Malocclusion or laterorhinia: Which one impacts aesthetic facial perception the most?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of facial attractiveness when nose and teeth, together or isolated, present different degrees of disharmony. The secondary objective was to compare the perception of laypersons with that of dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 112 individuals (58 laypersons and 54 dentists) that evaluated 6 manipulated images of the face of the same model, scoring their attractiveness using 10 cm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), with least and most attractive at the left and right anchors, respectively. The images contained manipulations performed only on the nose (laterorhinia) and mouth (misaligned teeth), as follows: (1) standard photograph, with symmetrical nose + aligned teeth; (2) 2 mm nasal deviation + aligned teeth; (3) 4 mm nasal deviation + aligned teeth; (4) symmetrical nose + misaligned teeth; (5) 2 mm nasal deviation + misaligned teeth and (6) 4 mm nasal deviation + misaligned teeth. We used the repeated measures ANOVA test and Tukey's post-test for intra-group comparison of the images. The independent t-test was used for inter-group comparison of each image. RESULTS: In the laypersons' group, the highest grades were given to images with aligned teeth and the lowest to misaligned teeth (smallest mean difference = 2.88 cm). For this group, there was no statistically significant difference (P-values ranged from .988 to 1.000) between scores of the three images in which teeth were aligned (range of 7.70-7.78 cm). In the group of dentists, highest grades were given to images with aligned teeth and the lowest to misaligned teeth. Difference between images 3 and 4 was not statistically significant (P = .204). All other differences between any image of straight teeth and any image with misaligned teeth were significant and the smallest mean difference between the two groups of images was 1.87 (P = .039). However, in the images with aligned teeth, there was also a statistically significant difference with higher scores to the images with symmetrical nose in contrast with those with significant laterorhinia (mean difference = 1.03 cm). CONCLUSION: Teeth disharmonies had a more negative impact on the aesthetic perception of the face than did nose deviations, for both dentists and laypersons.

Reconsidering the role of nasolabial angle in premolar extraction decision-making: A case-series study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of changes in upper incisor inclination and position on the alteration of the nasolabial angle (NLA) in a series of cases involving the extraction of four first premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 41 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment with premolar extractions. The patients were divided into two groups based on their pretreatment NLA values: Group 1 (NLA ≤ 100°) and Group 2 (NLA > 100°). Measurements of NLA, U1.NA and U1-NA were obtained before and after treatment and U1-Ls pretreatment measure was registered. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the differences in NLA, U1.NA and U1-NA between the two groups and to evaluate the influence of these variables added to U1-Ls (T1) on NLA changes. RESULTS: The results showed that Group 1 exhibited significant changes in NLA, while Group 2 did not. However, both groups showed significant changes in U1.NA and U1-NA. In Group 1, 80% of the individuals presented an increase in NLA and 20% no changes. In Group 2, 10% presented a decrease, 57% no changes and 33% an increase in NLA values. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the group factor had a statistically significant influence on NLA variation. Additionally, in Group 2, a negative correlation was observed between changes in U1.NA and NLA. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that individuals with higher pretreatment NLA values tend to maintain their NLA values even after the correction of upper incisor inclination.

Pain perception and expectation related to interradicular mini-implants insertion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the expectation and perception of pain reported by patients before and after the installation of interradicular mini-implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic search was performed in six databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomized controlled clinical trials (nRCTs); studies using mini-implants in the interradicular region; assessment of pain intensity by visual analogue or numerical scale. The risk of bias assessment was based on the Rob 2 tool and Robins-I. RESULTS: A total of 1566 articles were retrieved, and 21 met the eligibility criteria. Six were classified as high risk, one as critical and the other one as uncertain, according to the Robins-I tool. In articles evaluated by the Rob2 tool, ten were classified as serious risk and three as moderate risk. A meta-analysis was also performed. Weighted means were calculated among the studies using the random-effects model and forest plots were generated. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q test and I2 statistics. It was observed, with moderate evidence, that on a scale of 0 to 10, the pain expectation (effect size 4.75) is higher than that effectively pain generated by the procedure (effect size 1.94). CONCLUSION: Pain expectation was greater than that actually generated by the procedure, being almost non-existent 7 days postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study may help the clinician to reassure the patient regarding the sensations that could be experienced during and after the installation.

Pharyngeal airway subdivisions in 3-dimensional analysis: Differences between anterior and posterior anatomic boundaries.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate if there were differences between anterior and posterior anatomic boundaries used for the 3-dimensional determination of pharyngeal airway. METHODS: The sample included 150 cone-beam computed tomography scans from healthy patients divided according to (1) age: 6-11, 12-16, and ≥16 years; (2) sex: female and male; (3) anteroposterior skeletal pattern: Class I, II, and III; (4) vertical pattern: brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial; and (5) craniocervical inclination (CCI): natural head posture, head flexion, and head extension. Anatomic regions were created to determine the correspondences between structures anteriorly and posteriorly to the pharyngeal airway. RESULTS: The location of the epiglottis, vallecula, hyoid, C2, and C3 were statistically different according to the CCI, and the location of vallecula, C3, and C4 were different according to sex. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the frequencies of anterior and posterior anatomic region locations among age and different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. Posterior landmarks tend to be located below the anterior ones; consequently, the anatomic subregion they define will also be located below. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior and posterior structures and vertical and anteroposterior skeletal patterns may determine upper airway limits regardless of age. However, the studies must be paired according to sex, and CCI must be standardized.

Influence of clinical and demographic factors on the oral health-related quality of life of patients with cleft lip and palate undergoing orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with cleft lip and palate. SEARCH METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VHL, and OpenGrey databases, completed in January 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: Cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies that presented an assessment of OHRQoL in cleft patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were included, according to PRISMA guidelines. Contacts via email were made with authors, to clarify inaccuracies or request additional data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The entire process was accomplished by two authors, in case of disagreement, a third author mediated the discussion until there was a consensus. Risk assessment was performed by the Fowkes and Fulton qualifier, and the quality of evidence, assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. A meta-analysis was performed considering the domains combined into three large groups (physical, psychological, and social). The questionnaires were standardized as to the scores and their direction. RESULTS: A total of 3822 studies were retrieved. After excluding duplicates, the titles and abstracts of the remaining articles were analysed. Twenty-eight articles were read in full; 13 met the eligibility criteria; 12 articles showed sufficient methodological quality and 7 were included in the quantitative assessment. The included studies were published between 2011 and 2019. The samples comprised 19 to 183 patients of both sexes. GRADE showed low evidence when compared to the control group, sexes, age, and types of cleft and very low evidence among longitudinal articles. CONCLUSIONS: The OHRQoL is lower in orthodontic patients with cleft than in those without. The OHRQoL of patients with cleft undergoing orthodontic treatment is not influenced by gender or age group, considering children and adolescents, but it is influenced by the type of cleft. The OHRQoL of patients with CLP does not undergo significant changes during orthodontic treatment. LIMITATIONS: The variety of instruments for measuring OHRQoL rendered meta-analysis difficult. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database number CRD42017054764.

Influence of canine vertical position on smile esthetic perceptions by orthodontists and laypersons.

INTRODUCTION: Our objectives were to verify the impact of alterations in the vertical position of the maxillary canines in smile esthetic perceptions and to determine whether exposure of the gingival margins directly affects laypersons' and orthodontists' perceptions. METHODS: A smile photograph of a male subject showing gingival zeniths was selected, and the canine vertical positions were symmetrically modified in increments of 0.5 mm, creating 4 new images varying from 1.0 mm of intrusion to 1.0 mm of extrusion, with and without gingival exposure. The total of 10 images were evaluated by 60 orthodontists and 60 laypersons, who determined the level of attractiveness of each smile on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: For both orthodontists and laypersons, the canine vertical position modifications had a statistically significant influence (P <0.0001), and the gingival exposure had no significant influence on the smile esthetic evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: For both groups of evaluators, the most attractive smiles were the standard smile and the smiles with 0.5 mm of intrusion. The less attractive smiles were those with 1.0 mm of extrusion and 1.0 mm of intrusion. Orthodontists were more critical in their assessments. There were no differences in the esthetic evaluations of smiles with and without gingival margin exposure for both groups of evaluators.

Clinical recognition of mouth breathers by orthodontists: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: A routine diagnosis of a patient's breathing status performed by an orthodontist normally includes visual assessment, medical history, clinical examination of habitual lip posture, size and shape of the nostrils, reflex control of the alar muscle and respiratory tests, and the dental mirror test. The objective of this study was to test the recognition of mouth breathers in young persons by an orthodontist and agreement with an otolaryngologist's reference diagnosis when routine assessments were carried out. METHODS: Three independent and blind evaluations were conducted on the same day by 2 orthodontists independently (anamnesis and breathing tests, respectively) and an otolaryngologist (rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and visual assessment). The weighted kappa coefficient was used to test intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement. The frequencies of answers and findings were reported for each breathing status. RESULTS: Fifty-five volunteers composed the sample of this study; 20 participants were nasal breathers, and 35 participants were classified as mouth breathers (and subdivided into mouth breathers with airway obstruction and mouth breathers by habit) by the otolaryngologist. The weighted kappa coefficient showed poor interrater agreement for most comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of mouth breathing in young persons by orthodontists is poor.

Genetic polymorphisms underlying the skeletal Class III phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: Our goal was to verify the association between candidate polymorphisms and skeletal Class III malocclusion in a well-characterized homogeneous sample set. METHODS: Thirty-five single-nucleotide polymorphisms were studied from 10 candidate loci in 54 Class III subjects and 120 controls. Skeletal Class III characteristics included ANB angle less than 0°, SNB angle greater than 83° (mandibular prognathism), SNA angle less than 79° (maxillary deficiency), Class III molar relationship, and negative overjet. Inclusion criteria for the controls were ANB angle between 0° and 4°, Class I molar relationship, and normal overjet. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests and principal component (PC) analysis were used to determine overrepresentation of marker alleles with alpha of 0.05. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: MYO1H (rs10850110 AG) (P = 0.001) with PC2 and between FGF10 (rs593307 A

Prosthetic replacement vs space closure for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Defining the best treatment for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is a challenge. Our aim in this study was to determine, with the evidence available in the literature, the best treatment for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis in the permanent dentition, evaluating the esthetic, occlusal (functional), and periodontal results between prosthetic replacement and orthodontic space closure. METHODS: Electronic databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS) were searched in September 2014 and updated in January 2015, with no restriction on language or initial date. A manual search of the reference lists of the potential studies was performed. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: The search identified 2174 articles, of which 1196 were excluded because they were duplicates. Titles and abstracts of 978 articles were accessed, and 957 were excluded. In total, 21 articles were read in full, and 9 case-control studies were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from the articles selected, and a table was compiled for comparison and analysis of the results. There were no randomization and blinding, and the risk of bias evaluation found gaps in compatibility and outcome domains in almost all selected studies. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth-supported dental prostheses of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis had worse scores in the periodontal indexes than did orthodontic space closure. Space closure is evaluated better esthetically than prosthetic replacements, and the presence or absence of a Class I relationship of the canines showed no relationship with occlusal function or with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Reliability of upper airway linear, area, and volumetric measurements in cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliabilities of upper airway linear, area, and volumetric measurements in cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 12 subjects were randomly selected from a pool of 132 orthodontic patients. An undergraduate student, an orthodontist, and a dental radiologist independently made linear, area, and volumetric measurements. Linear anteroposterior and transversal measurements, cross-sectional area, sagittal area, minimum axial area, and volume measurements were made. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intraexaminer and interexaminer reliabilities, and measurement errors were assessed. Agreement was further assessed with the Bland-Altman method and 95% limits of agreement. RESULTS: Overall, the ICC values indicated good reliability for the measurements assessed. The ICC values were greater than 0.9 (excellent) for 93% of intraexaminer and 73% of interexaminer assessments. Transversal width measurements and cross-sectional area at the level of the vallecula, however, had only moderate reliability (minimum ICC, 0.63), large 95% limits of agreement, and the greatest mean measurement errors (as high as 16% and 13% of the mean measurements, respectively). Linear anteroposterior measurements; cross-sectional areas at the levels of the palatal plane, soft palate, and tongue; and sagittal area and volume were reliable measurements, with a minimum ICC of 0.93 and more restricted limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, airway assessments by examiners with different backgrounds might have reliable anteroposterior linear measurements; cross-sectional areas at the levels of the palatal plane, soft palate, and tongue; and sagittal area and volume. The unreliable measurements were linear width, cross-sectional area at the level of the vallecula, and minimum axial area.

Redirection of palatally ectopic maxillary canines: Case report and proposition of an interceptive sequential guideline.

The eruptive deviation of the permanent maxillary canine must be identified early, at the beginning of the second transitional period of the mixed dentition. Acting at this moment is fundamental for its spontaneous redirection and eruption. The aim of the paper is to present a case where the extraction of the deciduous canines was the choice for redirecting the maxillary permanent canines with eruptive palatal deviation, as well as to suggest a sequence of procedures for diagnosis and choice of treatment. The success of deciduous canine extraction in redirecting the ectopic permanent canines is discussed in this case, as well as aspects that might lead to failure. Still, it highlights the importance of computed tomography for choosing conservative treatment or traction, including it in the sequential guideline for acting in these cases.

Class II subdivision treatment and stability with asymmetric Herbst appliance: A case report.

Non-surgical treatment of Class II subdivision may involve complex mechanics or asymmetric tooth extraction in its resolution. This report demonstrates the result and the short-term stability of Class II subdivision treated with asymmetrically installed Herbst appliance followed by conventional fixed orthodontic appliance. The approach allowed the correction of the unilateral Class II molar relationship and increased overjet, as well as the deviation of dental midlines, with improvement in lip posture and facial profile. The results remained stable two years after treatment, confirming the treatment success.

Pharyngeal airway characterization in adolescents related to facial skeletal pattern: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to characterize the volume and the morphology of the pharyngeal airway in adolescent subjects, relating them to their facial skeletal pattern. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects who had cone-beam computed tomography were divided into 3 groups-skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III-according to their ANB angles. The volumes of the upper pharyngeal portion and nasopharynx, and the volume and morphology of the lower pharyngeal portion and its subdivisions (velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx) were assessed with software (version 11.5; Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif). The results were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn multiple comparison tests to identify intergroup differences. Correlations between variables assessed were tested by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Correlations between the logarithms of airway volumes and the ANB angle values were tested as continuous variables with linear regression, considering the sexes as subgroups. RESULTS: The minimum areas in the Class II group (112.9 ± 42.9, 126.9 ± 45.9, and 142.1 ± 83.5 mm(2)) were significantly smaller than in Class III group (186.62 ± 83.2, 234.5 ± 104.9, and 231.1 ± 111.4 mm(2)) for the lower pharyngeal portion, the velopharynx, and the oropharynx, respectively, and significantly smaller than the Class I group for the velopharynx (201.8 ± 94.7 mm(2)). The Class II group had a statistically significant different morphology than did the Class I and Class III groups in the velopharynx. There was a tendency to decreased airway volume with increased ANB angle in the lower pharyngeal portion, velopharynx, and oropharynx. In the upper pharyngeal portion, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx, there seemed to be no association between the airway volume and the skeletal pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The Class II subjects had smaller minimum and mean areas (lower pharyngeal portion, velopharynx, and oropharynx) than did the Class III group and significantly less uniform velopharynx morphology than did the Class I and Class III groups. A negative correlation was observed between the ANB value and airway volume in the lower pharyngeal portion and the velopharynx (both sexes) and in the oropharynx (just in male subjects).

Changes of pulp-chamber dimensions 1 year after rapid maxillary expansion.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of orthopedic forces on maxillary first molars' and maxillary central incisors' pulp chambers in children having rapid maxillary expansion as the only intervention compared with children having no orthodontic intervention by using cone-beam computed tomography images. METHODS: In this prospective controlled clinical study, we evaluated 60 maxillary first molars and 60 maxillary central incisors from 30 children (18 boys, 12 girls) in the mixed dentition and during the pubertal growth period. The treated group had rapid maxillary expansion with the Haas expander, followed by 6 months of retention and 6 months of follow-up out of retention; the control group had no intervention during the study. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken initially and 1 year after the rapid maxillary expansion active phase. Initially, a 3-dimensional scrolling in all pulp chambers of the evaluated teeth was performed with Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.0; Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif) to describe the incidence of pulp-chamber calcifications. The dimensions of the pulp chambers of the molars and incisors were also investigated. Cross-sectional and longitudinal slices were used for each molar (coronal and axial slices) and incisor (sagittal and axial slices). The area (mm(2)) was obtained from 3 slices of each kind (6 measurements for each tooth). RESULTS: The results suggest that rapid maxillary expansion did not induce new pulp-chamber calcification. Also, it did not interfere in normal pulp-chamber dimension changes of the anchorage molars. CONCLUSIONS: The pulp chamber of the central incisors can be expected to be minimally wider 1 year after the therapy.

Cross-section dimensions and mechanical properties of esthetic orthodontic coated archwires.

INTRODUCTION: There has been continuing interest in the development and use of esthetic and effective orthodontic archwires. The aims of this study were to evaluate the inner alloy core dimensions of 4 brands of as-received esthetic coated wires and their mechanical properties before and after 21 days of oral exposure, compared with conventional stainless steel and nickel titanium wires. METHODS: Four groups (Ortho Organizers, Carlsbad, Calif; TP Orthodontics, LaPorte, Ind; Orthometric, Beijing, China; and Trianeiro, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil) of orthodontic archwires were tested. Five properties were evaluated: inner wire dimensions, modulus of elasticity, modulus of resilience, maximum deflection force, and load deflection curve characteristics. Images of the transverse sections from the specimens were made with a stereoscope. The inner alloy core dimensions of each wire were measured by using Image Pro Plus software (version 4.5; Media Cybernetics, Silver Spring, Md). All specimens were tested in a universal testing machine in a 3-point bending test. RESULTS: Coated wires of the Ortho Organizers and Trianeiro groups showed greater reductions in their inner alloy core dimensions and produced lower loading and unloading forces and lower modulus of elasticity, modulus of resilience, and maximum deflection force values than did their control wires. Inner alloy core dimensions and the mechanical behavior of coated wires practically did not differ from the control wires in the TP Orthodontics and Orthometric groups. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction on the inner alloy core dimensions to compensate for the coating thickness seems to be the variable responsible for greater changes in the mechanical properties of esthetic coated wires.

Root repair after contact with mini-implants: systematic review of the literature.

This systematic review identified and qualified the current evidence of dental root damage and repair after contact with mini-implants. The electronic databases Cochrane library, Ovid, Scirus, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library were used to search original articles from 1980 to December 2011. The inclusion criteria to select the articles were 1. randomized controlled trials and prospective clinical studies based on trials involving humans, 2. randomized controlled studies in animals, 3. use of mini-implants with a diameter less than 2.5 mm, and 4. root contact evaluation associated with the use of orthodontic mini-implants. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data from the selected studies and a methodological quality assessment process was used to rank the studies classifying them as low moderate or high quality. The searches retrieved 579 citations. After initial selection, 17 studies were considered eligible and their full texts were assessed. Four of those were excluded because root damage was not evaluated and two were excluded because of overlapping samples. Eleven articles, nine in animals and two in humans, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From these, two studies were ranked as presenting high methodological quality, eight were judged to be of moderate, and one of low quality. The evidence found suggested that the quality of root repair depends on the amount of damage caused by the mini-implant. When the damage is limited to the cementum or dentin, healing and almost complete and repair of the periodontal structure can occur. Mini-implants that injured the pulp were less likely to result in complete repair of the periodontal tissues.

Relapse of a maxillary median diastema: closure and permanent retention.

The purpose of this article was to describe the closure of a maxillary median diastema of a 26-year-old woman that had been corrected before during orthodontic treatment but reopened after dental trauma in a car accident. A clear esthetic device made from a tray like those used for home bleaching was used, providing a comfortable, nearly undetectable, and efficient solution. A permanent fixed retainer was bonded again to the maxillary central incisors to prevent relapse.