Factors Associated with the Proximity of the Incisive Canal to the Maxillary Central Incisor

Abstract

The position of the maxillary central incisors (MCIs) is an important factor in treatment planning since it is related to esthetics and physiological function. This study aimed to evaluate maxillofacial morphology related to the proximity of the MCI to the incisive canal (IC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In 157 patients, the distance between the MCI and IC was measured using CBCT images, and the maxillofacial morphology was measured using cephalograms. The relationship between age, sex, and cephalometric analysis was subsequently investigated using stepwise multiple regression analysis, with the distance between the MCI root apex and IC as the objective variable, and age, sex, and cephalometric variables as explanatory variables. The results demonstrated significant associations between the distance separating point A and the pterygomaxillary fissure projected on the palatal plane (B = 0.092, p < 0.01), the maxillary central incisal edge to the Frankfort horizontal plane (B = −0.058, p < 0.01), and the mandibular plane (B = −0.036, p = 0.031). Age and sex showed no association with the distance between the IC and MCI. Particular attention should be paid to the proximity of the tooth root to the IC in patients with short anteroposterior diameters of the maxilla and an anterior labial tilt of the dolichofacial type.