[Effect of varying lingual traction forces on the space-closing speed in a typodont model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influences of varying lingual traction forces on the space-closing speed in a typodont model. METHODS: Forty-two Angle Class I standard typodont models of bimaxillary teeth protrusion were divided into 7 equal groups. Four regions of the model were paired to groups, and in the odd-numbered models, the top left and bottom left regions served as the experimental group and the top right and bottom right regions as the control group; in the even-numbered models, the regions in the model were grouped oppositely. In the experimental group, the space was closed by niti wire extension spring in the buccal ridge combined with lingual elastic traction of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 g. In the control group, the space was closed by exclusive niti wire extension spring in the buccal ridge. The space-closing speed were analyzed in all the groups. RESULTS: The space-closing speed was significantly lower in the control group than in the experimental groups with lingual traction forces of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g (P<0.05), but a traction force of 30 g resulted in a significantly lower speed than that in the control group (P<0.05). The space closing speed was the greatest in the experimental group with a traction force of 15 g (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Niti wire extension spring in the buccal ridge combined with lingual elastic traction results in faster space-closing speed than traditional exclusive niti wire extension spring. The speed is the fastest by applying 15 g lingual traction, which is also associated with the lowest slip resistance.

[Clinical observation of improved titanium miniplate internal fixation for mandibular fracture].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the curative effect of titanium compression miniplate internal fixation and craniomaxillary elastic traction in single mandibular fracture. METHODS: 112 patients were treated by two methods respectively: improved titanium miniplate internal fixation and traditional titanium miniplate internal fixation,with 56 cases in each group. The curative effect was evaluated. The data was analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software package for Chi-square test. RESULTS: No infection was found, the mouth opening were over 37mm for 4 weeks after surgery. Titanium compression miniplate internal fixation and craniomaxillary elastic traction was better than traditional titanium miniplate internal fixation in terms of occlusion rehabilitation(P<0.05). No malunion, delayed healing and pseudarthrosis was present in this series. CONCLUSION: Improved titanium miniplate internal fixation is advantageous over traditional titanium miniplate internal fixation with little influence on temporomandibular joint and better occlusion.