This ADA critical summary looks at a 2012 review by van Vlijmen et al  of the evidence to support the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics

The reviewer highlights the extensive range of databases searched for the use of CBCT for orthodontic purposes.  There was also an independent assessment of study quality. The 50 studies included a wide range of topics related to orthodontic management.  The reviewer noted that the results section only included details of the authors’ methodological scores rather than the actual study results.   It was felt that the discussion was more consistent with a narrative rather than a systematic review.

Overall the reviewer noted that despite its limitations a lack of high quality evidence to support the use of CBCT in was demonstrated.

The review also noted the European guidelines on the CBCT use, which we have noted previously (Dental Elf 29^th Jan 2013). The ADA also have an advisory statement of the use of CBCT ( Dental Elf 8^th Aug 2012)

Links

ADA-EBD – Lack of quality evidence regarding the benefits of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics

van Vlijmen OJ, Kuijpers MA, Bergé SJ, Schols JG, Maal TJ, Breuning H, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM. Evidence supporting the use of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics. J Am Dent Assoc. 2012 Mar;143(3):241-52. Review. PubMed PMID: 22383204.

Dental Elf  29^th Jan 2013  Evidence-based Guidelines for cone beam CT for dental and maxillo-facial radiology

Dental Elf 8^th Aug 2012 – ADA advisory statement on the use of CBCT in dentistry