Oral Radiologists' Recommendations for CBCT Use in Orthodontics

Background: A great deal of attention has recently been placed on establishing a balance between the advantages of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the risks of ionizing radiation. Due to dramatic advances in CBCT technology in recent years, few formal clinical guidelines exist for orthodontists. Objective: To provide recommendations for CBCT use in orthodontics. Design: Position statement by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR). Methods: A panel of expert board-certified orthodontists and oral radiologists reviewed the current literature on clinical benefits and radiation risks of CBCT in orthodontics. A consensus among this group was reached on recommendations for imaging selection based on current evidence. Results: No clear evidence supported routine use of CBCT in clinical orthodontics. However, CBCT imaging was "likely indicated" in individual cases with anomalous tooth structure (resorption, supernumeraries, hypodontia, etc) or tooth positio more...