Is there an asymmetry of the condylar and coronoid processes of the mandible in individuals with unilateral crossbite?

Abstract

To evaluate if there is a true skeletal asymmetry of the condylar and coronoid processes of the mandible in growing individuals with unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC) either functional or not. This cross-sectional study screened a total of 1120 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final sample comprised 20 CBCT images of individuals with UPC and 19 CBCT images of individuals without transverse malocclusion. The lengths of the condylar and coronoid processes were measured to evaluate asymmetry, as well as the magnitude of the mandibular lateral deviation in the UPC group. There was a significant difference between the lengths of the affected and nonaffected sides of the coronoid processes in the UPC group (P < .01). The same was not observed in the condyle in the UPC group (P > .05). There were no significant differences between the groups (P > .05). Although no differences in the condyle were observed, the coronoid process was asymmetric in individuals with UPC. However, this asymmetry was not considered to be clinically significant.