Impact of vertical facial type on alveolar bone thickness and tooth morphology: A retrospective CBCT-based clinical study

Introduction

The relationship between vertical facial patterns and the morphology of the alveolar bone and teeth is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vertical facial patterns, bone thickness, and root-crown dimensions in the maxillary anterior teeth.

Methods

This retrospective study screened 300 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of orthodontic patients between December 2022 and November 2023, with 115 meeting the inclusion criteria. Buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness, along with crown and root lengths of maxillary anterior teeth, were measured and compared across short, normal, and long facial types, classified according to the Frankfort-Mandibular Plane Angle. One-way ANOVA, independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis, and post-hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Significant differences in alveolar bone thickness were observed across facial types, with short facial types showing consistently greater thickness in the apical and mid-palatal regions compared to normal and long facial types (p < 0.05). No significant differences in crown or root lengths were found among the facial types.

Conclusion

Facial type significantly influences alveolar bone thickness, particularly in short facial types, which demonstrate greater bone support. These findings underscore the importance of considering facial type in orthodontic treatment planning to minimize complications.