CBCT analysis of maxillary buccal bone thickness and height after conventional orthodontic treatment with standardized archwires: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION

Modification of the dental arch form with buccal expansion to improve tooth alignment and to fill buccal corridors is common with orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study is to assess the consequence of using broad preformed archwires for maxillary posterior arch development on the surrounding periodontium during routine orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study was conducted of 44 consecutively treated adult orthodontic patients with bonded edgewise orthodontic appliances, resulting in a wider arch form. The measurements of interest were made on cone-beam computed tomography radiographs at pretreatment and posttreatment for the maxillary first premolars, second premolars, and mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots of first molars. The parameters were: (1) buccal alveolar bone height, (2) buccal alveolar bone thickness, (3) transverse width, (4) root inclination, and (5) the presence or absence of dehiscences and fenestrations.

RESULTS

The percentage of fenestrations and dehiscences in the maxilla at pretreatment was 50.8%, and it increased by 11.3% at posttreatment. The transverse width change was statistically significant posttreatment. When the maxillary posterior dental arch forms were expanded, the following tendencies were observed: (1) an increase in buccal alveolar bone height (bone loss), and (2) a reduction of buccal alveolar bone thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

The routine practice of orthodontic arch expansion with preformed archwires results in adverse alterations in the dimensions of the buccal alveolar bone.