Oral Health and Dental Management

3D Analysis of craniofacial structures andpharyngeal airway space for an accurate diagnosis in orthodontics using CBCT technology

International Conference and Exhibition on Dentistry

March 18-20, 2015 Dubai, UAE

Zamora Martinez Natalia

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Oral Health Dent Manag

Abstract:

The introduction of diagnostic tools, such as cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) and their clinical application to 3D craniofacial imaging, is one of themost interesting and pressing issues in dentistry at present. An update andresearch is, therefore, required into this topic. Orthodontic patients are currentlybeing subjected to the use of CBCT as these systems offer an alternative toconventional radiography and computed tomography (CT). Moreover, CBCTmay modify some of the diagnostic tools used in orthodontics, such ascephalometry study models, microimplants and airway space. 3D Cephalometry: Cephalometry is the name given to humanskull measurements usually obtained from x-rays. It is based on the location ofeasily recognizable points or bony prominences to measure angles or lineardimensions of the skull and face. CBCT systems applied to modern oral andmaxillofacial region are a helpful diagnostic tool in dentistry, and orthodontics inparticular. Today, most clinicians are replacing conventionalradiographic records with CBCT, since these systems provide a series ofimages which are then reconstructed in 3D. Evaluation of craniofacial structures for miniscrew placement: CBCT provides the most accurate information for proper bone placement ofminiscrews. In particular, it lets us know the width of the cortical bone bothmaxillary and mandibular which will help us improve the knowledge about thestability of microscrews. The CBCT also allows us to understand more preciselythe distance between the interradicular spaces to select the correct diameterand not damage the roots of adjacent teeth. It also lets us know the width of themaxillary alveolar process as much as the height of the mandibular and palatinebone and thus help us to select the correct length of microscrew. Thanks to thisregister also allows us to study the exact location of nerves and major arteriesand to determine the morphology of the maxillary sinus and nasal floor, favoringthe placement of miniscrews not performed in these anatomical sites. Pharingeal airway space: Respiratory function effects on craniofacial growth have been studied for decades. In fact, many researchers consider that respiratory function is relevant both for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. In order to have a better understanding of how airway is affected, it is important tostudy its size and shape in the three dimensions of height, width and depth. Some studies have tested CBCT precision and accuracy and have confirmed itspotential for the airway assessment, proving that it is an effective method for itsanalysis. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the selected diagnosticmethod to give information in the three planes of space, and to provide more precision in the airway dimensions assessment, therefore, checking if there is a relationship in its width and length according to the different facial skeletalpatterns.