Three-dimensional Evaluation of Interradicular Areas and Cortical Bone Thickness for Orthodontic Miniscrew Implant Placement Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND: Factors that influence anchorage of the orthodontic miniscrew implants are interradicular areas and cortical bone thickness. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional interradicular areas and the buccal cortical bone thickness in Indian patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to find the suitable and safe sites for orthodontic miniscrew implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 20 patients were divided into three planes as axial, coronal, and sagittal. Measurements, that is, mesiodistal distance and buccal cortical bone thickness were taken at five different heights from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) toward apical region. RESULTS: In the maxilla, the safe sites for placing miniscrew implant were between the second premolar and first molar at 10-mm height, whereas in the mandible, the safe sites for placing miniscrew implant were between the first and second premolar at 6-, 8-, and 10-mm height, between the second premolar and first molar at 10-mm height, and between the first and second molar at 8- and 10-mm height. CONCLUSION: CBCT can be effectively used to evaluate interradicular areas and cortical bone thickness in predicting the safe and suitable sites for placing orthodontic miniscrew implants.