Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Vertical Bone Thickness of Midpalatal Suture Area in Young Patients: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Miniscrews are devices used when absolute anchorage is required. They are easy to install and recommended for all ages. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess bone thickness of midpalatal suture area in young patients and a potential difference between genders. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients (11 girls and 5 boys) aged 9 to 15 years who sought orthodontic treatment in an Orthodontic clinic were included in this study. A cone beam computed tomography was performed and three tomographic images were obtained: axial, coronal, and sagittal. Four measurements were made through the RadiAnt™ DICOM Viewer software in predefined regions: mesial of the first upper premolar (P1), mesial of the second upper premolar (P2), mesial of the first upper molar (P3), and distal of the first upper molar (P4). The ANOVA test was used to analyse the difference between genders at 5% significance level. Results: The average bone thickness in midpalatal suture area was 12.18 mm, 6.6 mm, 4.97 mm, and 6.36 mm for regions P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between genders. Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the present study, we may conclude that vertical bone thickness of midpalatal suture area of young patients is greater in the mesial region of first premolars, and although patients of the male gender have presented greater thicknesses, they were not statistically significant.