Non-surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion in adults.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of nonsurgical rapid maxillary expansion in adult patients diagnosed as having real or relative transverse maxillary deficiency. Thirty-eight patients were consecutively treated with a fixed rapid maxillary expansion appliance of the Haas design. Successful expansion, as judged by clinical evidence of the creation of a diastema at the central incisors, was possible in 81.5% of the patients. Morbidity ranged from mild discomfort to significant pain, edema, and palatal lesions, which, in most instances, did not compromise the expansion. Only moderate maxillary expansion was possible in most patients, but enough was obtained to facilitate the achievement of satisfactory final interocclusal relations.

Sexual dimorphism in normal craniofacial growth.

The purpose of this investigation is to re-evaluate an existing sample of Caucasian individuals, of mostly Northern European ancestry and undefined ethnic origins, who have been characterized as having excellent occlusions and balanced facial proportions (from a subjective assessment). The focus is the emergence of sexual dimorphism in the skeletal and dental relationships. Serial lateral cephalograms of 51 subjects were obtained from the Bolton-Brush Study at ages 6, 9, 12, 14, 16 and 18 yrs. At each age, the records of 16 males and 16 females were selected. Cephalometric evaluation indicated that the length of the anterior cranial base was larger in males but the cranial base angle was similar for both sexes at all age intervals studied. The effective lengths of the maxilla and mandible were similar in both sexes up to 14 years; thereafter in females this length remained relatively constant while in males it increased. The direction of facial growth was similar for both sexes, with a tendency towards a more horizontal growth pattern in females.

[Ankylosis of deciduous teeth]. / Anquilose de dentes decíduos.

The authors reviewed the literature concerning ankylosis of deciduous teeth, with emphasis on the diagnosis, the incidence, the aetiology and the treatment of this manifestation, illustrated with representative clinical cases.

[Anterior open bite. Concept, etiology, characteristics, classification and clinical cases]. / Mordida aberta anterior. Conceito, etiologia, características, classificação e casos clínicos.

The preoccupation with vertical abnormalities, and particularly anterior open bites, led the authors to establish its concept, to review the literature concerning aetiology and treatment, to propose a classification and to present three case reports of this condition.

[Impressions in orthodontic finishing]. / Moldagem com finalidade ortodontica.

The authors review the subject and recommend a sequence to be followed during the impression taking, starting always in the lower arch, due to its comfort and less possibility of provoking nausea, this way acquiring the patient's trust.