Three-Dimensional Distance Mapping Method to Evaluate Mandibular Symmetry and Morphology of Adults with Unilateral Premolar Scissors Bite

Featured Application The present work was the first study to evaluate the association between unilateral premolar scissors bite and mandibular symmetry via a three-dimensional (3D) Distance Mapping technique. By this methodology, the mandibular morphology and symmetry can be visualized and accurately accessed. This computerized method reduced human error and saved measurement time. (1) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between unilateral premolar scissors bite and mandibular symmetry of adults via the 3D distance mapping method. (2) Methods: A total of 53 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of adults with unilateral premolar scissors bite were set as study samples. A total of 53 age- and sex-matched samples without scissors bite were in the control group. Three-dimensional mandibular models and seven mandibular functional units, including condylar process (Co), coronoid process (Cr), mandibular ramus (Ra), mandibular angle (Ma), alveolar process (Ap), mandibular body (Mb), and chin process (Ch) were constructed and mirrored. After superimposition of the original and the mirrored models, 3D distance maps and deviation analysis were performed to evaluate the mandibular symmetry and morphology. (3) Results: In the study group, the matching percentages of the entire mandible (50.79 +/- 10.38%), Ap (67.00 +/- 12.68%), Mb (66.62 +/- 9.44%), Ra (62.52 +/- 11.00%), Ch (80.75 +/- 9.86%), and Co (62.78 +/- 13.56) were lower than that of the entire mandible (58.60 +/- 5.52) (p < 0.01), Ap (73.83 +/- 8.88%) (p < 0.01), Mb (72.37 +/- 8.69%) (p < 0.01), Ra (68.60 +/- 7.56%) (p < 0.01), Ch (85.23 +/- 6.80%) (p < 0.01), and Co (67.58 +/- 10.32%) (p < 0.05) in the control group. However, Cr and Ma showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The 3D distance mapping method provided a qualitative and quantitative mandibular symmetry and morphology assessment. Mandibular asymmetry was found in adults with unilateral premolar scissors bites. Mandibular functional units, including the alveolar process, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin process, and condylar process, showed significant differences, while no significant difference was observed in the coronoid process and mandibular angle.