The Efficacy of the RME II System Compared with a Herbst Appliance in the Treatment of Class II Skeletal Malocclusion in Growing Patients: A Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) II System compared to a Herbst appliance and a control group in the treatment of class II skeletal malocclusions in growing patients. (2) Methods: A total of 30 class II patients treated using the RME II System (group R) were compared with 30 patients treated with a Herbst appliance (group H) and 30 untreated class II children (group C). Cephalograms were compared at the start (T0) and after 24 months (T1). Nine cephalometric parameters were analyzed: SN-MP, SN-PO, ANB, AR-GO-ME, AR-GO-N, N-GO-ME, SN-PP, LFH, CO-GN, 1+SN, IMPA, OVERJET, and OVERBITE. Since the variables failed the normality test, a Wilcoxon test was performed for a pairwise comparison of the cephalometric measurements taken at T0 (pre-treatment) and at T1 (post-treatment). ANOVA with Tukey post hoc correction was used to evaluate the differences among the groups. (3) Results: ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference for all analyzed variables except for AR-GO-ME, AR-GO-N, and N-GO-ME. Post hoc Tukey's HSD test showed the following difference: the SN-PO angle in group H was 3.59° greater than in group R; the LFH in group H was 4.13 mm greater than in group R. The mandibular length (CO-GN) in group H was 3.94 mm greater than in group R; IMPA in group H was 6.4° greater than in group R; and the ANB angle in group H was 1.47° greater than in group R. (4) Conclusions: The RME II System is an effective therapeutic device for class II skeletal malocclusion treatment in growing patients.

Craniofacial morphology in patients with impacted canine: a case control-study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of maxillary canine impaction through cephalometric evaluation. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two Caucasian patients (80 males and 102 females) with a mean age of 12.4±0.5 were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. Ninety patients with impacted canines were compared with ninety-two patients with physiologically erupted canines. The following cephalometric variables were analyzed: SNA, ANB, SN-GOME, GO-ME, SP-CL, SELLA TURCICA DEPHT, A-Pt LINE, B-Pt LINE, A-Pt LINE°, B-Pt LINE°, A1s-Pt, A1i-Pt, A1s-Pt°, A1i-PT°, A-SN, B-SN and SN-U1. When applicable, a paired sample t-test was performed to investigate the difference in means between the two sample groups, while the Mann-Whitney Test was used as a non-parametric test in the case of a non-normal distribution of data. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The group with impacted canines showed an increase in Go-Me distance, SNA angle and A1s-Pt angle compared with the control group. In addition, the same group showed a decrease in A-SN and SP-Cl distance compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in mandibular length (GO-ME) and SNA angle associated with a reduction in A-Sn distance and interclinoid distance (SP-Cl) were observed in patients with impacted canines.

Botulinum Toxin Type A and Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers in Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Clinical Application and Indications.

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are increasingly utilized in dentistry for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their clinical applications and indications in dentistry is lacking. This systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical application and indications of BoNT-A and HA dermal fillers in dentistry, providing insights into their efficacy, safety profiles, and limitations. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE databases to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords related to BoNT-A, HA dermal fillers, dentistry, clinical applications, and indications were used. Study selection criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs involving human participants of any age group. Data extraction and synthesis followed established guidelines, focusing on study characteristics, participant demographics, intervention details, outcome measures, and key findings related to BoNT-A and HA dermal fillers' clinical application in dentistry. Results: Systematic searches across electronic databases and grey literature identified 857 records, with an additional 73 from hand searches. After screening titles and abstracts, 542 records were excluded, leaving 374 full-text publications for evaluation. Ultimately, 12 RCTs and 13 non-RCTs were included. The systematic review encompassed diverse geographic locations: Brazil, Italy, Spain, Syria, India, Egypt, Korea, and the Netherlands, involving samples sizes ranging from 14 to 143 participants. The review synthesized findings on HA's efficacy in various areas, including bone repair, gingivitis management, temporomandibular joint disorders, postoperative swelling reduction, periodontal defect treatment, chin and check projection and lips augmentation. BoNT-A exhibited promising efficacy in managing orofacial pain conditions, gummy smile treatment and neuromodulation of the lower third muscles. Safety profiles varied among studies, with some reporting minimal adverse effects while others noted dose-related concerns. Conclusion: BoNT-A and HA dermal fillers offer a wide array of clinical applications in dentistry, ranging from therapeutic interventions to aesthetic enhancements. Despite promising efficacy, careful consideration and monitoring of safety outcomes are essential when integrating these interventions into clinical practice. Further research addressing methodological limitations and safety concerns is warranted to optimize their utilization and improve patient care in dentistry.

Evaluation of occlusal force in Class II subdivision malocclusion.

BACKGROUND: Class II subdivision is a malocclusion characterized by dental and functional asymmetry that is difficult to manage. Impaired muscle function can result in asymmetrical growth, leading to occlusal instability. OBJECTIVE(S): The study aimed to assess occlusal force in patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion using Innobyte. Additionally, the discrepancies of force generated at the position of maximum intercuspidation between the left and right sides of the arches were evaluated. METHODS: The occlusal force of 66 patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion (group S) was measured and compared with that of 66 patients with Class I (group I) and 66 patients with Class II malocclusion (group II). The S group patients had a Class I molar on the right side and a Class II molar on the left side. ANOVA test, followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test, was performed to compare the mean of the total force among the groups. To assess the difference in force between the right and left arches, one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc comparison was performed. Finally, a boxplot was created to show the trend of occlusal force recorded in the three groups of patients. RESULTS: The occlusal force differed significantly among the groups (p < .001). Post hoc Games-Howell analysis showed significant differences as follows: the total force in group S was 165.24 N greater than in group II and in group I was 218.06 N greater than in group II. The difference (right-left) in total force between the groups was statistically significant (p < .001). Tukey's post hoc test showed following significant correlation: in group S was 53.51 N greater than in group II and 63.12 N greater than in group I. CONCLUSIONS: Among the analysed groups, patients with Class II malocclusion exhibited the lowest value of occlusal force. In patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion, force asymmetry, characterised by a higher value on the Class I side and a lower value on the Class II side was observed.

Reliabilty of recording occlusal contacts by using intraoral scanner and articulating paper - A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The recording of occlusal contacts is a pivotal step in many dental procedures, yet the lack of a standardized method could introduce clinical errors. The aim of this study was to compare the occlusal contacts recorded using a intraoral scanner to the contacts recorded using articulating paper. As a secondary outcome, the subjective clinical assessment made using the two methods was compared between different observers. METHODS: Twenty-eight records were analysed for this study. Digital scan and intraoral photos of the coloured marks impressed by articulating paper were taken at the same time point for every patient. Using a standardized occlusal template, two operators recorded the number of occlusal contacts for every tooth provided by the two techniques. Then, 11 clinicians analysed the collected records and answered questions about the quality of the occlusions observed. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the number of contacts recorded by digital scan and those recorded by the photographed articulation marks, except in the case of the upper central incisors and first premolars. The Kappa Fleiss showed slight and fair agreement between clinicians when judging the occlusions. CONCLUSION: The occlusal contacts recorded using the intraoral scanner and those recorded with the articulating paper did not match, and overall the clinicians showed low agreement when rating the recorded data. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite of the great clinical importance of occlusal contact there is a lack of a precise method for recording and collecting occlusal contacts.

Effects of Thermoforming on the Mechanical, Optical, Chemical, and Morphological Properties of PET-G: In Vitro Study.

The effectiveness of clear aligners in correcting malocclusions is closely linked to the properties of the materials used to make them. The polymers used in the manufacture of clear aligners have well-established properties. However, the process of manufacturing clear aligners, known as thermoforming, involves thermal and mechanical shocks that may alter these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thermoforming on the mechanical, optical, chemical, and morphological properties of sixty PET-G specimens. The study compared the thickness, weight, absorbance, chemical structure, surface roughness, elastic modulus, yield strength, and breaking load of thirty thermoformed specimens with thirty non-thermoformed specimens. The study introduces a new approach by using standardized samples to analyze both chemical and physical properties. The results showed statistically significant differences in thickness (-15%), weight (-11%), and surface roughness (+1233% in roughness average; +1129% in RMS roughness) of the material. Additionally, a correlation was found between reduction in thickness and increase in opalescence. There was no significant change in the functionality of the aligners after thermoforming, as no significant mechanical changes were found. However, the increase in surface roughness may lead to plaque and fluid accumulation and worsen the fit of the aligners.

Skeletal and dental effects of function-generating bite appliance compared to rapid palatal expander and untreated controls.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary expansion is a fundamental interceptive orthodontic treatment, which can be achieved through either a rapid expansion protocol or functional devices. However, no data exist about the efficacy of functional devices in achieving skeletal expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) and the function-generating bite type M (FGB-M) on the transversal dimension of the maxilla, and on the maxillary and mandibular dental arch width. METHODS: One hundred eighty-one skeletal Class I patients, aged between 6 and 12 years and with a cervical vertebral maturation stage II or III, with maxillary transversal deficiency were retrospectively enrolled; among these 55 were treated with FGB-M, 73 were treated with RPE and 51 were untreated subjects retrieved from historical databases. The pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) frontal cephalograms were retrieved, and the maxillary and mandibular widths, and the distance between upper and lower first molars were measured. T1-T0 interval was of 17.3 months (RPE), 24.6 months (FGB-M) and 18.2 months (controls). RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding skeletal and dental expansion, while the untreated control group differed significantly from the other two groups. CONCLUSION: The comparison between patients treated with RPE and FGB-M showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding the amount of skeletal expansion and dental arch width, suggesting that both appliances can be used to achieve similar results.

Curve of Spee modification in different vertical skeletal patterns after clear aligner therapy: a 3D set-up retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate: (1) changes in the curve of Spee (COS) after clear aligner therapy and (2) whether such changes correlated with the patient's skeletal patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional mandibular models of 106 patients (47 males and 59 females; mean age 22.3 SD ± 3.4 years) treated with clear aligners were retrospectively analysed. The perpendicular distance between the occlusal reference plane and the buccal cusp tip of each lateral tooth was measured. Five angular cephalometric measurements (PP-MP, PP-OP, OP-MP, AFH, and PFH) were performed and correlated with the T1-T0 difference in linear distances. The patients were divided into three groups according to facial divergence. Variance analysis with Tukey post hoc correction was performed to evaluate the differences among groups. RESULTS: The one-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference for all analysed variables, except for the change in the distance of the second molar from the occlusal reference plane. Tukey's HSD test showed the following differences: In normodivergents, the T1-T0 difference in the distance of the first molar from the occlusal plane was 1 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05); in the normodivergent group, the T1-T0 difference in the distance of the second premolar from the occlusal plane was 1.23 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05), while in the hypodivergent group, it was 1.08 mm greater than in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05); finally, in normodivergents, the T1-T0 difference in the distance of the first premolar from the occlusal plane was 0.97 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with aligners did not lead to a clinically significant change in COS depth. However, when dividing the sample into groups based on craniofacial divergence, COS depth change differed significantly between the three groups.

The Correlation between Mandibular Arch Shape and Vertical Skeletal Pattern.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the mandibular arch shape and the vertical skeletal pattern in growing patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 Caucasian patients (33 males and 40 females; mean age 9.4) were retrospectively enrolled from a pool of patients treated in chronological order at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Foggia, Italy, from April 2018 to December 2021. Each patient received a laterolateral radiograph and a digital scan of the dental arch. Eight cephalometric parameters (lower gonial angle, intermaxillary angle, divergence angle, Wits index, Jarabak ratio, OP-MP angle, PP-OP angle, and ANB) and five dental measurements (posterior mandibular arch width, anterior mandibular arch width, mandibular occlusal angle, posterior width on distobuccal molar cusps, and molar angle) were analyzed and then compared. A Spearman's rho correlation test between the cephalometric measurements and the dental measurements was performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A negative statistically significant correlation was found between the Jarabak ratio and the intermolar angle; a statistically significant correlation was also observed between the Wits index, the posterior mandibular width, and the occlusal mandibular angle; the ANB angle and the occlusal mandibular angle; the intermaxillary angle (PP-PM) and the mandibular occlusal angle, posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp, and the intermolar angle; and the OP-MP angle and mandibular occlusal angle and the posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp. Conclusions: The mandibular arch form may be related to certain predisposing features in craniofacial morphology, such as jaw divergence, the Jarabak ratio, and the intermaxillary angle.

Treatment of Mandibular Impacted Canine in a Patient with Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with "Reverse Pin": A Case Report.

This case report presents an orthodontic treatment conducted on a 13-year-old girl with bilateral Class II malocclusion and a mandibular impacted canine. The presence of an impacted tooth necessitates careful consideration of the timing of orthodontic treatment, the appropriate surgical procedure to expose the tooth, the specific orthodontic mechanics involved, and the potential problems that may arise, all of which depend on the type and location of the canine impaction in the jaw. The treatment plan included a surgical procedure to expose the impacted tooth and orthodontic traction to guide it into position. Correction of the Class II Division 1 malocclusion utilized a specialized technique called the "reverse pin", reducing vertical side effects. The revised version maintains clarity and key information about the case report and treatment.

The efficacy of a modified mandibular advancement device for OSA treatment in a group of adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is actually recommended for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with mild or moderate severity. The present study evaluated the effects of a fully customizable MAD-type device (It Makes You Sleep, IMYS), in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (15 men and 14 women; mean age 62, SD ±10 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Home Sleep Apnea Testing ;(HSAT) was performed for all patients at baseline (T0) and after three months (T1) of IMYS therapy. The analyzed respiratory parameters were: Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), Minimum Oxygen Saturation (minSO2) and Medium Oxygen Saturation (medSO2). RESULTS: From T0 to T1, a significant reduction of AHI and ODI was reported, as well as a significant increase of minSO2 and medSO2. CONCLUSION: The IMYS device could be an effective MAD appliance for treating moderate-to-severe OSA.

Evaluation of the relationship between incisor torque and profile aesthetics in patients having orthodontic extractions compared to non-extractions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between soft tissues aesthetics and incisor torque, as well as the effect of crowding, anchorage, and extraction pattern, in adult patients treated without extraction or with two or four extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven subjects with permanent dentition were selected retrospectively. Among these, 24 patients were treated with four extractions, 24 with two extractions and 29 without extractions. Lateral cephalograms and photographies taken before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were retrieved. The amount of crowding and the type of anchorage were recorded, and a cephalometric analysis was performed. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the variables within and between groups. Linear regressions were performed to evaluate the effect of different predictors on soft tissues variables at T1. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed no differences within and between groups for soft tissue aesthetics. A significant reduction of the angle obtained from the intersection of Frankfurt plane and mandibular plane was observed in the four-extractions group, and a significant proclination of the lower incisors was observed in the two-extraction group. Linear regressions revealed that the change in soft tissue profile aesthetics was affected by the type of anchorage and the two-extractions pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Similar soft tissue aesthetics were observed after treatment in the three groups, despite the presence of some skeletal and dental differences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A well-controlled incisor torque helps to preserve soft tissues aesthetics. The type of anchorage could influence soft tissues.

Correlation between dental arch form and OSA severity in adult patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The role of interdental widths and palatal morphology on the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has not been well investigated in adult patients yet. The aim of this paper was to assess the morphology of maxilla and mandibular dental arches on three-dimensional (3D) casts and to correlate these measurements with the severity of OSA. METHODS: Sixty-four patients (8 women and 56 men, mean age 52.4) with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate OSA were retrospectively enrolled. On each patient, home sleep apnea test and 3D dental models were collected. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were recorded, as well as the dental measurements including inter-molar distance, anterior and posterior widths of maxillary and mandibular arches, upper and lower arch lengths, palatal height, and palatal surface area. The respiratory and dental variables were then correlated. RESULT: A statistically inverse correlation was found between ODI and anterior width of lower arch, maxillary arch length, palatal height, and palatal area. AHI showed a significant inverse correlation with anterior width of mandibular arch and maxillary length. CONCLUSION: A significant inverse correlation between maxillary and mandibular morphology and respiratory parameters was shown in the present paper.

Correction of Midline Deviation and Unilateral Crossbite Treated with Fixed Appliance.

The following case report describes the treatment of a 20-year-old man with dental and facial asymmetry. Patient presented upper dental midline shifted 3 mm to right side and the lower one 1 mm to left side, skeletal class I, molar class I and canine class III on the right side, molar class I and canine class II on the left side, and upper and lower crowding on teeth #12, #15, #22, #24, #34, and #35 in crossbite. The treatment plan provided four extractions: in the superior arch the right second and the left first premolar and in the lower arch first premolars on the left and right sides. Wire-fixed orthodontic device was used in combinations with coils to correct the midline deviation and to close post-extractive spaces, avoiding miniscrew implants. At the end of the treatment, optimal functional and aesthetic results were obtained: realignment of the midline improved facial symmetry, correction of the crossbite on both sides, and a good occlusal relationship.

Short-term effect of orthodontic clear aligners on muscular activity and occlusal contacts: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The simultaneous presence of maxillary and mandibular clear aligners alters the vertical dimension and the quantity and quality of occlusal contacts. Few data in the literature explain how this occurs and the effects on neuromuscular coordination. This study aimed to evaluate occlusal contacts and muscular balance during treatment with clear aligners over a short follow-up time. METHODS: Twenty-six female adult patients were enrolled in this study. The center of occlusal force (COF) was evaluated using a T-Scan II device, whereas muscular symmetry and balance were determined through surface electromyography using a standardized protocol that reduces anthropometric and electrode variations. Both evaluations were performed in centric occlusion and with aligners worn before treatment, after 3 months, and after 6 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant variation in COF position was reported in the sagittal plane but not in the transverse plane. The shift in the COF position was followed by a change in muscular balance evaluated through surface electromyography. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with clear aligners resulted in an anterior shift of the COF when biting in centric occlusion and a posterior shift when the aligners were worn in healthy female patients after 6 months of observation. This change in occlusal contact was followed by an improvement in muscular function symmetry in the short term when aligners were worn, compared with the centric occlusion during treatment.

Improvement in the transverse dimension of dental arches in mixed dentition patients with posterior crossbite treated with functional therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of treatment of posterior crossbite (PXB) in the mixed dentition with the Function Generating Bite (FGB) appliance on the transverse dimension of the dental arches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 84 PXB patients (female = 46; male = 38; mean age, 8.2 ± 1.8 years) and 69 control (C) patients (female = 31; male = 38; mean age, 8.9 ± 1.4 years). Measurements were taken with digital calipers on maxillary and mandibular study casts before (T0) and after (T1) treatment for the following measures: intermolar (IMD), intermolar gingival (IMGD), intercanine (ICD), and intercanine gingival distances (ICGD). RESULTS: At T0, there was a significant difference in all maxillary measurements between the PXB and C groups (P < .001), reflecting maxillary hypoplasia in PXB patients. At T1, there was no difference between the groups. In PXB patients, the mean increase between T0 and T1 for IMD was 4.34 ± 2.42 mm; this difference measured 3.51 ± 2.19 mm for IMGD, 2.78 ± 2.37 mm for ICS, and 1.89 ± 1.7 mm for ICGD. There was no significant difference in mandibular measurements between groups at T0 and T1. CONCLUSIONS: Functional therapy with FGB is effective in significantly increasing the transverse dimension of the maxillary dental arch in PXB patients. Considering its efficacy in treating masticatory dysfunction, FGB may be considered a good treatment option for the correction of PXB in growing children.

Benefits in Oral Health during Orthodontic Treatment of Patients Aged 17 to 21 Years.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatment on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a population aged 17 to 21 years. The influence of gender and malocclusion severity was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 108 patients were enrolled. Each patient completed a questionnaire about oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 before treatment and after 12 months of treatment. The severity of the initial malocclusion was evaluated through the index for orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed to assess the presence of difference in OHRQoL score before and after the treatment, and the influence of gender and IOTN score on the observed outcomes. RESULTS: We found no significant differences related to gender regarding their perception of how malocclusion affects the quality of life before orthodontic treatment. Moreover, no significant differences were found between males and females regarding their perception of how orthodontic treatment affects the quality of life 12 months after orthodontic treatment. Also, the analysis showed no statistically significant difference between males and females in the correlation IOTN-OHIP for Grades 2 and 3. A statistically significant difference between males and females was found only in Grade 4, both before (p = 0.046) and after treatment (p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: Finally, OHIP-14 can be a valuable instrument to assess the perceptions and the expectations of patients toward orthodontic treatment.

Craniofacial morphology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients.

Background: To evaluate the correlation between cephalometric skeletal parameters and Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSAs) severity, in adult patients with OSAs. Material and Methods: One hundred patients (94 males,6 females mean age 59,3) with diagnosis of OSAs were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) and latero-lateral radiograph. Eight cephalometric parameters (cranial deflection angle, saddle angle, articular angle, divergence angle, cranial base angle, skull base length, mandibular length, maxilla length) were analyzed and then related to Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) and to the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), recorded by HSAT. A Spearman's rho correlation test between cephalometric measurements and HSAT indices was performed. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: A negative statistically significant correlation was found between mandibular length (Condilion-Gnathion distance) and AHI (rho= -0,2022; p<0,05) and between maxilla length (Ans-Pns) and AHI (rho= -0,2984; p<0,01) and ODI (rho= -0,2443; p<0,05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between the divergence angle (S-N^Go-Me) and AHI (rho=0,2263; p<0,05) and between cranial deflection angle (Fh^NBa) and AHI (rho=0,2212; p<0,05) and ODI (rho=0,1970; p<0,05). Conclusions: The OSAs severity may be related to certain predisposing features in craniofacial morphology, such as maxillary and mandibular length, divergence and cranial deflection. Key words:OSAs, Home Sleep Apnea Testing, AHI, ODI, Cephalometry, Airway.

Twenty eight months marginal bone level follow-up of an immediate post-extractive implant with immediate definitive loading.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case report was to show the marginal bone level (MBL) variation, after 28 months, around an aesthetic post-extraction implant immediate loading positioned in a 46-years-old woman. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a careful evaluation of the X-rays and CBCT images, a 4×13 conical implant was placed in seat 21 after the atraumatic extraction of the fractured element and the management of the infected area. Correct primary stability (torque 70 Ncm) was obtained by inserting the implant in a palatal position with respect to the alveolus. To complete the surgery, regeneration procedures were carried out using a granular bone substitute (Geistlich Bio-Oss®) covered with a connective tissue graft taken from the palate. Just three days later, a straight titanium abutment Curvomax™ with gold tite (UNIHG) was screwed (35 Ncm) and a lithium disilicate glass ceramic crown was cemented. RESULTS: The radiographic analysis of the MBL at 28 months of follow-up shows a significant stability of the peri-implant bone confirmed by an excellent aesthetic integration of the soft tissues around the prosthetic crown. CONCLUSIONS: A careful and dedicated surgical planning accompanied by the use of appropriate materials and an accurate surgical protocol, seems to allow the rehabilitation of frontal areas that is difficult to manage, obtaining excellent aesthetic, functional and predictable results over time. We believe that the goal, in this case, is also linked to the immediate delivery of the final crown which has significantly reduced operating times and improved aesthetic parameters, translating into better patient satisfaction.