Transverse Mandibular Morphology in Different Sagittal Skeletal Malocclusions: A CBCT Study

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the mandibular width in males and females in different sagittal skeletal malocclusions (SSMs) using cone-beam-computed-tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 90 CBCT scans of subjects (45 males and 45 females) aged between 18 and 40 years old with a mean age of 31.91 ± 7.61, divided into six equal groups with fifteen subjects each according to their SSM: Class I males and females (CIM, CIF), Class II males and females (CIIM, CIIF) and Class III males and females (CIIIM, CIIIF). Landmarks were identified on the axial plane as well as on the three-dimensional reconstructed views, then the distances between the right and left: condylar superior (CsupR-CsupL), Antegonions (AGR-AGL) and mental foramens (MFR-MFL) were measured using Dolphin imaging-software along with the following 2 angles: CsupR-AGR/CsupL-AGL and AGR-MFR/AGL-MFL. All relevant data were then analyzed with a two-way ANOVA. Results Mandibular width was significantly superior in males compared to females in all SSMs at the level of Csup, AG and MF, except in CII subjects at the MF area where it was higher in females. AGR-AGL as well as MFR-MRL distances was elevated in CIIIM compared to CIIM and CIM. CsupR-AGR/CsupL-AGL angle was smaller in CIIIF compared to CIF and CIIF subjects. AGR-MFR/AGL-MFL angle was higher in CIIM than that of CIIF. Conclusions Although the mandibular width increases in CIII malocclusion compared to CI and CII, the intercondylar distance does not significantly change. Clinical Relevance: Surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment (SFOT) can be a better alternative than mandibular distraction osteogenesis in class II transversally deficient mandibles as the latter increases the intercondylar width while the former does not.