Evaluation of WALA ridge in different facial patterns: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Introduction: This retrospective study evaluated the buccal bone thickness in mandibular canine, premolar, and molar areas, using as a reference the WALA ridge in patients with various facial patterns.

Methods: The sample comprised 51 cone-beam computerized tomography scans of subjects divided into 3 groups according to the facial pattern, determined by the Ricketts' VERT index, brachyfacial (group 1), mesofacial (group 2), and dolichofacial (group 3). A quantitative analysis of the buccal bone thickness was made in cone-beam computerized tomography scans in the region of the mandibular dental arch corresponding to the WALA ridge.