Influence of facial pattern in smile attractiveness regarding gingival exposure assessed by dentists and laypersons.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to assess the influence of facial pattern in smile attractiveness on different levels of gingival exposure evaluated by dental specialists and laypersons. METHODS: Frontal photographs of 2 white Brazilian women, one with a long face and the other with a balanced face, were acquired and subsequently modified to simulate gingival exposure from 0 to 6 mm. Four groups of evaluators of both sexes (mean age 34 y), including laypersons (n = 24) and dental specialists (n = 72; 24 orthodontists, 24 periodontists, and 24 maxillofacial surgeons), used a Likert-type scale to evaluate the attractiveness of the smiles of these subjects with different levels of gingival exposure. Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests were used to compare the perceptions of the dental specialists and laypersons. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to associate the age of the examiners with their rating outcomes. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed for the following levels of exposure for the long-faced subject: 0 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm. Laypersons were less critical than dental specialists. In the balanced-face subject, statistically significant differences were observed between laypersons and dental specialists for gingival exposure levels of 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm. Laypersons perceived gingival exposure to a lesser extent for the balanced-face subject than for the long-face subject. The balanced face was better rated than the long face by dental specialists and laypersons for all levels of gingival exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Facial patterns influenced the smile attractiveness evaluation. The facial characteristics of a balanced facial pattern attenuated the perception of gingival exposure.

Therapeutic Protocol for Orthosurgical Management of Class III Malocclusion in Patients With Cleidocranial Dysostosis.

Cleidocranial dysostosis (CCD) is a congenital skeletal disorder with significant manifestations in facial and dental development. Patients are affected with CCD present maxillary deficiency, late dental eruption, and supernumerary teeth. Early and multidisciplinary approach is necessary to treat CCD patients, especially to manage dental eruption and Class III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency. Several orthodontic and surgical interventions are performed to enable traction and extraction of teeth. Yet the maxillary deficiency may be protracted followed by orthodontic dental compensation. On the other hand, it is important to note that CCD patients' treatment is closely related to the severity of transversal and sagittal deformities, as well as the discrepancies in the lower third of the face. In this context, patients with facial impairment highly affected by CCD may need ortho-surgical decompensation to reach more aesthetic outcomes. The present study reports a case of a 14-year-old young patient affected by CCD. Clinically, the patient presented Class III malocclusion, maxillary deficiency, short lower facial third, posterior crossbite, and anterior open bite leading to facial disharmony. The patient underwent treatment in 2 stages: the interceptive approach aimed to transversally expand the maxilla and promote its protraction; and the corrective phase combined with the orthognathic surgery treated the patients' main complains; the anterior open bite, unerupted teeth, and chin prominence. The treatment approach applied in the clinical report allowed the correction of the malocclusion and facial profile satisfying completely the patient's expectations.

Can bone thickness and inter-radicular space affect miniscrew placement in posterior mandibular sites?

PURPOSE: The proper angle of miniscrew insertion is important for cortical anchorage, patient safety, and biomechanical control. The purposes of this study are to report the alveolar process thickness and inter-radicular space in the posterior region of the mandible, to assess the impact of different miniscrew insertion angle protocols, and to identify differences between the genders or types of malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 100 individuals were selected for orthodontic treatment at a radiology clinic. Cone-beam computed tomography data were imported into 3-dimensional software. The predictor variable was the location in the mandible and insertion angle. The demographic variables collected included age, gender, and malocclusion (Angle Classes I and II). The primary outcome variables were bone thickness and inter-radicular space. The inter-radicular spaces were evaluated 5 mm from the cement-enamel junction. The bone thicknesses were taken at 45°, 60°, and 90° in relation to the alveolar ridge, simulating a miniscrew insertion. These factors were evaluated for sexual dimorphism and malocclusion (Angle Classes I and II). Sexual dimorphism and malocclusion were evaluated with t tests. To compare the inter-radicular space and the thickness of bone between areas, an analysis of variance for repeated measures was used. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 100 patients with a mean age of 17.4 ± 6.74 years. There were 61 female and 39 male patients and 60 Class I and 40 Class II molar relationships. The inter-radicular space ranged from 2.46 to 3.31 mm, and alveolar bone thickness ranged from 8.01 to 13.77 mm. The thickness tended to decrease with the increase in insertion angle from 45° to 90°. No significant differences between the genders or types of malocclusion were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the safest areas for the placement of miniscrews are between the first and second premolars and between the first and second molars, regardless of the angle of insertion.

Evaluation of facial pleasantness in patients with complete and unilateral cleft lip and palate rehabilitated and submitted to orofacial harmonization.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present prospective case control study was to evaluate the facial pleasantness of patients with complete and unilateral cleft lip and palate at the end of interdisciplinary rehabilitation, submitted to facial fillers based on hyaluronic acid. METHODS: The study group consisted of 18 individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, aged between 18 and 40 years (mean age 29 years) of both sexes. The patients presented a concave profile with mild to moderate maxillary deficiency, with completed orthodontic treatment and conducted by means of dentoalveolar compensations without orthognathic surgery. Participants underwent facial filling procedures with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the midface, inserted by a single operator. Standard photographs in frontal norm at rest, right profile at rest, and left profile at rest were obtained from each patient at the following operative times: (T1) pre-filler and (T2) and one-month post-filler. The photographs in T1 and T2 were randomly placed on a page of a virtual album. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess facial pleasantness. The photographs were evaluated by two groups of evaluators consisting of 18 individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLPG=18) and 18 orthodontists with experience in the treatment of clefts (OG=18). For comparison between phases T1 and T2, and between evaluators with orofacial clefts and orthodontists, the Wilcoxon test was used (p<0,05). RESULTS: People with cleft lip and palate rated their face as more pleasant after the midface filling procedure. In the perception of the orthodontists, on the other hand, the facial pleasantness remained similar after the facial filling procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The filling of the middle third of the face in patients with cleft lip and palate treated without orthognathic surgery increased the pleasantness of the face in the opinion of laypeople with cleft lip and palate.

Eruptive path of maxillary canines in patients with lateral incisor agenesis: a longitudinal follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the eruptive angle, mesiodistal position and height of permanent maxillary canines in patients with agenesis of the permanent maxillary lateral incisor (AL) from the mixed to the permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of orthodontic records of subjects with and without AL. The agenesis group comprised 11 patients, 7 with bilateral and 4 with unilateral AL (8.6 ± 1.6 years, 4 males, 7 females). The control group comprised 9 patients (8.5 ± 1.0 years, 2 males, 7 females) without AL. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed at three timepoints: inter-transitional period (T1), second transitional period (10.1±0.9 years, T2) and permanent dentition (11.9±1.1 years, T3). The long axis angle of the permanent maxillary canine (α and ß), the mesiodistal distance (d) in relation to the central incisor, and the height (H) from the cusp tip of the canine to the occlusal plane were evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were performed with t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-square tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A mesial position of the canine cusp tip relative to the distal of the permanent maxillary central incisor was observed for the agenesis group at T1, T2 and T3. From T1 to T2, the agenesis group showed greater occlusal displacement of the canine tooth germ. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AL, canine tooth germs showed more mesial displacement and erupted a mean of 4.5 mm closer to the maxillary central incisors. Eruption of maxillary canines tended to be accelerated during the late mixed dentition in patients with AL.

Impact of orthodontic treatment with aligners on the oral health-related quality of life of patients with trisomy 21.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of treatment with orthodontic aligners (OA) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with trisomy 21 (T21) compared to non-syndromic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 patients, both sexes, aged between 11 and 35 years, divided into two groups: T21 (n = 10, patients with T21, treated prospectively) and CONTROL (n = 20, control group, non-syndromic patients, from the Orthodontic Laboratory of UNOPAR). In both groups, patients were treated with Invisalign orthodontic aligners (Align Technology), following the same treatment parameters. Participants, assisted by their caregivers, when necessary, answered Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) instrument and the patient's guardians answered the Oral Health Scale for People with Down's syndrome (OHDS) instrument, before (T0) and after 30 (T1), 180 (T2), and 365 (T3) days from the start of treatment. Friedman tests with Bonferroni correction and Mann-Whitney tests were used (p < .05). RESULTS: For the OHDS instrument, it was observed that for the eating and communication domains and an overall score, the treatment with OA positively impacted the lives of T21 patients (p < .05). Regarding the OHIP-14 instrument, the intragroup evaluation showed that in the CONTROL group, there was no significant difference between the evaluated times; while for the T21 group, there was a significant positive impact (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the treatment with aligners positively impacted the OHRQoL of T21 patients, and these results were perceived by caregivers, mainly in relation to issues related to eating and communication.

Cephalometric comparison of mandibular growth in Brazilian children with Class II malocclusion and normal occlusion during the growth stages determined by the cervical vertebrae maturation.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared mandibular growth in children, aged 7 to 12 years, with Class II malocclusion and normal occlusion, between the following stages of cervical vertebrae maturation: initiation (I), acceleration (A), transition (T). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 148 lateral cephalograms (78 males, 70 females) of Class II malocclusion patients, and 60 lateral cephalograms (30 males, 30 females) of normal occlusion patients were included. The following linear cephalometric measurements were performed: Co-Gn (effective mandibular length), Co-Go (ramus height), and Go-Gn (length of mandibular body). Mean values of increments between stages (I-A, A-T, I-T) were obtained for each group and gender. Results were compared using the Student t-test, and a significance level of 0.05% was adopted. RESULTS: Females group: A-T interval presented a greater increment in Co-Go in the Class II group, which was not significant for the I-T interval, with numerically smaller increments in Co-Gn and Go-Gn, without statistical significance. Males group: intervals I-A, A-T and I-T showed numerically smaller growth increments in the Class II group, with statistical significance for Co-Gn in I-A (p=0.001) and I-T (p=0.003). Comparing genders of the Class II group, Co-Go was higher in males (p=0.002) and I-T interval (p=0.031). In the Normal Occlusion group, the male gender had the greatest Co-Gn (p=0.038) for the I-A interval. In A-T and I-T, Co-Go in males was higher, with statistical significance (p=0.000 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Growth phenomenon affects the mandibular dimensions regardless of the character of the malocclusion, with a tendency to be smaller in the presence of Class II malocclusion.

Influence of anxiety and catastrophizing on pain perception in orthodontic treatment and its association with inflammatory cytokines.

Pain is common in orthodontic treatment, is subject to individual variation, and is associated with anxiety and stress, which can potentially become catastrophizing. The aim of the present study was to determine the variability of pain response after the insertion of orthodontic separators and to assess the association of pain levels with dental anxiety, catastrophizing, tooth sensitivity, and genetic expression of cytokines. To this end, 70 patients of both genders were divided into two equal groups according to the elastomeric separator used: G1 (Dentaurum) and G2 (Orthometric). Two separators were inserted in the mesial and distal sides of the lower right first molar. Participants were instructed to rate the level of pain at T0 (before insertion), T1 (just after insertion), and T2 (24 hours after insertion) on a visual analog scale. The gingival crevicular fluid was collected at T0 and T2. The levels of anxiety, catastrophizing, tooth sensitivity, and cytokine expression were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fisher-Freeman-Halton, chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, and dependent and independent t tests (α=5%). Pain intensity was higher at T2 than at T1, in both groups (P<.05). An association was established (P<.05) between pain intensity at T1 and catastrophizing, and at T2 with anxiety and catastrophizing. Within-group differences in cytokine expression were found between T0 and T2. There was no correlation between cytokine expression and pain levels, anxiety, catastrophizing, and sensitivity at T2. Tooth separation produced variable pain levels, which were influenced by anxiety and catastrophizing, however, pain level was not correlated with increased cytokine expression.

Immediate skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion at midpalatal suture opening with Differential, Hyrax and Haas expanders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference at the midpalatal suture opening after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using Expander with Differential Opening (EDO), Hyrax-type and Haas-type expanders. METHODS: Occlusal radiographs of 52 patients (19 males and 33 females; average age= 9.46?1.20 years) treated with RME were divided into three groups, according to the expander used: EDO (n=17), Hyrax-type (n=21) and Haas-type (n=14). The evaluated variables were: A) Distance between the maxillary central incisors at the incisal edge; B) Distance between the alveolar ridges at the midpalatal suture; C) Suture opening at 10-mm distance from the crest to posterior, at the midpalatal suture; D) Suture opening at 20-mm distance from the crest to posterior, at the midpalatal suture; and E) Suture opening at 30-mm distance from the crest to posterior, at the midpalatal suture. To assess the normality of variables, the Shapiro-Wilk test was performed. For intergroup comparison, ANOVA with a significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: At the region A, Hyrax-type (4.66 mm) and EDO (4.87 mm) groups presented larger openings than the Haas-type group (3.43 mm). In regions B and C, EDO showed a statistically significant greater opening than the Haas-type group. In region D, a smaller opening of the midpalatal suture was observed in the Haas-type group, compared to the Hyrax-type and EDO groups. CONCLUSIONS: EDO and Hyrax-type produced greater immediate skeletal effects, compared with Haas-type, but these differences were about 1 mm and might not be clinically significant.

3-D Evaluation of temporary skeletal anchorage sites in the maxilla.

BACKGROUND: The selection of temporary anchorage device (TAD) site can be a challenging task since one should not only consider the 2-D distances between roots, but also the entire 3-D space. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the posterior maxillary region areas available for the insertion of temporary anchorage devices in reconstructed images from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sample consisted of 72 patients with indication for orthodontic treatment, grouped into three distinct age groups: 11 to 14 years (age group 1), 15 to 19 years (age group 2) and aged 20 years or older (age group 3), which were further subdivided as to the type of malocclusion (Angle Class I, II and III). Orthopantomographic reconstructions and cross sections were obtained with the Dolphin Imaging software. The distance between the roots of maxillary teeth (canines, premolars and first molars) was determined at 5 mm of the cementoenamel junction, as well as the depth of bone availability at different insertion angles (90°, 75°, 60°, 45°). The influence of different angulations, age, and malocclusion on bone availability was evaluated by ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni post-test. For the evaluation of the interaction of these factors, 2-way ANOVA was used. RESULTS: Bone availability was found to be poor between roots in the molar region. There was a reduction in bone availability with increasing age. With regard to angulations, greater bone availability was found in depth for 45° angulation in the canine and first premolar regions and for angulation of 75° or 90° in the molar region. However, there was no difference between bone availability in the region of the second premolars. CONCLUSIONS: According to applied methodology it can be concluded that the region between canines and premolars accepts better vertical angular variations for TADs insertion. Key words:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures.

Clinical complications during early treatment of anterior open bite.

The object of this study was to compare the clinical complications of 4 different appliances used in the early treatment of anterior open bite (AOB), and to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the number of complications among the appliances. Records from 99 Class I malocclusion patients with AOB treated using bonded spurs, BS, n = 25; chin cup, CC, n = 25; fixed palatal crib, FPC, n = 25; and removable palatal crib, RPC, n = 24) were examined. The total number and frequency of clinical complications that occurred over 12 months were described and compared by using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests (Dunn's post-test) (α = 5%, CI = 95%). The incidence of clinical complications was 66.7%, comprising: breakage, bond failure, maladjustment, allergy, soft-tissue lesion, loss of removable appliance and abandonment. Eighteen patients gave up treatment; this occurred more frequently in the groups with removable appliances. Regarding the total number of complications per patient, Group BS exhibited a significantly higher number than the other groups (p < 0.0001). A low frequency of complications (1 to 3) was found in the groups, except for Group BS, in which 8% of the patients presented moderate frequency (4 to 6). In terms of appliance types (fixed or removable), there was no difference in the incidence of complications (p > 0.094). The null hypothesis was rejected, since the BS group exhibited the highest total number and frequency of complications. There was no difference between fixed and removable appliances in terms of incidence of clinical complications, although more patients using removable appliances abandoned their treatment.

Stability of early anterior open bite treatment: a 2-year follow-up randomized clinical trial.

This 2-year-follow up study compared and evaluated the stability of early anterior open bite (AOB) treatment based on different appliances. Children from 7 to 10 years with Angle Class I, AOB larger than 1.0 mm and fully erupted maxillary and mandibular permanent central incisors were eligible. The initial sample was 99 patients distributed, by simple randomization, into four groups: BS (bonded spurs), CC (chincup), FPC (fixed palatal crib) and RPC (removable palatal crib). Cephalometric analysis was performed at baseline (T1), final (T2) and 2-year post-treatment (T3) by taking the overbite measurements as the main outcome. Blinding was possible to cephalometric analysis. At T3, with dropouts, there were 63 individuals, being BS (n=15; overbite 0.19 mm; 11.54 years; 10 female (F)/5 male (M)); CC (n=11; overbite -0.19 mm; 11.41 years; 8 F/3 M); FPC (n=21; overbite 1.23 mm; 11.44 years; 15 F/6 M) and; RPC (n=16; overbite 0.73 mm; 11.67 years; 6 F/10 M). Changes in dentoskeletal variables and breaking deleterious oral habits during the follow up were statically analyzed with p<.05. Mandibular skeletal linear measurements and vertical dental components have gradually increased with age, manly at pubertal growth spurt and at the establishment of permanent dentition after treatment. Incisor teeth extrusion had impact on AOB correction and stability in 4 groups, which recorded a 1.15 mm-improvement of overbite after treatment (T3-T2). The experimental appliances were effective with stable results, being FPC the device recorded the highest AOB correction and the lowest patient withdrawal rate.

External apical root resorption 6 months after initiation of orthodontic treatment: A randomized clinical trial comparing fixed appliances and orthodontic aligners.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the magnitude of external apical root resorption (EARR) 6 months after starting orthodontic treatment using orthodontic aligners (OAs) and fixed appliances (FAs). METHODS: This parallel randomized clinical trial included 40 patients randomized into two groups: OA group (n = 20, 160 incisors) and FA group (n = 20, 160 incisors). For evaluation of the tooth length, periapical radiographs and standardized linear measurements of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were acquired before (T0) and 6 months after treatment initiation (T1). EARR was calculated through the difference in length between the two time points (T1-T0). Statistical comparisons were performed by means of using t-tests, chi-squared test and covariance analysis (a = 5%). RESULTS: Rounding of the root apex was observed in both groups; the resorption involved 2.88% of the root length, so 97.12% of the tooth length remained intact. Intragroup comparisons between the two time points revealed a significant difference, with (T1-T0) ranging from -0.52 to -0.88 mm in the FA group and from -0.52 to -0.85 mm in the OA group. In the intergroup comparisons, only tooth #21 presented a statistically significant difference (OA: -0.52 ± 0.57 mm, FA: -0.86 ± 0.60 mm); however, the overall differences between groups were not clinically relevant, ranging from 0.03 to 0.35 mm. CONCLUSIONS: OA and FA treatment resulted in a similar degree of EARR in the maxillary and mandibular incisors at 6 months after treatment initiation. However, the amount of resorption was small and does not impair tooth longevity.

The influence of text messages and anxiety on pain perception and its impact on orthodontic patients routine.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed at assessing the effects of anxiety and a follow-up text message on pain perception after the installation of fixed orthodontic appliances and its impact on the patients' routine. METHODS: The sample of this study consisted of 103 orthodontic patients, 40 males and 63 females (mean age 20.5 years), distributed in two groups: G1 (n=51), including control patients that did not receive any post-procedure communication; and G2 (n=52), including patients that received a structured text message. In baseline phase, the patients completed a questionnaire to assess their level of anxiety prior to treatment. Pain was assessed by using 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) in baseline and ten times prospectively in predetermined time points. VAS was also applied to assess the patient's routine alterations caused by the pain. All data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey, Mann-Whitney, t-test, chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests. All statistical tests were performed with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Low-level and high-level anxiety was observed in 42.7% and 7.8% of the patients, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was observed between anxiety and pain (p< 0.05). Maximum mean pain intensity was detected in the second treatment day (G1=36.9mm and G2=26.2mm) and was significantly higher in G1. Nearly 53% of the patients in G1 reported alterations in the routine (18.8mm), while in G2 the percentage rate reached 28.8% (9.9mm) (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Anxious patients report more pain after the installation of orthodontic appliances. Text messages were effective to reduce pain levels and to decrease the negative effects on patients' daily routine.

Orthodontists' and patients' perceptions regarding techniques to reduce the orthodontic treatment duration.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' and orthodontists' perspectives on knowledge of techniques for reducing orthodontic treatment time and acceptance of these techniques. METHODS: A total of 200 individuals were interviewed and equally divided into two groups: orthodontist group (62 female and 38 male; mean age, 38.07 years) and patient group (52 female and 48 male; mean age, 22.61 years; in the active stage of fixed orthodontic treatment). One questionnaire for each group was administered, including questions about the duration of orthodontic treatment and techniques used for treatment optimization, such as corticotomy, distraction osteogenesis, vibration, and laser therapy. The associations between variables were analyzed by the χ2 test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Among orthodontists, 76% knew at least one technique to reduce the treatment duration, with corticotomy being the most frequently cited (66%); however, only 12% used one or more of these techniques. Laser therapy was the most frequently implemented technique (7%). Regarding the duration of orthodontic treatment, the mean time reported by orthodontists was 19 to 24 months, regardless of the technique or the experience of the orthodontist. Furthermore, 39% of patients expected their treatment to last for more than 24 months, with 50% accepting to undergo further procedures to reduce this duration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are willing to undergo additional procedures to reduce the treatment duration and to bear additional costs. However, despite their knowledge, orthodontists do not apply or offer these techniques to the patients.

Tomographic evaluation of dentoskeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion using Haas and Hyrax palatal expanders in children: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a usual procedure for correcting the transversal maxillary deficiency. Among the most used appliances are the Haas type (tooth-tissue-borne) and Hyrax (tooth-borne) whose main difference is the design. This study aimed to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of RME using two different expanders in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 42 children of both gender presenting unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite with mean age 9.49 (SD± 1.35). Patients were randomized into two groups according to the type of expander: Hyrax (n= 21, 9 boys and 12 girls) and Haas (n= 21, 11 boys and 10 girls). Multiplanar coronal and axial slices obtained from cone-beam computed tomography images (i-Cat, Hartsfield, PA, USA) were used at pretreatment (T1) and after 6 months when the expander was removed (T2). Measurements were performed on Dolphin Imaging Systems 11.7 software (Chatsworth, California, USA). The following variables were evaluated: inclinations of the posterior teeth, transverse skeletal widths, length of maxillary dental arch, buccal bone thickness and level of buccal alveolar crest. Statistical analysis performed using chi-squared test to compare the sex ratios between groups and independent t test with the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. RESULTS: RME increased all maxillary transverse dimensions, regardless of the type of expanders used. Subjects in the Hyrax group experienced significantly increase in the lingual bone thickness (0.94 mm) compare to Haas group (0.21 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The Hyrax-type expander produced greater increase in the lingual bone thickness than did the Haas-type expander, but this effect might not be clinically significant. Both appliances presented similar transversal gain and tended to produce similar orthopedic and orthodontic effects. Key words:Cone-beam computed tomography, palatal expansion technique, palate.

Evaluation of facial pleasantness in patients with complete and unilateral cleft lip and palate rehabilitated and submitted to orofacial harmonization

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the present prospective case control study was to evaluate the facial pleasantness of patients with complete and unilateral cleft lip and palate at the end of interdisciplinary rehabilitation, submitted to facial fillers based on hyaluronic acid. Methods: The study group consisted of 18 individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, aged between 18 and 40 years (mean age 29 years) of both sexes. The patients presented a concave profile with mild to moderate maxillary deficiency, with completed orthodontic treatment and conducted by means of dentoalveolar compensations without orthognathic surgery. Participants underwent facial filling procedures with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the midface, inserted by a single operator. Standard photographs in frontal norm at rest, right profile at rest, and left profile at rest were obtained from each patient at the following operative times: (T1) pre-filler and (T2) and one-month post-filler. The photographs in T1 and T2 were randomly placed on a page of a virtual album. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess facial pleasantness. The photographs were evaluated by two groups of evaluators consisting of 18 individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLPG=18) and 18 orthodontists with experience in the treatment of clefts (OG=18). For comparison between phases T1 and T2, and between evaluators with orofacial clefts and orthodontists, the Wilcoxon test was used (p<0,05). Results: People with cleft lip and palate rated their face as more pleasant after the midface filling procedure. In the perception of the orthodontists, on the other hand, the facial pleasantness remained similar after the facial filling procedure. Conclusions: The filling of the middle third of the face in patients with cleft lip and palate treated without orthognathic surgery increased the pleasantness of the face in the opinion of laypeople with cleft lip and palate.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo caso-controle prospectivo foi avaliar a agradabilidade facial de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina completa e unilateral ao final da reabilitação interdisciplinar, submetidos a preenchimentos faciais à base de ácido hialurônico. Métodos: O grupo de estudo foi composto por 18 indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina unilateral completa, com idade entre 18 e 40 anos (média de 29 anos), de ambos os sexos. Os pacientes apresentavam perfil côncavo com deficiência maxilar leve a moderada, com tratamento ortodôntico concluído e realizado por meio de compensações dentoalveolares sem cirurgia ortognática. Os participantes foram submetidos a procedimentos de preenchimento facial com ácido hialurônico (AH) no terço médio da face, implantado por um único operador. Fotografias padrão em norma frontal em repouso, perfil direito em repouso e perfil esquerdo em repouso foram obtidas de cada paciente nos seguintes tempos operatórios: (T1) pré-preenchimento e (T2) um mês pós-preenchimento. As fotografias em T1 e T2 foram inseridas aleatoriamente em uma página de um álbum virtual. Uma escala Likert de 5 pontos foi utilizada para avaliar a agradabilidade facial. As fotografias foram avaliadas por dois grupos de avaliadores formados por 18 indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina (GFLP=18) e 18 ortodontistas com experiência no tratamento de fissuras (GO=18). Para comparação entre as fases T1 e T2, e entre avaliadores com fissura labiopalatina e ortodontistas, foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon (p<0,05). Resultados: As pessoas com fissura labiopalatina avaliaram seu rosto como mais agradável após o preenchimento do terço médio da face. Já na percepção do ortodontista, a agradabilidade facial permaneceu semelhante após o procedimento de preenchimento facial. Conclusões: O preenchimento do terço médio da face em pacientes com fissura labiopalatina tratados sem cirurgia ortognática aumentou a agradabilidade da face na opinião dos leigos com fissura labiopalatina.

The association between patient's compliance and age with the bonding failure of orthodontic brackets: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: An efficient orthodontic treatment must aim the best occlusal result in the shortest possible time. One of the factors that can interfere in this goal is the bracket debonding during the treatment. This study aimed at assessing the different factors related to brackets failure, highlighting age and patient cooperation with treatment. METHODS: The sample comprised 199 orthodontic patients of both genders (103 women and 96 men); divided into two groups-adolescents (12 to 18 years old, 118 patients) and adults (19 to 59 years old, 81 patients). A questionnaire was applied regarding the motivation of patients to seek treatment and whether they had received information on appliance care; patients also filled out their level of cooperation with treatment in a visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, other variables were assessed, such as the teeth with bracket debonding, the presence of deep overbite, and the use of bite plate. The Mann-Whitney test was used, and a 5% significance level was applied for analyses. RESULTS: It was observed that 20.1% of patients presented at least one tooth with bracket failure, and the lower arch was the most prevalent site (47.5%). Adolescents presented more debonding (25.4%) than adults (12.3%). Individuals with better VAS scores on cooperation sought treatment on their own (p = 0.042), were adults (p ≤ 0.001), and showed lower rate of failure of brackets (p ≤ 0.001). The factors related to malocclusion and treatment performed had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Greater cooperation was expected from adult individuals who sought treatment on their own and presented low rate of bracket failure.

Experimental pain thresholds and psychosocial features across menstrual cycle in myofascial orofacial pain compared to healthy individuals: cross-sectional study / Limiares de dor experimental e características psicossociais ao longo do ciclo menstrual na dor miofascial orofacial em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hormonal impact on pain perception during the menstrual cycle is a major focus of study, and further elucidation in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) field is necessary. Thus, this cross-sectional study evaluated experimental pain thresholds, psychosocial features, and clinical pain report on TMD women across menstrual cycle versus healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 220 women's clinical files were screened, with 80 selected and divided into control group (healthy individuals, n=40) and TMD group (myofascial pain, n=40). Regarding the menstrual cycle phases, the files were divided into Pre-Luteal and Luteal. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Wind-up (WUR), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were analyzed at a 5% significance level, by Two-Way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: PSS and PCS were significantly different between TMD and control group (p<0.001), regardless of menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals in the Luteal phase presented higher MPT values compared to the other phases (p<0.001). PPT showed significant difference across menstrual phases (p=0.022), but no differences in multiple comparisons. VAS values showed no difference between menstrual cycle phases (p=0.376). CONCLUSION: Finally, healthy individuals in the Luteal phase have higher MPT and PPT values on the orofacial region. Pain report in patients with TMD showed no difference throughout the menstrual cycle, showing that small alterations on experimental pain thresholds may not be clinically relevant. The presence of chronic pain seems to be more related to psychosocial features than hormonal fluctuations.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O impacto do ciclo menstrual na percepção da dor é um foco importante de estudo, sendo necessária uma maior elucidação na disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Assim, este estudo transversal avaliou limiares de dor experimental, características psicossociais e relatos de dor em mulheres com DTM ao longo do ciclo menstrual, comparadas com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: 220 prontuários de mulheres foram analisados, sendo 80 selecionados para os grupos de controle (saudáveis, n=40) e DTM (dor miofascial, n=40). Nas fases do ciclo menstrual, as pacientes foram divididas nas categorias Pré-Luteal e Luteal. Os instrumentos Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos (PCS), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (MPT), Wind-up Ratio (WUR), Limiar de Dor à Pressão (PPT), Modulação Condicionada da Dor (CPM) e Escala analógica visual (EAV) foram analisados com nível de significância de 5%, pelos testes ANOVA de dois fatores e Tukey post hoc. RESULTADOS: As escalas PSS e PCS foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos DTM e controle (p<0,001), independentemente do ciclo menstrual. Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal apresentaram MPT maior em comparação com outras fases (p,0,001). O PPT mostrou diferença significativa entre as fases menstruais (p=0,022), sem diferença nas comparações múltiplas. Os valores da EAV não apresentaram diferença entre as fases menstruais (p=376). CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal têm MPT e PPTl maior na região orofacial. Os relatos de dor em pacientes com DTM não mostraram diferença ao longo do ciclo menstrual, indicando que pequenas alterações nos limiares experimentais podem ser clinicamente relevantes. A presença de dor crônica parece estar mais relacionada com características psicossociais do que com flutuações hormonais.

Cephalometric comparison of mandibular growth in Brazilian children with Class II malocclusion and normal occlusion during the growth stages determined by the cervical vertebrae maturation

ABSTRACT Objective: This study compared mandibular growth in children, aged 7 to 12 years, with Class II malocclusion and normal occlusion, between the following stages of cervical vertebrae maturation: initiation (I), acceleration (A), transition (T). Material and Methods: A total of 148 lateral cephalograms (78 males, 70 females) of Class II malocclusion patients, and 60 lateral cephalograms (30 males, 30 females) of normal occlusion patients were included. The following linear cephalometric measurements were performed: Co-Gn (effective mandibular length), Co-Go (ramus height), and Go-Gn (length of mandibular body). Mean values of increments between stages (I-A, A-T, I-T) were obtained for each group and gender. Results were compared using the Student t-test, and a significance level of 0.05% was adopted. Results: Females group: A-T interval presented a greater increment in Co-Go in the Class II group, which was not significant for the I-T interval, with numerically smaller increments in Co-Gn and Go-Gn, without statistical significance. Males group: intervals I-A, A-T and I-T showed numerically smaller growth increments in the Class II group, with statistical significance for Co-Gn in I-A (p=0.001) and I-T (p=0.003). Comparing genders of the Class II group, Co-Go was higher in males (p=0.002) and I-T interval (p=0.031). In the Normal Occlusion group, the male gender had the greatest Co-Gn (p=0.038) for the I-A interval. In A-T and I-T, Co-Go in males was higher, with statistical significance (p=0.000 and p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Growth phenomenon affects the mandibular dimensions regardless of the character of the malocclusion, with a tendency to be smaller in the presence of Class II malocclusion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Esse estudo comparou o crescimento mandibular em crianças de 7 a 12 anos de idade, com má oclusão de Classe II ou Oclusão Normal, entre os seguintes estágios de maturação das vértebras cervicais: iniciação (I), aceleração (A), transição (T). Material e Métodos: No total, 148 telerradiografias laterais (78 meninos, 70 meninas) de pacientes com má oclusão de Classe II e 60 telerradiografias laterais (30 meninos, 30 meninas) de pacientes com Oclusão Normal foram avaliadas. As medidas cefalométricas lineares Co-Gn (comprimento mandibular efetivo), Co-Go (altura do ramo mandibular) e Go-Gn (comprimento do corpo mandibular) foram analisadas e os valores médios dos incrementos entre os estágios (I-A, A-T e I-T) foram obtidos para cada grupo e sexo. Resultados: Os resultados foram comparados pelo teste t de Student, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05%. Sexo feminino: houve maior incremento na altura do ramo no grupo Classe II em A-T, que diminuiu em I-T, com menores incrementos no comprimento mandibular efetivo e no corpo mandibular, sem significância estatística. Para o sexo masculino, nos intervalos I-A, A-T, I-T, os incrementos de crescimento foram numericamente menores no grupo Classe II, com significância estatística para o comprimento efetivo da mandíbula em I-A (p= 0,001) e em I-T (p= 0,003). No grupo Classe II, a altura do ramo foi maior para o sexo masculino (p= 0,002) e no intervalo I-T (p= 0,031). No grupo Oclusão Normal, o sexo masculino apresentou o maior comprimento mandibular efetivo (p= 0,038) no intervalo I-A. Nos intervalos A-T e I-T, a altura do ramo mandibular no sexo masculino foi maior e com significância estatística de p= 0,000 e p= 0,002, respectivamente. Conclusão: O fenômeno do crescimento afeta as dimensões mandibulares independentemente do característica da má oclusão, com tendência a ser menor na presença da má oclusão de Classe II.