Condyle position in Class II Division 1 malocclusion patients: Correlation between MPI records and CBCT images

BackgroundThis study was designed to test the hypothesis that condyle position, as measured by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is correlated with the amount and direction of centric slide, determined using a mandibular position indicator (MPI).MethodsIn this descriptive study, 40 Class II Division 1 patients with no signs or symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder were evaluated. Power centric registration and CBCT imaging were performed for each patient. Mandibular position registrations were performed using a mandibular position indicator (MPI). The concentric positions of the condyles were assessed using CBCT imaging.ResultsBased on the MPI findings, 57.5% of the patients studied showed a centric relation–centric occlusion discrepancy of ≥2 mm in at least one direction at the level of the condyles. Eighty-two percent of the condylar distractions were found to be in the vertical inferior direction. Based on CBCT image tracing, nearly 87.5% of the condyle positions were found to be nonconcentric for the right and left sides. Significant anterior positioning of the condyles was revealed. No relationship was found between the MPI findings and the CBCT measurements.ConclusionsThe hypothesis was rejected. The concentricity of the condyle in the mandibular fossa as determined using CBCT measurements cannot be used to predict the centric relation–centric occlusion changes at the level of the condyles.