A Novel Method to Measure Occlusal Cant Clinically

Traditionally occlusal cant angle is measured using a posteroanterior cephalogram. They can also be measured using photographic and 3-dimensional imaging methods. This clinical tip describes an easy method to measure occlusal cant clinically.

Maxillary Sinus Volume in Patients with Canted Occlusal Plane: A Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the maxillary sinus volume between both sides in adult patients with upper occlusal canting (>2 mm cant) and a control group (≤2 mm cant) using cone-beam computed tomography scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 84 scans (42 scans per group) according to predetermined selection criteria. OnDemand 3-D™ software was used for volumetric and linear measurements of the maxillary sinus. Maxillary occlusal canting was determined at the level of the maxillary first molars. It was defined as the vertical difference between right and left sides relative to the Frankfort horizontal plane. Non-parametric tests were applied.

RESULTS

The median difference in the maxillary sinus volume between the sides was statistically significant between the control and cant groups (P < 0.001). Also, the median difference in the maxillary sinus craniocaudal height and apex sinus distance between the sides was statistically significant between the control and cant groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In adult patients, maxillary occlusal canting of more than 2 mm was associated with asymmetric maxillary sinus volumes. In the cant group, maxillary first molars on the canted-down side were in close proximity to the sinus floor, which suggests a limited leeway for molar intrusion.

The Importance of the Occlusal Plane in Predicting Better Facial Soft Tissue in Class II Malocclusion in Ethnic Javanese

Objectives  Class II malocclusion is largely due to a retrognathic mandible. Mandibular rotation is closely related to changes in the occlusal plane during growth. The problems in the occlusal plane could cause disadvantages in the soft tissue profile in Class II malocclusion, presenting treatment challenges for an orthodontist. This study aimed to investigate the importance of the occlusal plane for a better soft tissue profile in Class II malocclusion for Javanese patients.

Materials and Methods  The total number of cephalogram softcopies of patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion were selected based on ANB values (> 4 degrees), no agenesis teeth except the third molar, and all permanent teeth. The cephalograms were calculated using digital tracing by Morpheus 3D imaging. The points and areas to be analyzed on the cephalogram were predetermined. The examination was performed in a span of 1 month and performed via a statistical test using Pearson’s test and multiple regression analysis ( p < 0.05).

Results  There were significant correlation values between the angles produced by the occlusal plane to sella national, Frankfurt horizontal, mandibular plane, and Z-angle ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion  Patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion have a significant correlation between the occlusal plane and the vertical plane, thereby affecting the shape of the soft tissue profile, which causes a facial imbalance. By improving mandibular movement, the soft tissue profile can also be corrected.

The Occlusal Plane Inclination Analysis for Determining Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Diagnosis

Introduction

The occlusal plane is very important in the stomatognathic and aesthetic dentofacial system. Manipulation of the occlusal plane plays an important role in class III malocclusion correction. For this reason, the strategy in establishing the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan becomes more complex, so a more comprehensive analysis of the occlusal plane inclination as a parameter of diagnosis is needed for more effective and efficient treatments.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the comparison of occlusal plane inclination between class III and class I malocclusions and to knowing the correlation of occlusal plane inclination in class III malocclusions with the direction of facial growth.

Materials and Methods

Samples were secondary lateral cephalograms collected at the Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Dental Hospital in October 2017–2018. Cephalograms were traced using the Orthovision^TM software; then, the Mann–Whitney comparative statistical test (p<0.05) was carried out followed by the canonical correlation test.

Results

Differences in class III and class I malocclusions were found in the OP-AB and OP-FH angles. The OP-AB angle is the occlusal plane inclination which has the strongest correlation compared to others. OP-AB angle is strongly correlated with horizontal growth parameter, especially theSNB. The OP-AB angle is also correlated with vertical growth parameters: the Y axis and the Facial axis.

Conclusion

The OP-AB angle is a parameter that can distinguish between class III and class I malocclusions. The OP-AB angle has a strong correlation with vertical and horizontal growth directions.