A 3D Evaluation of Condyle Position of Skeletal Class I and III Patients: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Technique

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aims to assess the differences in the condyle position for two skeletal classes using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) reconstructions for both sides and genders.
 Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the CBCT images of 96 patients (20-60 years) were assessed. The participants were divided according to their Angle malocclusion classifications (Angle Classes I and III). The variables of the Anterior-Posterior position of the Condyle (APC), condylar angle in the axial plane (ACA), the Lateral Position of the Condyle in the axial plane (LPC), the Vertical Position of the Condyle (VPC), condylar angle in coronal dimension (CCA), and the difference of APC and VPC on both sides were measured. The measurements were analyzed using a one‑way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.
 Results: The variables of APC, LPC, ACA, VDC, and the difference of the APC on both sides in the two skeletal classes were similar. The VPC and CCA were greater in Class III than in Class I. All variables representing the 3D position of the condyle were similar in men and women, as well as on the right and left in both skeletal classes, I and III.
 Conclusion: Based on the 3D evaluation results of the condylar position, the skeletal classes III and I differed in the VPC and CCA; however, for the rest variables, there were no statistical differences.