Quantitative investigation of palatal bone depth and cortical bone thickness for mini-implant placement in adults

IntroductionCortical bone thickness and overall bone depth are important factors to consider when placing an orthodontic mini-implant. The purpose of this study was to investigate both variables in the palate quantitatively to aid clinicians in planning successful mini-implant placements.MethodsThirty dry skulls were imaged with cone-beam computed tomography technology. Coronal slices were generated on which overall bone depth and cortical bone thickness were measured at 4 levels and 34 palatal placement sites. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis.ResultsOverall bone depth decreased with increasing distance from the midsagittal plane and from the anterior to the posterior palatal regions. Cortical bone thickness decreased from anterior to posterior, but no differences were detectable within measurement levels.ConclusionsBone depth and cortical bone thickness of the palate were most favorable for temporary anchorage device placement at the level of the first and second premolars. This information could aid clinicians in choosing suitable palatal placement sites for orthodontic mini-implants.