Use of the cone beam computed tomography for the study of bone density in orthodontic treatment. A review of the literature.

The objective of this work is to determine the utility of TCHC (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) for the measurement of bone density in orthodontic treatments by reviewing the literature. The application of forces in orthodontic treatment is responsible for a series of biological responses that occur in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone; In the remodeling, the process of reabsorption and apposition occurs, consequently, the new bone formed presents a new bone density. BMD (Bone Mineral Density) is the amount of minerals (usually calcium and phosphorous) contained in a volume of bone, this includes porosity, marrow and bone matrix. The agglutination of these minerals is what makes the bone more or less dense. Due to this, it is important to quantify the BMD in patients prior to orthodontic treatment. Quantification of BMD is usually done with the Hounsfield Units (UH), the standard measure of Medical Computed Tomography (TCM), however, with the advancement of technology in dentistry, BMD measurements are started, with an equivalent to the UH, called gray value scale; this gray variation is the way to quantify the BMD with the TCHC. With this technological advance, a decrease in the amount of patient filing has been achieved, by reflection, shorter exposure time, lower cost and higher resolution. That is why you might consider a better option for evaluating BMD.