Immediate versus conventional loading of palatal implants in humans: a first report of a multicenter RCT.

This study aims to analyze the clinical performance of two loading concepts on second-generation palatal implants (Orthosystem, Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) in a prospective multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial. At the time of this interim analysis, 41 patients have been randomized on a 1:1 basis to one of two treatment groups. Group 1 underwent conventional loading of palatal implants after a healing period of 12 weeks (gold standard) while group 2 underwent immediate implant loading within 1 week after implant insertion. We report initial results at 6 months after functional loading. The primary outcome parameter was implant success (no implant mobility, no implant loss). The implants in both groups were initially stable at the time of insertion, and all were eligible for randomization. Twenty-two patients (group 1) were subjected to conventional implant loading after 12 weeks while 19 patients (group 2) received immediate functional loading within the first week after insertion. Direct (e.g. distal jet appliances) as well as indirect forms of anchorage (conventional or modified transpalatal arch) were used. The magnitude of orthodontic forces ranged between 1 and 4 N for the immediate loading group and between 1 and 5 N for the conventional loading group. One implant in group 1 was lost during the healing phase. One dropout was registered in group 2. Thirty-nine implants were functionally loaded for over 6 months now. These preliminary data provide first evidence of the fact that immediate loading of palatal implants yields equivalent success rates as conventional loading to 4 N after 6 months.

Incorrect measurements and misleading conclusions in the article "Comparison of the efficacy of tooth alignment among lingual and labial brackets: an in vitro study".

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To reproduce the methods and results of the study by Alobeid et al. (2018) in which the efficacy of tooth alignment using conventional labial and lingual orthodontic bracket systems was assessed. MATERIALS/METHODS: We used the identical experimental protocol and tested (i) regular twin bracket (GAC-Twin [Dentsply]) and lingual twin bracket systems (Incognito [3M]), (ii) together with NiTi 0.014" wires (RMO), and (iii) a simulated malocclusion with a displaced maxillary central incisor in the x-axis (2 mm gingivally) and in the z-axis (2 mm labially). RESULTS: The method described by Alobeid et al. (2018) is not reproducible, and cannot be used to assess the efficacy of tooth alignment in labial or lingual orthodontic treatment. Major flaws concern the anteroposterior return of the Thermaloy-NiTi wire ligated with stainless steel ligatures. The reproduced experimental setting showed that a deflected Thermaloy-NiTi wire DOES NOT move back at all to its initial stage (= 0 per cent correction) because of friction and binding (see supplemented video), neither with the tested labial nor with the lingual brackets. Furthermore, an overcorrection of up to 138 per cent, which the authors indicate for some labial bracket-wire combinations and which deserves the characterization "irreal", stresses the inappropriateness of the method of measurement.Further flaws include: a) incorrect interpretation of the measurement results, where a tooth tripping around (overcorrection) is interpreted as a better outcome than a perfect 100 per cent correction; b) using a statistical test in an inappropriate and misleading way; c) uncritical copying of text passages from older publications to describe the method, which do not correspond to this experimental protocol and lead to calculation errors; d) wrong citations; e)differences in table and bar graph values of the same variable; f) using a lingual mushroom shaped 0.013" Thermaloy-NiTi wire which does not exist; g) drawing uncritical conclusions of so called "clinical relevance" from a very limited in vitro testing. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical recommendations based on in vitro measurements using the Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System (OMSS) should be read with caution.

Efficiency of a skeletonized distal jet appliance supported by miniscrew anchorage for noncompliance maxillary molar distalization.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional anchorage appliances rely exclusively on intraoral anchorage for noncompliance molar distalization. The partial coverage of the palate, in particular, often results in compromised oral hygiene. An innovative alternative combines a skeletonized distal jet appliance with 2 paramedian miniscrews for additional anchorage. The objectives of this study were to investigate the suitability of the skeletonized distal jet for translatory molar distalization and to check the quality of the supporting anchorage setup. METHODS: Two paramedian miniscrews (length, 8-9 mm; diameter, 1.6 mm) were placed into the anterior area of the palate in 10 patients. Skeletonized distal jet appliances fitted with composite to the first premolars and the collars of the miniscrews were used for bilateral molar distalization, and the coil springs were activated with a distalization force of 200 cN on each side. RESULTS: The study confirmed the suitability of the appliance for translatory molar distalization (3.92 +/- 0.53 mm) with slight mesial inward rotation (on average, 8.35 degrees +/- 7.66 degrees and 7.88 degrees +/- 5.50 degrees ). The forces acting reciprocally on the anchorage setup were largely absorbed by the anchorage unit involving 2 anchorage teeth and 2 miniscrews. Significant anchorage loss, in the form of first premolar mesialization of 0.72 +/- 0.78 mm, was found. CONCLUSIONS: The skeletonized distal jet appliance supported by additional miniscrew anchorage allows translatory molar distalization. Although the anchorage design combining 2 miniscrews at a paramedian location and the periodontium of 2 anchorage teeth does not offer the quality of stationary anchorage, it achieves greater molar distalization in total sagittal movement than conventional anchorage designs with an acrylic button.

Biomechanics of a Distal Jet appliance. Theoretical considerations and in vitro analysis of force systems.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the forces and moments acting in the first molar region, induced by the Distal Jet appliance for maxillary molar distalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a working section of 3 mm with reactivation of the loaded spring systems, the force systems of three laboratory-fabricated appliances of identical design were analyzed with a 3D metering device. RESULTS: The force systems registered in vitro exhibited complex biomechanics. Regular reactivation of the loaded coils resulted in consistent distalizing forces and uprighting moments, in forces and moments toward buccal as well as slightly intrusive forces, and mesial-inwardly rotating moments. In the sagittal dimension, the Distal Jet appliance allows almost translatory molar distalization. Accordingly, applying uprighting activation is not necessary for treatment. Because of the application of the force palatal to the center of resistance of the molars, the teeth experience undesired mesial-palatal and distal-facial rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The Distal Jet appliance allows almost translatory distal molar movement, and uprighting activation is not necessary for treatment. The force applied palatal to the center of resistance of the molars produces an undesired mesial-palatal and distal-facial rotation. Regular intraoral coil spring reactivation is needed.

Treatment effects of intraoral appliances with conventional anchorage designs for non-compliance maxillary molar distalization: a literature review.

Since the end of the 1970s, various appliances with intramaxillary anchorage for distalization of the upper molars have been described as an alternative to headgear. The major advantages of these innovative appliances are that they act permanently and are independent of patient compliance. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency, both quantitatively and qualitatively, of various appliance types with intramaxillary anchorage for non-compliance molar distalization. Eighty-five papers were reviewed, and 22 were identified as being suitable for inclusion. The selection was based on compliance with the following criteria: treatment group with at least 10 non-syndromal patients, conventional intraoral anchorage design using a palatal button and anchorage teeth, consistent cephalometric measurements in clinical-epidemiological studies, exact data on the course of treatment, and statistical presentation of the measured outcomes and their standard deviations. The results show that non-compliance molar distalization is possible with numerous different appliances. While molar distalization with standard pendulum appliances exhibited the largest values for dental-linear distalization, it also resulted in concurrent, substantial therapeutically undesirable distal tipping. However, specific modifications to the pendulum appliance allow achievement of almost bodily molar distalization. Different outcomes are quoted in the studies for the efficiency of loaded spring systems for distal molar movement, but it seems that the first class appliance and the palatal distal jet are more efficient than the vestibular Jones Jig. The studies identify anchorage loss as being found in the area of the incisors rather than the area of the first premolars. There was a trend for more substantial reciprocal side-effects to occur when only two teeth were included in the anchorage unit. Vertical components acting on the molars, premolars, and incisors, such as intrusion and extrusion, tended to be of secondary importance and, therefore, may be disregarded.

Biomechanics of the Keles Slider appliance for maxillary molar distalization--in-vitro analysis of force systems.

AIM: The aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the forces and moments acting in the first molar region induced by the Keles Slider appliance for maxillary molar distalization, thereby investigating this appliance's suitability for translatory distalization of the upper molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a working section of 3 mm with reactivation of the loaded spring systems, we analyzed the force systems of three laboratory-fabricated appliances of identical design using 3D measuring equipment. RESULTS: The force systems registered in-vitro exhibited complex biomechanics. Regular reactivation of the loaded coils resulted in consistent distalizing forces and uprighting moments, in forces and moments toward buccal and weak extrusive forces, and increasing mesial-inward rotating moments. CONCLUSIONS: The Keles Slider nearly achieves translatory molar distalization on a typodont in the sagittal plane. As a result, no uprighting activation is necessary for treatment. Because force application occurs palatally from the molars' center of resistance, there is a mesial-inward rotating moment that increases as distalization progresses, and this may lead to unwanted friction during clinical application. This is why regular reactivation of the coil spring systems, as well as subsequent measures for molar derotation, are indispensable. In the vertical plane, the molars are exposed to weak extrusive forces combined with moderate buccal rotating moments. These effects confirm that this appliance is indicated in patients with deep overbite.

Anchorage efficacy of palatally-inserted miniscrews in molar distalization with a periodontally/miniscrew-anchored distal jet.

AIM: As a clinical pilot study using the skeletonized, periodontally/miniscrew-anchored Distal Jet appliance, this study aimed to verify the positional stability of the palatally-inserted paramedian miniscrews when subjected to loading for several months, hence to assess the efficacy of the supporting anchorage design. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixteen miniscrews (8-9 mm in length, 1.6 mm in diameter, polished surface) were inserted in the anterior region of the palate at paramedian locations. Once they had been in place for 1 week, skeletonized Distal Jets for bilateral molar distalization were anchored to the first premolars and necks of the miniscrews using composite. The appliances' coil spring systems were activated to a distalization force of 200-240 cN. The miniscrews were processed histologically after minimally-invasive explantation. RESULTS: Forces acting reciprocally on the anchorage unit result in significant anchorage loss in the palatally-inserted titanium miniscrews used for added anchorage support: we observed ventral movement in the vicinity of the miniscrew heads of 0.95+/-0.82 mm (the mean; p = 0.005), and extrusion of 0.21+/-0.28 mm (p = 0.040). In the process they tipped 2.65 degrees +/-6.23 degrees in relation to the palatal plane and 2.15 degrees +/-5.76 degrees in relation to the anterior cranial base. We observed no evidence of direct screw-to-bone contact in any of the explanted miniscrews. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium miniscrews with a polished surface, 1.6 mm in diameter and 8-9 mm long, do not provide stationary anchorage in molar distalization with the periodontally/miniscrew-anchored Distal Jet. When subjected for several months to load from forces that act in reciprocity to the force systems occurring during molar distalization, they fail to remain completely stationary in position in the palatal locations in which they were inserted. However, the combined anchorage setup is sufficient, intraorally and regardless of patient compliance, to largely compensate for the mesially-acting forces that occur reciprocal to molar distalization.

Topography and morphology of the mandibular condyle during fixed functional orthopedic treatment --a magnetic resonance imaging study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fixed functional orthopedic appliances used in 6 to 9 month-long treatments to correct distoclusion keep the mandible permanently in the therapeutically-desired protruded position. The principal aim of this approach is to achieve an increase in length of the lower jaw by stimulating mandibular growth. Ideally, adaptive mechanisms in adolescents and young adults result in condylar remodeling. Alternatively, however, therapeutically-undesirable alterations in the condyle position within the articular fossa may also occur. Thus the aim of this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was twofold: 1) to verify the effects that the treatment with a fixed functional orthopedic appliance used to correct distoclusion has on the topographic relationship of mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa, and 2) to analyze morphologic changes in the condyle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment progress in 20 patients was monitored by MRI at four defined points in time. Visual inspection and metric analysis were performed in three planes (axial, frontal, parasagittal) shown on the MRIs. 3D-reconstruction of the condyle surfaces based on the MRI data sets at hand was done in selected cases. RESULTS: Upon assuming the therapeutically-desired position, the condyles were caudally and ventrally displaced from their centric position within the fossa. At the end of treatment, they had returned to their original position. When assessed laterally, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the joints on the right and left sides. Neither the anterior nor posterior joint space among all 40 joints exhibited significant changes in width compared to the baseline findings. Visual inspection in the axial, frontal, and sagittal planes revealed changes in the exterior form of 31 of the 40 condyles analyzed. On the whole, while morphologic changes were observed in all three planes, they were most marked in the axial plane. Metric analysis of the 2D-MRIs, on the other hand, revealed no significant changes in width, depth, or height in the plane in question. This is why we reconstructed the condyle structure three-dimensionally on a trial basis. For purposes of analysis, we super imposed the reconstructions of the condyle surfaces at the various control points on each other. By processing the data in this manner, an alternative approach for evaluating morphologic changes was created. CONCLUSIONS AND PROSPECTS: In patients treated with a rigid, fixed functional orthopedic appliance (FMA) for skeletal Class II malocclusion, both joints returned to a physiologic condyle-fossa relationship post-treatment. The improved occlusion was not achieved at the price of unphysiologic repositioning in the temporomandibular joint. Visual inspection suggested that morphologic changes in the condyle may have occurred as treatment progressed, but this was not confirmed by 2D metric analysis. However, by means of 3D-reconstruction of the condylar surfaces and their superposition, detailed visualization of adaptive mechanisms and their non-invasive evaluation in 3D may become feasible in clinical routine.

Molar distalization with pendulum appliances in the mixed dentition: effects on the position of unerupted canines and premolars.

INTRODUCTION: The pendulum appliance allows for rapid molar distalization without the need for patient compliance. Its efficiency has been confirmed in a number of clinical studies. However, the potential interactions and positional changes between the deciduous molars used for dental anchorage and the erupted and unerupted permanent teeth have yet to be clarified when this appliance is used for molar distalization in the mixed dentition. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients in the mixed dentition each received a modified pendulum appliance with a distal screw and a preactivated pendulum spring for bilateral distalization of the maxillary molars. The patients were divided into 4 groups based on dentition stages: patient group 1 (PG 1, n = 10) was in the early mixed dentition; patients had resorption of the distal root areas of the deciduous molars being used for dental anchorage, and the unerupted premolars were located at the distal margin of the deciduous molar root region. Based on radiographs taken before placement of the pendulum appliance, patient group 2 (PG 2, n = 10) was diagnosed as having a central location of the unerupted premolars. In the third group (PG 3, n = 4), the first premolars were already erupted and could be integrated into the dental anchorage, but the canines were not yet erupted. In the fourth group (PG 4, n = 5), the first premolars and both canines were fully erupted. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the measured results showed significant differences in the side effects between PG 1 and PG 2. In patients being treated with pendulum appliances, the anchorage quality of the deciduous molars that were already partially resorbed in the distal root area was comparatively reduced. Consequently, the mesial drift of the deciduous molars and incisors was increased, without impairing the extent and quality of the molar distalization. Anchorage loss in the supporting area had no direct impact on the sagittal position of the unerupted premolars in the early mixed dentition. CONCLUSIONS: If permanent teeth have already started to erupt in the supporting area, additional space restrictions should be avoided in patients with critical topography, especially if there is little space for the unerupted canines. At this stage of the mixed dentition, premolar extraction or augmentation of the supporting area with extraoral headgear offers a therapeutic alternative to intraoral distalization appliances with exclusively dental anchorage.

Disc-condyle Relationships during Class II Treatment with the Functional Mandibular Advancer (FMA).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify the effects of treatment to correct Class II malocclusion with the Functional Mandibular Advancer (FMA) on the relative positions of the articular disc and mandibular condyle. In particular, we aimed to find out whether the disc-condyle relationship changed between baseline and post-treatment, in temporomandibular joints initially exhibiting a physiological relationship and alternatively, in temporomandibular joints initially presenting anterior displacement of the articular disc. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment progress in 15 patients was monitored at defined points in time by manual structural analysis (MSA) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The disc-condyle relationship was assessed by examining the parasagittal MR images made up of three slices each (lateral, central, medial) taken in habitual intercuspation and maximum-open mouth position. The MR images were metrically analyzed to determine the sagittal positional relationship of the articular disc and mandibular condyle using two methods on the central slices of the images taken in closed-mouth position. MSA was used in particular to determine the disc-condyle relationships and to metrically record the extent of active movement of the mandible during mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, and retrusion. RESULTS: Comparison of baseline and post-treatment findings revealed that none of the joints exhibited a treatment-induced deterioration in the disc-condyle relationship, while the relationship improved in five joints. After categorization of the joints according to groups according to disc position, metric analysis of the MR images showed significantly-improved post-treatment disc positions in the joints that had initially exhibited anterior disc displacement. Post-treatment findings for maximum-open mouth position, protrusion, and laterotrusion corresponded to the baseline values recorded before bite-jumping, and the extent of maximum active retrusion increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Functional jaw orthopedics for correction of skeletal Class II with the rigid fixed FMA leads to side-effects reflected in the disc-condyle relationship in the temporomandibular joints: no adverse effects were observed in joints presenting an initial physiological disc-condyle relationship, whereas the disc position may improve in joints with initial partial or total anterior disc displacement. In comparison with the baseline findings, we observed no post-treatment restriction in the extent of maximum mouth opening, protrusion, and left and right laterotrusion. Maximum active retrusion increased due to the treatment. MR imaging and MSA only partly cover the same aspects of temporomandibular joint diagnostics.

[Uprighting of a tipped lower second molar with the aid of a microscrew anchorage. A case report]. / Aufrichtung eines gekippten unteren zweiten Molaren mit Hilfe von Mikroschrauben-verankerung. Ein Fallbericht.

Titanium microscrews for orthodontic anchorage purposes have been developed in different designs and dimensions by a number of manufacturers. Whereas conventional implants need a relatively extensive bone supply and the insertion sites are limited, microscrews offer a more flexible range of applications. They also offer crucial advantages such as simple, atraumatic insertion and removal, a minimum patient stress and a favourable cost-benefit ratio. In the present case report the successful orthodontic uprighting of a tipped second lower molar using a microscrew demonstrated.

Molar distalization with a modified pendulum appliance--in vitro analysis of the force systems and in vivo study in children and adolescents.

The standard pendulum appliance was modified by integrating a distal screw into its base and by special preactivation of the pendulum springs. The suitability of this Pendulum K for the translatory distalization of maxillary molars was investigated in an in vitro analysis and in an in vivo study in children and adolescents. The in vitro measurement of the resulting force systems revealed that all forces and moments remained virtually constant over a three-mm simulated distalization increment. The transverse force, Fx, increased from two to 11 cN and the weakly intrusively acting force, Fy, from six to eight cN, but these increases were not statistically significant. The distalization force, Fz, initially 201 cN, was still 199 cN after a three-mm distalization increment. The mesially acting moment, My, rose from 1654 to 1834 cN mm, whereas the palatally acting moment, Mz, declined slightly from 229 to 164 cN mm. The slight, consistent distoinclinatory moment, Mx, initially 306 cN mm, was 310 cN mm after three mm. In parallel, the in vivo study with its collective of 66 patients confirmed that the Pendulum K allows a virtually translatory molar distalization with slight tippings of 4.75 degrees to the palatal plane and 4.25 degrees to the anterior basal plane. Palatal movements of the first molars were avoided. The proportion of molar distalization in the total movement was 73.53%.

Skeletal effects in class II treatment with the functional mandibular advancer (FMA)?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical study was to reveal skeletal effects during the treatment of Class II malocclusions in adolescents and young adults using a protrusive-acting fixed, rigid functional orthodontic appliance, and to quantify them in comparison with an untreated control group. We aimed to determine whether, and if so, to what extent skeletal effects diminish with increasing age, and whether inter-individual differences can be observed. METHOD: To correct their intermaxillary jaw relationship, the functional mandibular advancer (FMA) was inserted in 16 adolescents and young adults (eight males, eight females, aged from 12 years, 3 months to 18 years, 7 months) presenting with a skeletal Class II malocclusion. The course of treatment was documented cephalometrically. RESULTS: In all patients, the FMA treatment led to neutroclusion or overcorrected neutroclusion and a marked reduction in overjet. The occlusion's improvement in the sagittal dimension (overjet reduction by 4.43 +/- 2.10 mm, molar relationship improvement by 3.88 +/- 1.12 mm) was achieved by a combination of dental effects (distalization of upper teeth, mesialization of lower teeth) and skeletal effects (mandibular growth stimulation). Excepting the position and morphology of the maxillary base and the condyle's dorsal position in the fossa, all sagittal skeletal and dental changes induced by the FMA treatment were statistically significant. There was a mean increase of 1.71 +/- 1.11 mm in sagittal length of the mandible, in the sagittal-diagonal dimension of 1.42 +/- 1.51 mm and 1.53 +/- 2.15 mm, as well as a slight, significant increase in the gonial angle area. Whereas the condylar position remained stable, a forward positioning of the chin and thus significant increase in distance length was recorded from the posterior condylar margin to the anterior mandibular margin. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a fixed functional appliance in Class II patients effected significant changes in mandibular growth and correction of the distal intermaxillary relationship even after the pubertal growth spurt in adolescents and young adults. While the proportion of the orthopedically-induced skeletal share is subject to substantial inter-individual variability in adolescents, the overall conclusion can be drawn that skeletal effects (= stimulation of mandibular growth) in general clearly lessen with increasing patient age. In young adult patients, the correction of a distal intermaxillary jaw relationship is manifested primarily as a dento-alveolar compensation for the skeletal malocclusion.

Light microscopic and SEM findings after orthodontic treatment--analysis of a human specimen.

AIM: The hard and soft tissue damage caused by orthodontic forces has so far, for obvious ethical reasons, been investigated in animal models primarily. However, the validity of these results as applied to humans remains controversial. The particular value of this study is that the maxilla of a young adult could be analyzed histologically. Thus it was possible to retrospectively study the effects of a routine orthodontic therapy using light microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The upper jaw of a 24-year-old patient was investigated. He had been in orthodontic treatment with a straight-wire-appliance using superelastic materials for 18 months. Both posterior segments were analyzed in the horizontal plane using the microsection method according to Donath (toluidine blue staining). Both central incisors were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The examination was performed qualitatively and histomorphometrically. RESULTS: 170 lateral root resorptions were found in the nine posterior teeth, while pressure sites and interference areas with the buccal and sinus cortical bone were predominantly affected. However, the extent of root resorption was minimal: mean length 979 +/- 766 microm, mean depth 208 +/- 133 microm. The lateral root erosions presented high repair potential: 55.6% of resorption length, and 28% of the depth were repaired in 76% of all lesions. CONCLUSION: The incidence of detected root resorptions seems high at first. However, the prognosis of the affected teeth is not critically impaired, due to the lesions' minor extent (length, depth) and their high repair capacity.

Innovative anchorage alternatives for molar distalization--an overview.

The conventional anchorage design of an appliance for non-compliance molar distalization anchored exclusively intraorally combines an acrylic pad or button placed on the palatal mucosa with involvement of the anchoring-teeth's periodontium. Disadvantages of this anchorage design include the difficulties it causes for proper oral hygiene, reactive forces and moments exerted on the anterior dentition, and relative contraindications based on certain dentition stages and local conditions. In this article we describe alternative anchorage designs, concentrating on types of anchorage that are applied with orthodontic anchoring implants of reduced diameter and length. Such implants offer several key advantages beyond that of facilitating proper hygiene, namely that they cause fewer or no side-effects in the anterior maxillary dentition area, and that a wider range of indications apply to children, adolescents and adults.

Forced eruption with microscrew anchorage for preprosthetic leveling of the gingival margin. Case report.

Dental esthetics are often impaired by a disharmonious contour of the gingival margin in the anterior region. However, the soft tissue contour can be improved by orthodontic eruption of the relevant teeth prior to prosthodontic treatment. The successful use of an orthodontic microscrew implant as anchorage for the eruption appliance is demonstrated in a case report.

Clinical suitability of titanium microscrews for orthodontic anchorage-preliminary experiences.

AIM: The future of orthodontic anchorage implants may well belong to micro-implants, developed in varying designs, lengths and diameters by different manufacturers. The aim of the present clinical study was to investigate whether titanium microscrews manufactured by Jeil Medical Corp. (South Korea) are suitable for orthodontic anchorage purposes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At the Department of Orthodontics, University of Aachen, 36 micro-implants with diameters of 1.4, 1.6 and 2 mm and lengths of 6, 8 and 10 mm were inserted in 17 patients. The implants served predominantly as anchorage for premolar distalization, molar uprighting and molar mesialization. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 29 +/- 14 years. The implantation sites were evenly divided between the upper and lower jaw. The main insertion sites were buccal interradicular, retromolar, and palatal interradicular. Most implants used were 8 mm in length and 1.6 or 2 mm in diameter. The mean in situ time was 158 +/- 97 days. Eleven fixtures failed before the end of treatment, corresponding to a failure rate of 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The tested miniscrews with a diameter of 1.6-2 mm and a length of 8-10 mm proved suitable for orthodontic anchorage purposes. Whereas larger implants need a relatively extensive bone supply and the insertion sites are limited, microscrews offer a more flexible range of applications. They also offer crucial advantages such as simple, atraumatic insertion and removal, minimum patient stress, and a favorable cost-benefit ratio.

Apical root resorption after lingual orthodontic therapy.

PURPOSE: Apical root resorptions are among the undesirable side effects of orthodontic therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate radiologically whether and to what extent resorptions occur in patients treated solely with a fixed lingual appliance, as well as the pathogenetic relevance of the extent and direction of the therapeutically induced apical movement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The collective comprised 33 female and seven male patients with a mean age of 24.2 +/- 8.4 years. Permanent lower premolars were extracted in five, and permanent upper premolars in 22 patients. In total, 456 upper and lower incisors and canines were assessed. In order to evaluate the relative change in root length and the sagittal and vertical apical movements, pre- and posttherapeutic panoramic radiographs and/or lateral cephalograms were analyzed. RESULTS: After completion of orthodontic treatment the mean root length was 96.3%, corresponding to a resorption rate of 3.7%. The resorption rates of teeth 11, 12 and 21 differed significantly from those of teeth 31, 32 and 43. Upper incisors presented increased mean resorption rates < or = 10%. Only 18% of the 456 teeth analyzed were affected by pronounced resorptions > 10%. 82% of the teeth were resorption-free. A patient-related evaluation revealed that 26 of the 40 patients had no resorptions > 20%, while 14 had between one and four affected teeth. No significant relationship between extent of resorption and parameters such as age, gender, active treatment time, Angle class, or extent and direction of apical movement was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that lingual orthodontic therapy resulted in only slight root resorptions. Pronounced root shortenings were observed in some patients whose individual predisposition may constitute the main risk factor for the occurrence of root resorptions.

Various anchorage approaches in unilateral mandibular molar distalization using a fixed lingual arch appliance.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: Mean unilateral mandibular molar distalization of 3.33 +/- 1.28 mm was achieved in 20 patients (average age: 13 years, 1 month) by fitting an asymmetrically activated lingual arch appliance for an average treatment period of 4 months. Three different anchorage techniques were used: Anchorage was provided in seven patients by the lingual arm of the appliance alone, while another seven patients received additional sectional archwires, and another six patients sectional archwires and lip bumpers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Anchorage by means of the lingual arm alone proved to be insufficient to prevent labial tipping of the incisors. The mean protrusion and labial tipping recorded at the lower incisors was 7.67 degrees +/- 1.53 degrees and 2.64 +/- 0.48 mm respectively. The anchorage quality was enhanced and satisfactory stabilization achieved by additionally inserting a sectional archwire. In these cases the mean incisor protrusion and labial tipping was 1.75 degrees +/- 0.96 degree and 0.71 +/- 0.76 mm respectively and thus significantly lower (p < 0.01). The additional fitting of a lip bumper provided no further increase in anchorage quality (incisor protrusion 1.75 degrees +/- 2.87 degrees and 0.67 +/- 1.21 mm respectively). CONCLUSION: Fitting additional anchorage aids appears to have no direct impact on the extent and quality of molar distalization.

Combined therapy with pendulum and lingual arch appliances in the early mixed dentition.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: In 20 patients with arch length deficiency and anterior crowding, pendulum and lingual arch appliances were inserted simultaneously in the upper and in the lower arch respectively to gain space. The patients were divided into two groups according to their dental eruption stage: ten children (six boys, four girls; mean age: 9 years, 6 months) were in the early mixed dentition, while an adolescent comparison group of the same size (three boys, seven girls; mean age: 12 years, 3 months) were in the permanent dentition at the beginning of treatment. AIM: The main purpose of the study was to investigate whether simultaneous therapy with pendulum and lingual arch appliances is to be recommended, i.e. whether this therapy should take place as interceptive treatment in the early mixed dentition or only in the permanent dentition in adolescence. Parameters were the extent and quality of dentoalveolar effects and the side effects (mesial movement of the incisors, protrusion of the incisors, tipping of molars). RESULTS: The treatment course was documented by means of study casts and lateral cephalograms. Assessment of the diagnostic records yielded the following findings: In the early treatment group the maxillary molars were distalized by the pendulum appliance by a mean distance of 4.0 +/- 1.46 mm, resulting in distal tipping by 6.1 +/- 2.18 degrees. The incisors were moved reciprocally by 1.08 +/- 1.06 mm to anterior and protruded by 7.65 +/- 4.84 degrees. In the comparison group molar distalization and molar tipping were less pronounced (2.86 +/- 1.54 mm/4.25 +/- 3.78 degrees ), while mesial movement of the incisors was comparably high at 1.62 +/- 0.99 mm. At only 3.8 +/- 2.9 degrees, incisor protrusion was significantly less pronounced than in the early treatment group (p = 0.045). The proportion of molar distalization in the total movement was higher in patients in the early mixed dentition: 79.83 +/- 15.38% vs 60.71 +/- 26.64%. During the early therapy with the lingual arch appliance in the lower arch, the molars were uprighted to the distal by 2.4 +/- 0.97 degrees and the incisors were tipped to labial by 5.0 +/- 1.83 degrees. In the adolescent control group, molar uprighting was less pronounced and the degree of incisor protrusion was significantly lower (2.75 +/- 1.11 degrees, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: With the appropriate indication, the combined therapy with the two compliance-independent appliances described can be recommended for gaining sagittal arch length in the early mixed dentition.