Evaluation of the color stability of attachments made with different resin composites.

INTRODUCTION: Coloring solutions-such as coffee and cola, frequently consumed daily-cause coloration of attachments made with resin composites. This may reduce the motivation for clear aligner treatment, often preferred by patients with esthetic concerns. This study aimed to compare color changes of orthodontic attachments made with 3 different composite resins. METHODS: A total of 90 premolar teeth (n = 10) extracted for orthodontic reasons were used. All teeth were embedded in plaster models to imitate the arch shape and scanned with an intraoral scanner. Horizontal rectangular attachments were placed on each tooth by printing the attachment template obtained using digital models. Three composite resins: Omnichroma, GC Aligner Connect, and Tetric PowerFlow were used to prepare the attachments. The models prepared in arc-shaped in each composite group were divided into subgroups and kept in 3 different solutions (coffee, cola, and distilled water) in the incubator at 37 ± 1°C. The models were photographed at baseline and 28 days later with the Smile-Lite MDP device. L, a, and b values were obtained with Digital Color Meter (version 5.22; Apple, Cupertino, Calif). CIEDE2000 formula (ΔE00) was used to evaluate color changes. In addition, models were scanned for color determination at baseline and 28 days later with the 3Shape intraoral scanner. RESULTS: There were significant color differences between solutions (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Attachments can be colored easily. Patients should be warned against coloring solutions at the beginning of the treatment, and their eating and drinking habits should be regulated.

Geometric morphometric analysis of the pharyngeal airway during treatment of Class III malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The pharyngeal airway is important during diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. This study aimed to compare the changes in the shape of the pharyngeal airway in patients with Class III malocclusion treated with a facemask (FM) with a removable maxillary appliance and modified tandem traction bow appliance (MTTBA). METHODS: This study consisted of pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 35 subjects with skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion. In the first group, 20 patients (12 males, 8 females; mean age, 10.2 years) were treated with MTTBA. The mean treatment time was 12 months. In the second group, 15 patients (10 males, 5 females; mean age, 10.3 years) were treated with FM. The mean treatment time was 11.7 months. Nineteen pharyngeal landmarks were considered from the image corresponding to the midsagittal plane and marked using tpsDig software (version 2.04; Stony Brook, NY). Pharyngeal airway shape difference between the groups was assessed by performing a Generalized Procrustes analysis. The shape deformation of the pharyngeal airway from the pre- to posttreatment periods was evaluated using the thin-plate spline method. RESULTS: There were no differences between MTTBA and FM groups according to airway shape for pretreatment and posttreatment periods. However, there were some deformities using the enlargement of the nasopharyngeal area in the FM group and oropharyngeal area in the MTTBA group according to pretreatment periods. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between the groups according to the mean pharyngeal airway shapes when the posttreatment periods of the FM and MTTBA groups were examined.