Evaluation of masseter muscle morphology in different types of malocclusions using cone beam computed tomography.

To evaluate the length and orientation of masseter in different types of malocclusions using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Samples of 180 patients seeking orthodontic treatment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dentistry, were included in the study. Pre-treatment multi-slice CBCT scans of these patients were divided into three anteroposterior groups: Class I subjects with ANB angle 0° to 5°; Class II subjects with ANB angle >5°; and Class III subjects with ANB angle <0°. CBCT scans were also divided into three vertical groups: normodivergent subjects with mandibular plane angle 22° to 30°; hyperdivergent subjects with mandibular plane angle >30°, hypodivergent subjects with mandibular plane angle <22°. The masseter was identified and landmarks were placed on the anterior border, at the origin and insertion of the muscle in 3-D mode of the Dolphin Imaging 10.5 Premium software. The Frankfort Horizontal Plane was used as a reference plane and an angular measurement was obtained by intersection of a line produced by the masseter landmarks to calculate the orientation of the muscles. The length of the masseter was measured and data were analyzed using ANOVA and matched pairs test. ANOVA found significant differences in muscle length among the three vertical groups for both the left and right muscles. Paired t test showed significantly shorter muscle length for the hypodivergent group (43.3 ± 4.0 mm) compared to the normodivergent group (45.6 ± 4.5 mm, P < 0.05) and shorter muscle length for the hyperdivergent group (42.3 ± 4.7 mm) compared to the hypodivergent group, P < 0.05. No significant differences were found in muscle length among the three anteroposterior groups. However, significant differences in muscle orientation angle were found among the three anteroposterior groups (P < 0.05). Class II subjects were found to have the most acute orientation angle (67.2 ± 6.6°) and Class III had the most obtuse orientation angle (81.6 ± 6.8°). These results suggest that certain types of malocclusion may have different masseter lengths and orientations and these differences may have implications for the mechanical advantage in bite force. For example, Class III individuals may have greater bite force than Class II individuals because the muscle fibers are oriented more along the arch of closure.

Becht MP ，Mah J ，Martin C ，Razmus T ，Gunel E ，Ngan P ... -  《-》

Spatial analysis of condyle position according to sagittal skeletal relationship, assessed by cone beam computed tomography.

Arieta-Miranda JM ，Silva-Valencia M ，Flores-Mir C ，Paredes-Sampen NA ，Arriola-Guillen LE ... -  《Progress in Orthodontics》

Evaluation of mandibular volume using cone-beam computed tomography and correlation with cephalometric values.

Katayama K ，Yamaguchi T ，Sugiura M ，Haga S ，Maki K ... -  《-》

Postsurgical volumetric airway changes in 2-jaw orthognathic surgery patients.

Findings from early cephalometric studies on airway changes after 2-jaw orthognathic surgery have been challenged because the previous anteroposterior interpretation of airway changes can now be evaluated in 3 dimensions. The aims of this study were to use cone-beam computed tomography to quantify the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and total airway volume changes associated with skeletal movements of the maxilla and mandible in a sample of patients undergoing 2-jaw orthognathic surgery for correction of skeletal malocclusion. Skeletal movements and airway volumes of 71 postpubertal patients (31 male, 40 female; mean age, 18.8 years) were measured. They were divided into 2 groups based on ANB angle, overjet, and occlusion (Class II: ANB, >2°; overjet, >1 mm; total, 35 subjects; and Class III: ANB, <1°; overjet, <1 mm; total, 36 subjects). Presurgical and postsurgical measurements were collected for horizontal, vertical, and transverse movements of the maxilla and the mandible, along with changes in the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and total airways. Associations between the directional movements of skeletal structures and the regional changes in airway volume were quantified. Changes in the most constricted area were also noted. Horizontal movements of D-point were significantly associated with increases in both total airway (403.6 ± 138.6 mm(3); P <0.01) and oropharynx (383.9 ± 127.9 mm(3); P <0.01) volumes. Vertical movements of the posterior nasal spine were significantly associated with decreases in total airway volume (-459.2 ± 219.9 mm(3); P = 0.04) and oropharynx volume (-639.7 ± 195.3 mm(3); P <0.01), increases in nasopharynx (187.2 ± 47.1 mm(3); P <0.01) volume, and decreases in the most constricted area (-10.63 ± 3.69 mm(2); P <0.01). In the Class III patients only, the vertical movement of D-point was significantly associated with decreases in both total airway (-724.0 ± 284.4 mm(3); P = 0.02) and oropharynx (-648.2 ± 270.4 mm(3); P = 0.02) volumes. A similar negative association was observed for the most constricted area for the vertical movement of D-point (-15.45 ± 4.91 mm(2); P <0.01). Optimal control of airway volume is through management of the mandible in the horizontal direction and the vertical movement of the posterior maxilla for all patients. The surgeon and the orthodontist should optimally plan these movements to control gains or losses in airway volume as a result of orthognathic surgery.

Hart PS ，McIntyre BP ，Kadioglu O ，Currier GF ，Sullivan SM ，Li J ，Shay C ... -  《-》

A comparative study of the pharyngeal airway space, measured with cone beam computed tomography, between patients with different craniofacial morphologies.

The present study aims to determine any existing association between airway dimensions, measured with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and the different patient craniofacial morphologies. Sixty CBCT (Dental Picasso Master 3D) images, from patients treated at the Orthodontics Master at Valencia University were selected. The program InVivoDental 5.1 was used to visualize sections, analyze three-dimensional images, and perform airway measurements in the three planes of the space. Intra- and interobserver error methods were recorded. After that, measurements at three different levels of the airway (upper, medium, lower) were taken, in both the anteroposterior and transversal directions of the airway space. The area (mm(2)) of the airway space at the three levels was also measured. In the anteroposterior airway measurements, there were differences between the measurements by level. The magnitude of these differences depended on the skeletal pattern of the individual. In the transversal airway measurements and in the area airway measurements, there were no differences according to the skeletal pattern. However, in the transversal direction, measurements in the lower level were significantly higher than in the superior level in all cases. When measuring the area, significantly higher measurements in the upper level were recorded. The homogeneity between medium and lower levels decreased gradually from class I to class III subjects. No statistically significant results were observed that related the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal craniofacial morphology with airway dimensions, although some specific associations have been detected for certain airway levels or for pattern combinations.

Dalmau E ，Zamora N ，Tarazona B ，Gandia JL ，Paredes V ... -  《-》