CBCT (3D IMAGING): APPLICATION FOR SELECTED ARTICULAR DISORDERS AND ASSOCIATED FACIAL GROWTH

摘要

Orthodontists have a fundamental interest in facial form, facial growth patterns, occlusion and any pathologic conditions that may alter them. Current three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques available for routine imaging provide the opportunity to utilize a "systems approach" in order to visualize and evaluate the functional and developmental relationships between proximal craniofacial regions. A develop-mental insult to the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) may have a regional effect on the growth of the ipsilateral side of the face including the mandible, maxilla and base of skull. Similarly it has been suggested that there is a direct relationship between jaw growth and airway development. The notion that there are functional and growth relationships between adjacent anatomic regions creates the desire for a robust method to visualize and analyze them. This chapter will discuss the use of 3D imaging (cone beam CT; CBCT) to evaluate the developmental and functional inter-relationships between TMJ, occlusion, facial growth, facial profile and airway.