Assessment of the parameters of mandibular symphysis in patients with anterior crossbite by means of Lateral cephalometry and 3D cone-beam computed tomography

Introduction: Some of the main etiogenic factors of complex importance for the development of gingival recessions are dentomaxillary deformities in the anterior segment of ​​the dentition, the structure of the alveolar bone in this area and a narrow symphysis. 

Objective: To study the influence of a crossbite on the values ​​of the width and height of the symphysis and to determine the extent to which the measurements of the symphysis taken by means of lateral cephalometry coincide with the results obtained through 3D cone beam computed tomography.
Materials and methods: The present study included 20 patients (16 males and 4 females) with complete skeletal growth (aged 18-37 years) and anterior crossbite of single or a group of teeth and with the presence of gingival recessions in this area. Lateral cephalometry and 3D cone beam computed tomography of the anterior segments of the maxilla and mandible were performed on the included patients in order to reduce the ionizing radiation dose. To estimate the dimensions of the mandibular symphysis, we used the method of Aki T. et al. We accepted as a norm the standards derived by Gütermann C et al. To delineate the parameters of the symphysis on the lateral cephalographs and 3D cone beam computed tomography, we used a Planmeca ProMax 3D Classic device.

Dr. Stilyana Krasteva, PhD