Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Buccal Shelf Dimensions in South Indian Patients With Sagittal Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Retrospective Study

Background Computed tomographic evaluation of mandibular buccal shelf region in skeletal class III malocclusion cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies have been reported to have great alteration in the thickness of mandibular buccal shelf region owing to the different growth patterns and ethnic variations. The aim of this study was to determine the total and cortical bone thickness in the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) region for extra-alveolar mini-screw placement in South Indian patients with sagittal skeletal class III malocclusion. Material and methods This retrospective computed tomographic study consisted of archived files of the Dravidian population with class III skeletal base that met the eligibility criteria. The total bone and cortical bone thickness of the buccal shelf regions were evaluated in relation to three anatomical sites at various depths and angulations. One-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to compare if any relation existed between bone thickness and the growth pattern. Results The maximum bone thickness in the buccal shelf region in our study was found at the distal portion of the second molar root, 8-12 mm from its cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and at 30-45 ° angulation (p-value<0.005). There was a positive correlation between the hypo-divergent growth pattern and the thickness of the bone. Conclusion Based on the sites recorded, the preferred site for mini screw placement in Class III patients is the distobuccal cusp region with respect to the second molar at a depth of 8-12 mm and at angulation of 30-45 °. There was a moderate correlation with hypo-divergent growth patterns, suggestive of a wider and thicker mandibular buccal shelf region in these subjects.