Orthodontists using cone-beam CT (CBCT) exhibited greater confidence in making pre-treatment diagnosis and treatment planning decisions, according to a recent presentation by researchers at UCLA at the American Association for Dental Research annual meeting in Tampa, Fla.

The researchers, according to an article on DrBicuspid.com, had 23 practicing orthodontists evaluate six patient cases with a range of orthodontic problems, including crowding, severe skeletal asymmetry, temporomandibular disorder, and impactions. After reviewing patient histories, study models, photos, and radiographs, the orthodontists provided a hypothetical diagnosis and treatment plan and associated confidence (0% to 100%). They then evaluated CBCT scans for these patients and noted changes, enhancements, or confirmations to the original diagnosis and treatment plan.

Of 137 total diagnoses, a CBCT scan was requested 58 times, resulting in 22 diagnostic changes and 23 treatment plan changes. After review of the CBCT scans, initial diagnostic and treatment-plan confidence increased from 85% to 93% and 83% to 92% respectively (p < 0.5).