Evaluation of the Midpalatal Suture Maturation in Young Koreans Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ossification and maturation of the midpalatal suture in young Koreans using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 40 patients with ages from 8.2 to 23.6 years who visited the Department of Orthodontics, Chung-Ang University Dental Hospital. CBCT images were taken for diagnosis. From the CBCT image, morphological stages and Hounsfield units (HU) of midpalatal suture were obtained to evaluate the midpalatal suture maturation. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to analyze relationships between chronological age, morphological stage, and HU. Result: There was a wide variation in the morphology of the midpalatal suture in each age group. It showed a modest relationship between the chronological age and the degree of morphological stages. Also there was a modest relationship between the chronological age and HU. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between morphological stages and HU of midpalatal suture (P<0.01). Conclusion: CBCT images can be used for the evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation. For the estimation of the prognosis of rapid maxillary expansion, CBCT may be reliable for the assessment of the maturation of the midpalatal suture.