Comparison of dental arch forms created from assessment of teeth, alveolar bone, and the overlying soft tissue

ConclusionsThe arch form shapes obtained from the teeth, alveolar bone, and soft tissue are correlated and show the same general shape. Although future large-scale studies are needed for confirmation, our results suggest that evaluating the easily visualized external features, including the WALA ridge, can adequately predict the underlying bone shape, and thus the desired arch form. Nevertheless, the shapes vary significantly between patients, so the final treatment plan should be individualized rather than relying on over-simplified general wire shapes.
Source: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research