical track analysis on 3D images is valid and superimposable on that described by Enlow on lateral cephalograms.

'Study of the maxillary yaw on cone beam computed tomography: A preliminary report and comparison between two different dento-skeletal malocclusions'.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the skeletal and dental maxillary transverse compensation (yaw) on the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) three-dimensional reconstructed image of the skull in two groups of patients, both clinically affected by a class III malocclusion with deviation of the lower midline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study was designed to analyse differences in two groups of patients, the first one was composed by patients affected by horizontal condylar hyperplasia, the second one by patients affected by dento-skeletal asymmetric class III malocclusion. Each group was composed by 15 patients. Transverse analysis was performed by measuring five landmarks (three bilateral and two uneven) with respect to a mid-sagittal plane; sagittal analysis was performed by measuring the sagittal distance on the mid-sagittal plane between bilateral points. Means were compared through inferential analysis. RESULTS: In the condylar hyperplasia group, all differences between the two sides were not statistically significant, nor for canines' difference (P = .0817), for molars (P = .1105) or for jugular points (.05871). In the class III group, the differences between the two sides were statistically significant for molars (P = .0019) and jugular points (P = .0031) but not for canines (P = .1158). Comparing the two groups, significant differences were found only for incisors' midline deviation (P = .0343) and canine (P = .0177). CONCLUSION: The study of the yaw on CBCT should be integrated into three-dimensional cephalometry and could help in differentiating the various malocclusion patterns.

Effects of osseous structure based on three-dimensional reconstructive imaging evaluation in the assessment of temporomandibular joint disc position.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot morphological study aimed to investigate the association between anterior disc displacement (ADD) and the status of the mandibular condyle and articular fossa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients were divided into a normal articular disc position group and an ADD with and without reduction group. Images reconstructed were used to determine multiple group comparisons of these three different types of disc position, and the diagnostic efficacy for the morphological parameters with significant group difference was analyzed to assess. RESULTS: The condylar volume (CV), condylar superficial area (CSA), superior joint space (SJS), and medial joint space (MJS) all exhibited obvious changes (P < 0.05). Additionally, they all had a reliable diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between normal disc position and ADD with an AUC value from 0.723 to 0.858. Among them, the CV, SJS, and MJS (P < 0.05) had a significantly positive impact on the groups by analysis of multivariate logistic ordinal regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The CV, CSA, SJS, and MJS are significantly associated with different disc displacement types. The condyle in ADD exhibited altered dimensions. These could be promising biometric markers for assessing ADD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The morphological changes of mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa were significantly influenced by the status of disc displacement, and condyles with disc displacement had three-dimensionally altered condylar dimensions, irrespective of age and sex.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the mandibular condyle in adults with various skeletal patterns.

Objective: Morphometric and morphological evaluation of the mandibular condyle in adults and to identify its correlation with skeletal malocclusion patterns. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 135 adult patients were used in this study and classified into groups according to four criteria: (1) sex (male and female); (2) sagittal skeletal discrepancy (Class I, Class II, and Class III); (3) vertical skeletal discrepancy (hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent); and age (group 1 ≤ 20 years, 21 ≤ group 2 < 30, and group 3 ≥ 30 years). The morphometrical variables were mandibular condyle height and width, and the morphological variable was the mandibular condyle shape in coronal and sagittal sections. Three-dimensional standard tessellation language files were created using itk-snap (open-source software), and measurements were performed using Meshmixer (open-source software). Results: The mandibular condyle height was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in patients with class III malocclusion than in those with class I or II malocclusion; the mandibular condyle width was not significantly different among different sexes, age groups, and sagittal and vertical malocclusions. There were no statistical associations between various mandibular condyle shapes and the sexes, age groups, and skeletal malocclusions. Conclusions: The condylar height was greatest in patients with class III malocclusion. The condylar height and width were greater among males than in females. The mandibular condyle shapes observed in sagittal and coronal sections did not affect the skeletal malocclusion patterns.

Three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography analysis of temporomandibular joint response to the Twin-block functional appliance.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a three-dimensional (3D) method for evaluating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes during Twin-block treatment. METHODS: Seventeen patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion treated using Twin-block and nine untreated patients with a similar malocclusion were included in this research. We collected their cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from before and 8 months after treatment. Segmentations were constructed using ITK-SNAP. Condylar volume and superficial area were measured using 3D Slicer. The 3D landmarks were identified on CBCT images by using Dolphin software to assess the condylar positional relationship. 3D models of the mandible and glenoid fossa of the patients were constructed and registered via voxel-based superimposition using 3D Slicer. Thereafter, skeletal changes could be visualized using 3DMeshMetric in any direction of the superimposition on a color-coded map. All the superimpositions were measured using the same scale on the distance color-coded map, in which red color represents overgrowth and blue color represents resorption. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in condylar volume, superficial area, and condylar position in both groups after 8 months. Compared with the control group (CG), the Twin-block group exhibited more obvious condyle-fossa modifications and joint positional changes. Moreover, on the color-coded map, more obvious condyle-fossa modifications could be observed in the posterior and superior directions in the Twin-block group than in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully established a 3D method for measuring and evaluating TMJ changes caused by Twin-block treatment. The treatment produced a larger condylar size and caused condylar positional changes.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the correlation between lip canting and craniofacial planes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the correlation of horizontal and sagittal planes used in two-dimensional diagnosis with lip canting by using threedimensional (3D) analysis. METHODS: Fifty-two patients (25 men, 27 women; average age: 24 years) undergoing treatment for dentofacial deformity were enrolled. Computed tomography images were acquired, and digital imaging and communication in medicine files were reconstructed into a 3D virtual model wherein horizontal and sagittal craniofacial planes were measured. Subsequently, the correlations of lip canting with these horizontal and sagittal planes were investigated. RESULTS: The mandibular symmetry plane, the occlusal plane, Camper's plane, the mandibular plane, Broadbent's plane, and the nasal axis plane were correlated with the amount of lip canting (Pearson's correlation coefficients: 0.761, 0.648, 0.556, 0.526, 0.438, and 0.406, respectively). Planes associated with the lower part of the face showed the strongest correlations; the strength of the correlations decreased in the midfacial and cranial regions. None of the planes showed statistically significant differences between patients with clinical lip canting (> 3°) and those without prominent lip canting. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that lip canting is strongly correlated with the mandibular symmetry plane, which includes menton deviation. This finding may have clinical implications with regard to the treatment of patients requiring correction of lip canting. Further studies are necessary for evaluating changes in lip canting after orthognathic surgery.

The genial tubercle: A prospective novel landmark for the diagnosis of mandibular asymmetry.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying menton (Me) on posteroanterior cephalograms and three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images is difficult, because the midpoint of the symphyseal area is not identifiable after the mandibular symphysis fuses at an early age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the identification of the genial tubercle (GT) in patients with mandibular asymmetry and to compare it with that of the traditional landmark, Me. METHODS: The samples comprised 20 CBCT images of adults with mandibular asymmetry. Two examiners performed the identifications and measurements. Me and GT were marked, and the anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse distances to the three reference planes were measured on 3D-reconstructed CBCT images. The intra- and inter-examiner reliability of landmark identification of Me and GT were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The Me and GT landmarks showed excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.993) three-dimensionally. In the transverse evaluation, the ICC values of the GT (range, 0.997-0.999) tended to be slightly higher than those of Me (range, 0.993-0.996). In the Bland-Altman plots for the two separate assessments, Me showed a maximum error of 1.76 mm in the transverse direction, whereas the GT showed a maximum error of 0.96 mm in the 95% limit. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both Me and GT are clinically reliable and equally useful landmarks for the evaluation of mandibular asymmetry on CBCT images.

Comparison of postoperative changes in the distal and proximal segments between conventional and sliding mini-plate fixation following mandibular setback.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative three-dimensional (3D) changes in the proximal segments after mandibular setback sagittal split ramus osteotomy and to compare the changes between the conventional mini-plate fixation and semi-rigid sliding plate fixation. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to evaluate the postoperative 3D changes in the proximal segments during the healing process. CBCT images were superimposed using the symphysis and the lower anterior mandible as references. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the conventional mini-plate and semi-rigid sliding plate groups (p > 0.05). With respect to the distribution of changes greater than 2 mm in the landmarks, the right condylion, right coronoid process, and left condylion showed ratios of 55.6%, 50.0%, and 44.4%, respectively, in the semi-rigid sliding plate group; however, none of the landmarks showed ratios greater than 30% in the conventional mini-plate group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative changes in the segments between the conventional mini-plate and semi-rigid sliding plate groups. Nevertheless, while selecting the type of fixation technique, clinicians should consider that landmarks with greater than 2 mm changes were higher in the semi-rigid sliding plate group than in the conventional mini-plate group.

Sphenoid bone changes in rapid maxillary expansion assessed with cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is used to expand the maxilla and increase arch perimeter; yet, there are few reports on its effects on the sphenoid bone. With cone-beam computed topography (CBCT), it is possible to visualize sphenoid bone changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate sphenoid bone changes observed in conjunction with RME treatments, using CBCT. METHODS: Sixty patients (34 women and 26 men, aged 11-17 years) underwent RME as part of their orthodontic treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a tooth-anchored group, a bone-anchored group, or a control group. Initial CBCT scans were performed preceding the RME treatment (T1) and again directly after the completion of expansion (T2). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, descriptive statistics, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The reliability of the landmark location was at least 0.783, and the largest ICC mean measurement error was 2.32 mm. With regard to distances, the largest change was 0.78 mm, which was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Statistical significance was established in patient groups of the same sex and treatment type for the following distance measurements: right anterior lateral pterygoid plate to the right edge of the hypophyseal fossa (d2), anterior distance between the medial pterygoid plates (d4), and anterior distance between the left medial and lateral plates (d8). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there were no clinically significant changes in the sphenoid bone due to RME treatments regardless of sex or treatment type.

Three-dimensional cephalometric norms of Turkish Cypriots using CBCTimages reconstructed from a volumetric rendering program in vivo.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to create a database of 3D cephalometric measurements of Turkish Cypriot patients using a 3D rendering software program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 121 subjects who had undergone cone beam CT imaging (CBCT). Invivo 5.1 software was used to generate cephalograms from the CBCT dataset that were then linked to the 3D hard-tissue surface representations. In total, 38 angular and 28 linear widely used measurements were recorded. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that males had significantly larger mean values than females for all linear measurements, except for dentoalveolar parameters (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences were found in most of the mandibular anteroposterior and vertical measurements, especially SNB, GoGn/SN, FMA, and MP/SN, between the sexes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first population-based study to focus solely on Turkish Cypriots' craniofacial anatomy and orthodontic characteristics. The present findings will produce 3D cephalometric normative data for the Cypriot population and will be valuable for oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists in Cyprus, the UK, Australia, Turkey, and other European countries who treat a large number of Turkish Cypriot patients.

Correlation between skeletal and dental changes after mandibular setback surgery-first orthodontic treatment: Cone-beam computed tomography-generated half-cephalograms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate skeletal and dental changes after application of a mandibular setback surgery-first orthodontic treatment approach in cases of skeletal Class III malocclusion. METHODS: A retrospective study of 34 patients (23 men, 11 women; mean age, 26.2 ± 6.6 years) with skeletal Class III deformities, who underwent surgery-first orthodontic treatment, was conducted. Skeletal landmarks in the maxilla and mandible at three time points, pre-treatment (T0), immediate-postoperative (T1), and post-treatment (T2), were analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated half-cephalograms. RESULTS: The significant T0 to T1 mandibular changes occurred -9.24 ± 3.97 mm horizontally. From T1 to T2, the mandible tended to move forward 1.22 ± 2.02 mm, while the condylar position (Cd to Po-perpendicular plane) shifted backward, and the coronoid process (Cp to FH plane) moved vertically. Between T1 and T2, the vertical dimension changed significantly (p < 0.05). Changes in the vertical dimension were significantly correlated to T1 to T2 changes in the Cd to Po-perpendicular plane (r = -0.671, p = 0.034), and in the Cp to FH plane (r = 0.733, p = 0.016), as well as to T0 to T1 changes in the Cp to Po-perpendicular plane (r = 0.758, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Greater alterations in the vertical dimension caused larger post-treatment (T2) stage skeletal changes. Studying the mandibular position in relation to the post-surgical vertical dimension emphasized the integral importance of vertical dimension control and proximal segment management to the success of surgery-first orthodontic treatment.

Reliability of anatomic structures as landmarks in three-dimensional cephalometric analysis using CBCT.

OBJECTIVE: To identify anatomic structures in three dimensions and examine their reliability to be used as landmarks in a three-dimensional coordinate cephalometric analysis, using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty CBCT images were randomly selected for landmark location. Forty-two anatomic landmarks, which are not included in the traditional cephalometric landmarks, were chosen based on radiographic characteristics that make them pragmatic to mark in the CBCT image slices. The principal investigator marked the full set of landmarks on the software by navigating in the X, Y, and Z axes for every image three times, with each measurement trial being at least 1 week apart. One other investigator also located the landmarks once for each image for reliability purposes. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to analyze the mean differences in landmark location in all axes. RESULTS: Intra- and interexaminer reliability for x, y, and z coordinates for all landmarks had ICC greater than 0.95 with confidence interval of 0.88-0.99. Mean measurement differences found were <1.4 mm for all landmarks in all three coordinates. Mean measurement error differences obtained in the principal investigator's trials were primarily <0.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The most reliable and reproducible landmarks tested for use in CBCT are mental foramina, infraorbital foramina, inferior hamulus, dens axis, foramina transversarium of atlas, medial and lateral condyles of the mandible, superior clinoid processes, and mid-clinoid.

Effect of mandibular advancement on the natural position of the head: a preliminary study of 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis.

Our aim was to investigate the potential effect of advancement by bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) on the natural position of the head by using 3-dimensional cephalomentric analysis. Seven consecutive patients who had had only BSSO advancement, and had had preoperative and 6-week postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans, were recruited to this retrospective study. Two variables, SNB and SNC2, were used to indicate the craniomandibular alignment and craniocervical inclination, respectively, in the midsagittal plane. Using 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis software, the SNB and the SNC2 were recorded in volume and measured in the midsagittal plane at 3 independent time-points. The reliability was measured and a paired t test used to assess the significance of differences between the means of SNB and SNC2 before and after operation. The 3-dimensional cephalometric measurement showed good reliability. The SNB was increased as planned in all the mandibles that were advanced, the cervical vertebrae were brought forward after BSSO, and the SNC2 was significantly increased in 6 of the 7 patients. Three-dimensional cephalometric analysis may provide an alternative way of assessing cephalometrics. After BSSO advancement, the natural position of the head changed by increasing the craniocervical inclination in an anteroposterior direction.

New three-dimensional cephalometric analyses among adults with a skeletal Class I pattern and normal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess new three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric variables, and to evaluate the relationships among skeletal and dentoalveolar variables through 3D cephalometric analysis. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired from 38 young adults (18 men and 20 women; 22.6 ± 3.2 years) with normal occlusion. Thirty-five landmarks were digitized on the 3D-rendered views. Several measurements were obtained for selected landmarks. Correlations among different variables were calculated by means of Pearson's correlation coefficient values. RESULTS: The body of the mandible had a longer curve length in men (102.3 ± 4.4 mm) than in women (94.5 ± 4.7 mm) (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the maxillary basal curve length. Men had significantly larger facial dimensions, whereas women had a larger gonial angle (117.0 ± 4.0 vs. 113.8 ± 3.3; p < 0.001). Strong-to-moderate correlation values were found among the vertical and transverse variables (r = 0.71 to 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: The normative values of new 3D cephalometric parameters, including the maxillary and mandibular curve length, were obtained. Strong-to-moderate correlation values were found among several vertical and transverse variables through 3D cephalometric analysis. This method of cephalometric analyses can be useful in diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with dentofacial deformities.