Evaluation of bone thickness, presence of dehiscence and fenestration in maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth of individuals with various malocclusions: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate buccal and lingual alveolar bone thickness of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and to investigate the prevalence of dehiscence and fenestration across skeletal Class I, II, and III malocclusions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 252 individuals (84 per group; Class I, II, and III) aged 14-35 years were included. CBCT axial and sagittal slices were analyzed to measure alveolar bone thickness at three root levels (cervical, middle, and apical thirds). Dehiscence and fenestration were diagnosed according to standard criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Tukey's HSD, and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in bone thickness was observed among Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions. The presence of dehiscence was found to be more common in Class I and Class III individuals than in Class II individuals (p = 0.029). The presence of fenestration was higher in individuals with Class III and Class II malocclusions than in individuals with Class I malocclusions (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar bone thickness of anterior teeth did not differ among skeletal malocclusion groups. Nevertheless, the prevalence of dehiscence and fenestration varied significantly, with Class II showing less dehiscence, and Class II and III demonstrating higher fenestration. These findings highlight the need for careful CBCT-based assessment of alveolar morphology in orthodontic planning, particularly for camouflage treatments involving anterior tooth movement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.