Methodology standardization for measuring buccal and lingual alveolar bone plates using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Ferreira, Marcos Cezar; Garib, Daniela Gamba; Cotrim-Ferreira, Flávio

doi:10.1590/S2176-94512010000100006

Abstracts

INTRODUCTION: The thickness of the buccal and lingual bone plates constitutes one of the limiting factors of the orthodontic movement. The imaging technology has permitted the evaluation of this anatomical region, by means of cone beam computed tomography. PURPOSE: To describe and standardize, in details, a method for measuring the buccal and lingual bone plate thickness in CBCT images. METHODOLOGY: Digital standardization of face image should constitute the first step before the selection of CBCT slices. Two axial sections of each jaw were used for measuring the thickness of buccal and lingual bone plates. The cemento-enamel junction of the first permanent molars was used as a reference, both in the upper and lower arches. RESULTS: Axial sections parallel to the palatine plane were recommended for quantitative evaluation of the alveolar bone plate in the maxilla. In the mandibular arch, the axial sections should be parallel to the functional occlusal plane. CONCLUSION: The method described shows reproducibility for evaluating the periodontal effects of tooth movement for clinical or researching purposes, permitting the comparison between pre and post-treatment images.

Tomography; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Orthodontics; Diagnosis; Alveolar process

INTRODUÇÃO: a espessura das tábuas ósseas que recobrem os dentes por vestibular e lingual constitui um dos fatores limitantes da movimentação dentária. O avanço tecnológico em Imaginologia permitiu avaliar detalhadamente essas regiões anatômicas por meio da utilização da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). OBJETIVO: descrever e padronizar, pormenorizadamente, um método para mensuração das tábuas ósseas vestibular e lingual dos maxilares nas imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. METODOLOGIA: a padronização digital da posição da imagem da face deve constituir o primeiro passo antes da seleção dos cortes de TCFC. Dois cortes axiais de cada maxilar foram empregados para a mensuração da espessura do osso alveolar vestibular e lingual. Utilizou-se como referência a junção cemento-esmalte dos primeiros molares permanentes, tanto na arcada superior quanto na inferior. RESULTADOS: cortes axiais paralelos ao plano palatino foram indicados para avaliação quantitativa do osso alveolar na maxila. Na arcada inferior, os cortes axiais devem ser paralelos ao plano oclusal funcional. CONCLUSÃO: o método descrito apresenta reprodutibilidade para utilização em pesquisas, assim como para a avaliação clínica das repercussões periodontais da movimentação dentária, ao permitir a comparação de imagens pré e pós-tratamento.

Tomografia; Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico Espiral; Ortodontia; Diagnóstico; Processo Alveolar

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

^IStudent at the graduate program in Orthodontics (Master's) - UNICID. Faculty, Specialization Course in Orthodontics IOM/UNIG (RJ). Faculty, Specialization Course in Orthodontics ABO/ Niterói (RJ). Coordinador, Department of Orthodontics, General Policlinic, Rio de Janeiro

^IIDoctorate Faculty, Craniofacial Rehabilitation Hospital / University of São Paulo (USP-Bauru)

^IIIAssociate Faculty, Orthodontics, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo - UNICID, Brazil

Contact address

ABSTRACTS

INTRODUCTION: The thickness of the bone plates that cover teeth in buccal and palatal aspects represents one of the limiting factors of tooth movement. Technological advances in imaging have made it possible to evaluate these anatomical areas in detail, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

OBJECTIVE: to describe and standardize, in details, a method for measuring buccal and palatal bone plates of the maxilla and mandible using cone beam computed tomography images.

METHODS: Digital standardization of the facial image position should be the first step before selecting the CBCT slices. Two axial sections of upper and lower maxillae were employed to measure the thickness of the buccal and palatal aspects of the alveolar bone. The cemento-enamel junction of the permanent molars was used as reference, for both the maxillary and mandibular arches.

RESULTS: Axial sections parallel to the palatal plane were indicated for quantitative evaluation of the maxillary alveolar bone. In the mandibular plane, the axial sections should be parallel to the functional occlusal plane.

CONCLUSION: The method described herein is reproducible for use in research as well as for clinical evaluation of periodontal effects of tooth movement, by allowing the comparison of pre- and post-treatment images.

Keywords: Tomography. Spiral Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Diagnosis. Alveolar process.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and periodontal health has always been a reason for concern among orthodontists and periodontists, either because of the levels of force applied or the concern with initial and final periodontal tissue.^1,8,9,10,13

The periodontal effects caused by tooth movement on bone plates, either in buccal or palatal aspects, still present limited scientific evidence. Studies conducted with that objective, in monkeys and dogs, demonstrated that buccal movements lead to bone dehiscences and, in a smaller degree, to gingival retraction. Palatal tooth repositioning may lead to partial regeneration of the buccal bone plate, with coronal migration of the buccal bone crest.^3,12,14

Most of the literature on periodontal effects of orthodontic treatments has dealt with evaluating interproximal bone crests, especially in extraction areas. In general, studies have reported greater alveolar bone loss in groups who underwent orthodontic treatment, especially in extraction areas, but in clinically non-significant magnitudes. Furthermore, there is ample evidence that the effect of induced tooth movement may compound inflammation caused by bacteria, accelerating the rate of periodontal decay. However, works that evaluate gum tissues in buccal or palatal aspect are scarcer, perhaps due to the fact that these areas cannot be viewed in two-dimensional radiographs.⁷ Nevertheless, with the advent of computed tomography, and particularly with cone beam computed tomography,⁶ which allows exams with significantly lower doses of radiation, it is currently possible to perform quantitative and qualitative evaluations of buccal and palatal bone plates. Studies using computed tomography have shown that the thinner the bone plate is at the beginning of treatment, the greater the chances of dehiscences during rotation or buccal movements.^4,5,11

Thus, the presence and thickness of the buccal and palatal bone plates becomes a limiting factor of tooth movement, and should be taken into account for orthodontic planning. Moreover, it becomes necessary, for research purposes, to develop a detailed standardization of the method of measuring the buccal and palatal bone plates of the maxillae using cone beam computed tomography, which is the main objective of this work.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A methodology proposal will be described, step by step and in detail, for the quantitative evaluation of the buccal and palatal bone plates of maxillary and mandibular teeth. The steps of the methodology were adjusted for the i-CAT scanner (www.imagingsciences.com) and Nemoscan software (Madrid, Spain, www.nemotec.org).

Image collection

Prior to the exam, the tomography scanner should be configured to work under the following specifications: 120KvP, 8mA, 20-second exposure time. Patients should be instructed to remain seated in the device, with their head placed so that the Frankfurt plane is parallel to the floor and the midsagittal plane is perpendicular to the floor (Fig 1).

In order to encompass the dentoalveolar area of the maxilla and mandible, as well as the reference planes used in this methodology, the image collection protocol used was the "face" exam with a 13 cm cephalocaudal extension or "extended face" with 22 cm for patients with larger faces. Voxel width, and consequently the thickness of the axial sections, can be 0.3 or 0.4 mm.

The images obtained from cone bean computed tomography are generated in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) format. In DICOM, images acquired in any CT scanner, regardless of the imaging process (single, multislice, cone beam), can be viewed using different volumetric imaging software programs. The original DICOM format images feature a security key or number, which prevents alterations and has legal value (Fig 2).

Standardization of image placement

After copying the exam file to a conventional computer using Nemoscan software, image placement is standardized prior to selecting the sections to be used for measurement. The visualization of sections in the three spatial dimensions (axial, sagittal and coronal sections), as shown in figure 3, is known as multiplane reconstruction.

On that screen, it is possible to select the sections-in other words, the depth or structure to be visualized-as well as rotate the images so they can match the reference lines, as demonstrated in figures 4 and 5.

The references to standardize the image positions should be chosen for all three planes. The reference chosen to standardize the axial and sagittal planes was the bispinal line, coinciding with the vertical and horizontal planes, respectively. (Figs 6 and 7). The reference employed to standardize the coronal plane was the line between the infraorbital points, named the infraorbital line (Fig 8), thus concluding the positioning of images over the three spatial planes (Fig 9). When head position standardization is done using a 3D image-such as with Dolphin 3D software (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA, USA)-the Frankfurt plane can be used as a horizontal reference for the left and right lateral views, and the infraorbital point can be used for the frontal facial view, thus replacing the use of multiplane slices.

Image selection for measurement

For the maxilla, the first step was to select, among the axial sections parallel to the palatal plane (Fig 10), the section that shows the cemento-enamel junction of the distal-labial portion of the right maxillary first molar (Fig 11). From this axial section, two axial sections were selected, passing 3.0 and 6.0 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction, respectively illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

For the mandible, axial sections parallel to the functional occlusal plane were selected. To that end, the image of the head was repositioned using the software, tilting it backwards equivalent to the angle formed between the palatal plane (ENA-ENP) and the functional occlusal plane. The occlusal plane is a line that passes through the interocclusal contact point most distal from the first molars and through the mean overbite point of the canines. The PP.PO angle assumes different values for the various facial types (hypodivergent, normodivergent and hyperdivergent).³ After this angle has been measured in the lateral cephalometric radiograph, reconstructed from the CBCT, the image of the head should be tilted backwards the equivalent to the correction value of the PP.PO angle, so that the functional occlusal plane is parallel to the plane of the axial sections. An axial section is then executed, passing through the cemento-enamel junction of the distal-labial portion of the right maxillary first molar (Fig 14). Using that section as reference, two axial sections are selected, passing 4.0 and 8.0 mm from the aforementioned cemento-enamel junction, respectively illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

Image measurement

Measurements can be taken in either buccal or palatal aspect using the digital method. From the selected axial section, the image is zoomed in for easier visualization of the desired area (Fig 17). The measurements of the buccal bone plate are made in millimeters from the buccal limit of the radicular contour up to the outermost section of the cortical bone, perpendicular to the contour of the dental arch. Palatal bone plate measurement extends from the palatal limit of the radicular contour to the external surface of the palatal bone plate (Fig. 18).

CONCLUSION

Thus, based on a standardized methodology, a detailed evaluation is possible of the buccal and palatal bone plates. Studies using this methodology can evaluate the risks assumed when tooth movements are made in palatal or buccal aspect, and make possible an evaluation of the limits of orthodontic movement. Tooth movement in atrophic bone areas can also be evaluated using this methodology. It should be emphasized that the evaluation method proposed in this work is geared mainly towards research. With the objective of evaluating buccal and palatal bone plates, visual analysis of the axial and parasagittal sections is sufficient to expose areas with critical alveolar bone thickness. However, a numeric evaluation should be conducted, comparing the pre- and post-treatment exams in specific clinical cases with the aid of this method.

REFERENCES

1. Boyd RL, Leggott PJ, Quinn RS, Eakle WS, Chambers D. Periodontal implications of orthodontic treatment in adults with reduced or normal periodontal tissues versus those of adolescents. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1989 Sep;96(3):191-8.
2. Cavalcanti MGP, Sales MAO. Tomografia computadorizada. In: Cavalcanti MGP. Diagnóstico por imagem da face. São Paulo: ed. Santos; 2008. cap. 1: 3-43.
3. Engelking G, Zachrisson BU. Effects of incisor repositioning on monkey periodontium after expansion through the cortical plate. Am J Orthod. 1982 Jul;82(1):23-32.
4. Fuhrmann R. Three-dimensional evaluation of periodontal remodeling during orthodontic treatment. J Orofac Orthop. 1996 Aug;57(4):224-37.
5. Garib DG. Efeitos dentoesqueléticos e periodontais da expansão rápida da maxila com os aparelhos dentomucossuportado e dentossuportado: avaliação por meio da tomografia computadorizada. [Tese] Bauru (SP): Faculdade de Odontologia da USP; 2003.
6. Garib DG, Raymundo Jr R, Raymundo MV, Raymundo DV, Ferreira SN. Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (Cone beam): entendendo este novo método de diagnóstico por imagem com promissora aplicabilidade na Ortodontia. Rev Dental Press Ortod Ortop Facial. 2007 mar-abr;12(2): 139-56.
7. Martins PP, Garib DG, Greghi SLA, Henriques JFC. Avaliação periodontal dos incisivos inferiores em pacientes tratados ortodonticamente com extração de quatro pré-molares. Rev Fac Odontol Bauru.2002;10(4):245-51.
8. Newman GV, Goldman MJ, Newman RA. Mucogingival orthodontic and periodontal problems. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1994 Apr;105(4):321-7.
9. Ong MA, Wang HL, Smith FN. Interrelationship between periodontics and adult orthodontic. J Clin Periodontol. 1998 Apr;25(4):271-7.
10. Rygh P, Bowling K, Hovlandsdal L, Williams S. Activation of the vascular system: a main mediator of periodontal fiber remodeling in orthodontic tooth movement. Am J Orthod. 1986 Jun;89(6):453-68.
11. Rungcharassaeng K, Caruso JM, Kan JY, Kim J, Taylor G. Factors affecting buccal bone changes of maxillary posterior teeth after rapid maxillary expansion. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2007 Oct;132(4):428.e1-8.
12. Steiner GG, Pearson JK, Ainamo J. Changes of the marginal periodontium as a result of labial tooth movement in monkeys. J Periodontol. 1981 Jun;52(6):314-20.
13. Tanne K, Sakuda M, Burstone CJ. Three-dimensional finite element analysis for stress in the periodontal tissue by orthodontic forces. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1987 Dec;92(6):499-505.
14. Thilander B, Nyman S, Karring T, Magnusson I. Bone regeneration in alveolar bone dehiscences related to orthodontic tooth movements. Eur J Orthod. 1983 May;5(2):105-14.

Method standardization of buccal and palatal arch bone plate measurement using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Marcos Cezar Ferreira^I; Daniela Gamba Garib^II; Flávio Cotrim-Ferreira^III

Publication Dates

Publication in this collection
03 May 2010
Date of issue
Feb 2010

History

Received
July 2009
Accepted
Nov 2009

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

[1] 1. Boyd RL, Leggott PJ, Quinn RS, Eakle WS, Chambers D. Periodontal implications of orthodontic treatment in adults with reduced or normal periodontal tissues versus those of adolescents. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1989 Sep;96(3):191-8.

[2] 2. Cavalcanti MGP, Sales MAO. Tomografia computadorizada. In: Cavalcanti MGP. Diagnóstico por imagem da face. São Paulo: ed. Santos; 2008. cap. 1: 3-43.

[3] 3. Engelking G, Zachrisson BU. Effects of incisor repositioning on monkey periodontium after expansion through the cortical plate. Am J Orthod. 1982 Jul;82(1):23-32.

[4] 4. Fuhrmann R. Three-dimensional evaluation of periodontal remodeling during orthodontic treatment. J Orofac Orthop. 1996 Aug;57(4):224-37.

[5] 5. Garib DG. Efeitos dentoesqueléticos e periodontais da expansão rápida da maxila com os aparelhos dentomucossuportado e dentossuportado: avaliação por meio da tomografia computadorizada. [Tese] Bauru (SP): Faculdade de Odontologia da USP; 2003.

[6] 6. Garib DG, Raymundo Jr R, Raymundo MV, Raymundo DV, Ferreira SN. Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (Cone beam): entendendo este novo método de diagnóstico por imagem com promissora aplicabilidade na Ortodontia. Rev Dental Press Ortod Ortop Facial. 2007 mar-abr;12(2): 139-56.

[7] 7. Martins PP, Garib DG, Greghi SLA, Henriques JFC. Avaliação periodontal dos incisivos inferiores em pacientes tratados ortodonticamente com extração de quatro pré-molares. Rev Fac Odontol Bauru.2002;10(4):245-51.

[8] 8. Newman GV, Goldman MJ, Newman RA. Mucogingival orthodontic and periodontal problems. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1994 Apr;105(4):321-7.

[9] 9. Ong MA, Wang HL, Smith FN. Interrelationship between periodontics and adult orthodontic. J Clin Periodontol. 1998 Apr;25(4):271-7.

[10] 10. Rygh P, Bowling K, Hovlandsdal L, Williams S. Activation of the vascular system: a main mediator of periodontal fiber remodeling in orthodontic tooth movement. Am J Orthod. 1986 Jun;89(6):453-68.

[11] 11. Rungcharassaeng K, Caruso JM, Kan JY, Kim J, Taylor G. Factors affecting buccal bone changes of maxillary posterior teeth after rapid maxillary expansion. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2007 Oct;132(4):428.e1-8.

[12] 12. Steiner GG, Pearson JK, Ainamo J. Changes of the marginal periodontium as a result of labial tooth movement in monkeys. J Periodontol. 1981 Jun;52(6):314-20.

[13] 13. Tanne K, Sakuda M, Burstone CJ. Three-dimensional finite element analysis for stress in the periodontal tissue by orthodontic forces. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1987 Dec;92(6):499-505.

[14] 14. Thilander B, Nyman S, Karring T, Magnusson I. Bone regeneration in alveolar bone dehiscences related to orthodontic tooth movements. Eur J Orthod. 1983 May;5(2):105-14.

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