Mandibular buccal shelf morphology among Indian adults using CBCT across class I, class II and class III malocclusions

TL;DR

This study compares the bone structure of the mandibular buccal shelf in Indian adults with different types of malocclusion using CBCT scans.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how MBS morphology varies with malocclusion types, particularly highlighting Class III patients.

Findings

Class III subjects had significantly greater buccal shelf width compared to Class I and II.

Class III subjects also showed greater cortical bone thickness than Class I and II groups.

These findings suggest better orthodontic anchorage potential in Class III patients.

Abstract

The mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) is recognized as a stable site for miniscrew insertion due to its dense cortical bone, although its
morphology varies across malocclusion types. Therefore, it is of interest to compare buccal shelf width and cortical bone thickness among
adults with Class I, Class II and Class III skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective analysis of 80
CBCT scans was performed, with measurements taken at standardized apical levels and statistically compared using one-way ANOVA. Results
showed that Class III subjects exhibited significantly greater buccal shelf width and cortical thickness than Class I and Class II groups,
indicating more favorable bone morphology for orthodontic anchorage. These findings suggest that MBS characteristics are most advantageous
in Class III patients, highlighting the importance of individualized CBCT-based assessment for miniscrew planning.