Planning orthodontic frontal teeth inclination and estimating bone thickness from cone-beam computed tomography images

Abstract

Changing the vestibulo-oral inclination (torque) of the frontal teeth is an important component of orthodontic treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography is recommended as an accurate diagnostic tool allowing the orthodontist to estimate the safety of frontal tooth movement and inclination. This tool is helpful in measuring bone thickness at different levels of the tooth root and estimating incisal inclination and position. The aim of our study was to analyze bone thickness in patients with pathologically and normally inclined teeth using CT images and to create a universal table that will provide useful information about the thickness of the bone around different segment of the root required for a safe change in tooth inclination. Using the proposed table, the orthodontist can assess the feasibility of the planned tooth movement in the setting of changed tooth inclination, with due account of critical bone deficit regions. This will ensure the safety of tooth movement, stable retention and a positive treatment outcome.