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. 2024 Mar 25;53(3):178-188.
doi: 10.1093/dmfr/twae001.

The use of CBCT in orthodontics with special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

Fabio Savoldi  1 , Dorothea Dagassan-Berndt  2 , Raphael Patcas  3 , Wing-Sze Mak  4 , Georgios Kanavakis  5 , Carlalberta Verna  5 , Min Gu  1 , Michael M Bornstein  6
Affiliations

The use of CBCT in orthodontics with special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

Fabio Savoldi et al. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. .

Abstract

Applications of cone-beam CT (CBCT) in orthodontics have been increasingly discussed and evaluated in science and practice over the last two decades. The present work provides a comprehensive summary of current consolidated practice guidelines, cutting-edge innovative applications, and future outlooks about potential use of CBCT in orthodontics with a special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The present scoping review reveals that clinical applications of CBCT in orthodontics are broadly supported by evidence for the diagnosis of dental anomalies, temporomandibular joint disorders, and craniofacial malformations. On the other hand, CBCT imaging for upper airway analysis-including soft tissue diagnosis and airway morphology-needs further validation in order to provide better understanding regarding which diagnostic questions it can be expected to answer. Internationally recognized guidelines for CBCT use in orthodontics are existent, and similar ones should be developed to provide clear indications about the appropriate use of CBCT for upper airway assessment, including a list of specific clinical questions justifying its prescription.

Keywords: airway obstruction; cone-beam computed tomography; diagnostic imaging; obstructive sleep apnoea; orthodontics.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare to have no conflict of interest with regard to this manuscript.

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