Orthodontic Elastics Research Articles

Mechanical loading-induced alveolar bone remodeling is suppressed in the diabetic state via the impairment of the specificity protein 1/vascular endothelial growth factor (SP1/VEGF) axis.

Orthodontic treatment involves alveolar bone remodeling in response to mechanical loading, resulting in tooth movement through traction-side bone formation and compression-side bone resorption. However, there are conflicting reports regarding alveolar bone resorption during the orthodontic treatment of patients with diabetes. Diabetes was induced in 8-week-old C56BL/6J mice using streptozotocin (STZ). Four weeks after the injection of STZ, a mechanical load was applied between the first and second molars on the right side of the upper jaw using the Waldo method with orthodontic elastics in diabetic (DM) and normal (N) mice tooth movement, gene expression, osteoclast counts, alveolar bone residual volume, and bone beam structure were evaluated. The duration until spontaneous elastic loss was significantly longer in the DM group, suggesting that tooth movement may be inhibited in the diabetic state. The number of osteoclasts at 7 days after mechanical loading and the alveolar bone resorption were both significantly lower in the DM group. The gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein related to alveolar bone remodeling, and specificity protein 1 (SP1), a transcription factor of the VEGF gene, were significantly lower in the DM group than in the N group on the compression side of mechanical loading. Mechanical loading-induced alveolar bone remodeling is suppressed in the diabetic state. Our results suggest that VEGF is a key molecule involved in impaired bone remodeling under mechanical loading in the diabetic state.

Orthodontic Extrusion of Fractured Tooth with Clear Retainer

Tooth fracture at the cervical margin is frequently seen, and orthodontic extrusion of the same can be carried out to achieve a “ferrule effect” for successful restoration. Various techniques incorporating conventional removable and fixed orthodontics have been employed to facilitate orthodontic extrusion of the fractured tooth. The clear aligner can be used to facilitate the extrusion of a fractured tooth using the “bootstrap” arrangement. Bootstrap mechanics involve placing bonded buttons at the gingival margins on the facial, lingual, or both surfaces of a tooth that is lagging. In this pearl, an innovative and economical prerestorative orthodontic method, based on the biomechanical principles of the “bootstrap” arrangement used in aligners, is developed for the successful extrusion of a fractured tooth using a clear retainer and orthodontic elastics. The amount of extrusion of the fractured tooth was 2.5 mm and was achieved in a time frame of 3 weeks. The appliance is patient-friendly and cost-effective. Moreover, the appliance omitted the use of fixed orthodontic treatment mechanics.

Orthodontic Elastics: A Multivariable Analysis of YouTubeTM Videos.

Whether YouTube videos contain precise and adequate information on certain orthodontic procedures remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the content and quality of YouTube videos on orthodontic elastics and identify the predictors of high-level content YouTube videos. Two hundred YouTube videos were screened for eligibility, and after applying the inclusion criteria, 133 videos were excluded. Student's t-test was used to compare the characteristics, quality parameters, and total content of the low-level and high-level content videos. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were implemented to identify the source and content element differences across low-level and high-level content videos. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the total content score, video information and quality index (VIQI), and YouTube characteristics. Stepwise linear multiple regressions with forward selection were used to test the association of the YouTube characteristics and VIQI with the total content score. Among 67 included videos, only 19.4% of videos were classified as high-level content videos. High-level content videos had significantly higher mean number of likes (MD = 4041.7; SD = 4680.7; P-value=0.0068), VIQI score (MD = 4.17; SD = 4.87; P-value=0.0073), and total content score (MD = 4.04; SD = 1.23; P-value=<0.0001). The adjusted linear regression model demonstrated a significant association between the total content score and VIQI, where 1 unit increase in the VIQI was significantly associated with a 0.16 increase in the total content score (B = 0.16; standard error [SE]=0.04; P = 0.0003). Further, a significant association was observed between the total content score and video duration, where 1 minute increase in the video duration was significantly associated with a 0.15 increase in the total content score (B = 0.15; SE = 0.05; P = 0.008). This study demonstrated that YouTube content quality concerning orthodontic elastics is poor. Thus, future implementation of online visual content provided by certified orthodontists will ensure accurate and thorough information delivery.

Time-dependent force depreciation of intraoral orthodontic elastics of variable force and lumen sizes – An in vitro study

: To evaluate force decay of elastics of different dimensions and different force values over 48-hours.Steps included extension and immersion of elastics in artificial saliva and measurement of force levels at a specified point of time. A model with vertical pins placed at in the oral cavity. The initial force measurement was done using Universal testing machine before the elastics were engaged onto the pins 37⁰C in artificial saliva. The reading was taken after this in the Universal testing machine for the samples. The elastics were then placed back into the static simulation for the next 23 hours and again into the dynamic simulation for the next 1 hour. Statistically significant difference (P&amp;#60;0.05) was observed between force depreciation between rest and maximum stretch of the elastic. Statistically significant difference was observed in force depreciation with varying time intervals of a particular elastic sample. Lumen size and pre-determined force values affect the overall force decrease pattern of elastics. Elastics with higher force and smaller lumen size show comparatively higher loss of force than the lighter elastics with larger internal diameter. The maximum force loss of a particular elastic happens within the first 24 hours of elastic stretch. The study would help provide information about how an elastic's lumen size and initial force are interdependent, giving clinicians a better understanding of how to prescribe the right elastics for the force they need to apply for treatment.

Evaluation of the Loss of Strength, Resistance, and Elasticity in the Different Types of Intraoral Orthodontic Elastics (IOE): A Systematic Review of the Literature of In Vitro Studies.

Intraoral orthodontic elastics (IOE), typically referred to as rubber bands, are important tools for correcting malocclusion, and they are classified into latex and synthetic (elastomeric-based) elastics. They have different strengths and sizes, depending on their intended use, that provide clinicians with the ability to correct both anteroposterior and vertical discrepancies. Clinical use, together with saliva, alters the physical characteristics of both latex and synthetic elastics, causing declines in strength over time. The aim of the study was to assess, through a systematic review of in vitro studies, the properties of intraoral elastics. The primary goal was to evaluate how IOEs behave in terms of tension strength and duration. The secondary goal was to investigate the force loss during the first hours of wear. The tertiary goal was to assess how these forces decayed. The following electronic databases were searched from December 2020 to April 2021: Medline Full Text, PubMed, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, Science Direct, and Literature Review. Out of 8505 initial articles, 10 were selected for the systematic review. The force-degradation property was found in all types of IOEs. The loss of strength was directly proportional to time, with the highest value during the first 3 h after extension, regardless of the elastic band size and manufacturer. The forces generated by the latex bands were higher than in those of the elastomeric-based elastics, but they did not consistently correspond to the loads specified by the manufacturers. The retention forces in the latex IOEs were significantly higher than those in the nonlatex bands, suggesting that elastomeric-based bands need to be changed more frequently and at regular intervals throughout a 24 h period. This systematic review indicates that intraoral orthodontic elastics have the greatest loss of force during the first 3 h, that latex rubber bands have the highest strength during the first hour, that the forces generated are not always consistent with the manufacturer's specifications, and that nonlatex (elastomeric-based) IOEs need to be changed frequently and regularly during a 24-h cycle.

The Use of a CAD/CAM Thermoformed Splints System in Closed Reduction of Condylar Fractures.

(1) Background: Mandibular fractures are very common. Common indications of closed treatment for mandibular fractures are non-displaced or minimally displaced simple fractures in adult compliant patients with good dentition, the absence of occlusal disruption, and fractures in growing children. In closed treatment, the mandible is maintained in centric occlusion with a maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with orthodontic elastics. Many methods of MMF have been described, often using orthodontic appliances. In recent years, CAD-CAM technology has improved many procedures used in maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. The device we present is manufactured following a digital workflow, and was designed specifically for MMF. (2) Materials: Two patients with mandibular fractures were treated with an MMF method whose procedure comprised scanning of the dental arches, followed by construction of thermoformed splints on which buttons for the elastics and retention holes are made. The splints were fixed on the dental arches with composite resin at the level of the holes, and were kept in place for the period of healing of the fracture, with the intermaxillary elastics hooked to the buttons. (3) Results: The application time of the splints was very quick. The splints remained stable for the necessary time, without causing particular discomfort to the patients. (4) Conclusions: From our experience, this technique has proved to be reliable and reproducible and could represent a valid tool in the closed treatment of mandibular fractures.

Numerical investigation of the biomechanical effects of orthodontic intermaxillary elastics on the temporomandibular joint

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) often coincides with malocclusion, and in some cases TMDs are reported after orthodontic treatment. Intermaxillary elastics (also known as orthodontic elastics, OE) are a common way to apply force during orthodontic treatment, and they might cause mechanical effects on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), thereby lead to joint remodeling. It is still a controversial topic whether the adapted remodeling of the TMJ or of the alveolar bone is the main cause for the alteration of occlusion after treatment with OEs. It was the aim of this study to analyze whether variations of OEs would develop harmful effects on the healthy TMJ. A TMJ model with a masticatory system based on Hill-type muscle actuators was established. Mouth opening and closure with and without OEs were simulated, and maximum principal stresses in the disc and condylar cartilage as well as the displacement of the mandible were analyzed. We found no considerably difference in the mandibular movement without and with symmetrical OEs during mouth opening and closing. At full mouth opening, stresses in the disc and condylar cartilage of some models with OEs were much smaller than without OEs, but we did not find consistency in the results from the left and right sides of the same model (e.g. the lowest compressive stress on the left side of disc from the model with Class II OEs is much smaller than without OEs, −17.3 MPa compared with −28.2, while on the right side, there was no obvious difference). Hence, we could not conclude that OEs would develop deleterious effects on the healthy TMJ.

Effect of Electromagnetic Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Orthodontic Elastics: A Preliminary In-vitro Study

Introduction: The use of mobile phones has considerably increased, and the Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) caused by these devices may influence intraoral appliances. Intraoral elastics are commonly employed in orthodontics and require periodic changing by the patient to be effective. Unfortunately, changes in mechanical properties are one of the biggest drawbacks of using elastics. Aim: To evaluate the effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF-EMR) on the mechanical properties of intraoral orthodontic elastics under in-vitro conditions. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from February 2022 to June 2022. A total of 300 elastics with different diameters and force-exerting abilities were selected and divided into five categories (n=60). The five elastic groups were yellow, blue, green, red, and pink. These elastics were then exposed to EMR emitted from a cellular device for 1.5 hours per day over two days. The mechanical properties of the elastics were tested before and after exposure to EMR. Analysis of variance was used to determine if a significant difference existed between the groups, and Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to determine significant differences in the mean (p-value &lt;0.05). The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The results of the present study showed a statistically significant difference in rupture strength (p&lt;0.001) and force decay (p&lt;0.001) of the intraoral elastics before and after exposure to EMR. However, there was no change in the thickness and optical properties of all the elastics after exposure. The average remaining force of the intraoral elastics after exposure to EMR emitted from a cell phone device was 41.1% after force decay, and red elastics were the least colour stable, while green elastics were the most colour stable. Conclusion: EMR emitted from mobile phones and other devices can influence the mechanical properties of intraoral elastics in terms of rupture strength, force decay, and colour stability.

Mechanical Characterization and Structural Analysis of Latex-Containing and Latex-Free Intermaxillary Orthodontic Elastics.

Class II malocclusion is one of the most common dental anomalies and the use of intermaxillary elastomers is the standard method in its treatment. However, orthodontic elastics cannot exert continuous force over a period of time due to force degradation. Our goal was to mechanically characterize the different types of elastomers during static and cyclic loads, based on uniform methodology and examine the morphological changes after loading. Ten types of latex-containing and four latex-free intermaxillary elastics were examined from six different manufacturers. To determine the mechanical characteristics of the elastomers, tensile tests, cyclical tensile fatigue tests and 24 h relaxation tests were performed, and the elastics were also subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Regardless of the manufacturer, the latex-containing elastomers did not show significant differences in the percentage of elongation at break during the tensile test. Only one type of latex-containing elastomer did not tear during the 24 h cyclical fatigue test. Fatigue was confirmed by electron microscopy images, and the pulling force reduced significantly. During the force relaxation test, only one latex-free ligature was torn; the force degradation was between 7.8% and 20.3% for latex ligatures and between 29.6% and 40.1% for latex-free elastomers. The results showed that dynamic loading was more damaging to ligatures than static loading, latex-containing elastomers were more resistant than latex-free elastics, and which observation could have clinical consequences or a potential effect on patient outcome.

An assessment of the Quality of Information for Patients on YouTube™ Regarding Orthodontic Elastics.

The study aimed to investigate the quality of the information available to patients on YouTube™ concerning orthodontic elastics. A systematic search was carried out on YouTube™ using the keyword "elastics." The first 120 videos were viewed by 2 independent reviewers, and after the inclusion criteria were applied, 39 videos were excluded from the study. Demographic data of the videos were collected for the remaining 81 videos. For each video, its purpose, target audience, and source were also recorded. A 10-point content scale was used to evaluate the video content. The Global Quality Scale was also used to determine the quality of the videos. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, and correlation coefficient analyses were performed using Spearman's rho. In total, 36% of the included videos were uploaded by dentists and 22% by laypersons. In 77% of the videos, the purpose was to inform laypersons, and in 4%, the purpose was to inform professionals only. The content discussed the most (85.2%) was the instruction of orthodontic elastics use. The mean 10-point Content Scale score and Global Quality Scale score of the videos were 2.25 ± 1.99 (poor) and 2.60 ± 0.73 (moderate), respectively. There was a positive correlation between 10-point Content Scale and Global Quality Scale score (r = 0.258). The information available on YouTube™ regarding orthodontic elastics is quite poor and can be misleading for patients. Therefore, health professionals with evidence-based knowledge and clinical experience should improve the way they use YouTube™ to inform patients about the correct use of orthodontic elastics and to improve compliance with wearing orthodontic elastics.

In vitro study of structural and mechanical properties of latex and non-latex intermaxillary orthodontic elastics.

We evaluated bacterial endotoxin adhesion, superficial micromorphology and mechanical properties of latex and non-latex intermaxillary orthodontic elastics. To quantify the adhered bacterial endotoxin, elastics were divided into 5groups: experimental (n = 12) latex and non-latex elastics, previously contaminated by an endotoxin solution, negative control (n = 6) latex and non-latex elastics without contamination, and positive control (n = 6) stainless steel specimens (metallic replicas), contaminated by an endotoxin solution. In parallel, the structural micromorphology (n = 6) and surface roughness of latex and non-latex intermaxillary orthodontic elastics were assessed using confocal laser microscopy. Force degradation(g) and deformation of the internal diameter change (mm) were also evaluated. Structural micromorphology, surface roughness (µm), force degradation(g) and internal diameter (mm) change were evaluated at time 0and after 24and 72 h in adeformation test. Data were analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 5%). Endotoxin adhered similarly to both types of elastics withscores of 3 (> 1.0 EU/mL). The surface microstructure of both types of elastics showed irregularities and porosities at all times. Initially, the latex elastics had ahigher surface roughness (p < 0.001) than the non-latex ones. After 24 h loading, surface roughness of the latex elastics was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), while after 72 h, the values were similar for both types (p > 0.05). The non-latex elastics had significantly higher force generation values (p < 0.05) at 0, 24and 72 h compared with the latex elastics, although there was asignificant reduction (p < 0.001) in force over time for both elastics. Despite similar initial values, non-latex elastics had asignificantly larger internal diameter (p < 0.001) after the loading periods of 24and 72 h compared with the latex elastics. Both elastics showed high affinity with endotoxin and microstructural irregularities of their surface. The non-latex elastics generated higher force values but demonstrated greater deformation of the internal diameter after loading.

Disinfection of Orthodontic Elastomers and Its Effects on Tensile Strength.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different disinfection protocols on the mechanical properties of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures (EL), an important issue to biosafety improvement and infection control, and to avoid cross-contamination. A total of 120 EL were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 20) according to the disinfection method employed: group 1, EL were not immersed in a disinfectant solution (control group); group 2, EL were immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde; group 3, EL were immersed in 70% alcohol solution; group 4, EL were cleaned in an ultrasound washing (UW) machine by immersion in 0.5% enzyme detergent solution; group 5, UW procedure was performed, followed by immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde; Group 6, UW procedure was performed, followed by immersion in 70% alcohol. After disinfection, EL were subjected to a tensile strength test where the maximum strength, maximum elongation, and work at failure were determined. Data were statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett's t-test for multiple comparisons. Statistically significant different (P < .05) values were found between the disinfection methods, and 70% alcohol showed negative changes in all mechanical properties of orthodontic elastomers. By contrast, 2% glutaraldehyde did not show significant alteration in mechanical properties, whereas the UW procedure showed significant alteration in maximum strength and work at failure. Of the tested substances for disinfection, 2% glutaraldehyde was the only substance that did not cause significant changes in the mechanical properties of orthodontic elastics and is considered as an alternative for elastic disinfection before its use.

Exodontia atraumática associada a elásticos ortodônticos em pacientes submetidos ao tratamento oncológico radioterápico: revisão de literatura

Introduction: Cancer is currently among the five most common causes of death worldwide, resulting from harmful habits or genetic predisposition. Oral cancer plays a major role in this scenario and requires special dental care due to the association of tooth loss with cancer treatment. Aim: This study aimed at the biological analysis of the processes triggered by radiotherapy treatment and presentation of an alternative method for safe tooth extraction in cancer patients. Literature review: Cancer radiotherapy treatment triggers a series of oral complications that will eventually require tooth extraction, for example, osteoradionecrosis, hyposalivation, caries, and periodontal disease. Discussion: Tooth extraction with orthodontic elastics involves the tooth at the cervical height with elastics allowing a slow, gradual, and less traumatic exfoliation of the root; this process takes approximately 5 to 8 weeks. This technique is associated with a good postoperative recovery and ensures adequate healing, significantly increasing the likelihood of a positive prognosis. Conclusion: These techniques are safe and decrease the risk of postoperative complications, thus ensuring recovery without major problems for the patient.

Dynamic force decay evaluation of latex and non-latex orthodontic elastics.

To evaluate the force decay over time of latex and non-latex orthodontic elastics subjected to either static or dynamic stretching under simulated intraoral conditions. Four types of elastics (1/4-inch 4.5 ounces and 1/4-inch 6.5 ounces, each latex and non-latex) were subjected to either static stretching to 3times internal diameter (ID) or dynamic stretching from 3 to 4.5times ID in artificial saliva at 37 °C for 24 h. Forces generated by the elastics were measured at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. Differences among elastic types, time points, and between stretching regimens were tested for statistical significance (P < 0.05). Both stretching regimens caused rapid force decay in all elastic types, which was significantly higher in the non-latex elastics than in the latex elastics. In contrast, there were no differences between elastic types made of the same material. With both stretching regimens, the force decay was significant only after the first hour for the latex elastics, whereas it remained significant up to 24 h for the non-latex elastics. All elastic types generated significantly lower forces after dynamic stretching than after static stretching with 70.2, 68.8, and 66.1% of the initial force remaining after 4, 8, and 24 h for latex elastics and 48.0, 40.8, and 29.5% for non-latex elastics. Latex elastics retained significantly more force over time than their non-latex equivalents. Because of the higher force decay in adynamic environment, it is important that non-latex elastics be changed more frequently.

Assessment of Periodontium Temperature Changes under Orthodontic Force by Using Objective and Automatic Classifier

Background: Orthodontic elastics are used in orthodontic treatment with fixed braces. The effect of class I elastics on changing gingiva temperature as a periodontal component was investigated. Methods: To evaluate the temperature changes, objective and automatic classifiers were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the measurement. Results: Before putting on the elastics, the average gingival temperature of all 120 patients was 34.72 ± 0.7548 °C. Putting on the elastics for 10 min slightly increased the temperature to 34.81 ± 0.5938 °C; however, this is not a statistically significant change (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that putting an elastic band on does not significantly affect the gingiva temperature change. The use of class I elastics in orthodontic treatment in patients with healthy periodontium does not significantly change the periodontal temperature, which indirectly proves the production of safe orthodontic forces that can be used in the clinic. The use of artificial intelligence in the assessment of the temperature of the gingiva makes it possible to exclude factors that may disturb the objective thermographic analysis.

Influence of Storage Temperature on Orthodontic Elastics

Introduction: Orthodontic elastics are a very significant tool in orthodontics, as it is the most commonly used force delivering unit. Temperature plays a key role in the amount of force that elastics are able to produce. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the influence of storage temperature on the properties of orthodontic elastics before its clinical use. Aim: To evaluate the influence of different storage temperature of latex orthodontic elastics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, in November 2019. Sample of 40 latex orthodontic elastics (TP Orthodontics, medium force, standard size of 3/16′′) were divided into four groups with 10 elastics each, based on their storage temperature and stored in closed plastic packages. Group 1 was kept as a Control group and Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 were stored in three Incubators under the specified storage temperatures such as 26-28°C, 4-8°C, 37°C respectively. The elastics were stretched and their forces measured in six progressive increases of 100% of their inner diameter, starting at a level of 100% stretching, with the Universal Testing Machine, Instron. The samples were also tested for Maximum Stress (MPa), Maximum Force (N), Maximum Elongation (%) and Break Distance (mm). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 16.0, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc test. Results: On evaluating the stress at 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500%, 600% of strain, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Maximum Stress MPa was found to be 24.12±3.32, 25.12±3.42, 23.3±3.41, 23.97±3.50 for group1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 respectively. Maximum Elongation (%) was found to be 1369.0±25.108, 1364.0±23.190, 1359.0±35.103, 1363.0±34.657 for group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4, respectively. Break Distance (mm) was found to be 68.48±1.267, 68.28±1.267, 67.87±1.77 and 68.19±1.727 for group1, group 2, group 3 and group 4, respectively. And none of the parameters tested showed statistical significance between the four groups. Conclusion: Latex elastics may be stored under any of the conditions tested in the present study over a period of one month, since different storage temperatures over a period of one month did not interfere in their mechanical properties.

Importance of determining and establishing latex allergy in orthodontic patients

Introduction: The current study was commended with the aim of assessing the incidence of latex allergy in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: Silver-coloured orthodontic elastomeric ligatures (modular) from six different manufacturers were selected for the cytotoxicity study, being one of natural latex, two of latex-free and three containing polyurethane. The samples were divided into 6 groups of 15 elastics each. The cytotoxicity of these orthodontic elastics was determined through the dye-uptake technique, which is based on the neutral red absorption by living cells. Different periods of time were considered: 1, 2, 3, 7 and 28 days. Results: Among all the respondents to the survey, 7.5% showed positive change after wearing elastics. Most of the positive changes were seen in females Conclusion: Safe orthodontics practice is dependent upon recognising patients with allergy along with awareness of etiologic materials.

Reanatomização estética do sorriso com auxílio de elásticos separadores: relato de caso

A diferença de tamanho, as variações na forma bem como a permanência dos diastemas nos dentes anteriores em pacientes adultos promovem alterações que muitas vezes se destacam negativamente na face. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar um relato de caso clínico cujos diastemas foram reanatomizados por técnica restauradora direta e elástico separador, com clareamento dental prévio. Paciente do sexo feminino, 37 anos, compareceu à Escola Policlínica da Faculdade Patos de Minas (FPM) insatisfeita com o sorriso devido à cor e aos espaços entre os dentes. O tratamento pode depender da estética do paciente, da condição socioeconômica, da funcionalidade mastigatória, disponibilidade e da capacidade do profissional para realizar a tarefa. O clareamento dental foi proposto para resolver a queixa em relação à cor do dente. Posteriormente, para melhor proporção de tamanho entre os incisivos centrais, foi realizada movimentação com elásticos ortodônticos para melhor distribuição dos diastemas entre os centrais. Foi utilizada uma resina composta nanohíbrida. Esse método oferece, além do menor custo, a reversibilidade, a possibilidade de reparo e menor tempo na execução por não apresentar a fase laboratorial. Assim, o tratamento foi bem aceito e foi capaz de proporcionar satisfação à paciente, pois contribuiu para a melhora de sua autoestima e aceitação social.

Antibacterial Effects of MicroRepair®BIOMA-Based Toothpaste and Chewing Gum on Orthodontic Elastics Contaminated In Vitro with Saliva from Healthy Donors: A Pilot Study

Several new products with innovative formulations are being proposed to facilitate oral care. Here, we evaluated the effects of a commercially available product, a toothpaste and chewing gum named Biorepair Peribioma, on oral microorganisms of healthy subjects. Saliva from six volunteers was collected during 20 min of mastication of a traditional gum (gum A) and the Biorepair Peribioma gum (gum P). Orthodontic elastics (OE) were in vitro contaminated with salivary samples, both A and P, and subsequently exposed or not to a Biorepair Peribioma toothpaste-conditioned supernatant (Tp-SUP). The salivary samples were tested for initial microbial load; hence, the contaminated OE were assessed for microbial growth, adhesion, biofilm formation and persistence; moreover, species identification was assessed. We found that the salivary samples A and P had similar microbial load; upon contamination, microbial adhesion onto the OE was detected to a lower extent when using saliva P with respect to saliva A. Microbial growth and biofilm formation, assessed at 24 h, remained at lower levels in OE exposed to saliva P, compared to saliva A. This difference between salivary samples A and P was confirmed when measuring biofilm persistence (48 h), while it was lost in terms of microbial re-growth (48 h). The Tp-SUP treatment drastically affected microbial load at 24 h and strongly impaired biofilm formation/persistence, in OE exposed to both salivary samples A and P. Finally, such treatment resulted in consistent overgrowth of Lactobacilli, bacterial species originally present both in the Biorepair Peribioma toothpaste and gum. In conclusion, by an in vitro pilot study, we show that the Biorepair Peribioma toothpaste and gum deeply affect oral microorganisms’ behavior, drastically impairing their ability to contaminate and produce plaque onto orthodontic devices.

Experimental evaluation of strength degradation of orthodontic chain elastics exposed to cigarette combustion smoke

Introduction: Effects of cigars in the performance of dental restorative materials have been largely investigated; however, no information about the role of smoking cigars in strength degradation of orthodontic elastics has been revealed. Aim of the study: evaluate the effect of smoke derived from cigarette combustion on the strength degradation of orthodontic chain elastics. Materials and methods: Four distinct elastics from two different manufacturers were evaluated: Maximum Power Chain Pearl (OTP) (OrthoTechnology); Maximum Power Chain Pearl Tone Blue (OTPB) (OrthoTechnology); Orthodontic Elastic Chain Gray (MG) (Morelli); Orthodontic Elastic Chain Crystal (MC) (Morelli). Elastic segments were distended and exposed for eight minutes, twice a day with interval of 12 hours to cigarette combustion smoke. Elastic tension was evaluated at baseline, 7, 14 and 21 days. Results: the findings have shown that all elastics presented progressive tension reduction over the period evaluated. Statistically significant differences were evidenced from the baseline to 7 days and from 14 to 21 days period. The OTP and OTPB elastics presented greater initial tension when compared to the MG and MC elastics. This pattern was reproduced throughout the study periods. When test groups were compared to the control in the period of 21 days, it was observed that cigars combustion smoke reduced in a statistically significant manner the elastic strength in all groups tested. Relative comparisons between the tested samples and control in the period of 21 days indicated that smoke exposure promoted strength loss that varied from 7% (OTP) to 12% (OTPB). Conclusion: experimental exposure to cigarettes combustion smoke contributed for the strength degradation of orthodontic chain elastics in the period of 21 days.