Caracterización anatómica del shelf mandibular y sus factores asociados; en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico (CBCT), obtenidas de pacientes atendidos en el Centro Radiológico Scanner Cuenca, en el período noviembre 2021-junio 2023, Cuenca-Ecuador

The mandibular buccal Shelf is regarded as an important insertion site for mini-screws used in orthodontics, with success and stability corroborated in this region according to various studies. For this reason, it is important to understand its anatomical characteristics before applying anchorage mechanics to ensure proper insertion of mini-screws and avoid potential failures or complications, ensuring the success of the treatment (1)(2) Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the bone height and cortical thickness of the mandibular buccal Shelf and its associated factors in images of patients treated at the "Scanner Cuenca" radiological center in Cuenca, Ecuador, during the period from November 2021 to June 2023. Methodology: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to conduct this research. Patients were classified based on criteria such as age, gender, and skeletal pattern. Subsequently, the tomographic images were oriented in a coronal view, identifying four common areas for the insertion of extra-alveolar mini-screws in the mandibular Shelf (ShM), using the mesial and distal roots of the first and second right mandibular molars as reference points. Finally, measurements of the height and thickness of the ShM were conducted. Results: The thickness in the mandibular Shelf increases posteriorly. However, when examining the characteristics of the ShM based on gender and skeletal Class, statistically significant differences were identified. The vestibular region at the mesial and distal roots of the lower second molar showed the highest values in height and thickness. Additionally, it was observed that age did not influence significantly on the bone thickness of the evaluated sites.