Dental News - Orthodontic treatment planning without radiation exposure

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 7. August 2017

save

HEIDELBERG, Germany: When a patient requires orthodontic treatment, it is common practice to capture the dental malposition with a radiograph. Scientists from the Heidelberg University Hospital have now published a study in which an alternative treatment plan without radiation exposure was investigated. The study showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology can provide accurate images of craniofacial structures.

The researchers were able to prove that landmarks—important anatomical points in the upper and lower jaws—can be measured with MRI as accurately as in lateral cephalometric radiographs: “Compared with the radiographs, we had very small differences, within the usual acceptable standard deviations. However, the great advantage of MRI is that it does not require any radiation exposure. Even though the radiation dose is low in dental examinations, it is preferable to avoid such exposure in children and adolescents,” said study lead Prof. Martin Bendszus, who now intends applying the technique on a larger scale. MRI technology could also be applied when 3-D imaging is required for specific orthodontic cases, for example in patients with severe malocclusion.

In the study, 20 participants between the ages of 8 and 26 were examined and received an MRI scan and lateral cephalometric radiographs. Two experts then independently identified 18 important landmarks in the jaws, based on which a special computer program calculated 14 angles and ten distances important for orthodontic treatment planning. A comparison of the data showed a deviation of a maximum of 3° for the angles and a maximum of 3 mm for the distances between the radiographs and the MRI images. According to the experts, these differences are within the tolerance range of imaging methods. Furthermore, especially for young patients, the short recording time of under 10 minutes is an advantage, they said, and the administration of a contrast medium is not required.

The researchers see great potential for the new method. “We can improve diagnostics because, in the future, we will also be able to offer clinical trials using 3-D analysis, which is even more accurate,” said Bendszus. He went on to explain that not only is dental MRI suitable for children, but it can also provide essential additional information in adult dentistry. Particularly for common dental diseases, such as periodontitis, MRI technology can be effective for early diagnosis based on soft-tissue changes. This is in contrast to a radiograph, which only shows changes in the bone structure.

The study, titled “Lateral cephalometric analysis for treatment planning in orthodontics based on MRI compared with radiographs: A feasibility study in children and adolescents,” was published online on 23 March in the PLOS ONE journal.

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

Fixed orthodontic appliances and AI software: Advancing treatment planning and management

As an orthodontist, I derive immense satisfaction from employing cutting-edge technologies that significantly improve treatment efficiency and patient ...

Laser treatment of pulpal exposure to potentially avoid endodontic treatment

Pulpal exposures are unfortunately a routine occurrence when treating carious teeth and frequently lead to endodontic treatment owing to the size of the ...

CBCT-based crown–root set-up supports anatomy-guided orthodontic planning

CZĘSTOCHOWA, Poland: Conventional digital orthodontic set-ups often focus primarily on crowns. Although this approach supports aesthetic and occlusal ...

Treating complex implant cases: ITI webinar to cover treatment planning

An International Team for Implantology (ITI) webinar to be hosted by Straumann Campus on 20 October will explore the key aspects of treating complex ...

Efficient filling treatments without compromising on quality

SCHAAN, Liechtenstein: Ivoclar Vivadent offers dental professionals ideally coordinated products for high-quality, aesthetic and efficient filling ...

Digital diagnostics and treatment planning: A comprehensive workflow at Pixel Clinic

CZĘSTOCHOWA, Poland: Pixel Clinic is a modern dental clinic in Poland with a strong focus on aesthetics and digital workflows. At the clinic, the most ...

X-MIND optima digital ecosystem connects imaging, diagnosis and treatment planning

MÉRIGNAC, France: As digital technologies continue to evolve, dental practices increasingly rely on multiple imaging, diagnostic and treatment planning ...

A paradigm shift in orthodontics: Reframing early treatment as timely treatment for growing patients

Healthcare is not just about treatment; it is about people—and the words we use have the power to change lives. In fact, the language we use has ...

Scientists find effective treatment for oral pain caused by radiation therapy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., U.S.: Scientists have recently discovered that an oral rinse referred to as magic mouthwash significantly reduces the pain caused by ...

Danish study examines aligner treatment in general dental and orthodontic practice

COPENHAGEN, Denmark: In Denmark, dental care regulations state that orthodontic treatment should ideally be led by orthodontists, but adult aligner ...

Education

Live webinar
Mon. 26 October 2026
11:00 am EST (New York)