Evaluation of interradicular distance in class II malocclusion for mini-implant insertion: A CBCT study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the buccal inter-radicular distance and middle inter-radicular distance of the Iraqi population for mini-implant insertion using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on maxillary and mandibular CBCT scans of 40 patients (14–25 years). Skeletal parameters were measured at 4, 6 and 8 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) by one examiner. Results: The largest buccal inter-radicular distance in the maxilla was between canine and first premolar (4.8 mm for male, 4.5 mm for female) and in the mandible was between first and second molar (4.7 mm for male, 5.14 for female). The largest middle inter-radicular distance in the maxilla was between the second premolar and molar (3.75 mm for males, 3.41 mm for females) and in the mandible was between the first and second molar (4.71 mm for males, 4.74 mm for female). Conclusions: The inter-radicular distance varies in different individuals. The buccal inter-radicular distances are wider than the middle inter-radicular distance in most sites. Within the limits of this study, the inter-radicular distances for both arches, as we move from coronal level to apical level, the inter-radicular distance increase gradually. The middle inter-radicular distance should be taken into consideration during mini-implant insertion because it is smaller than buccal inter-radicular distances and cannot evaluate clinically.