Tomographic evaluation of infrazygomatic crest for orthodontic anchorage in different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the anatomy of the region during preoperative planning is very important in order to minimize the risks of undesired movements in the supporting teeth or even damage to important structures such as the maxillary sinus. To the best of our knowledge, no study evaluated the relationship of these skeletal patterns with the anatomy of the infrazygomatic crest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tomographic measurements of the infrazygomatic crest for placement of temporary anchorage devices in individuals with different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The measurements were analyzed in three regions in the crest of 67 patients above the maxillary first molar: A slice in the long axis of the mesiobuccal root, a slice passing through the center of the furcation area of the tooth, and another slice in the long axis of the distobuccal root. In each of these slices five measurements of the thickness of the infrazygomatic crest were performed, with a difference of 1 mm between them. The sagittal skeletal pattern was determined by the ANB angle and the vertical skeletal pattern by the SN.GoGn angle. RESULTS: The bone thickness of the crest tended to decrease gradually in the apical direction. There was no difference between different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The individual parameters did not have significant influence in the thickness of the infrazygomatic crest. Key words:Tomography, X-Ray Computed, orthodontics, mini-implant, infrazygomatic crest, maxilla.