Evaluation of condyle position in patients with Angle Class I, II, and III malocclusion using cone-beam computed tomography panoramic reconstructions.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to compare the positions of the right and left condyles between male and female patients with different Angle malocclusions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) panoramic reconstructions.

METHODS

The CBCT images of 60 patients (age of 18-37 years) were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided according to their Angle malocclusion classifications (Angle Classes I, II, and III). The condyle-to-eminence, condyle-to-fossa, and condyle-to-meatus distances were measured digitally using i-CAT software.

RESULTS

The left and right condyle-to-fossa distances were the most variable parameters among the Angle classes. The right condyle-to-eminence and right condyle-to-fossa distances were significantly different among the classes. Male patients seemed to have a greater condyle-to-fossa distance on the right side in both the Class I and III groups. The mean distance from the condyle to eminence, condyle to fossa, and condyle to meatus on the right side was the greatest in the Angle Class II group.

CONCLUSIONS

In all three types of malocclusion (Angle Classes I, II, and III), the condyles on both the right and left sides were not exactly symmetric or centrally located within the glenoid fossa. This work emphasizes the differences in the condyle position between male and female patients. Furthermore, the symmetry and centricity of the condyles are not dependent on the patient's sex or type of malocclusion.