Abstract
Unlike patients receiving implants or endodontic treatment, most orthodontic patients are children who are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) carries risks and benefits in orthodontics. The principal risks and limitations include ionizing radiation, the presence of artifacts, higher cost, limited accessibility, and the need for additional training. However, this imaging modality has several recognized indications in orthodontics, such as the assessment of impacted and ectopic teeth, assessment of pharyngeal airway, assessment of mini-implant sites, evaluation of craniofacial abnormalities, evaluation of sinus anatomy or pathology, evaluation of root resorption, evaluation of the cortical bone plate, and orthognathic surgery planning and evaluation. CBCT is particularly justified when it brings a benefit to the patient or changes the outcome of the treatment when compared with conventional imaging techniques. Therefore, CBCT should be considered for clinical orthodontics for selected patients. Prescription of CBCT requires judicious and sound clinical judgment. The central question of this narrative review article is: when does CBCT add value to the practice of orthodontics? To answer this question, this article presents discussion on radiation dosage of CBCT and other imaging techniques used in orthodontics, limitations of CBCT in orthodontics, justifying the use of CBCT in orthodontics, and the benefits and evidence-based indications of CBCT in orthodontics. This review summarizes the central themes and topics in the literature regarding CBCT in orthodontics and presents ten orthodontic cases in which CBCT proved to be valuable.
Highlights
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a radiographic technique introduced to the UnitedStates dental market in 2001
Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology recommended the use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics only when there is justification made on an individual basis according to the clinical presentation [85]
It has been suggested that in cases with impacted maxillary canines, CBCT can alter treatment planning decisions [107,110,111,112,113]. This is due to the fact that conventional panoramic or intraoral radiography may not provide a good assessment of the root status of adjacent teeth, but with CBCT this can be done effectively [114,115]
Summary
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a radiographic technique introduced to the United. CBCT technology uses a cone-shaped source of ionizing radiation and a two-dimensional detector [1]. It provides multidimensional and dimensionally accurate images for diagnosis and treatment planning. It is necessary to find valid and robust evidence on which to base the selection of CBCT imaging for the orthodontic patient. This article presents discussion on radiation dosage of CBCT in orthodontics, limitations of CBCT in orthodontics, justifying the use of CBCT in orthodontics, and the benefits and evidence-based indications of CBCT in orthodontics. Understanding the indications for CBCT in orthodontics and weighing its risks and benefits allow the orthodontist to be able to prescribe CBCT when it brings value to the orthodontic patient
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
