Tridimensional assessment of the mandibular angle in patients with different skeletal patterns by cone-beam computed tomography scans: a retrospective study.

Background: Since the muscles of chewing are involved in the region of the mandibular angle, important structures in surgical and orthodontic procedures, to study its morphological aspects and the possible influence of different patterns of skeletal development would be of interest. Thus, this study aimed to assess the influence of patient characteristics - such as sex, skeletal malocclusion (Class I, Class II, and Class III) and facial type (brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic) - on the width, height, thickness, and volume of the mandibular angle, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

Methods: CBCT scans were assessed - 144 men and 154 women, total of 298 - and classified according to skeletal patterns (skeletal malocclusions and facial types).