Changes in incisor third-order inclination resulting from vertical variation in lingual bracket placement.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that third-order measurements are not correlated to lingual incisor features seen on radiographs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The lateral headfilms of 38 untreated, norm-occlusion subjects without incisor abrasions or restorations were used for third-order measurements of upper and lower central incisors and assessment of the inclination of four sites suitable for lingual bracket placement with reference to the occlusal plane perpendicular. Lingual sections were determined by the tangents at the incisal fossa (S1), at the transition plateau between incisal fossa and the cingulum (S2), by a constructed line reaching from the incisal tip to the cingulum (S3), and by a tangent at the cingulum convexity (S4). Third-order angles were also assessed on corresponding dental casts using an incisor inclination gauge. Regression analysis was performed using the third-order measurements of both methods as the dependent variables and the inclination of the lingual enamel sections (S1, S2, S3, S4) as the independent variables. RESULTS: The null hypothesis was rejected. For the most common bracket application sites located on the lingual shovel (S1 and S2), third-order inclination changes of 0.4-0.7 degrees are expected for each degree of change in the inclination of the lingual surface. The impact of bracket placement errors on third-order angulation is similar between sections S1 and S2 and the cingulum convexity (S4). Section S3 proved to be least affected by interindividual variation. CONCLUSION: The third-order measurements are correlated to lingual incisor features. Accordingly, third-order changes resulting from variation in lingual bracket placement can be individually predicted from radiographic assessments.

On the interaction between incisor crown-root morphology and third-order angulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of crown-root angles (CRAs) by testing the null hypothesis that there are no significant differences in deviations of third-order angles to axial inclination values between Angle Class II division 2 incisors and a neutral occlusion control sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised n(total) = 130 whites with either Angle Class II division 2 (n(1) = 62; group A) or neutral (n(2) = 68; control group B) occlusal relationships. Upper central incisor inclination (U1) was assessed with reference to the cephalometric lines NA and palatal plane (U1NA/deg, U1PP/deg). Craniofacial sagittal and vertical relations were classified using angles SNA, SNB, ANB, and NSL-PP. Third-order angles were derived from corresponding dental cast pairs using an incisor inclination gauge. Welch's two-sample t-tests (alpha-level: .05) were used to test the null hypothesis. Single linear regression was applied to determine third-order angle values as a function of axial inclination values (U1NA, U1PP) or sagittal craniofacial structures (ANB angle), separately for group A and B. RESULTS: The discrepancy between axial inclination (U1NA, U1PP) and third-order angles is significantly different (P < .001) between groups A and B. Regression analysis revealed a simply moderate correlation between third-order measurements and axial inclinations or sagittal craniofacial structures. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis is rejected. The results of this study warn against the use of identical third-order angles irrespective of diminished CRAs typical for Angle Class II division 2 subjects. Routine CRA assessment may be considered in orthodontic treatment planning of Angle Class II division 2 cases.

Systematic evaluation of the features influencing the accuracy of third order measurements.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship of third order measurements on dental casts with those on lateral radiographs, and to identify those incisor features on radiographs which can best explain third order measurements on dental casts. Lateral cephalograms and corresponding dental casts were obtained from 39 untreated Caucasians (12 males, 27 females; mean age 19.5 years; standard deviation 3.7 years) with occlusal relationships considered to be 'normal'. The upper (U1) and lower (L1) incisors were assessed with reference to the occlusal plane perpendicular which was established on the lateral radiographs, including third order angles (U1TR, L1TR) which were also derived from direct dental cast measurements (U1TA, L1TA). Both single regression and multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise variable selection were performed using third order measurements on casts as the dependent variable and crown axis (U1C, L1C), root axis (U1R, L1R), tip-apex connecting line (U1E, L1E), and radiographic third order measurements as independent variables. Single regression analysis indicated an overall difference of 0.02 degrees between radiographic third order inclination and cast assessment in the maxilla (mandible: -2.83 degrees). A change of 1 degree in radiographic third order inclination would produce a change of 0.65 degrees for U1TA and 0.86 degrees for L1TA assessments. Third order measurements on dental casts can best be explained by a linear combination of U1TR and U1E (maxilla) and of L1TR and L1C (mandible) measurements. This study demonstrates the functional enmeshment between two different third order assessments and the most common incisor features on lateral radiographs. Both methods of third order evaluation show sufficient reliability and are appropriate for routine orthodontic practice.

A method for defining targets in contemporary incisor inclination correction.

Different craniofacial properties require individual targets in incisor inclination. These requirements are mostly scheduled on the basis of cephalometric diagnosis, but, however, performed using straightwire appliances, which refer to third-order angles and not to cephalometric data. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between incisor third-order angles, incisor inclination, and skeletal craniofacial findings in untreated ideal occlusion subjects with natural dentoalveolar compensation of skeletal variation, in order to link the field of cephalometric assessment of incisor inclination with that of contemporary orthodontic incisor inclination correction. This study utilized lateral cephalograms and corresponding dental casts of 69 untreated Caucasians (21 males and 48 females between 12 and 35 years of age) with neutral (Angle Class I) molar and canine relationships and an incisor relationship that was sagittaly and vertically considered as ideal by three orthodontists (i.e. well supported by the antagonistic teeth and without the need for either deep or open bite correction). Upper (U1) and lower (L1) axial incisor inclinations were assessed with reference to the cephalometric lines NA and NL, and NB and ML, respectively. Sagittal and vertical skeletal relationships were classified using SNA (SNB) and NSL-ML (NSL-NL) angles. Third-order angles (U1TA and L1TA) were derived from direct dental cast measurements using an incisor inclination-recording appliance. The relationships between cephalometric and third-order measurements evaluated by calculating Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (a = 0.05) showed strong correlations between cephalometric axial inclination data (U1NA/deg, L1NB/deg, U1NA/mm, L1NB/mm, U1NL, and L1ML) and sagittal-skeletal data, but no significant relationship between skeletal-vertical findings and incisor inclination. The mean U1TA was 4.9 (standard deviation [SD] 5.85) and the mean L1TA -3.0 (SD 6.9) degrees. Regression analyses were used for axial inclination (ANB angle designated as the independent variable) and for third-order data (U1NA, L1NB, U1NL, and L1ML designated as independent variables). Based on the correlations found in this study, a novel method for defining targets in upper and lower incisor third-order correction according to natural standards is presented. As a consequence, third-order movements can be adapted to cephalometric diagnosis with enhanced accuracy.