Clinical Research Directory

Correlation Between the Midpalatal Suture Maturity and the Maxillary Third Molar Mineralization: a CBCT Study

Assessing the maturation of the mid-palatal suture is an essential criterion for orthodontic decision-making. However, from a CBCT according to Angelieri's classification , it remains difficult for the practitioner's untrained eye. As profile teleradiographs are almost routinely performed in orthodontic check-ups, numerous studies have looked for a correlation between the stage of maturation of the palatal suture and that of the cervical vertebrae. Some have also looked for a link with mineralization of mandibular third or second molars according to Demirjian's classification. These techniques would provide a reliable and reproducible method without the use of CBCT. In our study, the investigators will be looking for a correlation with mineralization of the maxillary third molar according to Nolla's classification. The latter has become common in practice and easy to apply on an orthopantomogram. This would simplify decision-making without the need for a CBCT, but by using the orthopantomogram which is already routinely performed during the assessment.