Objective: Cortical bone thickness and bone depth are important factors when inserting an orthodontic mini-implant. The objective of this study is to investigate both variables for the palatal alveolar process.
Methods: 30 human dry skulls were imaged using cone beam computed tomography technology. Two dimensional slices through all posterior maxillary interdental areas were generated. Here, cortical bone thickness and bone depth were measured at 4, 8, and 12 mm from the alveolar crest. Two way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni corrected t-test post hoc analysis were used to analyze the measurements.
Results: Mean cortical bone thickness was 1.2 mm and mean bone depth was 9.0 mm. Greatest mean cortical bone thickness was found at the 8 mm level (1.26 mm) and between the canine and first bicuspid (1.33 mm). Greatest mean bone depth was found 4 mm from the alveolar crest (10.05 mm) and distal to the second molars (9.84 mm).
Conclusions: Cortical bone thickness and bone depth of the palatal alveolar process are, on average, favorable for the insertion of orthodontic mini-implants.