Orthodontic Research Articles

Study of three-dimensional anatomical relationship between infrazygomatic crest and maxillary sinus for mini-screw insertion

To measure the thickness of the infrazygomatic(IZ) crest above the maxillary first molar and analyze its relationship with maxillary sinus as to derive clinical implications and provide guidance for placements of orthodontic mini-screw. Thirty seven cone-beam CT(CBCT) images of infrazygomatic crest sites were collected from data of 19 adult inter-treatment orthodontic patients. Based on the relationship of maxillary sinus floor and mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molar, the subjects were divided into high sinus floor group (n=13) and low sinus floor group (n=24). Both lengths of mesial and distal buccal root of the maxillary first molar were measured as a reference for mini-screw positioning. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 20.0 software package. IZ crest thickness above the maxillary first molar in high sinus group was larger than that in low sinus group, and the thickness decreased as the measurement moved towards the skull base in both groups. Lengths of mesial and distal buccal root of the maxillary first molar were (12.62±0.55)mm and (12.30±0.48)mm respectively in male patients alongside (11.53±0.24)mm and (11.15±0.26)mm respectively in female patients. Our data indicated pre-insertion evaluation of the appropriate level of maxillary sinus floor should be performed before placement of mini-screw using CBCT. In order to avoid injury to the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molar and enhance the stability of inserted miniscrew, positions for miniscrew implant insertion should be over 13.62 mm in Chinese male patients and 12.53 mm in female patients at the vertical level from buccal CEJ.

Intrusion of an overerupted maxillary molar with orthodontic mini implants for implant restorative purposes

This case report presents the use of orthodontic micro screw implants to intrude an overerupted maxillary first molar as a strategy to obtain adequate interocclusal space for replacing a missing first lower opposing molar. A 37-year-old female who have recently finished her orthodontic treatment and a mandibular first molar missing was treated for the tooth replacement and successful intrusion of the opposing molar using two orthodontic micro screw implants previous to the final restoration. This is a conservative approach to avoid this kind of situations that can complicate the prosthetic treatment.

Orthodontics and Oral Microflora: Synergism or Parasitism

Microorganisms cannot be seen through naked eye but we can feel their impact on us in various ways. Though only 3% of the total microbial populations are harmful to the humans without knowing, we are getting their help from the historic days eg. souring of milk, pickles, jams, dosa and idly making, wine production etc. In an average adult, there are 100 trillion human cells and 1500 trillion microbes. Thus, at best we are little more than 10% of us. Hence we are all just Petri dishes with shoes. We as orthodontists often intervene with the most important microbial habitat that is the oral cavity. Various studies have been done in relation to orthodontics and oral flora which have been unable to resolve the dilemma of the type of relationships among the two. The relationships formed and thereby the success of an orthodontic therapy depends upon both an orthodontist as well as the patient. All procedures beginning with appliance fabrication, insertion, oral hygiene maintenance and patient motivation are equally important. A balance and harmony have to be maintained from initiation throughout progression till the end of the therapy. If any of the above becomes wrong or imbalanced, orthodontic therapy fails.

A new Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) for optimal removal of resin-based bracket bonding remnants after orthodontic debracketing.

Tooth-colored resin-based bracket bonding agents are used to fix orthodontic brackets to teeth as inconspicuously as possible. However, after debonding the brackets, these tooth-colored bonding remnants remain on the tooth surface and must be removed to prevent adverse sequelae. Various techniques can be used, all of which cause varying damage to the tooth structure, as the transition between composite and enamel is visually difficult to detect. With the fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT) presented here, the fluorescent properties of new orthodontic composites are used for visualization, thereby allowing the tooth-colored but fluorescent resin-based bracket bonding remnants to be removed under direct view quickly and without damaging the tooth.

Diabetes mellitus, a myth in orthodontics?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Conventionally, orthodontic treatment was considered to be a treatment modality for healthy young people. However, with increasing patient awareness, the trend has changed with adults now seeking orthodontic treatment. Approximately, half of the patients with diabetes are not diagnosed and an oral examination may provide the first diagnosis of the disease, So that treating doctor must have a basic knowledge of the oral features of DM. Here, we will see clinical aspects of DM, its oral manifestations, and orthodontic treatment considerations.

Orthodontic treatment of an adolescent patient with localized aggressive periodontitis

Screening for aggressive periodontitis (AP) is important since it can occur before, during, or after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists need to acquire competence and confidence to treat such cases. The success of treatment in these cases requires an interdisciplinary collaboration. For a successful treatment outcome, orthodontists need to work side by side with other specialists. Periodontists play an important role as stable dentition relies on a healthy periodontium. Periodontists provide detailed documentation regarding periodontal examination, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and maintenance of such cases. The case described here is an atypical case that requires an interdisciplinary approach and management of the patient's cooperation and expectations. This report shows the possibility of orthodontic treatment in patients with localized AP.

Single-retainer resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses as an alternative to orthodontic space closure (and to single-tooth implants).

This article describes single-retainer resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) as an excellent alternative to orthodontic space closure or tooth replacement with implants or conventional fixed dental prostheses for congenitally and traumatically missing anterior teeth. Although the treatment with RBFDPs is technique sensitive, it is extremely reliable given a correct indication and adequate adhesive procedures.

Age assessment in orthodontics and general dentistry.

In dentistry, methods for determining age and the degree of dental and skeletal development play an important role, in particular in the assessment of developmental disorders of the dentition as well as in the planning of orthodontic interventions. Dentistry is also important in the field of forensics due to the possibility of age determination based on the dentition. In addition to anthropometric and morphologic methods, numerous biochemical, histologic, radiologic, and radiation-free imaging methods exist to determine the chronologic, but also dental and skeletal age of a person or a patient. This article aims to provide an overview of the currently available methods for age determination in dentistry, both for forensic and diagnostic-therapeutic purposes, and to critically assess their indication and value based on the available evidence.

A comparative evaluation of maxillary canine retraction using flap and flapless corticotomy: A clinical study

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillary canine retraction using flap and flapless corticotomy. Materials and Methods: A sample of 10 adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring therapeutic extraction of maxillary first premolars bilaterally were selected, compliant with the inclusion criteria. By random allocation, one site was selected for flap corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics (CFO) and opposite site for flapless CFO. After corticotomy procedure, maxillary canine retractions were done on both the sides using sliding mechanics. A paired t-test was used to determine the statistical significance of the difference in the amount of tooth movement between the flap and flapless sides. Results: There were statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in the rates of anteroposterior movement of the canines between the flap and flapless sides at all measurement times, and the rates of canine retraction were consistently higher in the flap side than in the flapless side. Conclusions: Flap corticotomy technique is more effective as compared to that of flapless corticotomy technique. Clinical Relevance: Flap corticotomy will be more effective clinically; however, the histologic correlation in regard to the changes in both the technique would be more beneficial.

Appraisal of orthodontic brackets for Adhesive Remnant Index with and without primer: In vitro study

Introduction: The elementary function of the primer is to boost the efficiency of the final bond. The secondary function is to protect the enamel from the ensuing demineralization by the acid-etching and to reduce marginal leakage. Primer computing is a step in the bonding procedure which necessitates increased chair time risk of moisture contamination and an increased procedural cost. Hence, the present study is intended to evaluate the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) for the site of bond failure. Methodology: Eighty extracted premolars procured from the department of orthodontics and private clinics divided into two groups with and without primer, after debonding the enamel surfaces, were examined under stereomicroscope of ×20 magnification for ARI, using the 4-point scale described by Artun and Bergland. Results: The frequency distribution of ARI with primer application showed statistically significant results. There were significant differences in debonded locations, between enamel-adhesive with primer and without primer. Conclusions: A conventional adhesive system with primers showed low ARI scores in comparison to adhesive system without primer.

Autotransplantation, Surgical Repositioning of Retained Canine, and Apical Filling of Two Incisors with Root Resorption.

The purpose is to show the autotransplantation and surgical repositioning of a retained canine, and the apical filling of central and lateral resorbed incisors from a 12-year-old female patient, healthy and with clinical absence of left maxillary canine. Radiographically, the retained canine between the resorbed central and lateral incisors was observed. Root canal treatment of the canine was performed after 8 weeks; apical curettage and placement of bovine graft in inter-incisal zone was done after 4 months. During 6 months, orthodontic traction of the canine was carried out with no positive results, and 12 months after the autotransplantation, surgical repositioning was performed. Clinical-radiographic control at 30 days and 24 months showed absence of inflammation, restoration and integration of the tooth-supporting structures. Autotransplantation combined with surgical repositioning of the retained canine and the apical filling of two incisors achieved the harmonious, aesthetic, functional, dental and psychological preservation of the patient.

Survey of needs for oral health behavior and oral health education experience in some orthodontic patients

Survey of needs for oral health behavior and oral health education experience in some orthodontic patients

The orthodontic blogosphere!

The orthodontic blogosphere!

Aesthetics in Orthodontics: Where We Are?

Aesthetics in Orthodontics: Where We Are?

Relationship between dental malocclusion with parent’s educational status

Objective: To determine the relationship between prevalence of malocclusion in children and parents educational status. Methods: A total of 2000 Saudi male and female subjects between the ages 12-16 years were selected randomly from secondary schools within Aseer region. Subjects presenting with identified systemic diseases were excluded from the study and were examined for malocclusion using a standard orthodontic assessment form. SPSS software, version 14.0, has been used to analyse the statistics of data thus collected. Results: The prevalence of malocclusion for children of parents with post-doctoral degrees was lowest at 76.6%. Parents with master’s degree show a slightly higher prevalence of malocclusion among their children at 4% and 8% in children of parents with only primary education. The highest prevalence of malocclusion was noted in subjects of the parents with Bachelor’s degrees (at 48%) and with secondary level education at 25%. Conclusion: The study shows that parents with higher levels of education have protective effect on their child’s occlusion probably due to better access to resources and higher level of motivation to interrupt habits which affected the child’s oral health. Further research involving larger sample size and distribution involving multiple co variables should be done to explore the potential role of various risk factors of malocclusion.

Class II, Division 1 Malocclusion treated with the Andresen Appliance followed by Fixed Orthodontics

Class II, Division 1 Malocclusion treated with the Andresen Appliance followed by Fixed Orthodontics

Ortodonti ve Antropometri İlişkisine Genel Bakış; Sefalometri-Antropometri Yakınlığı

Antropometri, insan vücudunun boyutları ile ilgilenen bir bilim dalıdır. Bu bilim ergonomi, tekstil, spor ve sağlık gibi birçok alanda karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Ortodontinin antropometri ile ilişkisi uzun yıllara dayanmaktadır. Birçok etnik grup ve ırk için antropometrik normların belirlenmesinde, sendrom ve malformasyonların düzeltilmesinde, tedavi planlamasında, tedavi sürecinde ve uygulanmasında rehber olmuştur. Yüz çekiciliği, geçmişten günümüze üzerinde durulan konulardan biridir. Bu sebeple ideal ve çekici yüzün tanımını bulma arayışı birçok çalışmaya konu olmuştur. Çekicilik algısı, gelişen ve değişen dünyanın etkisiyle artmış ve çekiciliğin göreceliliğini değerlendirmek için antropometrik indekslere başvurulmuştur. Antropometrinin zaman içerisinde gelişmesi ve bununla beraber radyografik tekniklerin de bu gelişimi takip etmesi ile antropometri ve sefalometri arasındaki ilişki gün geçtikçe güçlenmiştir. Teknolojik gelişmelerin artmasıyla birlikte insan yaşamı kolaylaşır iken, bu durum bazı yan etkileri de ortaya çıkarmıştır. Sefalometrik filmler, ortodontide tanı ve tedavi amacıyla kullanılır iken, hastanın maruz kaldığı radyasyon dozunu da beraberinde getirmektedir. Bu yüzden rutin olarak kullanılan radyografilerin alternatiflerini bulma arayışı günümüzde ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, antropometri ve sefalometri ilişkisinin yakından incelenmesi ve ortodontide sıkça kullanılan sefalometrik ölçümlerin antropometrik karşılıkları ile olan uyumunun literatürdeki çalışmalar rehberliğinde sunulması amaçlanmıştır. Ayrıca, antropometrinin ortodonti ile olan bağlarının tarihsel süreçte değerlendirilmesi, antropometrinin ortodontiye olan katkısına bakılması ve ortodontide hangi amaçlarla kullanıldığı konusunda bilgi verilmesi hedeflenmiştir.

Orthodontic endodontic relationship, a multidisplinary approach and consideration

Orthodontic endodontic relationship, a multidisplinary approach and consideration

Orthodontic Scars

Orthodontic Scars

Study of the Prevalence of Dental Caries and Malocclusion in a Population of Primary School Pupils in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: In order to improve the prevention and treatment of caries as well as to increase knowledge regarding malocclusions in Burkina Faso, a prospective study was undertaken of the prevalence of dental caries and malocclusions in pupils at the Bilbalogho A public primary school in the town of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Materials and Methods: The studied population comprised all of the pupils enrolled at the Bilbalogho A public primary school who were physically present at the school at time of the survey. The recorded variables were age, gender, the presence of tartar or bacterial plaque, the presence of a malocclusion, the extent of the tooth decay, the topography of the carious lesions, as well as the indicated therapeutics. Results: A total of 313 pupils were examined. The prevalence of caries was 60.1%. The level of oral and dental hygiene was poor and buildup of tartar was found in 82.7% of the pupils. Angle class I malocclusions were the most common (66.8%). There was a clear need for orthodontic care in 8%. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries and malocclusions at this school in the capital was quite high. Recourse to treatment was quite low for this population. For many of the pupils the reported lesions were quite advanced, thus underscoring the need for greater awareness of oral and dental care as well as systematic routine dental consultations.