Evaluation of the Relationship Between Morphology, Volume, and Density of the Mandible and Dentofacial Vertical Dimension Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the relationship between mandibular shape, mandibular bone density, cortical bone thickness, and condylar volume and facial height using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: Fifteen female patients (16-25 years old) were included in this study. The following measurements were performed on CBCT radiographs; inter-canine and inter-molar width of the mandible at three vertical points (alveolar crest, apex and basal bone), mandibular cortical bone thickness in disto molar and canine sections, bone density of the mandibular body and condylar volume. Afterward, subjects were divided into short face, normal and long face groups according to the Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA) measured on lateral cephalograms obtained from CBCTs. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis Results: The inter-canine width of the mandible at the apical point in long face subjects was greater than in the other groups. Likewise, the cortical bone thickness was significantly higher in long face patients compared to the short face and normal subjects. There was no statistically significant difference in mandibular density or condylar volume between patients with various vertical heights (p>0.1) Conclusion: Vertical growth pattern is correlated with mandibular morphology to some extent.