Work

The bone thickness of the midpalatal suture in adults with different sagittal facial patterns: An exploratory study using cone-beam computed tomography images

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the bone thickness of the midpalatal suture (BTMS) in adults with different sagittal facial patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and explore potentially relevant factors that may affect BTMS. METHODS: CBCT images from 260 adult subjects with normodivergent facial patterns were divided into 3 groups (skeletal Class Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ). BTMS, maxillary base width, ANS-PNS length, and the angle between the palatal plane and the incisive foramen-PNS connection (PP-IP angle) were measured and analyzed from the pretreatment CBCT. The midpalatal suture was then trisected into H-front, H-middle, and H-end segments. Pearson's correlation and regression analyses were applied to explore the correlation between the BTMS and other relevant factors. RESULTS: The BTMS in the Class Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ groups were 5.90 ± 1.28 mm, 5.70 ± 1.17 mm, and 5.50 ± 1.34 mm, respectively. The BTMS, H-middle, and H-end parts in the Class Ⅲ group were significantly thinner than those in the Class Ⅰ group (P <0.05). The maxillary base width and ANS-PNS length in the Class Ⅲ group were significantly smaller than those in the Class Ⅰ group. Within 3 groups, the BTMS, maxillary base width, and ANS-PNS length of males were greater than those of females. The BTMS was positively correlated with maxillary base width (r = 0.281; P <0.001), ANS-PNS length (r = 0.223; P <0.001), and PP-IP angle (r = 0.444; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ normodivergent malocclusion seem to have thinner midpalatal sutures, narrower maxillary base widths, and shorter ANS-PNS lengths than those patients with a skeletal Class Ⅰ relationship. Maxillary base width and PP-IP angle may have a positive correlation with BTMS.

Source: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2025.04.010

Authors: Youqin Li, Yichen Xu, Yuhui Wang, Yuehua Liu, Jie Pan, Liming Yu

Institutions: Fudan University, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Ningbo College of Health Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University

Language: English

Topic: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070