Relationship Between Dentofacial Features and Bullying in School children.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between clinician-assessed (actual) and self-assessed (perceived) dentofacial features and their association with bullying in schoolchildren. Methods: The sample comprised 519 schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years old (235 boys and 284 girls) randomly selected from private and public schools. Clinical evaluations were performed to record dento- facial features, and the children were asked a self-reported questionnaire about their personal experience of bullying and perceived dentofacial features. Descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) as well as chi-square to analyze the association between variables were applied. Results: The results showed that 57.2 percent of the children reported being bullied, and the mainly perceived dentofacial features cited were: "crooked teeth" (46.3 percent), "shape or color of teeth" (45.5 percent), "upper front teeth sticking out" (43.8 percent), and "having a gap between the teeth or having missing teeth" (35.5 percent). Statistically significant associations between actual and perceived dentofacial features and involve- ment in bullying were observed for anterior crowding (P=0.01), anterior crossbite (P<0.001), lip competence (P=0.008), and anterior dental trauma (P=0.04). Conclusion: Some actual and perceived dentofacial traits are associated with bullying, so these features and the schoolchil- dren's compliances should be considered to determine the treatment need.

Sodium Bicarbonate Jet Reduces Contamination of Dental Implants In Vitro Without Causing Visible Surface Changes.

PURPOSE: The increasing use of dental implants in oral rehabilitation has contributed to the increase of cases of peri-implantitis, a complex clinical condition that persists without an ideal treatment protocol. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the decontaminating action of the sodium bicarbonate jet in vitro, using different protocols, and the presence of visible changes on the surface of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen titanium implants (BioHE, Bioconnect) were used, divided into four groups (four implants per group): sterile implants (S)-negative control; implants contaminated with oral biofilm (C)-positive control; and implants contaminated with oral biofilm and decontaminated with a sodium bicarbonate jet for 30 seconds (J30) or 60 seconds (J60). The implants of groups C, J30, and J60 were contaminated in vitro with oral biofilm, then groups J30 and J60 received the respective decontamination treatments. Microbiologic analysis was performed by counting the colony-forming units (CFUs), and a qualitative descriptive analysis of the implant surface was performed after microbiologic analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests and the independent t test, with a .05 significance level. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction (P < .01) in the number of CFUs in groups J30 (3.63 × 106 ± 0.32) and J60 (2.74 × 106 ± 0.21) compared with group C (5.05 × 106 ± 0.43). Both decontaminated groups were statistically different from group S, which did not show bacterial growth (P < .01). When groups J30 and J60 were compared, there was also a significant difference between them (P < .01), and the group J60 showed greater decontaminating potential. The descriptive qualitative analysis did not show any visible changes on the surface of the implants. CONCLUSION: The sodium bicarbonate jet was effective in decontaminating titanium implants in vitro, causing no visible damage to the implant surface.

Comparison of enamel surface roughness and color alteration after bracket debonding and polishing with 2 systems: A split-mouth clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the enamel surface roughness (SR) and color alteration after bracket debonding and polishing using 2 systems. METHODS: After removal of excess adhesive using a 12-blade tungsten carbide bur on a low-speed handpiece, a randomized polishing procedure using Sof-Lex discs was applied on 1 side (n = 36) and Sof-Lex Spiral Wheels on the contralateral side (n = 36). Dental replicas were obtained with epoxy resin before bracket bonding and after tooth polishing. The SR was evaluated using a profilometer. The color was assessed using an Easyshade spectrophotometer before bracket bonding, immediately after tooth polishing, and 30 days after polishing. Two-way analysis of variance and t tests were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The SR of enamel showed similar results between the polishing systems (P = 0.309) and between moments (before bracket bonding and after tooth polishing) (P = 0.317). The color change was also similar between the polishing systems (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Sof-Lex discs and Sof-Lex Spiral Wheel polishing systems used after removal of excess adhesive using a 12-blade tungsten carbide bur on a low-speed handpiece did not appear to significantly damage the enamel surface, and the color change was similar between them.

Effect of botulinum toxin on quality of life of patients with chronic myofascial pain.

Aim: This prospective controlled clinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin Type A (BTX-A) on pain control and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic myofascial pain. Materials & methods: Patients with chronic myofascial pain were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20): counseling and self-care and Michigan-type occlusal splint (MOS) (CG-control group) or BTX-A injection (BTX-AG). The pain was evaluated with visual analogue scale and QoL with the oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Results: In both groups, the pain was reduced, and QoL improved after 30 days. The results of social disability and handicap were better for patients treated with counseling and self-care and MOS. Conclusion: Minimally invasive strategies and BTX-A application improved QoL and alleviated myofascial pain.

Comparative analysis of microorganism adhesion on coated, partially coated, and uncoated orthodontic archwires: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the microorganism adhesion on coated, partially coated, and uncoated orthodontic archwires after clinical use. The correlation between surface roughness (SR) and bacterial colonization was also evaluated. METHODS: A total of 48 archwire segments (0.016 × 0.022-in) were equally divided into 4 groups: nickel-titanium coated, nickel-titanium partially coated, uncoated stainless steel, and uncoated nickel-titanium. The archwires were randomly inserted in a split-mouth study design. After 4 weeks of clinical use, the total number of microorganisms adhering to the archwire was quantified and transformed into colony-forming units. SR was evaluated using a profilometer. A one-way and two-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey test, paired-samples t test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All the archwires presented microorganism adhesion, with the nickel-titanium-coated group demonstrating the highest value (P < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in SR was observed after clinical use for all groups (P < 0.05). No correlation between SR and bacterial adhesion was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Microorganism adhesion occurred on all of the archwires tested, especially on the esthetic fully coated. Because SR was not correlated with microorganism adhesion, future studies should evaluate the effect of surface free energy and superficial chemical changes on in-vivo microorganism adhesion.

Comparison of WALA ridge and dental arch dimensions changes after orthodontic treatment using a passive self-ligating system or conventional fixed appliance.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in WALA ridge and mandibular dental arch dimensions in orthodontic patients treated with a passive self-ligating system and conventional appliances. DESIGN: Original paper. SETTING: Orthodontic department at Inga University Center, Maringá, PR, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) dental casts of 60 patients with Class I malocclusion treated with slight to moderate crowding that were divided into two groups. Group 1: 30 patients treated with a passive self-ligating system, at a mean initial age of 17.68 years and mean treatment time of 2.31 years. Group 2: 30 patients treated with conventional appliances, at a mean initial age of 19.23 years and mean treatment time of 2.56 years. Measurements were taken using a digital caliper directly on pre and posttreatment dental casts to evaluate the transversal dimension behavior of the mandibular dental arch and the WALA ridge width. RESULTS: Self-ligating group presented an increase in WALA ridge width and mandibular transversal dimensions significantly greater than the conventional group, with the exception of intermolar cusp tip distance and intercanine WALA ridge. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. There was also observed a significantly greater increase of the transversal buccal axis dimensions in the premolar area when compared to the WALA ridge increase in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a passive self-ligating system resulted in a significantly greater increase of the WALA ridge width and mandibular arch dimensions when compared to conventional appliance.