Assessment of Impact of Fluoride on Mechanical Properties of NiTi and CuNiTi Orthodontic Archwires: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The current study was carried out to assess the impact on the mechanical properties of orthodontic wires such as the nickel-titanium (NiTi) and copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) wires by fluoride available in various prophylactic products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six wire specimens were randomly divided into two groups-control group in which deionized water was used as a medium and study group in which Phos-Flur gel was used. Both study group and control group were divided into two subgroups-NiTi wire group: 0.019 × 0.025 inch NiTi archwires (14 specimens) and CuNiTi wire group: 0.019 × 0.025 inch CuNiTi archwires (14 specimens). Testing of all the wires was done under a universal force testing machine. RESULTS: Mean loading force among NiTi wire group and CuNiTi wire group specimens with deionized water as a medium was 682.6 and 397.4 MPa, respectively, while the mean loading force among NiTi wire group and CuNiTi wire group specimens with Phos-Flur gel as a medium was 596.1 and 368.4 MPa, respectively. While comparing between study group and control group among NiTi wires, significant results were obtained. Also, while comparing between study group and control group among CuNiTi wires, significant results were obtained. CONCLUSION: Following exposure to fluoride agents, NiTi wires and CuNiTi wires are significantly associated with reduced mechanical properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although fluoride acts as a vital adjunct in maintaining oral hygiene, particularly among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, its influence on the mechanical properties of the wires is an area to be explored further; thereby, its use is to be monitored.

Enhanced Biomechanical Performance of a Modern Polyester Surgical Mesh for Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Extensor mechanism (EM) disruption following total knee arthroplasty is a devastating postoperative complication. Reconstruction with a synthetic mesh is one treatment option, although the optimal mesh material remains unknown. This study sought to compare the mechanical properties of 2 mesh material types that can be used for EM reconstruction. METHODS: Mechanical properties of a polypropylene mesh (Marlex mesh) and Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) mesh were compared using force-displacement data from a material testing machine simulating knee movement during normal human gait. Tension to failure/ultimate tensile load, stiffness coefficients, axial strain, and cyclic hysteresis testing were measured and calculated. RESULTS: Compared to polypropylene mesh, LARS mesh demonstrated a significantly higher mean ultimate tensile load (2223 N vs 1245 N, P = .002) and stiffness coefficient (255 N/mm vs 14 N/mm, P = .035) in tension to failure testing, and significantly more energy dissipation (hysteresis) in hysteresis testing (771 kJ vs 23 kJ; P ≤ .040). LARS mesh also demonstrated significantly less maximum displacement compared to the polypropylene mesh (9.2 mm vs 90.4 mm; P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: Compared to polypropylene mesh, LARS mesh showed superior performance related to force-displacement testing. The enhanced mechanical performance of LARS mesh may correlate clinically to fewer failures, increased longevity, and higher resistance to plastic deformation (extensor lag). Future research should evaluate survivorship and clinical outcomes of these meshes when used for EM reconstruction.

Anthropometric investigation of cephalic parameters for stature estimation: Through regression analysis.

Background: Stature or body height is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameters which determines the physical identity of an individual. Cranium encompasses hard tissue components with approximately immortal behavior, reason being cranial measurements were selected for the present study for estimation of stature. Objective: This investigation aimed to assess the stature of unknown using cephalometric parameters by creating equations through regression analysis. Materials and Methods: We selected 361 dental students for the present research; among them, 210 were females and 151 were males in the age range of 21-32 years. Stature and cephalic parameters, i.e., fronto-occipital circumference, head length, and head breadth were measured for each contributor following standard methods and techniques. Cephalic Index was calculated by using the formula: Cephalic Index (CI) = (Head width/Head length) ×100. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient of stature with cephalic parameters was calculated, and regression analysis was done to generate the formulae for stature estimation. Results: Results indicated that all cephalic measurements have strong correlation with stature, and among them, circumference of head was found to be the most reliable predictor. Conclusion: Stature of unknown or deceased can be identified using cephalic parameters as an auxiliary practice.

Correlation of the Stature with Arch and Chord Dimensions in Young Subjects using Carrea's Index- An Anthropometric Study.

Background: Forensic identifications have utilized the height or stature of an individual in their field. Teeth and dentition can act as reliable tools to estimate the stature in cases where the only skull is presented as evidence. The Carrea's index assesses the stature in a subject from the lower anterior teeth dimensions. Aim: The present study was aimed to judge the reliability of Carrea's index in Indian subjects. Materials and Methods: From 80 subjects who were undergraduate students, plaster models were made and each was assessed individually making 160 hemiarches. These hemiarches were divided based on the teeth alignment into normal, diastema, and crowded forms. This was followed by measurement with a vernier caliper into chord and arch. Results: In both genders, the difference seen was statistically significant between dental arch types concerning various alignments with 95.23% and 83.75% success for males and females in normal dentition and 92.30% and 85.71% in crowded dentition. Also, a significant difference was seen for the type of arch with P ≤ 0.001 and 0.003, respectively. Lesser success was seen for spacing in both the genders and arches. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Carrea's index is a dependable and efficient tool for estimating height in subjects having arches with crowded and normal dentition which is functional for both the gender on the left and right side of the dental arches. However, in hemiarches with diastema, this method is not reliable.

Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to Temporary Crowns: In vitro Effects of Surface Treatment.

Background: To evaluate bond strength of orthodontic brackets to temporary crowns. Materials and Methods: A bis-acrylic composite was used to create a total of 25 discs, which were then divided into five groups based on how their surfaces were treated with black, blue, green, and sandblasted diamond burs, in addition to a control group. Software called SPSS was used to analyze the outcome. Results: The average pressures measured for the green bur, black bur, and sandblasting, respectively, were 12.05 MPa, 12.87 MPa, and 19.25 MPa. Comparing the control and blue groups, a substantial variation in shear bond strength was only noticed with reference to sandblasting. Conclusion: The binding strength of orthodontic brackets is increased by sandblasting temporary crowns.

Oral disease and subsequent cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study based on the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: While there are plausible biological mechanisms linking oral health with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality rates, no study, to our knowledge, has examined this association in a representative population of people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We used the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) study, a large, detailed, randomised controlled trial among a general population of individuals with type 2 diabetes. For the purposes of the present analyses, data from the trial are used within a prospective cohort study design. A total of 10,958 men and women, aged 55 to 88 years and with type 2 diabetes, participated in a baseline medical examination, during which they counted their number of natural teeth and reported the number of days that their gums had bled over the preceding year. Study members were followed up for mortality and morbidity over 5 years. RESULTS: After controlling for a range of potential confounding factors, the group with no teeth had a markedly increased risk of death due to all causes (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.24-1.78), CVD (1.35, 1.05-1.74) and non-CVD (1.64, 1.26-2.13), relative to the group with the most teeth (≥22 teeth). Frequency of bleeding gums was not associated with any of the outcomes of interest. There was no suggestion that treatment group or sex modified these relationships. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In people with type 2 diabetes, oral disease, as indexed by fewer teeth, was related to an increased risk of death from all causes and of death due to CVD and non-CVD.

Cleft palate and congenital alveolar synechia syndrome.

This report describes a newborn boy with cleft palate and congenital trismus preventing normal feeding. After surgical division of the fibrous bands between the maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridge, oral feedings progressed without difficulty. Historical reports of congenital oral bands are reviewed.

Oral disease in relation to future risk of dementia and cognitive decline: prospective cohort study based on the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the association of oral disease with future dementia/cognitive decline in a cohort of people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 11,140 men and women aged 55-88 years at study induction with type 2 diabetes participated in a baseline medical examination when they reported the number of natural teeth and days of bleeding gums. Dementia and cognitive decline were ascertained periodically during a 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Relative to the group with the greatest number of teeth (more than or equal to 22), having no teeth was associated with the highest risk of both dementia (hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval: 1.48; 1.24, 1.78) and cognitive decline (1.39; 1.21, 1.59). Number of days of bleeding gums was unrelated to these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of both dementia and cognitive decline.

Effect of cyclical therapy with phosphorus and etidronate on axial bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Forty seven women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and at least one but no more than four vertebral compression fractures received sequential and cyclical therapy with phosphorus and etidronate (p/etid). During the same 2-year period of observation, three other groups of patients received either sodium fluoride (n = 12), estrogen replacement therapy (n = 12), or vitamin D and calcium (Ca++) alone (n = 15). Axial bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by means of dual-photon absorptiometry. Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs were taken to assess fractures. Bone mineral density increased from baseline during p/etid therapy: Mean 15.7 +/- 1.6% (SD) (P less than 0.001). During the same time, the patients in the sodium fluoride group showed a comparable increase in their BMD from baseline: mean 15.7 +/- 1.1% (P less than 0.001). During the first year of therapy, patients in the estrogen replacement group had an increase in their BMD from baseline: mean: 4.6% +/- 1.1% (P less than 0.05). No change in BMD was seen in the control group that received vitamin D and Ca++ alone. No patient who received p/etid, sodium fluoride, or estrogen replacement therapy had any new vertebral compression fractures or height loss, whereas in the control group that received vitamin D and Ca++ alone 6 out of 15 had height loss and at least one new vertebral fracture (P less than 0.01). p/etid therapy increases BMD in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis comparable to sodium fluoride but without side effects or toxicity and stabilizes vertebral compression fractures.