ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To identify two novel three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric landmarks and create a novel three-dimensionally based anteroposterior skeletal measurement that can be compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) cephalometric measurements in patients with Class I and Class II skeletal patterns.

Materials and Methods:

Full head cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 100 patients with all first molars in occlusion were obtained from a private practice. InvivoDental 3D (version 5.1.6, Anatomage, San Jose, Calif) was used to analyze the CBCT scans in the sagittal and axial planes to create new landmarks and a linear 3D analysis (M measurement) based on maxillary and mandibular centroids. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the mean M measurement to traditional 2D cephalometric measurements, ANB and APDI. Interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability were evaluated using 2D and 3D scatterplots.

Results:

The M measurement, ANB, and APDI could statistically differentiate between patients with Class I and Class II skeletal patterns (P < .001). The M measurement exhibited a correlation coefficient (r) of −0.79 and 0.88 with APDI and ANB, respectively.

Conclusions:

The overall centroid landmarks and the M measurement combine 2D and 3D methods of imaging; the measurement itself can distinguish between patients with Class I and Class II skeletal patterns and can serve as a potential substitute for ANB and APDI. The new three-dimensionally based landmarks and measurements are reliable, and there is great potential for future use of 3D analyses for diagnosis and research.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the reliability of three-dimensional (3D) landmark identification in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using two different visualization techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve CBCT images were randomly selected. Three observers independently repeated three times the identification of 30 landmarks using 3D reconstructions and 28 landmarks using multiplanar views. The values of the coordinates X, Y, and Z of each point were obtained and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated.

Results:

The ICC of the 3D visualization was rated >0.90 in 67.76% and 45.56%, and ≤0.45 in 13.33% and 14.46% of the intraobserver and interobserver assessments, respectively. The ICC of the multiplanar visualization was rated >0.90 in 82.16% and 78.56% and ≤0.45 in only 16.7% and 8.33% of the intraobserver and interobserver assessments, respectively. An individual landmark classification was done according to ICC values.

Conclusions:

The frequency of highly reliable values was greater for multiplanar than 3D reconstructions. Overall, lower reliability was found for points on the condyle and higher reliability for those on the midsagittal plane. Depending on the anatomic region, the observer must choose the most reliable type of image visualization.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To validate whether applying a well-defined initial three-dimensional (3D) load can create consistently expected tooth movement in patients.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-one patients who needed bilateral canine retraction to close extraction space were selected for this split-mouth clinical trial. After initial alignment and leveling, two canines in each patient were randomly assigned to receive either translation (TR) or controlled tipping (CT) load. The load was delivered by segmental T-loops designed to give specific initial moment/force ratios to the canines in each treatment interval (TI), verified with an orthodontic force tester. Maxillary dental casts were made before canine retraction and after each TI. The casts were digitized with a 3D laser scanner. The digital models were superimposed on the palatal rugae region. The 3D canine displacements and the displacement patterns in terms of TR, CT, and torque were calculated for each TI.

Results:

The method can reliably detect a TR displacement greater than 0.3 mm and a rotation greater than 1.5°. Ninety-two TIs had displacements that were greater than 0.3 mm and were used for further analysis. Most displacements were oriented within ±45° from the distal direction. The displacement pattern in terms of TR or CT was not uniquely controlled by the initial moment/force ratio.

Conclusions:

The initial load system is not the only key factor controlling tooth movement. Using a segmental T-loop with a well-controlled load system, large variations in canine displacement can be expected clinically.

This listing of academic opportunities is provided as a free service to the profession and the community.

LOUISIANA

Rank: Commensurate with training & experience

Requirement: DDS/DMD or equivalent & certificate in Orthodontics from CODA accredited program

LSUHSC School of Dentistry

Chair, Department of Orthodontics

New Orleans, LA

Contact: Dr. John Gallo e-mail: jgallo@lsuhsc.edu

MASSACHUSETTS

Rank: Associate/Full Professor, Full-time, Tenure Track/Tenured

Require: DDS/DMD w/MS in orthodontics or certificate MS and PhD from CDA/ADA accredited school. ABO preferred/Board eligible and slated for the exam.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Apply: Carroll Ann Trotman, BDS, MA, MS

Professor and Chair, Department

Lip incompetence resolved by active vertical control in nonsurgical treatment of a protrusion case with vertical maxillary excess

Johnny JL Liaw,

Jae Hyun Park,

Fang Fang Tsai,

Betty MY Tsai, and

Wendy WT Liao