Optimal Sites for Orthodontic Mini-Implant Placement in Maxillary Anterior Region Assessed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

AbstractAim: To evaluate the cortical bone thickness and interradicular bone dimensions in the maxillary anterior region using cone beam computed tomography and to identify the optimal site for orthodontic mini-implant placement.Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, BBD College of Dental Sciences, Lucknow. Pre-treatment CBCT scans of 20 patients aged 18–30 years with maximum anchorage requirements were evaluated. Buccolingual bone thickness, mesiodistal interradicular distance, and buccal and palatal cortical thicknesses were measured at 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction between the maxillary central incisors and between the central and lateral incisors.Results: Cortical bone thickness in the maxillary anterior region increased progressively as measurements were taken farther apically from the cemento-enamel junction. The most favorable bone dimensions were found between the maxillary central incisors at the 8 mm level, indicating this site as the most suitable for mini-implant placement.Conclusion: The optimal site for orthodontic mini-implant placement in the maxillary anterior region is between the maxillary central incisors, 8 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction. CBCT assessment can help identify anatomically safe and stable placement sites for improved treatment outcomes.