Comparison of condylar position in normal occlusion, Class II Division 1, Class II Division 2 and Class III malocclusions using CBCT imaging

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to establish the condylar position in a group of patients with normal occlusion, compared to Class II Div 1, Class II Div 2 and Class III malocclusions using CBCT imaging.

Material and methods: Retrospective case-control study carried out by analyzing CBCT images of 80 patients. The sample was divided into 4 different groups with 20 patients each (40 TMJ). All patients were positioned using the Frankfurt plane, parallel to the floor and in maximum intercuspation. The control group included asymptomatic patients with normal occlusion (Less than 2mm of tooth size-arch length discrepancy, positive or negative, 0-2mm overjet, 2-4mm overbite, less than 15o rotations, without facial asymmetries, no previous orthodontic or occlusal treatment, without muscular or articular signs or symptoms in both TMJs) and the experimental group with (class II/1, II/2 and III) malocclusions.

Results: The group with normal occlusion had the condyles centrally positioned within the glenoid fossa. The values obtained in this group were considered as optimal and when compared with the other groups with malocclusions. The results established that the position of the condyle was more posterior in class II/2 and more superior in class III patients than the asymptomatic normal occlusion group.

Conclusions: The data obtained in the asymptomatic group with normal occlusion could be used as a reference for future studies. The comparison of these values with those obtained from analyzing the different sagittal malocclusions show significant differences that could be valuable when establishing the diagnosis and the objectives of the treatment plan in orthodontics.