Letters From Our Readers

To: Editor, The Angle Orthodontist

Re: Response to: Correlations of spheno-occipital synchondrosis, cervical vertebrae, midpalatal suture, and third molar maturation stages. Evan Booth, Grace Viana, Sajjad Shirazi, Steven Miller, Terry Sellke, Mohammed Elnagar, Marlos Viana, Phimon Atsawasuwan. Angle Orthod. 2024; 94: 641–647.

The authors appreciate the thoughtful comments from Drs. Anas and Sultan regarding the significance of our publication. We also concur with their insightful suggestion on the future direction of this study. However, we acknowledge the challenges associated with collecting longitudinal data using three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (3D CBCT), as repeated imaging without a clear clinical indication or benefit may expose subjects to unnecessary radiation. Nonetheless, we value this recommendation and intend to pursue a longitudinal study to assess the long-term dynamic changes of these anatomical growth indicators, provided a suitable series of CBCT images becomes available in the future.

Phimon Atsawasuwan, Professor

Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois