A cone-beam CT study on morphology and position of jaws in patients with facial asymmetry

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the morphology and position of jaws in patients with facial asymmetry by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods Forty-two patients with facial asymmetry were selected and divided into ramus similar group (20 patients) and ramus asymmetry group (22 patients) according to the ramus height. Forty-two patients took CBCT scans and use Dolphin 11.0 (Dolphin Imaging. USA) to reconstruct the three-dimensional images of the jaws. Landmarks concerning jawbone features were identified and statistical analysis was taken among twenty-four variables. Results In ramus asymmetry group, bilateral differences of ramus height, angle of mandibular plane, and the vertical and sagittal position of gonion are larger than that in ramus similar group (P<0.05 ). On the other hand, the difference between bilateral maxillary basal bone, vertical positions of maxillary molars, sagittal positions of canines and occlusal plane angles in ramus asymmetry group is larger than that in ramus similar group (P<0.05). Conclusions Different types of facial asymmetry have different morphology and position features of jaws. Key words: Facial asymmetry; Cone-beam computed tomography; Jaw