Quantitative cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of hard and soft tissue thicknesses in the midpalatal suture region to facilitate orthodontic mini-implant placement
10.4041/kjod.2021.51.4.260
- Author:
Song-Hee OH
1
;
Sae Rom LEE
;
Jin-Young CHOI
;
Seong-Hun KIM
;
Eui-Hwan HWANG
;
Gerald NELSON
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Orthodontics
2021;51(4):260-269
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To identify the most favorable sites that optimize the initial stability and survival rate of orthodontic mini-implants, this study measured hard and soft tissue thicknesses in the median and paramedian regions of the palate using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and determined possible sexand age-related differences in these thicknesses.
Methods:The study sample comprised CBCT images of 189 healthy subjects. The sample was divided into four groups according to age. A grid area was set for the measurement of hard and soft tissue thicknesses in the palate. Vertical lines were marked at intervals of 0, 1.5, and 3.0 mm lateral to the midpalatal suture, while horizontal lines were marked at 2-mm intervals up to 24 mm from the posterior margin of the incisive foramen. Measurements were made at 65 points of intersection between the horizontal and vertical lines.
Results:The palatal hard tissue thickness decreased from the anterior to the posterior region, with a decrease in the medial-to-lateral direction in the middle and posterior regions. While the soft tissue was rather thick around the lateral aspects of the palatal arch, it formed a constant layer that was only 1–2-mm thick throughout the palate. Statistically significant differences were observed according to sex and age.
Conclusions:The anterolateral palate as well as the midpalatal suture seem to be the most favorable sites for insertion of orthodontic mini-implants. The thickness of the palate differed by age and sex; these differences should be considered while planning the placement of orthodontic mini-implants.
