[Alveolar osteotomy and rapid orthodontic treatments]

Orthod Fr. 2007 Sep;78(3):217-25

Authors: Sebaoun JD, Ferguson DJ, Wilcko MT, Wilcko WM

When combined with orthodontics, selective periodontal decortication has been shown to be clinically effective in eliminating severe malocclusions three to four times more rapidly than conventional orthodontic treatment. Our technique combines surgical scarring of the cortical bone on both labial and lingual sides of the teeth to be moved, with an augmentation graft to increase alveolar volume. Alveolar spongiosa undergoes rapid transformation as the body attempts to heal the wounds to the cortices resulting in marked tissue turnover. The patient is seen every two weeks and most cases are completed within six months of orthodontic treatment. Moreover, this technique significantly expands the scope of treatment in resolving many skeletal problems such as openbites and severe maxillary constrictions, conditions typically relegated to orthognathic surgery. Clinical outcomes research has shown that the immediate post treatment results settle better during retention and that the long term results become more stable. These facts are likely due to the high tissue turnover induced by decortication as well as the thicker cortical bone resulting from the augmentation grafting.

PMID: 17878040 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Maxillary canine impactions related to impacted central incisors: two case reports.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(6):72-81

Authors: Bayram M, Ozer M, Sener I

AIM: The purpose of this case report is to describe the combined surgical and orthodontic treatment of two cases with an impacted maxillary central incisor and canine in the same quadrant and to discuss the causal relationship between them. BACKGROUND: The most common causes of canine impactions are usually the result of one or more factors such as a long path of eruption, tooth size-arch length discrepancies, abnormal position of the tooth bud, prolonged retention or early loss of the deciduous canine, trauma, the presence of an alveolar cleft, ankylosis, cystic or neoplastic formation, dilaceration of the root, supernumerary teeth, and odontomas. Although impaction of the maxillary central incisor is almost as prevalent as impacted canines its etiology is different. The principal factors involved in causing the anomaly are supernumerary teeth, odontomas, and trauma. REPORTS: Case #1: A 10.5-year-old girl in the early mixed dentition stage presented with a chief complaint of the appearance of her anterior teeth. She had a Class I skeletal pattern and a history of trauma to the maxillary central incisors at age five with premature exfoliation. Radiographs revealed an impacted upper right central incisor in the region of the nasal floor, delayed eruption of the maxillary permanent central incisor, and the adjacent lateral incisor was inclined toward the edentulous space. Treatment was done in two stages consisting of surgical exposure and traction of the impacted central incisor and fixed orthodontic treatment. Case #2: An 11.5-year-old girl presented for orthodontic treatment with the chief complaint of an unerupted tooth and the appearance of her upper anterior teeth. She was in the late mixed dentition period with a Class III skeletal pattern along with an anterior cross-bite with some maxillary transverse deficiency. The maxillary right canine and central incisor were absent, but the maxillary right deciduous canine was still present. Treatment included arch expansion followed by surgical exposure and traction of the impacted teeth and fixed orthodontic treatment. SUMMARY: This case report provides some evidence of a significant environmental influence of an impacted maxillary central incisor on the path of eruption of the ipsilateral maxillary canine. When an impacted maxillary central incisor exists, the maxillary lateral incisor's root might be positioned distally into the path of eruption of the maxillary canine preventing its normal eruption. Ongoing assessment and early intervention might help to prevent such adverse situations from occurring.

PMID: 17846674 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Total impaction of deciduous maxillary molars: two case reports.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(6):64-71

Authors: Gündüz K, Muğlali M, Inal S

AIM: The purpose of this report is to present two cases of totally impacted maxillary deciduous molars, considered a rarity in dental practice. BACKGROUND: Primary tooth impaction is quite rare during the development of primary dentition. Various factors contribute to the impaction of a deciduous tooth, including anklyosis, congenitally missing permanent teeth, defects in the periodontal membrane, trauma, injury of the periodontal ligament, precocious eruption of the first permanent molar, defective eruptive force, or a combination of these factors. REPORTS: Case #1: An 18-year-old male presented with a complaint of spontaneous repetitious pain in the maxillary right premolar region. The maxillary right second premolar was clinically absent. Panoramic and periapical radiographs revealed an impacted second premolar close to the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus and an impacted deciduous molar deeply embedded in bone within the maxillary sinus. Case #2: A 14-year-old girl presented with a complaint of crowding of the maxillary teeth. The maxillary right second premolar and the maxillary permanent canines were clinically absent. A panoramic radiograph revealed an impacted maxillary right second premolar and an impacted deciduous molar embedded within bone close to the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus. SUMMARY: The total impactation of deciduous teeth is a rare condition, and few cases have been reported in the literature. The condition generally affects the mandibular second deciduous molar and the maxillary first deciduous least often. In this paper, two cases of totally impacted maxillary deciduous molars are reported.

PMID: 17846673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Facemask therapy with miniplate implant anchorage in a patient with maxillary hypoplasia.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2007 Aug 5;120(15):1372-5

Authors: Zhou YH, Ding P, Lin Y, Qiu LX

PMID: 17711747 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Remarks on drawing up a community health orthodontic assistance protocol]

Cien Saude Colet. 2007 Jul-Aug;12(4):1067-78

Authors: Hebling SR, Pereira AC, Hebling E, Meneghim Mde C

This study offers help for drawing up a community health orthodontic assistance protocol, especially for the public health system. A preventive and interceptive orthodontic program is suggested through the inclusion of approaches in existing healthcare programs that may help prevent malocclusions, extending the services offered by Basic Healthcare Units to include fitting space retainer appliances and interceptive procedures. Possible occlusion problems are discussed and rated as high or low priority for treatment, stressing occlusal deviations that should not be treated precociously. Preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment should primarily be offered to children with deciduous and mixed dentition. The management and inclusion of orthodontic procedures can be deployed through the management of physical, human and financial resources, establishing access criteria for these services. The use of an appropriate orthodontic assistance protocol and correct planning of orthodontic actions could pave the way for preventive and interceptive procedures at the Basic Healthcare Units, while more resources could be allocated to setting up Specialty Reference Centers offering more complex corrective orthodontic procedures.

PMID: 17680165 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Importance of occlusion aspects in the completion of orthodontic treatment.

Braz Dent J. 2007;18(1):78-82

Authors: Oltramari PV, Conti AC, Navarro Rde L, Almeida MR, Almeida-Pedrin RR, Ferreira FP

The purpose of this study was to address the therapeutic goals regarding the static and functional occlusion in the completion of orthodontic treatment. For such purpose, a study population comprising 20 female treated Class II malocclusion subjects with an initial mean age of 11 years underwent a two-phase treatment (orthopedics and orthodontics). The patients were diagnosed in centric relation and were treated according to the six keys for normal occlusion and functional occlusal parameters (centric relation, vertical dimension, lateral and anterior guidances, occlusal contacts and direction of forces applied on the teeth). After removal of fixed mechanics, retainers were installed and maintained for two years. Five years after orthodontic completion, the occlusal stability of the patients was evaluated regarding molar relationship and overjet, measured in dental casts. All subjects maintained the normal molar relationship and correct overjet achieved at the end of treatment, indicating a fair level of occlusal stability. The importance of the criteria of the ideal functional occlusion to ensure a better stability after completion orthodontic treatment will be discussed in detail in this paper. In addition, some clinical situations in which localized adjustments are indicated for occlusal refinement will be described.

PMID: 17639207 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dental enamel around fixed orthodontic appliances after fluoride varnish application.

Braz Dent J. 2007;18(1):49-53

Authors: Gontijo L, Cruz Rde A, Brandão PR

Poor oral hygiene has been considered one of the main problems routinely faced in the orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliance creates an environment that provides mineral loss from the dental enamel. Such condition is clinically seen as white spot lesions and cavitations in the most severe cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a fluoride varnish application as a caries prevention method for clinical orthodontics. The experiment analyzed dental enamel adjacent to orthodontics accessories after treatment. In addition, it was observed the calcium, phosphorus and fluoride contents on enamel treated with a fluoride varnish. The results showed that fluoride varnish application is a simple and fast technique that could be useful in preventing enamel demineralization associated to orthodontic treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant amount of calcium fluoride-like material deposited on enamel and energy dispersive x-ray analysis demonstrated a large incorporation of calcium and fluoride to the enamel of the treated specimens. It was concluded that fluoride varnish could indeed be considered an efficient preventive method to enhance enamel resistance against the cariogenic challenges during orthodontic therapy.

PMID: 17639201 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Initial pulp changes during orthodontic movement: histomorphological evaluation.

Braz Dent J. 2007;18(1):34-9

Authors: Santamaria M, Milagres D, Iyomasa MM, Stuani MB, Ruellas AC

This study evaluated pulp changes in molars of rats submitted to tooth movement by application of a 0.4 N force. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus) were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=5), being one control group not submitted to force application, and four study groups of 6, 12, 24 and 72 h of force application. The study groups received a 5-mm long nickel-titanium closed coil spring, placed from the right maxillary first molar to the maxillary incisors of each animal. The coil spring was used for mesial inclination of the first molar. After the specific period of tooth movement of each study group, the animals were sacrificed and specimens containing the teeth submitted to movement were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis under light microscopy. The results demonstrated alteration of the odontoblastic layer, with hypertrophy of odontoblasts especially at the mesial area of the coronal pulp, edema of the pulp connective tissue in the central area of the pulp, and vascular alteration with accumulation of erythrocytes and leukocytes inside the vessels, especially at the mesial root of the moved teeth. These changes were less remarkable for the 72-h period. Thus, it may be concluded that tooth movement yielded pulpal tissue alterations compatible with an inflammatory process, which are reversible if the aggression is not more intense than the physiological limit of tissue tolerance.

PMID: 17639198 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ultrasound bone cutting for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion under local anesthesia. Preliminary results.

Minerva Stomatol. 2007 Jun;56(6):359-68

Authors: Robiony M, Polini F, Costa F, Zerman N, Politi M

Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a well-established therapy for correction of maxillary transverse deficiency in adults, when consolidation of sutures has just been completed. It can be performed either under general or under local anesthesia and it can be accomplished with many surgical techniques. One of the most critical steps of SARME is the detachment of the pterygo-maxillary junction, due to the risks connected to such procedure. When required to obtain specific expansion patterns, the pterygo-maxillary separation has been suggested until now only for interventions under general anesthesia, due to the dangerousness and the rawness of this surgical step in awake patients. The authors introduce the use of an ultrasonic bone-cutting device to perform all osteotomic steps of SARME under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, including pterygo-maxillary detachment. This ultrasonic device is unique in that the osteotomic action occurs only when the tool is employed on mineralized tissues, while it stops on soft tissues. It works in a linear pattern of vibration and it allows precise osteotomies without producing any heat damage to osteotomic surfaces and without any dangerous hammer-related stroke. Due to its precision and safety, this device named Piezosurgery, allows patients to undergo all the steps of SARME under local anesthesia, also without hospitalization.

PMID: 17625493 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Maxillary corticotomy and extraoral orthopedic traction in mature teenage patients: a case report.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(5):76-84

Authors: Pelo S, Boniello R, Gasparini G, Longobardi G

AIM: The authors' propose to combine the reverse pull headgear with a Delaire type face mask and a maxillary corticotomy to treat a Class III non-growing patient with maxillary retrusion. The aim of this report is to present two cases in which this treatment strategy was successful. BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest the majority of Class III dento-skeletal malocclusions have components of maxillary retrusion. Early treatment of these patients with maxillary protraction devices have shown promising results. Facemask therapy has some important limits. Most important is the optimal timing of treatment between the ages of six to ten years. Closure of the maxillary suture occurs as a child ages which results in an increase of maxillary resistance to protraction. REPORT: A proposed therapy carried out in orthodontic and surgical phases was used in the treatment of two young patients. They were both beyond the optimal age range for the application of the orthopedic device (a girl 15 years old and a boy 16 years old), however, they had not reached the necessary skeletal maturity for orthognathic surgery. SUMMARY: The described technique has the advantage of being quick and easy to perform with a low surgical risk yielding satisfactory results after 15-20 days of therapy instead of the six to nine months associated with traditional procedures.

PMID: 17618333 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The emergence of orthodontics as a specialty in Britain: the role of the British Society for the Study of Orthodontics.

Med Hist. 2007 Jul;51(3):379-98

Authors: Taylor GS, Nicolson M

PMID: 17603659 [PubMed - in process]

Treatment effects of occipitomental anchorage appliance of maxillary protraction combined with chincup traction in children with Class III malocclusion.

J Formos Med Assoc. 2007 May;106(5):380-91

Authors: Lin HC, Chang HP, Chang HF

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Little information related to the treatment effects of the occipitomental anchorage (OMA) appliance of maxillary (Mx) protraction combined with chincup traction is available. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment effects of the OMA orthopedic appliance on patients with Class III malocclusion. METHODS: Pretreatment and post-treatment cephalometric records of 20 consecutively treated patients with Class III malocclusions were evaluated and compared with a matched sample of untreated Class III control subjects. RESULTS: The OMA appliance is effective for correcting skeletal Class III malocclusion in growing children. The treatment effects of this orthopedic appliance were considered to be from both skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. The skeletal effects were mainly obtained by stimulating forward growth of the Mx complex with negligible rotation of the Mx plane and restraining forward advancement of the mandible (Mn) with backward and downward rotation of the Mn plane. The observed dentoalveolar effects were mostly due to the labial tipping movement of the Mx incisors. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the OMA orthopedic appliance can correct the mesial jaw relationship and negative incisal over jet. This appliance is effective for correcting skeletal Class III malocclusion with both midface deficiency and Mn prognathism in growing children.

PMID: 17561473 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effects of activator and high-pull headgear combination therapy: skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue profile changes.

Eur J Orthod. 2007 Apr;29(2):140-8

Authors: Marşan G

The aim of this study was to evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue profile changes with activator and high-pull headgear combination therapy in patients with Class II malocclusions caused by maxillary prognathism and mandibular retrognathism. The subjects, all in the mixed dentition, were selected from a single centre and were divided into two groups: 28 patients were treated with an incisor double capping activator and a high-pull headgear combination appliance (13 girls, 15 boys mean chronological age 11.7 +/- 1.2 years, skeletal age 12.1 +/- 1.4 years) and an untreated group of 28 subjects (14 girls, 14 boys mean chronological mean age 11.9 +/- 1.1 years, skeletal age 12.3 +/- 1.3 years). The skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue profile changes that occurred were compared on lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T0) and after 1.1 +/- 0.3 years when the combination appliance was removed (T1). In the control group, the radiographs were obtained at the start (T0) and after an observation period 1.2 +/- 0.4 years (T1). Statistical analysis was undertaken with Wilcoxon's ranked-sum test for intra-group comparisons and differences between groups with t-test and Bonferroni's test at a level of significance of P < 0.05. Activator and high-pull headgear combination treatment in these growing patients resulted in a correction of the skeletal Class II relationship (ANB -3.4 degrees), a restriction of maxillary growth (SNA -2.0 degrees, OLp-A -2.3 mm), an advancement of the mandibular structures (SNB +2.6 degrees, FH-NPg +2.3 degrees, OLp-B +2.7 mm, OLp-Pg +2.2 mm), an increase in lower face height (ANS-Me +3.9 mm), a correction of the overjet (-5.4 mm), an improvement in overbite (-2.2 mm), uprighting of the maxillary incisors (U1-FH -5.3 degrees, OLp-U1 -2.5 mm), protrusion of the mandibular incisors (IMPA +2.0 degrees, OLp-L1 +2.7 mm), and a correction of the dental Class II malocclusion (OLp-L6 +3.5 mm). The soft tissue profile changes were a correction of facial convexity (G'-Sn-Pg' angle 2.3 degrees, Mlf-Li-x-axis angle 9.1 degrees), and an increase in lower antero-posterior (Mlf-y-axis 5.6 mm, Pg'-y-axis 5.3 mm), and lower vertical (Sls-x-axis 3.8 mm, Pg'-x-axis 3.8 mm, Me'-x-axis 5.1 mm) soft tissue dimensions. The mentolabial fold depth (Mlf-E line) also significantly decreased, -0.8 mm in the treated group. The activator and high-pull headgear combination appliance was effective in treating growing patients with maxillary prognathism, mandibular deficiency, and facial convexity by a combination of skeletal and dentoalveolar changes and improvement in the soft tissue facial profile.

PMID: 17488997 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Difference in quality of life according to the severity of malocclusion in Japanese orthodontic patients.

Tohoku J Exp Med. 2007 May;212(1):71-80

Authors: Tajima M, Kohzuki M, Azuma S, Saeki S, Meguro M, Sugawara J

Although quality of life (QOL) assessment is important in dentistry, it has not been fully investigated in orthodontic patients. We investigated the health-related generic QOL (entire body health) and disease specific QOL (oral health) in adult patients with malocclusions at the first visit. One hundred and twenty-seven orthodontic patients and 66 persons with normal occlusion were recruited for the study. The subjects were divided into the three following groups based on their treatment: 61 patients in need of surgical correction (SURG), 66 patients in need of non-surgical correction (NONS), and 66 control subjects with normal occlusion. Their dentofacial morphology was assessed using a specific Severity Score (SS), which was set up originally based on their cephalometric radiographs and their plaster models of arrangement of their teeth. The subjects also completed a generic QOL assessment questionnaire, the SF-36, and two disease-specific QOL instruments. The patients with malocclusions, especially SURG, had lower disease-specific QOL, although the generic QOL was equal to that of control subjects. Furthermore, in patients with the same severity of dentofacial deformities, especially SS 4 and SS 5, the borderline cases of surgical correction and non-surgical correction, there were differences between SURG and NONS in some items of the QOL. The severity of malocclusion evidently plays an important role in patients' choice of treatment, but also QOL appeared to play a significant role. The QOL assessment may contribute to the selection of the best treatment for improving QOL, especially for borderline cases with moderate degrees of orthodontic abnormality.

PMID: 17464106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Treatment of space loss caused by submerged maxillary second primary molar.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Mar;25(1):36-8

Authors: Karacay S, Guven G, Basak F

Submersion is a clinical term describing a tooth depressed below the occlusal plane. In this case report, we present the treatment of a patient who had totally submerged primary maxillary second molar, which caused impaction of the second premolar and space loss in the maxillary arch due to tipping of adjacent teeth. A 12-year-old girl was referred to the pediatric dentistry clinic. The intra-oral examination revealed that right maxillary second primary molar was localized buccal side of posterior maxillary alveolar process, being almost completely covered by gingiva and adjacent teeth inclined closing the space of the related teeth completely. Periapical radiograph demonstrated that maxillary second premolar was impacted. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, maxillary primary second molar was extracted. Headgear was used for the distalization of maxillary right first molar in order to create space for the impacted second premolar. Eruption begun spontaneously 6 months later.

PMID: 17456966 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Spontaneous closure of midline diastema following frenectomy.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Mar;25(1):23-6

Authors: Koora K, Muthu MS, Rathna PV

Maxillary midline diastema is a common aesthetic problem in mixed and early permanent dentitions. The space can occur either as a transient malocclusion or created by developmental, pathological or iatrogenical factors. Many innovative therapies varying from restorative procedures such as composite build-up to surgery (frenectomies) and orthodontics are available. Although literature says every frenectomy procedure should be preceded by orthodontic treatment, we opted for frenectomy technique without any orthodontic intervention. Presented herewith is a case report of a 9-year-old girl with a high frenal attachment that had caused spacing of the maxillary central incisors. A spontaneous closure of the midline diastema was noted within 2 months following frenectomy. The patient was followed up for 4 months after which the space remained closed and there was no necessity for an orthodontic treatment at a later stage.

PMID: 17456963 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The use of index of orthodontic treatment need in an Iranian population.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2007 Mar;25(1):10-4

Authors: Hedayati Z, Fattahi HR, Jahromi SB

This study aims to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment between 11 and 14 year old school children in Shiraz. A sample of 2000 students consisting of 1200 boys and 800 girls from various parts of the city was selected. The index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) was used by two calibrated examiners. The data was recorded in questionnaires to assess dental health components (DHC). Aesthetic components (AC) were evaluated both by students (AC) and examiners (ACE). The results for DHC of IOTN were: 18.39% of population showed severe and very severe need for treatment, 25.8% were in border line category, 48.1% had a slight need and the percentage for no need to treatment was 7.63%. In evaluating AC, 91.93% were in no need or little need, 3.91% in moderate need and 4.11% in great need to treatment group. Where as ACE resulted in: 91.31% no need and little need, 2.44% moderate need and 6.21% great need to treatment. There was a slight statistical correlation (0.54) between AC and ACE, but a very weak correlation between DHC and AC was observed. According to DHC, boys showed more need for treatment than girls (P=0.001). Grade 8 showed the most percentage in great need category in both AC and ACE (3.41% of 4.11% and 5.74% of 6.21%, respectively). The results indicate that the need for orthodontic treatment was less than other studies and most of the students were in the category of little need for treatment.

PMID: 17456960 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A controlled clinical trial of the effects of the Twin Block and Dynamax appliances on the hard and soft tissues.

Eur J Orthod. 2007 Jun;29(3):272-82

Authors: Lee RT, Kyi CS, Mack GJ

The aim of this controlled trial was to identify and quantify skeletal, soft tissue and dental changes during treatment, and immediately post-treatment with Twin Block (TB) or Dynamax appliance using the techniques of three-dimensional (3D)optical surface laser scanning, cephalometric, and clinical measurements. Sixty-two Caucasian subjects, 36 males aged 11-14 years and 26 females aged 10-13 years were enrolled in the study. The patients were placed in two groups, matched for gender and age and subsequently allocated randomly for treatment with either a TB or Dynamax appliance. Active treatment lasted 9 months followed by 3 months' post-treatment observation. Laser scanning and clinical measurements were taken at 3-monthly intervals and final cephalometric records after 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed-rank tests. The non-compliance rates were the same for both groups (9 per cent), but a greater incidence of breakages was found in the Dynamax group. The TB was found to produce slightly more antero-posterior skeletal change, median ANB reduction, TB=2 degrees, Dynamax 1.1 degree (P=0.006), and similar forward movements of the chin and was associated with larger increases in the vertical facial dimension, median total anterior face height increase; TB=3.2 mm, Dynamax = 2.8 mm (P=0.03). The soft tissue vertical cephalometric increases were 3.6 mm with the TB, 2.0 mm with the Dynamax (P=0.036), and with laser scanning 5.05 and 2.6 mm, respectively, a difference which is likely to be more clinically relevant. The median post-treatment changes in soft tissue pogonion were -0.65 mm in the TB and +0.22 mm in the Dynamax group. The optical surface scanning mark and measure system is a valid method for quantifying soft tissue changes.

PMID: 17456506 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Mechanical force-induced midpalatal suture remodeling in mice.

Bone. 2007 Jun;40(6):1483-93

Authors: Hou B, Fukai N, Olsen BR

Mechanical stress is an important epigenetic factor for regulating skeletal remodeling, and application of force can lead to remodeling of both bone and cartilage. Chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts all participate and interact with each other in this remodeling process. To study cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in a system that can be genetically manipulated, we used mouse midpalatal suture expansion in vivo. Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to palatal suture expansion by opening loops with an initial force of 0.56 N for the periods of 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 or 28 days. Periosteal cells in expanding sutures showed increased proliferation, with Ki67-positive cells representing 1.8+/-0.1% to 4.5+/-0.4% of total suture cells in control groups and 12.0+/-2.6% to 19.9+/-1.2% in experimental/expansion groups (p<0.05). Starting at day 1, cells expressing alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen were seen. New cartilage and bone formation was observed at the oral edges of the palatal bones at day 7; at the nasal edges only bone formation without cartilage appeared to occur. An increase in osteoclast numbers suggested increased bone remodeling, ranging from 60 to 160% throughout the experimental period. Decreased Saffranin O staining after day 3 suggested decreased proteoglycan content in the secondary cartilage. Micro-CT showed a significant increase in maxillary width at days 14 and 28 (from 2334+/-4 microm to 2485+/-3 microm at day 14 and from 2383+/-5 microm to 2574+/-7 microm at day 28, p<0.001). The suture width was increased at days 14 and 28, except in the oral third region at day 28 (from 48+/-5 microm to 36+/-4 microm, p<0.05). Bone volume/total volume was significantly reduced at days 14 and 28 (50.2+/-0.7% vs. 68.0+/-3.7% and 56.5+/-1.0% vs. 60.9+/-1.3%, respectively, p<0.05), indicative of increased bone marrow space. These findings demonstrate that expansion forces across the midpalatal suture promote bone resorption through activation of osteoclasts and bone and cartilage formation via increased proliferation and differentiation of periosteal cells. Mouse midpalatal suture expansion would be useful in further studies of the ability of mineralized tissues to respond to mechanical stimulation.

PMID: 17398175 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An in vitro comparison of the force decay generated by different commercially available elastomeric chains and NiTi closed coil springs.

Braz Oral Res. 2007 Jan-Mar;21(1):51-7

Authors: Santos AC, Tortamano A, Naccarato SR, Dominguez-Rodriguez GC, Vigorito JW

This in vitro study was designed to compare the forces generated by commercially available elastomeric chains and NiTi closed coil springs, and to determine their force decay pattern. Forty elastomeric chains and forty NiTi closed coil springs were divided into 4 groups according to the following manufacturers: (1) Morelli, (2) Abzil, (3) TP Orthodontics and (4) American Orthodontics. The specimens were extended to twice their original length and stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. Initial force was measured by means of an Instron universal testing machine and then at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results revealed that the elastomeric chains delivered a mean initial force of 347 g for Morelli, 351 g for American Orthodontics, 402 g for Abzil, and 404 g for TP Orthodontics. The NiTi closed coil springs generated a mean initial force of 196 g for American Orthodontics, 208 g for TP Orthodontics, 216 g for Abzil, and 223 g for Morelli. The mean percentage of force decay observed after 28 days for the elastomeric chains was 37.4% for TP Orthodontics(R), 48.1% for American Orthodontics, 65.4% for Morelli, and 71.6% for Abzil. After 28 days, the NiTi closed coil springs presented a mean percentage of force decay of 22.6% for American Orthodontics, 29.8% for Abzil, 30.6% for Morelli, and 45.8% for TP Orthodontics. At the end of the study, significant differences were observed between the elastomeric chains and the NiTi closed coil springs. The results indicated that the studied NiTi closed coil springs are more adequate for dental movement than the elastomeric chains.

PMID: 17384855 [PubMed - in process]

Cervical pain and headache in patients with facial asymmetries: the effect of orthognathic surgical correction.

Minerva Anestesiol. 2007 May;73(5):281-9

Authors: Corbacelli A, Cutilli T, Marinangeli F, Ciccozzi A, Corbacelli C, Necozione S, Masedu F, Varrassi G

AIM: Facial asymmetries are often associated with cervicobrachial pain and headache. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of surgical orthognathic correction of facial asymmetries on the intensity of cervicobrachial pain and headache in the short and long term. METHODS: Thirty-two patients affected by maxillomandibular asymmetries associated with pain referred to occipital, cervical, dorsal and scapulohumeral areas who were undergoing orthodontic surgical correction were enrolled in the study. The pain intensity at rest and on fibromyalgia trigger points was assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively (T(0)) and 5 days (T(1)), 6 months (T(2)) and 12 months (T(3)) after surgery. Functional limitation was evaluated by the same method at T(0),T(2) and T(3). RESULTS: VAS scores at rest were significantly lower at T(1), T(2) and T(3) compared to T0 in every area to which pain was referred. After 12 months (T(3)), pain at rest was completely absent in 23 patients (71.8%) in the occipital region, in 23 patients (71.8%) in the cervical area, in 22 patients (68.7%) in the dorsal area, and in 28 patients (87.5%) in the scapulohumeral area. In the other patients, the pain scores in all areas were < 1 (0.77, 0.83, 0.95, 0.5 in the occipital, cervical, dorsal, and scapulohumeral areas respectively). The VAS at neck fibromyalgia points were significantly reduced at T(1), T(2), T(3) and functional limitation was improved at T(3) and T(4) (P=0.00). CONCLUSION: This study appears to demonstrate the utility of orthognathic surgery when facial asymmetry is associated with cranial-cervicobrachial pain syndrome, presumably through a new musculoskeletal rearrangement of stomatognathic apparatus. Indeed, the surgical correction has resulted in morphological, functional and symptomatic effects.

PMID: 17380104 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Orthodontic treatment complexity and need in a group of Nigerian patients: the relationship between the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON).

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(3):37-44

Authors: Onyeaso CO

AIM: The aim of this retrospective analytical study was to assess the relationship between the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) on the orthodontic treatment need and complexity in a group of Nigerian patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-six cases were randomly selected from the model storage of the orthodontic unit of the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. The ICON was used to assess the pre-treatment study models for orthodontic treatment need and complexity of the cases while the DAI was also used to assess the same cases for treatment need. Descriptive statistics as well as the non-parametric (Spearman Rank-Order and Pearson's Product Moment) correlations were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean ICON and DAI scores were 67.38+/-19.63 (SD) and 42.27+/-12 .66 (SD), respectively. Both the ICON and DAI agreed that one (1.8%) case did not need treatment while 46 (82.1%) needed treatment. All the difficult and very difficult cases according to the ICON were assessed as needing treatment by the DAI with 18 (13.1%) out of 22 (39.3%) in the very difficult category belonging to the handicapping group where treatment was mandatory. In all positive significant correlations were recorded for the ICON and DAI scores. CONCLUSION: The ICON and DAI showed favorable agreement when used to assess treatment needs through the use of study casts. The ICON could be a good substitute for the DAI in assessing pre-treatment needs of Nigerian patients.

PMID: 17351680 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Morphohistological change and expression of HSP70, osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs in rat dental pulp cells with orthodontic tooth movement.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll. 2006 Aug;47(3):117-24

Authors: Shigehara S, Matsuzaka K, Inoue T

Morphological change and expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and HSP70 mRNAs in rat dental pulp cells with experimental orthodontic tooth movement were investigated. Elastic rubber blocks, 0.65 mm in thickness, were inserted between the maxillary first and second molars in rats. In addition to morphological observations of HE staining and TUNEL staining at days 3, 7, 14 and 28 after insertion of elastic rubber blocks, expression of HSP70, osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs was also analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR with a LightCycler. Morphologically, proliferation and vasodilation of capillaries was evident in the pulp at days 3 and 7, and a sparse odontoblast layer and apoptosis in the pulp were observed at days 7 and 14 after rubber block insertion. Expression of HSP70, osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control group at all time points. This suggests that orthodontic tooth movement causes degenerative changes and apoptosis in pulp cells, while pulp homeostasis is maintained at the genetic level.

PMID: 17344619 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Root resorption and orthodontic treatment. Review of the literature.

Minerva Stomatol. 2007 Jan-Feb;56(1-2):31-44

Authors: Pizzo G, Licata ME, Guiglia R, Giuliana G

The aim of this paper was to provide a systematic review of the literature on the root resorption caused by orthodontic treatment. Original papers on this subject, published in English from January 2000 until December 2005, were located in the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Other sources were taken from the references of the selected papers. Root resorption is the most common sequela of the orthodontic treatment. It is an inflammatory process that leads to an ischemic necrosis localized in the periodontal ligament when the orthodontic force is applied. The onset and progression of root resorption are associated with risk factors related to the orthodontic treatment such as the duration of treatment, the magnitude of the force applied, the direction of the tooth movement, the method of force application (continuous versus intermittent), the orthodontic movement. Patient-related risk factors are the individual susceptibility on a genetic basis, some systemic diseases, anomalies in root morphology, dental trauma, and previous endodontic treatment. The prevention of root resorption during the orthodontic treatment may be performed controlling the risk factors. The periodic radiographic control during the treatment is necessary in order to detect the occurrence of root damages and quickly reassess the treatment goals.

PMID: 17287705 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The spectrum of Apert syndrome: phenotype, particularities in orthodontic treatment, and characteristics of orthognathic surgery.

Head Face Med. 2007;3:10

Authors: Hohoff A, Joos U, Meyer U, Ehmer U, Stamm T

In the PubMed accessible literature, information on the characteristics of interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical treatment of patients with Apert syndrome is rare. The aim of the present article is threefold: (1) to show the spectrum of the phenotype, in order (2) to elucidate the scope of hindrances to orthodontic treatment, and (3) to demonstrate the problems of surgery and interdisciplinary approach.Children and adolescents who were born in 1985 or later, who were diagnosed with Apert syndrome, and who sought consultation or treatment at the Departments of Orthodontics or Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Dental School of the University Hospital of M&#xFC;nster (n = 22; 9 male, 13 female) were screened. Exemplarily, three of these patients (2 male, 1 female), seeking interdisciplinary (both orthodontic and surgical treatment) are presented. Orthodontic treatment before surgery was performed by one experienced orthodontist (AH), and orthognathic surgery was performed by one experienced surgeon (UJ), who diagnosed the syndrome according to the criteria listed in OMIM. In the sagittal plane, the patients suffered from a mild to a very severe Angle Class III malocclusion, which was sometimes compensated by the inclination of the lower incisors; in the vertical dimension from an open bite; and transversally from a single tooth in crossbite to a circular crossbite. All patients showed dentitio tarda, some impaction, partial eruption, idopathic root resorption, transposition or other aberrations in the position of the tooth germs, and severe crowding, with sometimes parallel molar tooth buds in each quarter of the upper jaw.Because of the severity of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment needed to be performed with fixed appliances, and mainly with superelastic wires. The therapy was hampered with respect to positioning of bands and brackets because of incomplete tooth eruption, dense gingiva, and mucopolysaccharide ridges. Some teeth did not move, or moved insufficiently (especially with respect to rotations and torque) irrespective of surgical procedures or orthodontic mechanics and materials applied, and without prognostic factors indicating these problems. Establishing occlusal contact of all teeth was difficult. Tooth movement was generally retarded, increasing the duration of orthodontic treatment. Planning of extractions was different from that of patients without this syndrome.In one patient, the sole surgical procedure after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in the maxilla and mandible was a genioplasty. Most patients needed two- jaw surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy [BSSO] with mandibular setback and distraction in the maxilla). During the period of distraction, the orthodontist guided the maxilla into final position by means of bite planes and intermaxillary elastics.To our knowledge, this is the first article in the PubMed accessible literature describing the problems with respect to interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical procedures. Although the treatment results are not perfect, patients undergoing these procedures benefit esthetically to a high degree.Patients need to be informed with respect to the different kinds of extractions that need to be performed, the increased treatment time, and the results, which may be reached using realistic expectations.

PMID: 17286873 [PubMed]

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hipoapnea syndrome with oral appliances.

Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed). 2006 Sep-Oct;72(5):699-703

Authors: de Oliveira Almeida MA, de Britto Teixeira AO, Vieira LS, Quint&#xE3;o CC

Obstructive sleep apnea and hipoapnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a disorder that affects about 4% of the adult population, and besides the social problems associated to snoring and extreme day time sleepiness, it is preoccupying since it may cause pulmonary hypertension and cardiac failure. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Through a literature review, we discuss the use of oral appliances to treat this condition, in regards of therapy effectiveness and limitations, main clinical symptoms, major occlusal side effects, rate of improvement and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the use of oral appliances should be a first choice treatment for mild to moderate OSAHS, being dental, joint and muscular discomforts, hypersalivation and xerostomia, the most frequent clinical symptoms, with light occlusal side effects that normally do not bother the patients, with a good degree of improvement and high satisfaction index.

PMID: 17221064 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of different types of enamel conditioners on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007 Jan 1;8(1):36-43

Authors: Davari AR, Yassaei S, Daneshkazemi AR, Yosefi MH

AIM: A unique characteristic of some new bonding systems in operative dentistry is they combine conditioning and priming agents into a single acidic primer solution for simultaneous use on both enamel and dentin. Combining conditioning and priming into a single treatment step results in improvement in both time and cost-effectiveness to the clinician and, indirectly, to the patient. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the use of a self-etching primer on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets and on the bracket/adhesive failure mode. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-six fresh bovine incisors were collected and stored in a solution of 0.1% (weight/volume) thymol. The criteria for tooth selection included intact buccal enamel, no cracks caused by the presence of the extraction forceps, and no defects. The teeth were cleansed and polished with pumice and rubber prophylactic cups for ten seconds. Brackets were bonded to the teeth according to one of three protocols following the manufacturers' instructions--Group 1: Conventional multistep bonding system (control group) (n=12); Group 2: Self-etching primer system (n=12); and Group 3: Acid+self-etching primer system (n=12). Specimens were loaded to failure in a Zwick test machine (Zwick GmbH & Co, Ulm, Germany). Shear bond strengths were measured at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength in megapascals (Mpa) (standard deviation) were 11.7 (4.2), 10.5 (4.4), and 10.9 (4.8) for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the three groups. The results indicated no significant difference in the bond strength between the three groups (P=0.800). The results of the Chi square test, evaluating the residual adhesives on the enamel surfaces, revealed no significant difference between the three groups (P=0.554). CONCLUSION: Results of the present in vitro study indicate the use of self-etching primers may be an alternative to conventional phosphoric acid pre-treatment in orthodontic bonding.

PMID: 17211503 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A multi-disciplinary approach in the management of a traumatized tooth with complicated crown-root fracture: A case report.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Dec;24(4):197-200

Authors: Heda CB, Heda AA, Kulkarni SS

A 13-year-old boy had fractured his maxillary right central incisor. The fracture line involved 2/3rd of the crown, compromising the pulp and extended subgingivally on the palatal aspect invading the biologic width. The procedure used to manage this case included endodontic treatment of residual tooth orthodontic extrusion to move the fracture line above the alveolar bone. Finally the tooth was restored prosthodontically.

PMID: 17183184 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expasion: a preliminar study.

Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed). 2006 Jul-Aug;72(4):457-61

Authors: do Egito Vasconcelos BC, Caubi AF, Dias E, Lago CA, Porto GG

Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion is efficient for the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiencies in skeletally mature patients. AIM: To study two techniques for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: with or without pterygoid plate detachment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study sample including ten patients aged 18-40 years, with a skeletal transverse discrepancy in the maxilla of more than 4 mm. Two groups were established on a randomized basis, five patients in each group, according to the detachment or absence of detachment of the pterygoid plate. Furthermore, osteotomies of the bilateral zygomatic buttress and the intermaxillary suture were done in both groups. The transverse discrepancy was measured in study models, a posterior-anterior cephalometric radiograph evaluated the superior and inferior zygomatic plane and the inter-tuber distance and an occlusal radiograph evaluated the intermaxillary disjunction in the pre-operative period and 30 days post-operatively. A 7-day period of rest was given after corticotomy before starting expansion with quarter turns once a day. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-operative measurements. CONCLUSION: There are few randomized control trials in literature comparing the two techniques for surgically maxillary expansion. Further studies with a larger sample are required.

PMID: 17143423 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Current products and practice: bone anchorage devices in orthodontics.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):288-307

Authors: Prabhu J, Cousley RR

Bone anchorage is a promising new field in orthodontics and already a wide variety of bone anchorage devices (BADs) are available commercially. This review aims to assist clinicians by outlining the principles of bone anchorage and the salient features of the available systems, especially those that may influence the choice of a specific BAD for anchorage reinforcement.

PMID: 17142335 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A randomized clinical trial comparing 'one-step' and 'two-step' orthodontic bonding systems.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):276-83; discussion 256-7

Authors: Manning N, Chadwick SM, Plunkett D, Macfarlane TV

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the clinical bond failure rates of orthodontic brackets bonded using a self-etching primer (SEP), compared with brackets bonded using a conventional acid-etched technique with control adhesive (Transbond). A secondary aim was to investigate whether characteristics of the operator, patient or tooth bonded had any influence on bracket failure. DESIGN: Single-centre randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty-four patients were bonded, each being randomly assigned to either the test or control adhesive. SETTING: NHS Hospital Orthodontic Department, Chester, UK. SUBJECTS: Orthodontic patients requiring fixed appliance treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bond failure. MAIN OUTCOME RESULTS: Failure rates over the initial 6-month period were 2.0% (Transbond) and 1.7% (SEP) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Over the duration of the fixed appliance treatment, bond failure rates increased, but remained acceptable at 7.4 % (TB) and 7.0% (SEP), respectively. When operator, patient and tooth characteristics were analysed, only the bracket location was found to be significant. Maxillary brackets were more likely to fail than mandibular brackets (RR 0.47%; 95% CI 0.22, 1.03). The failure rate for brackets in our study was low when compared with previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: Both the acid-etched control and self-etching primer in combination with adhesive pre-coated brackets were successful for clinical bonding. Their combined failure rate was lower than that reported in similar trials.

PMID: 17142334 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Magnitude and reproducibility of forces generated by clinicians during laceback placement.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):270-5; discussion 256

Authors: Khambay BS, McHugh S, Millett DT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude and reproducibility of forces generated by clinicians during laceback placement using a force-measuring typodont. SETTING: An in vitro investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro typodont model was developed, which incorporated strain gauges attached to a personal computer to allow measurement of the force generated on application of lacebacks. Ten operators were instructed to place lacebacks five times, on two separate occasions (T1 and T2). Inter-operator and intra-operator forces produced at T1 and T2 were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Forces generated by laceback placement. RESULTS: The forces generated by clinicians ranged from 0 to 11.1 N. There were significant differences in the mean forces generated by the different operators (P < 0.001), with differences between time points not being consistent across all operators (P < 0.001). Some operators were more consistent than others in the forces generated. CONCLUSION: In vitro, there was a large inter-operator variation in the forces produced during laceback placement. With the in vitro model used in this study, few operators applied similar forces when placing lacebacks on two separate occasions.

PMID: 17142333 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patients' expectations of orthodontic treatment: part 1 - development of a questionnaire.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):258-69; discussion 256

Authors: Sayers MS, Newton JT

OBJECTIVE: The development of a questionnaire to measure patients' and their parents' expectations before orthodontic treatment, and to test the reliability and validity of this measure. DESIGN: A two-stage methodology, with open-ended interviews to identify themes and concepts followed by development and testing of the questionnaire. SETTING: GKT Orthodontic Department, King's College Dental Hospital. SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 140 participants, 70 patients aged 12-14 years, who had been referred to the orthodontic department for treatment. One parent of each patient was also recruited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was in two phases. In the first phase 30 participants (15 new patients and their 15 parents) participated in open-ended interviews, which were analysed qualitatively. Information from these interviews was used to construct a questionnaire. During the second phase, the questionnaire was piloted on 10 participants, five new consecutive patients and their parents. The questionnaire was then distributed to 174 subjects (87 new patients and their 87 parents). Seventy-eight subjects (39 new patients and their 39 parents) completed the questionnaire before their orthodontic consultation. Another 96 subjects (48 new patients and their 48 parents) were invited to complete the questionnaire prior to and at their orthodontic consultation. Test-retest analysis was conducted on 22 participants (11 patients and their 11 parents), who completed the questionnaire previous to and at their orthodontic consultation, and contributed to the psychometric validation of this questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire was devized using the key themes and concepts identified in the open-ended interviews. As a result, 10 questions, some with sub-questions were constructed using a visual analogue scale as the response format. RESULTS: The questionnaire developed had good face validity. Internal consistency of the questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha, produced an overall inter-item reliability > 0.7 along with item-total correlations > 0.3 in over 50% of questions. Test-retest reliability was statistically significant using Spearman's correlation. CONCLUSION: This study provides a valid and reliable measure of orthodontic expectations in participants aged 12-14 years and their parents.

PMID: 17142332 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

MRI scanning and orthodontics.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):246-9

Authors: Patel A, Bhavra GS, O'Neill JR

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in diagnosis for many head and neck lesions. Both clinical and experimental studies have shown that orthodontic appliances may produce image distortion on MRI scans of the head and neck. A case is presented in which the patient complained of unexplained right-sided facial paraesthesia, whilst undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. This was a serious symptom, which warranted investigation including a MRI scan. The compatibility of fixed appliances with MRI is discussed.

PMID: 17142330 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Global issues with orthodontic education: a personal viewpoint.

J Orthod. 2006 Dec;33(4):237-40

Authors: Kharbanda OP

PMID: 17142328 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparison of the headgear activator and Herbst appliance--effects and post-treatment changes.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):594-604

Authors: Phan KL, Bendeus M, H&#xE4;gg U, Hansen K, Rabie AB

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the headgear activator (HGA) and Herbst appliance during active treatment and retention and at follow-up in children with a skeletal Class II malocclusion. The two groups comprised 16 consecutive male patients (mean age 11.6 +/- 1.42 years) treated with a HGA and 16 male patients (mean age 12.6 +/- 1.13 years) treated with a Herbst appliance and Andresen activator (HAA) sampled from a larger pool using similar selection criteria. Growth data were obtained for the two groups. Lateral cephalograms taken at the start, after 6 months of treatment, after 12 months of active treatment or 6 months of retention, and at the 24-month follow-up were analysed. The total changes over the whole observation period (T0-T3) did not differ significantly between the groups; there was, however, a statistically significant increase in jaw prognathism (P < 0.05) and improvement of the molar relationship (P < 0.05) in the HAA group as compared with the HGA group. During the initial treatment phase (T0-T1), the overall treatment effects were statistically more pronounced in the HAA group than in the HGA group. Despite significant differences in treatment effects and changes between the two devices, there were no significant overall changes at follow-up except for the prognathism, i.e. maxillary prognathism decreased with treatment with the HGA while mandibulars prognathism continued to increase with HAA treatment.

PMID: 17142260 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The influence of functional orthodontics and mandibular sagittal split advancement osteotomy on dental and skeletal variables--a comparative cephalometric study.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):553-60

Authors: Lohrmann B, Schwestka-Polly R, N&#xE4;gerl H, Ihlow D, Kubein-Meesenburg D

Lateral head films of 200 Class II patients (106 females, 94 males) with a mean pre-treatment age range of 9.9-10.25 years successfully treated with functional orthodontics were analysed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. The resulting data and findings were compared with lateral head films (T1, T2) of 20 patients (15 females, five males) with a mean pre-treatment age of 25.75 years whose Class II malocclusion and antero-posterior jaw discrepancy had been corrected by a mandibular sagittal split advancement osteotomy. The median and interquartile distances were calculated for every variable, at T1 and T2. The difference between the medians (T2-T1) was analysed using a signed rank test. The changes in scattering (T2-T1) were assessed by means of a F-test. Significant differences regarding the therapeutic influence on skeletal [ANB, Wits, Index, mandibular line-nasal line (ML-NL)], functional (beta', mu), and dental (1-NA degrees , 1-NB degrees ) variables were found. In the group initially treated with functional appliances in order to enhance mandibular prognathism, the antero-posterior (A-P) jaw discrepancy was reduced (ANB, Wits). The vertical skeletal pattern (Index) changed towards a more skeletal open relationship, whereas the ML-NL angle was reduced, which indicates a deepening of the bite. The comparison between biomechanical incisor position analysis (beta', mu) and dental variables (1-NA degrees , 1-NB degrees ) revealed different changes in incisor inclination depending on the type of analysis used. The findings for the dental variables (1-NA degrees , 1-NB degrees ) showed a protrusion of both upper and lower incisors after therapy. The results for the functional variables (beta', mu) showed a retrusion of the upper and a protrusion of the lower incisors. This change in incisor inclination is a dental compensation of the remaining sagittal jaw discrepancy. This effect is most clearly reflected by the functional analysis and the changes of the biomechanical variables beta' and mu. For the orthognathic surgery group, a clear improvement in the dental and skeletal relationship was observed: the skeletal discrepancies in the A-P plane were completely corrected (ANB, Wits) and the inclination of the incisors according to biomechanical and functional aspects was optimized (beta', mu).The alteration in both the Index and ML-NL angle in this group indicated an increase of the open bite components.

PMID: 17142259 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tapered orthodontic miniscrews induce bone-screw cohesion following immediate loading.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):541-6

Authors: Yano S, Motoyoshi M, Uemura M, Ono A, Shimizu N

The aim of this study was to investigate the initial stability of tapered orthodontic miniscrews (T-type screws) after placement, the necessity of a healing period, and the propriety of immediate loading. Twenty male Wistar rats with a mean age of 20 weeks were divided into two groups. In the immediate-loading groups, straight orthodontic miniscrews (S-type screws) and T-type screws (five rats each) underwent experimental traction force for 2 weeks (W) immediately after placement. In the healing groups (S- and T-type, five rats each), force was applied for 2 W after a 6-W healing period. The right tibia in each rat was identified as the test limb, while the left tibia in each rat was used as the control group, and underwent no experimental force during the experimental period. The screw-to-bone contact was observed histologically and the bone-screw contact ratio was calculated. Scheffe's test was performed to compare the bone-screw contact ratio in each group using statistical software package (SPSS 8.0 for Windows). In the control group, the bone-screw contact ratio improved from 34.8 +/- 16.0 to 74.8 +/- 12.0 per cent with S-type screws in proportion to the experimental period (2 to 8 W, respectively). With the T-type screws in the test group, there was no significant difference between the immediate-loading and healing groups. In the immediate-loading group, the bone-screw contact ratio with T-type screws was significantly greater (82.3 +/- 15.0 per cent) than with the S-type screws (33.3 +/- 11.8 per cent; P < 0.05), suggesting that T-type screws can be used for orthodontic anchorage immediately after placement.

PMID: 17142258 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Are veneers conservative treatment?

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Dec;137(12):1721-3

Authors: Christensen GJ

PMID: 17138718 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Review of oral appliances for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

Sleep Breath. 2007 Mar;11(1):1-22

Authors: Hoffstein V

Between 1982 and 2006, there were 89 distinct publications dealing with oral appliance therapy involving a total of 3,027 patients, which reported results of sleep studies performed with and without the appliance. These studies, which constitute a very heterogeneous group in terms of methodology and patient population, are reviewed and the results summarized. This review focused on the following outcomes: sleep apnea (i.e. reduction in the apnea/hypopnea index or respiratory disturbance index), ability of oral appliances to reduce snoring, effect of oral appliances on daytime function, comparison of oral appliances with other treatments (continuous positive airway pressure and surgery), side effects, dental changes (overbite and overjet), and long-term compliance. We found that the success rate, defined as the ability of the oral appliances to reduce apnea/hypopnea index to less than 10, is 54%. The response rate, defined as at least 50% reduction in the initial apnea/hypopnea index (although it still remained above 10), is 21%. When only the results of randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled studies are considered, the success and response rates are 50% and 14%, respectively. Snoring was reduced by 45%. In the studies comparing oral appliances to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), an appliance reduced initial AHI by 42%, CPAP reduced it by 75%, and UPPP by 30%. The majority of patients prefer using oral appliance than CPAP. Use of oral appliances improves daytime function somewhat; the Epworth sleepiness score (ESS) dropped from 11.2 to 7.8 in 854 patients. A summary of the follow-up compliance data shows that at 30 months, 56-68% of patients continue to use oral appliance. Side effects are relatively minor but frequent. The most common ones are excessive salivation and teeth discomfort. Efficacy and side effects depend on the type of appliance, degree of protrusion, vertical opening, and other settings. We conclude that oral appliances, although not as effective as CPAP in reducing sleep apnea, snoring, and improving daytime function, have a definite role in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

PMID: 17136406 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Biomechanical behaviour of the periodontal ligament of the beagle dog during the first 5 hours of orthodontic force application.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):547-52

Authors: J&#xF3;nsdóttir SH, Giesen EB, Maltha JC

The aim of this study was to describe the mechanical behaviour of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in response to loading with different forces for a period of 5 hours. Seven young adult male beagle dogs (age 1.0-1.5 years) were used. After extractions and placement of implants, custom-made appliances on both sides of the mandible were used to measure the displacement of the second premolars. Tooth displacement was measured during 5 hours of force application. Each dog underwent two measurement sessions. One premolar was moved with a force of 100 cN in the first session and with 50 cN in the second. The contralateral premolar was moved with forces of 100 and 300 cN, respectively. Time-displacement curves showed a rapid instantaneous response lasting only a few seconds followed by a slowly decreasing creep displacement. The instantaneous response demonstrated a large individual variability, caused by both a dog and a force effect. Differences in tooth and PDL anatomy and in the orientation of the periodontal fibres are probably important in this respect. The individual variability faded after the first seconds of tooth displacement, when the viscoelastic properties of the periodontal fibres became more pronounced. The force effect was non-linear for the first minute. Higher forces did not lead to proportionally larger displacements. The non-linearity decreased in the second response. The PDL is a complex material that might be considered as a non-linear fibre-reinforced poroviscoelastic material.

PMID: 17101705 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Primary retention of first permanent mandibular molars in 29 subjects.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):529-34

Authors: Nielsen SH, Becktor KB, Kjaer I

This study consisted of two parts: the first part describes the aetiology behind primary retention of first permanent mandibular molars by comparing the affected molar region with the contralateral region, and the second the follow-up of the retained molars. The material comprised dental pantomograms from 29 patients (17 males and 12 females; aged 6 years 2 months to 12 years 5 months) which were sent by Danish public dental clinics to the Department of Orthodontics at Copenhagen Dental School for treatment guidance (Part 1). Questionnaires were later sent to the dentists for follow-up information regarding the affected teeth (Part 2). Part 1-aetiological evaluation: From each radiograph, the number and location of the molars, maturity of individual molars, and deviations from normal morphology were recorded. The findings showed that, in an affected region, disruption of normal dental development and eruption had occurred, causing a delay in dental maturity as well as arrested eruption of the first molar. Part 2-follow-up of eruption: Completed questionnaires and radiographs were returned for 25 subjects. In 10, eruption had occurred, six after surgical removal of mucosa covering the retained first molar. In eight patients the molar had been removed while in seven the observation time from first diagnosis was too short to evaluate eruption. The results indicate that retained first permanent mandibular molars have the ability to erupt and suggest that a unilaterally retained first permanent mandibular molar may represent a temporary delay in eruption rather than permanent failure.

PMID: 17101702 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anterior open bite treated with a palatal crib and high-pull chin cup therapy. A prospective randomized study.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):610-7

Authors: Torres F, Almeida RR, de Almeida MR, Almeida-Pedrin RR, Pedrin F, Henriques JF

The aim of this prospective randomized clinical study was to cephalometrically investigate the dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes produced by a removable appliance with a palatal crib associated with high-pull chin cup therapy in children with an Angle Class I anterior open bite (AOB) malocclusion. Thirty children (8 males and 22 females) with an initial mean age of 8.3 years and a mean AOB of 4.1 mm were treated with a removable appliance composed of a palatal crib associated with chin cup therapy for 12 months. A control group of 30 individuals (7 males and 23 females) closely matched for age, initial mean age 8.6 years, gender, and ethnicity with a mean AOB of 4.6 mm was followed without treatment. The measurements (means and standard deviations) were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. The results showed no significant differences in the level of molar eruption or in lower anterior face height, suggesting that the vertical control expected from the chin cup therapy did not occur. Dentoalveolar changes at the anterior region were evident, with statistically significant extrusion, retrusion, and lingual tipping of the maxillary and mandibular incisors (P < or = 0.05). However, these hard tissue changes did not imply soft tissue changes and the variables related to the soft profile were not statistically significantly different between the groups. The dentoalveolar changes at the anterior region of the dental arches were mainly responsible for closure of the AOB in patients treated in the mixed dentition.

PMID: 17101701 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Autonomic cardiac modulation in obstructive sleep apnea: effect of an oral jaw-positioning appliance.

Chest. 2006 Nov;130(5):1362-8

Authors: Coruzzi P, Gualerzi M, Bernkopf E, Brambilla L, Brambilla V, Broia V, Lombardi C, Parati G

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are characterized by deranged cardiovascular variability, a well-established marker of cardiovascular risk. While long-term treatment with continuous positive airway pressure leads to a significant improvement of cardiovascular variability, little is known of the possibility of achieving the same results with other therapeutic approaches. The aim of our study was to investigate the responses of autonomic indexes of neural cardiac control to another type of OSA treatment based on an oral jaw-positioning appliance. METHODS: In 10 otherwise healthy subjects with OSA (OSA+) and in 10 subjects without OSA (OSA-) we measured heart rate, BP, and indices of autonomic cardiac regulation derived from time-domain and spectral analysis of R-R interval (RRI), before and after 3 months of treatment with the oral device. High-frequency (HF) power of RRI was taken as an index of parasympathetic cardiac modulation, and the ratio between low-frequency (LF) and HF RRI powers as an indirect marker of the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac modulation. RESULTS: At baseline, in comparison with OSA- subjects, OSA+ subjects displayed a significantly lower RRI variance (p < 0.02) and reduced HF RRI powers (p < 0.001). After 3 months of treatment with the oral device, the OSA+ group showed a marked reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (p < 0.001), a lengthening in RRI and a significant increase in its variance (p < 0,02), an increased HF RRI power (from 134 +/- 26 to 502 +/- 48 ms2, p < 0.001), and a reduction in LF/HF RRI power ratio (from 3.11 +/- 0.8 to 1.5 +/- 0.5). As a result of these changes, after the 3-month treatment there were no more significant differences between the two groups in these parameters. In both OSA+ and OSA- groups, body weight, heart rate, and BP did not change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of treatment with a specific oral jaw-positioning appliance improves cardiac autonomic modulation in otherwise healthy patients with OSA of mild degree.

PMID: 17099011 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A systematic review of cephalometric facial soft tissue changes with the Activator and Bionator appliances in Class II division 1 subjects.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):586-93

Authors: Flores-Mir C, Major PW

The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate, through lateral cephalograms, facial soft tissue changes after the use of the Activator and Bionator appliances in Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects. Several electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Medline In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Cochrane Database, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Lilacs) were searched with the assistance of a senior health sciences librarian. Abstracts, which appeared to fulfil the initial criteria, were selected by consensus. The original articles were then retrieved. Their references were also hand searched for possible missing articles. Clinical trials, which assessed facial soft tissue changes with the use of either an Activator or a Bionator appliance without any surgical intervention or syndromic characteristics, were considered. A comparable untreated control group was required to factor out normal growth changes. Five articles using the Activator and six using the Bionator fulfilled the selection criteria and quantified facial soft tissue changes. An individual analysis of these articles was undertaken and some methodological flaws were identified. Based on the available evidence, a significant amount of controversy regarding the soft tissue changes produced by the Activator and the Bionator exists. Soft tissue changes that were reported as being statistically significant were of questionable clinical significance. Long-term, double-blinded, prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings. Three-dimensional quantification is also required to overcome current limitations in our understanding of the soft tissue changes obtained with the use of removable functional appliances.

PMID: 17095741 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nonsplint therapies.

J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Nov;137(11):1498; author reply 1498, 1500

Authors: Kidder GM

PMID: 17082268 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The effect of tongue appliance on the nasomaxillary complex in growing cleft lip and palate patients.

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2006 Sep;24(3):136-9

Authors: Jamilian A, Showkatbakhsh R, Boushehry MB

Midfacial deficiency is a common feature of cleft lip and palate patients due to scar tissue of the lip and palate closure procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the physiological force of the tongue to move the maxilla in forward position. This research has been done experimentally by, before and after treatment following up in private practice. Ten patients (6 female, 4 male) with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate were selected. All of them had Cl III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency due to scar tissue of lip and palate surgery. Their age ranged from 7.6 to 9.8 years. All the patients were delivered tongue appliance to transfer the force of the tongue to maxillary complex. The mean observation time was 13+/-2 months to achieve positive overjet. Pre- and post-lateral cephalograms were compared to evaluate the skeletal changes with paired t-test. The results showed that after the application of tongue appliance, normal sagittal maxillomandibular relationship was achieved. SN-ANS angle was increased 1.9+/-1.8 - P < 0.03. This study showed that the tongue appliance could transfer considerable force during rest and swallowing period to the maxilla. This method might be considered to improve the deficient maxilla by means of growth modification and redirect concept.

PMID: 17065780 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Total airway obstruction after maxillomandibular advancement surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

Anesth Analg. 2006 Nov;103(5):1267-9

Authors: Hogan PW, Argalious M

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular advancement surgery is a surgical option for treating obstructive sleep apnea, especially in patients intolerant to, or noncompliant with, continuous positive airway pressure. METHODS: We describe a patient who underwent maxillomandibular advancement surgery, met criteria for tracheal extubation, and subsequently developed total airway obstruction immediately upon extubation. RESULTS: Before extubation, an airway exchange catheter was used and reintubation occurred without difficulty. The patient was brought back to the operating room for evacuation of a hypopharyngeal hematoma, as well as revision and replacement of fractured hardware. CONCLUSIONS: Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy should be performed routinely before extubating these patients to evaluate for pharyngeal edema and hematoma formation. IMPLICATIONS: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is increasingly used as a surgical option in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We report a case of life-threatening airway obstruction after MMA and discuss the etiology of airway compromise after these surgeries.

PMID: 17056967 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Orthognathic treatment: how much does it cost?

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):520-8

Authors: Kumar S, Williams AC, Sandy JR

The aim of this multi-centre retrospective study was to assess the cost, and factors influencing the cost, of combined orthodontic and surgical treatment for dentofacial deformity. The sample, from the south-west of England, comprised 352 subjects (109 males and 243 females) with an age range of 14 to 57 years treated in 11 hospital orthodontic units. Treatment costs were calculated for each subject by combining consumable costs with staff overhead and capital costs. The median total treatment cost was euro 6075.25 (interquartile range: euro 5139.41-euro 7069.68). Out-patient costs comprised 43 per cent. The median orthodontic treatment costs were euro 1456.23 (interquartile range: euro 1283.73-euro 1638.75). Orthodontic costs on average comprised 25 per cent of the total treatment cost. The cost of orthodontics for orthognathic patients in a hospital setting appears to represent excellent value for the state funded National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

PMID: 17041085 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Which orthodontic archwire sequence? A randomized clinical trial.

Eur J Orthod. 2006 Dec;28(6):561-6

Authors: Mandall N, Lowe C, Worthington H, Sandler J, Derwent S, Abdi-Oskouei M, Ward S

The aim of this study was to compare three orthodontic archwire sequences. One hundred and fifty-four 10- to 17-year-old patients were treated in three centres and randomly allocated to one of three groups: A = 0.016-inch nickel titanium (NiTi), 0.018 x 0.025-inch NiTi, and 0.019 x 0.025-inch stainless steel (SS); B = 0.016-inch NiTi, 0.016-inch SS, 0.020-inch SS, and 0.019 x 0.025-inch SS; and C = 0.016 x 0.022-inch copper (Cu) NiTi, 0.019 x 0.025-inch CuNiTi, and 0.019 x 0.025-inch SS. At each archwire change and for each arch, the patients completed discomfort scores on a seven-point Likert scale at 4 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 1 week. Time in days and the number of visits taken to reach a 0.019 x 0.025-inch SS working archwires were calculated. A periapical radiograph of the upper left central incisor was taken at the start of the treatment and after placement of the 0.019 x 0.025-inch SS wire so root resorption could be assessed. There were no statistically significant differences between archwire sequences A, B, or C for patient discomfort (P > 0.05) or root resorption (P = 0.58). The number of visits required to reach the working archwire was greater for sequence B than for A (P = 0.012) but this could not be explained by the increased number of archwires used in sequence B.

PMID: 17041083 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]