Challenges in measuring angles between craniofacial structures

Abstract Objective: Three-dimensional (3D) angular measurements between craniofacial planes pose challenges to quantify maxillary and mandibular skeletal discrepancies in surgical treatment planning. This study aims to compare the reproducibility and reliability of two modules to measure angles between planes or lines in 3D virtual surface models. Methodology: Twenty oriented 3D virtual surface models de-identified and constructed from CBCT scans were randomly selected. Three observers placed landmarks and oriented planes to determine angular measurements of pitch, roll and yaw using (1) 3D pre-existing planes, (2) 3D planes created from landmarks and (3) lines created from landmarks. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility and repeatability were examined using the Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) test. One observer repeated the measurements with an interval of 15 days. ANOVA was applied to compare the 3 methods. Results: The three methods tested provided statistically similar, reproducible and reliable angular measurements of the facial structures. A strong ICC varying from 0.92 to 1.00 was found for the intra-observer agreement. The inter-observer ICC varied from 0.84 to 1.00. Conclusion: Measurements of 3D angles between facial planes in a common coordinate system are reproducible and repeatable either using 3D pre-existing planes, created based on landmarks or angles between lines created from landmarks.

Volumetric reconstruction and determination of minimum crosssectional area of the pharynx in patients with cleft lip and palate: comparison between two different softwares

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of volumetric reconstruction of the pharynx by comparing the volume and minimum crosssectional area (mCSA) determined with open-source applications (ITK-Snap, www.itksnap.org ; SlicerCMF) and commercial software (Dolphin3D, 11.8, Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA, USA) previously validated in the literature. Material and Methods: The sample comprised of 35 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, with mean age of 29±15. Three-dimensional volumetric models of the pharynx were reconstructed using semi-automatic segmentation using the applications ITK-Snap (G1) and Dolphin3D (G2). Volumes and minimum cross-sectional areas were determined. Inter- and intra-observer error were calculated using ICC test. Comparison between applications was calculated using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Volumes and minimum crosssectional area were statistically similar between applications. ITK-Snap showed higher pharynx volumes, but lower mCSA. Visual assessment showed that 62.86% matched the region of mCSA in Dolphin3D and SPHARM-PDM. Conclusion: Measurements of volume and mCSA are statistically similar between applications. Therefore, open-source applications may be a viable option to assess upper airway dimensions using CBCT exams.

Morfologia alveolar sob a perspectiva da tomografia computadorizada: definindo os limites biológicos para a movimentação dentária / Alveolar bone morphology under the perspective of the computed tomography: Defining the biological limits of tooth movement

INTRODUÇÃO: a tomografia computadorizada (TC) permite a visualização do osso alveolar que recobre os dentes por vestibular e lingual. OBJETIVO: o propósito deste estudo foi expor e discutir as implicações da morfologia do osso alveolar, visualizado por meio da TC, sobre o diagnóstico e plano de tratamento ortodôntico. MÉTODOS: foram descritas as evidências sobre a inter-relação entre características dentofaciais e a morfologia das tábuas ósseas vestibular e lingual, assim como evidências sobre a repercussão da movimentação ortodôntica sobre o nível e espessura dessas estruturas periodontais. RESULTADOS: pacientes adultos podem apresentar deiscências ósseas previamente ao tratamento ortodôntico, principalmente na região dos incisivos inferiores. Os pacientes com padrão de crescimento vertical parecem apresentar menor espessura das tábuas ósseas vestibular e lingual no nível do ápice dos dentes permanentes, comparados a pacientes com padrão de crescimento horizontal. O movimento dentário vestibulolingual descentraliza os dentes do rebordo alveolar e ocasiona deiscências ósseas. CONCLUSÃO: a morfologia do rebordo alveolar constitui um fator limitante para a movimentação dentária e deve ser considerada, de forma individual, na realização do plano de tratamento ortodôntico.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) permits the visualization of the labial/buccal and lingual alveolar bone. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at reporting and discussing the implications of alveolar bone morphology, visualized by means of CT, on the diagnosis and orthodontic treatment plan. METHODS: Evidences of the interrelationship between dentofacial features and labial/buccal and lingual alveolar bone morphology, as well as the evidences of the effects of the orthodontic movement on the thickness and level of these periodontal structures were described. RESULTS: Adult patients may present bone dehiscences previously to orthodontic treatment, mainly at the region of the mandibular incisors. Hyperdivergent patients seems to present a thinner thickness of the labial/buccal and lingual bone plates at the level of the root apex of permanent teeth, compared to hypodivergent patients. Buccolingual tooth movement might decentralize teeth from the alveolar bone causing bone dehiscences. CONCLUSION: The alveolar bone morphology constitutes a limiting factor for the orthodontic movement and should be individually considered in the orthodontic treatment planning.

Mordida aberta anterior dentoalveolar: diagnóstico morfológico e abordagens terapêuticas / Dentoalveolar anterior openbite: morphological diagnosis and therapeutic approaches

Este trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar o diagnóstico da mordida aberta anterior dentoalveolar baseado na morfologia e suas modalidades de tratamento. Os fatores como as idades cronológica e dentária do paciente, disciplina familiar, dependência do hábito deletério quando presente, força da língua' como fator etiológico e, finalmente, o padrão de crescimento facial serão discutidos por meio de relatos clínicos, visando a definição de uma abordagem terapêutica individualizada.

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the diagnosis of dentoalveolar anterior openbite based on its morphology and therapeutic approaches. Factors like chronological and dental ages of the patient, familiar- discipline, dependence of deleterious oral habits, tongue force as the etiological factor and, finally, the facial growing pattern will be discussed through clinical reports with the aim of defining an individualized therapeutic approach.