Clinical application of three -dimensional cone beam computed tomography in orthodontics

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a useful armamentarium for the accurate assessment of orthodontic patients. Traditionally, the diagnosis and treatment planning of the orthodontic patients have used two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. The clinical value of CBCT lies from its ability to describe craniofacial anatomy accurately and provide comprehensive information about anatomical relationships for the improved diagnosis, treatment planning and prediction of treatment. CBCT has been found to be useful in assessing cases of dental and craniofacial anomalies, jaw deformities, airway disruptions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, as well as placement of temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) and other applications. In this chapter, we will describe the clinical application of CBCT in orthodontics.