RESUMEN
Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances enhance dental plaque accumulation. Glass ionomer (GI) is among the most popular orthodontic cement. It possesses antibacterial properties; however, its antibacterial activity may not be sufficient for caries prevention. Although evidence shows that the addition of 8wt% nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) may enhance the antibacterial properties of GI, no clinical study has been conducted in this respect. Thus, this study aimed to assess the subgingival accumulation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) around orthodontic bands cemented with conventional GI and GI reinforced with 8wt% nHA. Materials and Methods: This split-mouth clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients requiring a lingual arch. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In group 1, the right molar band was cemented with pure Fuji I (GC), and the left was cemented with Fuji I containing 8wt% nHA. In group 2, the right molar band was cemented with Fuji I containing 8wt% nHA, and the left was cemented with Fuji I. After 3 months, subgingival sampling was performed by sterile paper points. S. mutans and L. acidophilus were cultured on MSB and MRS agar, and colonies were counted by a colony counter. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test using SPSS 25 at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The mean counts of S. mutans, aerobic and anaerobic lactobacilli, and total bacterial around orthodontic bands cemented with Fuji I containing 8wt% nHA were significantly lower than those around orthodontic bands cemented with pure Fuji I (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of 8wt% nHA to GI cement can enhance its antibacterial properties for the cementation of orthodontic bands, decrease the accumulation of cariogenic bacteria, and probably decrease the incidence of caries in orthodontic patients.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Correction of digit deformities at or near the Joints is performed easily ; however, maintaining the result is often difficult either due to noncompliance of the patient to wear the postoperative splints or problems related to unequal growth of bones or normal tissues compared to the scarred or operated side. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to overcome the above mentioned problems for which we propose the "Distal d Digit Syndactyly" technique. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This method is based on the concept of suturing the distal phalanx of the deformed digit to the normal adjoining finger to help prevent the recurrence of the anomaly during the child's growth period or the very important three or four postoperative months of scar maturation in the adult. After the correction of deformity of the finger or toe, "Distal Syndactyly" is created by two flaps on the adjoining digits; one base is dorsally hinged and the other one volar and after elevating the flaps they are sutured together. During the three postoperative weeks care is taken that this attachment is not disrupted and after healing a "distal syndactyly" is created which is very durable and in children it stretches with growth and does not impede the digit's growth. RESULTS: Eleven patients with congenital and traumatic digit anomalies were treated. The recurrence of the problem was prevented in 9 patients; in 2 patients with intact Syndactyly the contracture recurred by stretching the Syndactyly skin. The period of the "Joining" ranged from 6 months to three years and cosmetic appearance was acceptable to the patient and parents. CONCLUSION: This technique by joining a deformed digit to a normally growing adjacent digit prevents the postoperative recurrence of the contracture or growth induced deviation in the digits of noncompliant patients especially children.