Finger Springs Research Articles

Management of Anterior Single Tooth Crossbite Using Removable Posterior Teeth Bite Plane Along With Z-Spring: A Case Report

Anterior crossbite is defined as a malocclusion characterized by the anterior maxillary teeth lingual position compared to mandibular anterior teeth. The prevalence of anterior crossbite that has been reported in the mixed dentition stage varies between 1.6 percent and 7.9 percent. Anterior crossbite cases should be treated by emergency intervention in the early period to prevent the consequences of malaligned teeth and their effect on the normal overall growth and development of the child. Patient compliance in such type of treatment intervention is of utmost importance. This case report presents the correction of single tooth crossbite with the removable posterior bite plane along with Z-spring. Various other treatment modalities have been also proposed to correct an anterior dental crossbite, such as tongue blades, reversed stainless steel crowns, fixed acrylic planes, bonded resin-composite slopes, and removable acrylic appliances incorporating finger springs. This treatment modality is possible in the early stages of developing malocclusion. Children with untreated anterior crossbite could develop complications such as gingiva recession, TMJ dysfunction, and worsening of mandibular displacement. As self-correction is rare in these alterations, early interception is recommended to allow normal occlusion and facial development.

Evaluation of the Local Epinephrine Anesthesia without Tourniquet in the Surgical Treatment of Hand Injuries in Adults: About 27 Cases in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, surgery for hand injuries is usually performed under axillary or general anesthesia. This is often not without consequences. The Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is, therefore, an anesthetic asset in the surgical treatment of hand injuries. This study aims to share an experience on this technique’s effectiveness and to spark interest among African authors and practitioners. Method: This prospective study focuses on 27 surgeries of hand injuries carried out with WALANT. The study spanned over nine months (November 2021-August 2022) and included 19 men and eight women with a mean age of 35.4 years (extremes: 19 and 54). There were five (18%) flexor tendon ruptures, three of which were in zone 2, eleven (41%) metacarpal fractures, four of which were open, seven (26%) phalangeal fractures, two of which were open, and four (15%) finger springs. The operated lesions were assessed at a minimum of three months. The pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. The QuickDASH score was evaluated for each patient at the end of the follow-up period. Results: Intra-operatively, the mean value of the Visual Analog Scale was 1/10, with extreme values of 1/10 and 3/10. Of the five cases of flexor tendon ruptures, three were located in zone 2 and two in zone 3. The metacarpal fractures were divided into seven closed diaphyseal fractures and four extra-articular metaphyseal fractures. Four of the seven phalangeal fractures were oblique diaphyseal, and three were transverse diaphyseal. The treatment of the protruding fingers followed the conventional technique. The assessment of the QuickDASH score in the months following surgery showed a score of 11.8 in the first month, 10.3 in the second month, and 5.0 in the third month. Conclusion: WALANT is an easy-to-use, unexpensive anesthetic technique that enables shorter operating times. It rarely presents complications. It is recommended for hand surgeries performed with limited technical resources.

Advances in Diastema Closure and Tooth Shape Change

Diastema is a prevalent condition that causes poor aesthetics and increased self-consciousness among individuals. Diastema is defined as a gap or distance of two or more neighbouring teeth. Many patients desire the closure of diastemas for cosmetic reasons. In the event of normal physiological development, diastemas with widths of less than 2 mm in nine-year-old children frequently close on their own. Although if they fail to close split Essix plates or finger springs on a detachable device, they can be used for closure. However, to control the angulations of the crown and roots in adults with broader diastemas, fixed appliances are required for correction. By using a range of alternative treatment procedures, including all-ceramic crowns, metal-ceramic crowns, porcelain laminate veneers, direct composite veneers, and indirect composite veneers, the diastema closure can be conservatively completed without the need for braces. It has become difficult for endodontists to meet the needs of young people who are used to expecting speedier aesthetic outcomes in a set amount of time. A composite resin buildup provides a solution for all of the patients' vivid needs during this crisis. Various prosthodontic rehabilitation, restorative, and orthodontic procedures and their derivative techniques are employed in dental practice for the closure of diastemas. The availability of diverse procedures and techniques in recent times has allowed the patient to achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile. In this paper, we aim to review the existing evidence from the literature for advances in diastema closure and tooth shape change.

Dentofacial changes after anterior crossbite correction using a lingual arch with finger springs

Background/purposeAnterior crossbite correction is common in orthodontic treatment; however, few studies have discussed the change with cephalometric measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dentofacial changes in anterior crossbite correction by using an upper lingual arch with finger springs. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 30 patients (13 female and 17 male). According to the number of crossbite teeth, the patients were divided into three groups. We used paired t test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and multiple regression analysis to perform statistical analysis. ResultsAccording to overall treatment changes, the dental changes included overjet increase, overbite decrease, upper incisor proclination, lower incisor retroclination and intrusion, upper molar distal tipping with extrusion, and lower molar intrusion. These dental changes resulted in clockwise mandibular rotation and lip position change. Anterior crossbite correction did not require increasing bite appliances. According to multiple regression analysis, the change in overjet was associated with the position of the upper and lower incisor crown tips. The mean rate of upper incisor movement in the horizontal direction was 2.5 mm/mo. The treatment duration exhibited no significant difference among the three groups. ConclusionLingual arch with finger springs was effective in anterior crossbite correction regardless of the number of crossbite teeth.

Correction of Tooth-to-tooth Contact and Class IV Mesiodistocclusion by Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Three Dogs

Three Maltese dogs, 5 to 7 months old, were admitted to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Chonnam National University with malocclusion including Class IV mesiodistocclusion. In the first case, the treatment was performed by moving the mandibular canine teeth caudally with orthodontic buttons and Masel chains. The second patient was treated for rostroverted mandibular canines using buttons and chains. When distal movement of the mandibular canine teeth was completed, a maxillary arch wire with finger springs was applied to push the incisor teeth forward. In the third case, the treatment began by moving the mandibular canine teeth caudally with buttons and chains. An arch wire with finger springs was applied at maxilla to move the maxillary incisor teeth labially. Additionally, the mandibular incisor teeth were moved lingually by an elastic band attached to the buttons cemented to mandibular canine teeth. As a result, all patients successfully regained a normal occlusion.

Design and Construction of an Artificial Finger based on SMA Actuators

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires are currently employed in robotics, as actuators of prosthetic limbs and medical equipment due to advantages such as reducing the size in the application, high power-to-weight ratio and elimination of complex transmission systems. In this paper, a new prosthetic finger is presented using SMA wire actuators. This robotic finger has been designed and modeled with three revolute joints and three SMA wires as the tendon in order to adduction each phalange of the finger and torsional springs to restore themto their original positions. The dynamic model of the finger has been simulated and validated in MATLAB/Simulation under different input voltages. By using this simulation, kinematic and kinetic of this finger have been analyzed. Also, by attention of the design goals, the mechanism of artificial finger is defined and has been developed in the Solid Works software. Based on simulation results, optimal choice of parameters and system features has been obtained and a prototype of finger has been built and tested.The results of practical experiments show that the designed artificial finger can achieve to the desired positions with high accuracy. Also, the results of practical tests confirm validity, high accuracy and authenticity of simulation model.

Anterior Space Management: Interdisciplinary Concepts

This case report describes the treatment of one patient with maxillary anterior spacing, caused by bilateral lateral peg-shaped incisors, using a planned sequence of multidisciplinary approaches for esthetic treatment. An asymmetrical gingival line was visible when the patient smiled. To evaluate the desired gingival level and the proportion of restoration to be made using the recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion method, a diagnostic wax-up model was fabricated. Esthetic crown lengthening corrected the gingival line. RED proportion analysis suggested minor tooth movement prior to any restoration. Two weeks' use of an orthodontic removable appliance with finger springs achieved the proper dental proportion. Home whitening was prescribed for 2 weeks, with an additional 2-week waiting period to ensure tooth color stability. Resin composite treatment corrected the mesial contour of the maxillary canines and reduced the space between the canines and lateral incisors. Final restoration was obtained by placing ceramic veneers on the lateral peg-shaped incisors. The esthetic treatment achieved excellent results; after veneer cementation, the patient exhibited greater confidence with a new smile. Esthetic dental treatment requires various disciplines to achieve the treatment goal. This case report is an example of well-planned sequences of treatment from the beginning to complete treatment. By conservative and practical treatment approaches used in this case, the clinician will be able to manage to obtain the highest result of esthetic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment provided by general dentists who have achieved master’s level in the Academy of General Dentistry

The purposes of this study were to document orthodontic treatment currently provided by general dentists for comparison with past and future studies and to ascertain variables that influence practitioners' orthodontic treatment patterns. A 21-item survey was mailed to 750 master's level members of the Academy of General Dentistry. Surveys returned within 8 weeks were included for statistical analysis. The response rate was 62%. Most practitioners spent less than 10% of their practice time providing orthodontic treatment and reported that this would not change in the future. Many provided orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition, and the most common conditions or malocclusions treated were space maintenance, anterior crossbite, rotation, habits, molar uprighting, and posterior crossbite. The most common orthodontic appliances used were removable Hawley appliances with finger springs, straight wire orthodontic therapy, rapid palatal expanders, and functional appliances. The number of general dentists providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment has not changed since previous surveys; practitioners also do not expect a change in the next 5 years. Factors that influenced the orthodontic treatment provided included the primary source of orthodontic training, the number of orthodontic continuing education hours earned per year, the practitioner's location, and the proximity to the nearest orthodontist.

Orthodontic treatment provided by pediatric dentists

The purposes of this study were to document orthodontic treatment currently provided by pediatric dentists for comparison with past and future studies and to ascertain variables that influence practitioners' orthodontic treatment patterns. A 25-item survey was mailed to 492 diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Surveys returned within 16 weeks were included for statistical analysis. The response rate was 73%. Most practitioners spent less than 10% of their practice time providing orthodontic treatment and reported that this would not change in the future. Practitioners who were dual trained in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics spent more time providing orthodontic treatment, although nearly half spent at least 50% of their time providing traditional pediatric dental treatment. Most pediatric dentists provided orthodontic treatment in the primary or early mixed dentition stages. The most common conditions treated were anterior crossbite, ectopic eruption, habits, posterior crossbite, and space maintenance. The most common orthodontic appliances used were fixed rapid palatal expanders and removable Hawley appliances with finger springs. Orthodontic treatment provided by pediatric dentists has decreased since it was last surveyed in 1983 and is not expected to change in the next 5 years.

Nonextraction treatment of a high-angle Class II malocclusion: A case report

A Class II malocclusion in a growing patient with hyperdivergent skeletal pattern and excessive vertical facial height is presented. The malocclusion was treated following a nonextraction approach, by molar distalization in combination with a removable appliance with finger springs and a high-pull gear. The space gained was used to retract the premolars, canines, and incisors. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2000;117:721-7)

The corrosion of orthodontic wire.

The corrosion of stainless steel orthodontic wire was investigated using the electrochemical technique of polarization resistance. A potentiostat was used to apply small perturbations about the corrosion potential and the resultant current was measured. The polarization resistance is determined from the slope of the plot, and the corrosion current and rate calculated. Problems associated with the technique are non-linear polarization plots and a prior knowledge of Tafel coefficients. In the present work a non-linear optimization procedure was developed to solve the corrosion equations directly for corrosion current and Tafel coefficients. Six sample groups were investigated, the corrosion rate expressed in terms of corrosion current density (Am−2): ‘as received’ (2.89); heat treated (2.49); finger springs (2.64); finger springs sleeved (5.78); Adams clasps (4.32) and Adams clasps sleeved (3.65). The results of the ‘as received’ were extremely scattered reflecting the random and uncontrollable stress imposed on the wire during the drawing process. The effect of heat treatment was to reduce the scatter and to significantly reduce the corrosion rate. The finger springs did not corrode at a significantly faster rate, but when insulated by the use of heat shrink PVC tubing leaving only the highly stressed coil to corrode, there was a two-fold increase in rate. The highly stressed Adams clasps also had a high corrosion rate. Scanning electron micrographs of the wires before and after corrosion indicated minimal surface damage.

The corrosion of orthodontic wire

The corrosion of stainless steel orthodontic wire was investigated using the electrochemical technique of polarization resistance. A potentiostat was used to apply small perturbations about the corrosion potential and the resultant current was measured. The polarization resistance is determined from the slope of the plot, and the corrosion current and rate calculated. Problems associated with the technique are non-linear polarization plots and a prior knowledge of Tafel coefficients. In the present work a non-linear optimization procedure was developed to solve the corrosion equations directly for corrosion current and Tafel coefficients. Six sample groups were investigated, the corrosion rate expressed in terms of corrosion current density (Am−2: as received' (2.89); heat treated (2.49); finger springs (2.64); finger springs sleeved (5.78); Adams clasps (4.32) and Adams clasps sleeved (3.65). The results of the 'as received' were extremely scattered reflecting the random and uncontrollable stress imposed on the wire during the drawing process. The effect of heat treatment was to reduce the scatter and to significantly reduce the corrosion rate. The finger springs did not corrode at a significantly faster rate, but when insulated by the use of heat shrink PVC tubing leaving only the highly stressed coil to corrode, there was a two-fold increase in rate. The highly stressed Adams clasps also had a high corrosion rate. Scanning electron micrographs of the wires before and after corrosion indicated minimal surface damage.

Dynamic orificial resin adjustable nasal stents

A technique is described for use of intranasal acrylic resin stents with finger springs and/or orthodontic jackscrew expanders for initiating and maintaining a desired amount of opening in the presence of scar tissue or grafts.

Problems in porcelain rehabilitation

Some years ago I heard a speaker refer to occlusal reconstruction as “dentoplastic” surgery. At that time I considered the term a bit pretentious. However, the judicious and careful use of porcelain-fused-to-metal for occlusal rehabilitation does merit that appellation (Figs. 13 and 14). [Display omitted] Fig. 13 The teeth before treatment. Fig. 14 The maxillary restoration (after 6 years of service) is a fixed splint extending from the second bicuspid to the second bicuspid replacing the central incisors and the right first bicuspid. The molars were restored with a precision partial denture with finger springs. The mandibular restoration is a three-in-one telescope splint.

Application of another orthodontic appliance

In conclusion I should like to sum up the possible combinations of the above-described appliances. The spring-beam apparatus most generally used allows the use of the ordinary labial arch or of the high labial arch. This latter is used because it is inconspicuous and also for attachment of finger springs; these can also be combined with the deep labial arch. If spring-tube bands are used, all the different kinds of attachments can be employed—either at the same time or one after the other. Therefore it is possible to use the labial spring arch (deep or high) and on the inside the removable beams or the lingual arch or the lingual spring-beam apparatus. At any time of the treatment it is possible to perform each wished-for combination after an impression without being forced to remove the bands. A number of useful combinations are indicated in the detailed work. Finally I want to mention that I have been using these appliances for a long time in my private practice and in the clinics and that I am very well satisfied with them.

President's address

Anterior crossbite correction is common in orthodontic treatment; however, few studies have discussed the change with cephalometric measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dentofacial changes in anterior crossbite correction by using an upper lingual arch with finger springs.This retrospective study included 30 patients (13 female and 17 male). According to the number of crossbite teeth, the patients were divided into three groups. We used paired t test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and multiple regression analysis to perform statistical analysis.According to overall treatment changes, the dental changes included overjet increase, overbite decrease, upper incisor proclination, lower incisor retroclination and intrusion, upper molar distal tipping with extrusion, and lower molar intrusion. These dental changes resulted in clockwise mandibular rotation and lip position change. Anterior crossbite correction did not require increasing bite appliances. According to multiple regression analysis, the change in overjet was associated with the position of the upper and lower incisor crown tips. The mean rate of upper incisor movement in the horizontal direction was 2.5 mm/mo. The treatment duration exhibited no significant difference among the three groups.Lingual arch with finger springs was effective in anterior crossbite correction regardless of the number of crossbite teeth.

The soldering of half-round posts and so-called finger springs to arch wires

The soldering of half-round posts and so-called finger springs to arch wires

TRIGGER FINGER.

This affection, which is generally known by the title trigger finger, is also called variously digitus recellens or lock or snapping finger and sometimes spasm of the finger¹. The original title given to it by Notta and Nélaton was "doigt à ressort" (spring finger), and in Germany it is called "schnellender" or "federnen finger" (snapping or spring finger). It is nearly always met with in flexion (Fig. 1), and particularly in flexion sufficiently great to allow the tip of the finger to rest or to press firmly on the palm of the hand. When the trigger action is present the finger can only be extended by a considerable muscular effort, or by the aid of the other hand. In overcoming the hitch by the action of the extensor muscles the finger springs back suddenly and usually with more or less pain, though when arrested or replaced by the sound

A Six-Fingered Family

IT may interest some of your readers to hear that there is at present living in Brown's Town, Jamaica, a family in whom the possession of six fingers has been hereditary for at least four generations. Unfortunately they consider the sixth finger a deformity, and always amputate it, so that there is very little opportunity of observing it. There is a little girl there however upon whom this operation has not been performed, and I much regret that, as her parents had taken her up into the hills to work in their provision grounds, I could not see her. As I am informed, the sixth finger springs from the little finger knuckle at right angles to the little finger, and when it is free of it, it turns up parallel to the rest, being a little shorter than the little finger, but quite perfect, with nail and two joints. It is bent and extended with the rest on opening or closing the fist.