Effect of 2 elastomeric ligatures on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nonconventional elastomeric ligature (Slide; Leone, Florence, Italy) with those of a conventional elastomeric ligature (Ormco, Orange, Calif) on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients. METHODS: A total of 13 orthodontic patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were selected for this study. The use of Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic appliances was tested. Microbial and periodontal records were obtained before bonding and 1 and 5 weeks after bonding. For the statistical analysis and calculations, SPSS software (version 15.0; SPSS, Chicago, Ill) was used. In the statistical decisions, P <0.05 values were accepted as significantly different. RESULTS: No significant differences between Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures were evident at 1 week or 5 weeks after bonding, with regard to gingival index, plaque index, gingival bleeding index, or pocket depth scores (P >0.05). Similarly, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts did not differ significantly on the surface or on the elastics (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the Slide ligatures cover the total surface of the bracket, they do not cause significantly more plaque accumulation or periodontal problems than do the conventional elastomeric ligatures.

Management of obstructive sleep apnea by maxillomandibular advancement surgery in an edentulous patient.

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is a surgical treatment option for treating the patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Surgical treatment of OSA by MMA surgery is a problem when it is encountered with an edentulous patient because of the intermaxillary fixation problem of the jaws. A paucity of information is available concerning MMA surgery for edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case report, we present the preoperative planning, orthognathic surgery, and postoperative phases of a 49-year-old edentulous severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index, 81.9 event/hr) patient who underwent MMA surgery. RESULTS: Polysomnographic examination 9 months after surgery revealed normalization of the somnographic evaluations (apnea hypopnea index, 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The results reported in the present case showed that the surgical treatment of OSA by MMA surgery in edentulous patients could be successfully done. Further critical evaluations of this approach for the surgical treatment of edentulous OSA patients are needed.

Combined Use of Retraction and Torque Arch with Mini-Screws: A Cephalometric Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate and quantify the treatment of micro-implant-aided retraction and torque (R&T) arch on dentofacial structures. METHODS: Twelve patients (mean age 21.2 years) who required orthodontic camouflage treatment were included in the study. Following the canine distalization, mini-screws were placed between maxillary first molars and second premolars, and R&T arch was applied for the retraction of incisors. The vertical retraction arms of the arch were adjusted between the apex of the lateral incisor and the alveolar bone so that the retraction force passed through the center of resistance of four incisors and forced the incisors to bodily retraction. Closed coil-springs applying 150 gr of force were used to retract the incisors. The retraction period lasted for 217±34 days. RESULTS: SNA and NV-A decreased (p<0.05), indicating alveolar bone remodeling around Point A. The reduction in the SNA caused a statistically significant decrease in the ANB (p<0.01). SN/1, NA/1, NA-1, and overjet decreased significantly (p<0.01), depending on the retrusion of the incisors. The distances from the apex and incisal point of the central incisor to the SV reference plane also decreased significantly (p<0.01), revealing a nearly parallel movement of the incisors. Anchorage loss of the molars and decrease in nasolabial angle were not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A combined use of R&T arch with mini-screws is an effective method to retract the incisors without anchorage loss. The type of movement is nearly parallel.

Dentofacial effects of asymmetric headgear and cervical headgear with removable plate on unilateral molar distalization.

Cervical headgear (CHG) is used widely in the treatment of Class II anomalies. Asymmetric headgear (AHG) is an alternative treatment for the correction of unilateral Class II dental relationships. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of AHG with those of a CHG combined with a removable plate in unilateral first molar distalization. The study consisted of 20 patients with unilateral Class II molar relationship (12 girls and eight boys). One group of 10 patients was treated with an AHG, and a second group of 10 patients was treated with a CHG and a removable plate. Lateral cephalograms and basilar radiographs were taken before and after molar distalization. It was found that distalization and distal tipping of molar on the passive side was less in the CHG and removable plate (CHG-RP) group. Distalization and distal tipping of the second premolar on the distalization side was also reduced in this group. Incisors were retruded in both groups but were retruded more in the CHG-RP group.