Novel application and validation of in vivo micro-CT to study bone modelling in 3D.

Objectives: The aim is to highlight a novel three-dimensional (3D) imaging methodology using micro-CT scans to visualize and measure bone modelling in an animal model. In order to validate the new methodology, we compared the 3D imaging method to traditional two-dimensional (2D) histomorphometry to assess growth changes in the jaws of a rodent.

Setting And Sample Population: Rodent animal models.

The use of a custom-made virtual template for corrective surgeries of asymmetric patients: proof of principle and a multi-center end-user survey.

Aim: To evaluate the utility of an individualized template for corrective surgeries for patients suffering from mandibular asymmetry.

Materials And Method: Twenty patients with history of favorable clinical outcome of the correction of their mandibular asymmetry were chosen. CBCTs were taken before and 6 weeks postoperative using NewTom 3G.

Staging hand-wrist and cervical vertebrae images: a comparison of reproducibility.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the reproducibility of skeletal maturation assessments by raters with similar orthodontic experience using hand-wrist (HW) and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) methods.

Methods: HW and lateral cephalometric radiographs from 15 subjects (8 males and 7 females; ages, 9-16 years) were selected randomly. HW skeletal maturation was evaluated by the method of Greulich and Pyle, and CVM staging was evaluated by the method of Baccetti et al.

Prediction of rapid maxillary expansion by assessing the maturation of the midpalatal suture on cone beam CT.

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) primarily involves the mechanical opening of the midpalatal suture of the maxillary and palatine bones. The fusion of the midpalatal suture determines the failure of RME, a common event in late adolescents and young adults. Recently, the assessment of the maturation of midpalatal suture as viewed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been introduced.

Dentoskeletal outcomes of a rapid maxillary expander with differential opening in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate: A prospective clinical trial.

Introduction: The purpose of this 2-arm parallel study was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion with differential opening (EDO) compared with the hyrax expander in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Methods: A sample of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate was prospectively and consecutively recruited. Eligibility criteria included participants in the mixed dentition with lip and palate repair performed during early childhood and maxillary arch constriction with a need for maxillary expansion before the alveolar bone graft procedure.

3D Mandibular Superimposition: Comparison of Regions of Reference for Voxel-Based Registration.

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate three regions of reference (Björk, Modified Björk and mandibular Body) for mandibular registration testing them in a patients' CBCT sample.

Methods: Mandibular 3D volumetric label maps were built from CBCTs taken before (T1) and after treatment (T2) in a sample of 16 growing subjects and labeled with eight landmarks. Registrations of T1 and T2 images relative to the different regions of reference were performed, and 3D surface models were generated.

Common 3-dimensional coordinate system for assessment of directional changes.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate how head orientation interferes with the amounts of directional change in 3-dimensional (3D) space and to propose a method to obtain a common coordinate system using 3D surface models.

Methods: Three-dimensional volumetric label maps were built for pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) from cone-beam computed tomography images of 30 growing subjects. Seven landmarks were labeled in all T1 and T2 volumetric label maps.

Comparison and reproducibility of 2 regions of reference for maxillary regional registration with cone-beam computed tomography.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate the differences between 2 regions of maxillary voxel-based registration and to test the reproducibility of the registration.

Methods: Three-dimensional models were built for before-treatment (T1) and after-treatment (T2) based on cone-beam computed tomography images from 16 growing subjects. Landmarks were labeled in all T2 models of the maxilla, and voxel-based registrations were performed independently by 2 observers at 2 times using 2 reference regions.

Three-dimensional digital cast analysis of the effects produced by a passive self-ligating system.

Aim: To evaluate maxillary and mandibular dental arch changes induced by a passive self-ligating system by analysing digital dental casts.

Subjects And Methods: A sample of 25 growing patients (16 females and 9 males, mean age 12.8 years) treated with passive self-ligating brackets was compared to a sample of 25 untreated controls (15 females and 10 males, mean age 13.

Cone beam computed tomography-based models versus multislice spiral computed tomography-based models for assessing condylar morphology.

Objective: To quantitatively compare condylar morphology using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) virtual three-dimensional surface models.

Study Design: The sample consisted of secondary data analyses of CBCT and MSCT scans obtained for clinical purposes from 74 patients treated with condylar resection and prosthetic joint replacement. Three-dimensional surface models of 146 condyles were constructed from each scan modality.

Diagnostic performance of skeletal maturity for the assessment of midpalatal suture maturation.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method in estimating accurately the stages of maturation of the midpalatal suture.

Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 142 subjects (84 female, 58 male; mean age, 14.8 ± 9.

The role of rapid maxillary expansion in the promotion of oral and general health.

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is an effective orthopedic procedure that can be used to address problems concerned with the growth of the midface. This procedure also may produce positive side effects on the general health of the patient. The aim of the present consensus paper was to identify and evaluate studies on the changes in airway dimensions and muscular function produced by RME in growing patients.

Incorporating 3-dimensional models in online articles.

Introduction: The aims of this article are to introduce the capability to view and interact with 3-dimensional (3D) surface models in online publications, and to describe how to prepare surface models for such online 3D visualizations.

Methods: Three-dimensional image analysis methods include image acquisition, construction of surface models, registration in a common coordinate system, visualization of overlays, and quantification of changes. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were acquired as volumetric images that can be visualized as 3D projected images or used to construct polygonal meshes or surfaces of specific anatomic structures of interest.

TMJ response to mandibular advancement surgery: an overview of risk factors.

Objective: In order to understand the conflicting information on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathophysiologic responses after mandibular advancement surgery, an overview of the literature was proposed with a focus on certain risk factors.

Methods: A literature search was carried out in the Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases in the period from January 1980 through March 2013. Various combinations of keywords related to TMJ changes [disc displacement, arthralgia, condylar resorption (CR)] and aspects of surgical intervention (fixation technique, amount of advancement) were used.

Evaluation of tip and torque on virtual study models: a validation study.

Background: The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a novel analysis protocol to measure linear and angular measurements of tip and torque of each tooth in the dental arches of virtual study models.

Methods: Maxillary and mandibular dental casts of 25 subjects with a full permanent dentition were scanned using a three-dimensional model scanner. Sixty points per arch were digitized on each model, five points on each tooth.

Three-dimensional treatment outcomes in Class II patients treated with the Herbst appliance: a pilot study.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to analyze 3-dimensional skeletal changes in subjects with Class II malocclusion treated with the Herbst appliance and to compare these changes with treated Class II controls using 3-dimensional superimposition techniques.

Methods: Seven consecutive Herbst patients and 7 Class II controls treated with Class II elastics who met the inclusion criteria had cone-beam computed tomographs taken before treatment, and either after Herbst removal or at posttreatment for the control subjects. Three-dimensional models were generated from the cone-beam computed tomography images, registered on the anterior cranial bases, and analyzed using color maps and point-to-point measurements.

Midpalatal suture maturation: classification method for individual assessment before rapid maxillary expansion.

Introduction: In this study, we present a novel classification method for individual assessment of midpalatal suture morphology.

Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography images from 140 subjects (ages, 5.6-58.

Three-dimensional analysis of maxillary changes associated with facemask and rapid maxillary expansion compared with bone anchored maxillary protraction.

Introduction: Our objectives in this study were to evaluate in 3 dimensions the growth and treatment effects on the midface and the maxillary dentition produced by facemask therapy in association with rapid maxillary expansion (RME/FM) compared with bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP).

Methods: Forty-six patients with Class III malocclusion were treated with either RME/FM (n = 21) or BAMP (n = 25). Three-dimensional models generated from cone-beam computed tomographic scans, taken before and after approximately 1 year of treatment, were registered on the anterior cranial base and measured using color-coded maps and semitransparent overlays.

Temporomandibular joint condylar changes following maxillomandibular advancement and articular disc repositioning.

Purpose: To evaluate condylar changes 1 year after bimaxillary surgical advancement with or without articular disc repositioning using longitudinal quantitative measurements in 3-dimensional (3D) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) models.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) underwent cone-beam computed tomography before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 1-year follow-up. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging before surgery to assess disc displacements.

Long-term 3-dimensional stability of mandibular advancement surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate 3-dimensional changes in the position of the condyles, rami, and chin from 1 to 3 years after mandibular advancement surgery.

Materials And Methods: This prospective observational study used pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomograms of 27 subjects with skeletal Class II jaw relation and normal or deep overbite. An automatic technique of cranial base superimposition was used to assess positional and bone remodeling changes that were visually displayed and quantified using 3-dimensional color maps.

Long-term treatment effects of the FR-2 appliance: a prospective evalution 7 years post-treatment.

Aim: To examine the long-term effects induced by treatment with the function regulator (FR-2) appliance 7 years post-treatment compared with untreated class II subjects.

Subjects And Methods: The FR-2 sample was collected prospectively and comprised 17 subjects (10 boys and 7 girls, mean age 10.8 years) who were treated with the FR-2 appliance for 1.

Post-operative soft tissue changes in patients with mandibular prognathism after bimaxillary surgery.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional soft tissue changes observed over time after bimaxillary surgery for mandibular prognathism using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) superimposed imaging.

Materials And Methods: CBCT scans were obtained for 25 patients before bimaxillary surgery (T0), at 2 months after surgery (T1) and at 6 months after surgery (T2). Cephalometric variables from the reoriented volumetric images were measured and compared at T0, T1, and T2.

Three-dimensional evaluation of changes in lip position from before to after orthodontic appliance removal.

Introduction: Our objectives were to develop a reproducible method of superimposing 3-dimensional images for measuring soft-tissue changes over time and to use this method to document changes in lip position after the removal of orthodontic appliances.

Methods: Three-dimensional photographs of 50 subjects were made in repose and maximum intercuspation before and after orthodontic appliance removal with a stereo camera. For reliability assessment, 2 photographs were repeated for 15 patients.

Analysis of 3D soft tissue changes after 1- and 2-jaw orthognathic surgery in mandibular prognathism patients.

Purpose: Orthognathic surgery has the objective of altering facial balance to achieve esthetic results in patients who have severe disharmony of the jaws. The purpose was to quantify the soft tissue changes after orthognathic surgery, as well as to assess the differences in 3D soft tissue changes in the middle and lower third of the face between the 1- and 2-jaw surgery groups, in mandibular prognathism patients.

Materials And Methods: We assessed soft tissue changes of patients who have been diagnosed with mandibular prognathism and received either isolated mandibular surgery or bimaxillary surgery.