Comparison of torque expression among passive self-ligating brackets with different slot depths: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between a 0.019×0.025-inch (″) stainless steel archwire and two types of passive self-ligating brackets with the same slot height (0.022″) and different slot depths (0.028″ and 0.026″, and to measure the archwire/slot play as well as to compare the torque expression with archwire torsions of 12°, 24°, and 36°. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental device was developed along with a universal testing machine to measure torque expression in two types of brackets with 0.028″ and 0.026″ slot depths. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were performed to identify the differences between groups. RESULTS: The 0.026″ slot bracket presented greater archwire/slot play when compared to the 0.028″ bracket. Torque expression with torsions of 24° and 36° were significantly higher in the 0.028″ depth brackets when compared to the 0.026″ depth brackets. CONCLUSION: The 0.022″×0.026″ passive self-ligating brackets attached with a 0.019″×0.025″ stainless steel archwire provided no greater torque control when compared to 0.022″×0.028″ passive self-ligating brackets.

Does Infant Orthopedics and Neonate Lip Surgery Influence the Occlusal Relationship in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP)?

OBJECTIVE: To compare occlusal relationship in patients undergoing neonate versus conventional lip surgery (LS) with and without infant orthopedics (IO) by assessment of dental arch relationship in individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups treated by different protocols; Group I: neonate LS (1-15 days) + IO and palatoplasty (13-31 months); Group II: LS (3-12 months) + IO and palatoplasty (15-35 months); and Group III: LS (3-6 months) without IO and palatoplasty (12-18 months). The 112 intraoral photographs of individuals of all groups, obtained between 6 and 12 years of age, were assessed by the occlusal index for intraoral photograph rating. The groups were compared by the χ2 test. The correlation between surgical timing and the scores was tested by the Spearman test (P < .05). RESULTS: Group I presented the highest percentage of score 5, group II exhibited highest percentage of score 1, and group III presented the lowest percentage of score 5 according to the χ2 test (P = .029). The Spearman correlation test revealed statistically significant difference between timing of LS and the occlusal index. The earlier the surgical timing, the higher the occlusal index (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Infant orthopedics has demonstrated the possibility of postponing primary plastic surgeries. Patients submitted to late lip and palate repair had the best prognosis, while patients undergoing lip repair from 1 to 15 days of life, even operating the palate later, had the worst prognosis. Neonate LS negatively influenced the occlusal relationships.

Micro-osteoperforation effectiveness on tooth movement rate and impact on oral health related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of micro-osteoperforation (MOP) on the rate of tooth movement (RTM), space closure duration, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) during completion of anterior retraction in patients undergoing combined orthodontic-surgical treatment after premolar extraction and decompensation with sliding mechanics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four participants with indications for premolar extractions were randomly allocated to treatment with conventional sliding mechanics (control group; CG) or with to treatment in which three MOPs were performed every activation (experimental group; EG). Dental impressions were taken monthly until space closure was completed and dental casts were converted to three-dimensional models. After the anterior retraction procedure, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires were filled out at 4 and 72 hours. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (7 men and 11 women) remained in the trial until space closure was completed (mean follow-up period = 247 days). For full space closure RTM, no significant difference (P = .492) was found between groups (0.614 mm/month for the CG; 0.672 mm/month for the EG). The RTM for different time points, groups, time frames and their interaction were statistically different (P < .05). In multiple correlation analysis, the RTM significantly decreased over time for both groups (P < .05). The OHRQoL scores were significantly higher (worse) for the EG. The psychological, physical and social disabilities, and handicap domains displayed significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Use of MOPs did not change the full space closure RTM, while it had a negative impact on OHRQoL.

The Influence of the Formation of the Lower Third Molars Impaction of the Second Molar: A Case Report.

The impaction of the lower second molar is rare. The diagnosis is by means of radiographic examination. There are many treatment regimen options, including orthodontics and surgical intervention. This report presents a case with radiographic sequence showing the influence of the lower third molars on the impaction of the second molars and orthodontic treatment regimen for the uprighting of the second molar.

Oral focal mucinosis associated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

Oral focal mucinosis is a rare soft-tissue lesion that might result from the overproduction of hyaluronic acid by fibroblasts. The lesions are commonly found on the gingiva and palate; however, other sites, such as the tongue, have also been reported. The diagnosis of oral focal mucinosis is based on histologic analysis, and treatment involves surgical excision. Recurrences of lesions have not been reported. This article presents a patient with oral focal mucinosis that might be associated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

Muscular activity in class III dentofacial deformity.

Individuals with Class III dentofacial deformities exhibit morphological changes and myofunctional adaptations, and an accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrical activity of the masseter, temporal, and suprahyoid muscles in subjects with Class III dentofacial deformities, assessing electromyographic characteristics using functional tests. The research group consisted of 20 subjects with Class III dentofacial deformities and indications for surgical-orthodontic treatment. The control group consisted of 10 individuals presenting a good maxilla and mandible relationship. Electrical activities of the masseter and temporal were recorded during isometric contraction and maximal isometric contraction. The suprahyoid and masseter were assessed during maximal mouth opening and swallowing of saliva. Isometric contraction and maximal isometric contraction analysis showed less potential in the research group, with a significant difference regarding the masseter muscle in isometric contraction. In maximal isometric contraction, an increase in electrical activity in both groups was observed; it remained lower for the research group, but with no significant difference. With regard to symmetry, significant differences among the groups were observed only for the left masseter in the research group, as well as during isometric contraction. There was no significant difference found regarding maximal mouth opening. During swallowing of saliva, there was a high percentage of abnormal electromyographic tracings for both groups. This finding was not expected for the control group. The study found some changes in muscular activity in Class III dentofacial deformities, characterized by lower potential in the masseter muscle during isometric contractions. No other peculiarities were found that could contrast either group.