Palatal bone thickness for mini-implant placement in different skeletal facial patterns: A CBCT approach

The thickness of the palatal bone perpendicular to the palatal curvature at various angles in different skeletal facial patterns using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is of interest to dentists. Hence, three groups (hyper-divergent, normo-divergent and hypo-divergent) based on the Frankfort mandibular angle and sagittal slices were taken at three and six-millimeter intervals along the mid-palatal suture. Transversal lines were created between specific teeth and bone thickness was measured at angles ranging from -30° to +30°. Data shows that the maximum bone thickness occurred at the first premolar and between the first and second premolars, with greater thickness in hyper divergent subjects. The anterior palate provided the best bone support for orthodontic mini-implants, with the greatest bone height found at the first premolar and paramedian regions.