Abstract
To evaluate if there is any difference in alveolar bone surface area in patients with high vertical facial dimension (long face), average vertical facial dimension (average face), and low vertical facial dimension (square short face).
Forty-five patients who had cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as part of their orthodontic records were chosen according to their facial vertical dimension. Each group consisted of fifteen patients. Mandibular alveolar bone volume was calculated using Dolphin 3D Imaging software as the total surface area of the symphysis at the level of lower right canine to lower left canine and total surface areas for each patient was considered as total bone volume. Comparison was performed between groups using t-test.
Long face type patients showed higher bone volume (total surface area 3220±368mm2), average face patients have average bone volume (total surface area 2059±620mm2) while square short face patients have the lowest total bone volume (total surface area 1877±112mm2). There was a significant difference between long face and square short face groups (P<0.005) however, there was no significant difference between long face and average face groups.
Patients with long face type have higher mandibular alveolar bone volume compared to short facial type patients.