Do the stages of orthodontic-surgical treatment affect patients' quality of life and self-esteem?

The orthodontic-surgical treatment comprises different stages from diagnosis to final soft tissue accommodation, but there are no data regarding the patient's perception during these phases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these stages on quality of life and self-esteem of patients with dentofacial deformity. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the treatment stage: initial orthodontic pre-treatment (1), one week before surgery (2), three months after surgery (3), and after the removal of the orthodontic appliance (4) (n = 20 / group). They filled the following questionnaires: Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences among groups were noticed in all evaluated scales (p = 0.001 for all). No statistically significant differences between patients in groups 1 and 2 (OHIP, OQLQ, and RSES, p >0.05 for all), while patients at group 4 presented different scores in all questionnaires compared to 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05 for all), irrespective of the type of dentofacial deformity (p > 0.05). The results indicate that dental decompensation stage did not negatively affect patient's confidence and well-being. Despite the improvement noticed few months after the orthognathic surgery, the main impact on patient's quality of life and self-esteem was evidenced after the removal of the orthodontic appliance. We highlight the important role of counselling patients to discuss all the treatment stages to clarify patients' subjective expectations before any intervention is carried out.

Transoral vs. extraoral approach in the treatment of condylar neck fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess a non-endoscopic transoral versus extraoral technique in the open reduction and internal fixation of displaced or dislocated fractures of the condylar neck. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients, treated from 2007 to 2012 with 114 class II or class IV fractures according to Spiessl and Schroll were included in this study. Facial nerve function, scarring, pain and functional clinical parameters, such as protrusion, mediotrusion and maximum interincisal distance, were judged clinically (at 21 ± 12.1 months); repositioning and reossification were measured upon preoperative, postoperative and follow-up (at 8.8 ± 7 months) radiographs. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the OHIP-G 14 questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 36 patients (35%) with 43 fractures (38%) presented for clinical follow-up. Both treatment groups showed clinically and radiologically comparable results. Scarring was obvious in all extraorally treated patients, and hypertrophic scars occurred in four class IV cases (24%). One class IV patient (6%) had a persistent facial nerve palsy; temporary pareses were more frequent (n = 4; 24%). CONCLUSION: The transoral approach did not jeopardize facial nerve function, and extraoral scars were avoided. Repositioning and fixation results and the frequency of revision operations were comparable. The transoral approach can be recommended generally in class II and class IV cases.

Segmental stability of resorbable P(L/DL)LA-TMC osteosynthesis versus titanium miniplates in orthognatic surgery.

After two decades of the use of resorbable miniplates, new polymer compositions for resorbable osteosynthesis are still being developed to make the handling and outcome of operations even more predictable and give higher stability to the repositioned segments. This study investigates a new resorbable osteosynthesis system in orthognathic patients. 50 patients were treated with P(L/DL)LA-TMC resorbable osteosynthesis and compared to a group of 50 patients treated with titanium miniplates. Segmental stability and relapse were measured comparing preoperative, postoperative and follow-up lateral cephalograms. Throughout this study, resorbables appeared to be as stable as titanium miniplates except in maxillary elongation and mandibular setback. Here, the titanium miniplates showed significantly higher stability than resorbable plates. P(L/DL)LA-TMC osteosynthesis seem to have less strength against compressive forces after maxillary elongation and they are less resistant to the forces the tongue exerts, pressing against the mandible after setback. It can therefore be concluded that the resorbable osteosynthesis can be used in the same situations as titanium miniplates except in maxillary elongation and mandibular setback.

Use of rectangular grid miniplates for fracture fixation at the mandibular angle.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with mandibular angle fractures treated by intraoral access and a rectangular grid miniplate with 4 holes and stabilized with monocortical screws. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 45 patients with mandibular angle fractures from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery São Paulo State University, Araraquara, Brazil, and from the Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. The 45 fractures of the mandibular angle were treated with a rectangular grid miniplate of a 2.0-mm system by an intraoral approach with monocortical screws. Clinical evaluations were postoperatively performed at 15 and 30 days and 3 and 6 months, and the complications encountered were recorded and treated. RESULTS: The infection rate was 4.44% (2 patients), and in 1 patient it was necessary to replace hardware. This patient also had a fracture of the left mandibular body; 3 patients (6.66%) had minor occlusal changes that have been resolved with small occlusal adjustments. Before surgery, 15 patients (33.33%) presented with hypoesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve; 4 (8.88%) had this change until the last clinical control, at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The rectangular grid miniplate used in this study was stable for the treatment of simple mandibular angle fractures through intraoral access, with low complication rates, easy handling, and easy adjustment, with a low cost. Concomitant mandibular fracture may increase the rate of complications. This plate should be indicated in fractures with sufficient interfragmentary contact.

Comparison of tooth- and bone-borne devices in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion by three-dimensional computed tomography monitoring: transverse dental and skeletal maxillary expansion, segmental inclination, dental tipping, and vestibular bone resorption.

Comparison of bone-borne (BB) versus tooth-borne (TB) distraction in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, secondary variables were bipartite (2S) or tripartite (3S) osteotomy, pterygomaxillary osteotomy (+PP) or not (jPP), and age (920 years old [920] and G20 years old [G20]). Fifty patients received three-dimensional computed tomography examination preoperatively and after expansion; 24 had BB, and 26 had TB distraction. Predefined preoperative landmarks versus postexpansion positions were assessed in multiplanar viewing. Bone-borne devices had bigger overall skeletal and dental maxillary expansion declining from anterior to posterior, more asymmetric expansion, less vestibular bone resorption, and less dental tipping; TB devices showed similar dorsal decrease in transverse skeletal and dental maxillary expansion from anterior to posterior, more vestibular bone resorption, particularly in the premolars, and more dental tipping. Bone-borne 3S +PP G20 had the biggest decrease in transverse skeletal widening and biggest segmental outward inclination; BB 3S +PP 920 had the biggest decline in transverse dental widening; TB 2S YPP G20 had the biggest segmental inward inclination; BB 2S YPP 920 had the biggest dental tipping; BB 2S G20 had the biggest vestibular bone resorption in molars; and TB 3S 920 and BB YPP had the biggest vestibular bone resorption in premolars. There was a significant correlation between transverse widening and segmental inclination; that is, a bigger amount of transverse widening provokes less segmental inclination.

Zygoma implants for midfacial prosthetic rehabilitation using telescopes: 9-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study presents successful maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using telescopic and crowns on zygoma implants as abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients received 36 zygomatic and 24 dental implants and were followed-up for an average of 65 months (range: 13 to 102 months). Machined zygoma implants were positioned classically in the maxillary molar region. In larger defects, premolar and canine implants were also used. Follow-up included implant and prosthetic success parameters as well as the completion of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14G). RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of patients during the study period did not encounter notable complications after prosthetic rehabilitation. There was an 89% cumulative 8-year zygoma implant survival rate and a 100% survival rate for the dental implants. Three losses occurred due to overloading and persistent infection; each was immediately replaced. Five successfully osseointegrated implants had to be removed in two patients due to recurrences of disease; one patient died. Peri-implant bleeding and plaque index scores decreased. After prosthetic treatment with electroplated gold or galvanotelescopes, all patients who had participated in the follow-up declared function (i.e., retention, speech, and mastication) and esthetics as having improved. Other positive aspects mentioned were good hygiene, comfortable usage, and a decrease in sore spots. OHIP scores were 25 +/- 12 on a scale of 0 (no impairment) to 56 (maximum impairment). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study (a variable evaluation period), it was observed that zygomatic implants are reliable retention for maxillofacial prostheses. Losses were diagnosed as occuring primarily from chronic infection and overloading. A trapezoid prosthesis design support is recommended with a sufficient number of implants.

Comparison of early telescope loading of non-submerged ITI implants in irradiated and non-irradiated oral cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early dental implant loading in irradiated and non-irradiated oral cancer patients in order to accelerate masticatory function improvement and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen non-submerged interforaminal ITI implants were early loaded in 30 patients after 3 weeks in situ (telescoped overdenture). Nineteen patients received 72 implants (63%) after local irradiation; 11 non-irradiated patients received 42 implants (37%) with a 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: At 24 month follow-up, one early failure had occurred in an irradiated patient (=99% functioning implants in situ). Peri-implant bleeding and plaque index were similarly high in both groups (40 to 68% average). The Results of other measured parameters were as follows (values for mean; irradiated; non-irradiated patients with respective standard deviations; significance of comparison): bone loss (0.9+/-0.9; 1.4+/-0.9; 0.4+/-0.5 mM; P<0.01); Periotest score (-2.7+/-2.7; -2.4+/-2.2; -3.1+/-3.3; P<0.2); gingival recession (0.6+/-0.7 mM; 0.8+/-0.9 mM; 0.4+/-0.5 mM, P<0.02); and peri-implant probing depths (3+/-1.2; 2.6+/-0.6; 3.4+/-1.7 mM; P<0.002). CONCLUSION: The results suggest reliable non-submerged implantation and early loading. However, bone loss in irradiated mandibles, combined with higher average Periotest values and gingival recession in an oral environment of altered saliva quantity, quality, microflora and local scarring, requires extended follow-up.

Zygoma implant-supported midfacial prosthetic rehabilitation: a 4-year follow-up study including assessment of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Successful prosthetic rehabilitation is crucial for quality of life in cases of large maxillary defects when surgical reconstruction is not advisable because of general health or patient refusal. For this purpose, the extended indications for Zygomaticus fixtures in different defect types were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients received 28 zygoma implants and 23 dental implants (if a segment of alveolar process was available) and were followed-up 14-53 months. Zygoma implants were positioned classically in the maxillary molar region and to reduce leverage, a premolar and a canine position was developed. The quality of life was assessed by a validated questionnaire after complete rehabilitation. RESULTS: Cumulative zygoma implant survival was 82%. Three losses occurred because of persistent infection and gradual loosening. Lost implants were immediately replaced in adjacent bone. Insufficient implant length within soft tissue reconstructions was prone to chronic infection by pocketing and recurrent overgrowth of granulating tissue. Longer implants were free of soft tissue inhibition, yet prone to overloading and high leverage in cases when no anterior alveolar process and dental implants were present. Zygoma implant success was therefore 71%, including the new premolar and canine Zygomaticus fixture-position. Periotest values increased from 0 to +7 to the fourth year, peri-implant bleeding and plaque index were decreasing from 56% to 0% and 33% to 0%, respectively, and good general quality of life with the priorities on chewing and activity was noted. CONCLUSION: Zygoma implants can reliably anchor the midfacial maxillary prostheses and enable a quality of life comparable with autologous maxillary reconstruction. They can be replaced immediately if local infection or loosening should occur. A premolar and canine position reduce leverage when no anterior alveolar process is present. The patient can alternatively be provided with dental implants.