Comparison of mandibular cortical bone among obese, overweight, and normal weight adolescents using panoramic mandibular index and mental index

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) of a group of adolescent patients in different body mass index (BMI) percentile. Material and methods Subjects were divided into three different groups in accordance to their BMI percentile status: normal weight (35 subjects; mean age, 14.81 +/- 2.12 years), overweight (32 subjects; mean age, 14.77 +/- 2.56 years), and obese (33 subjects; mean age, 14.06 +/- 2.59 years) groups. Mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) were assessed on panoramic radiographs. Results There were statistically significant differences in PMI and MI that were observed among groups (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectivel). MI and PMI are higher in overweight and obese individuals than in normal-weight. Conclusions Mandibular cortex was found thicker in patients who are obese and overweight compared to normal weight patients. We can suggest that young obese individuals' bone structure can be take in consideration in orthodontic or dental surgical treatment planning.