BMC Oral Health. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-09166-w. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of sella turcica bridging (STB) and to check whether sella can be considered as diagnostic marker for class II malocclusion. Secondarily, any possible association between STB and dental anomalies was evaluated.
METHODS: Panoramic and cephalometric radiographs taken for pre-orthodontic evaluation of 150 subjects (75 female and 75 males) in the age from 13 to 25 years were evaluated. The malocclusion and other dental anomalies were identified through clinical examination and radiographic confirmation of the diagnosis. The presence, extent of the bridging and dimensions of the sella turcica were evaluated on cephalometric radiographs. The link between STB and malocclusion was explored by chi square test and the student’s unpaired t test.
RESULTS: Of one hundred and fifty subjects, 47 displayed Sella turcica bridging (STB); the majority had partial bridging (Type II, n = 34). The sellar anatomical types with regard to bridging were not linked to gender, but significant differences were observed among different category of malocclusion. Between subjects with STB and existence of class II malocclusion, highly significant (P = 0.0001) association was recorded. A statistically significant correlation (P = 0.0001) was discovered between the prevalence of STB (both partial and total) and the existence of teeth crowding. STB did not vary regarding the impaction of maxillary canines.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study indicate a definite link between Sella turcica bridging and class II malocclusion and teeth crowding. Sella turcica bridging STB did not vary in subjects with impaction of the maxillary canine, and gender does not influence it.
PMID:42443882 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-09166-w
