CBCT
Pronunciation: SEE-bee-SEE-tee
Also written as: CBCT — Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Cone-beam computed tomography; a three-dimensional imaging modality used in dentofacial orthopedics to assess skeletal structures, airway volume, and tooth positions with lower radiation than conventional CT.
Full Definition
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) employs a cone-shaped X-ray beam rotating around the patient to generate volumetric three-dimensional data reconstructed from a series of two-dimensional images. In dentofacial orthopedics, it is used to evaluate transverse and vertical skeletal discrepancies, assess the midpalatal suture's maturation before expansion, examine condylar morphology, and measure airway dimensions. CBCT delivers lower radiation doses than medical CT but higher than conventional dental radiographs, so its use must be justified clinically. Editors should always spell out the acronym on first use and be alert to the variant 'cone beam CT' (without hyphen) or 'cone-beam CT' (with hyphen) when checking for consistency.
Usage
Usage note: Expand the acronym at first use. Hyphenation varies by publisher: 'cone-beam' (hyphenated) is preferred in most peer-reviewed journals. Do not conflate with conventional medical CT, which uses a different beam geometry and higher radiation.
In Context
- "Pre-surgical CBCT confirmed bilateral condylar resorption, altering the treatment plan." — Surgical orthodontics case report
- "The manufacturer recommends using CBCT to assess midpalatal suture ossification before initiating rapid palatal expansion in adults." — Device instructions for use