New and Recovered Temporary Anchorage Devices, In Vitro Assessment of Structural and Surface Properties.

The orthodontic miniscrew (TADs) is a device that is fixed into bone in the short term for the purpose of enhancing orthodontic anchorage. The aim of our study was to investigate the structural and surface properties of recovered TADs after orthodontic treatment, and compare them to new TADs. TADs (n = 15) from the same manufacturer (Absoanchor; Dentos, Daegu, Korea) were assessed; n = 10 were recovered from patients after orthodontic treatment and n = 5 were new. We performed electrochemical investigations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological analysis. Qualitative analysis on general electrochemical polarization revealed that the TADs retrieved from the patients provided much lower current densities in the passivity zone, and the oxidative processes taking place on their surface were of lower intensity. The surface morphologies of the tips of the retrieved mini-implants showed less sharp tips and smooth surfaces. Defects in the form of pores or cracks could be identified in both evaluated TAD groups. All retrieved TADs showed signs of biological materials (SEM analysis) and contamination on their surfaces. In conclusion, these results can assist orthodontists in comprehending the complexities of TAD behavior with respect to their design and structure.

Clinical indications and radiation doses of cone beam computed tomography in orthodontics.

Cone beam computed tomography can be used in pediatric population when a tridimensional analysis of dental and maxillofacial bone structures is required. Even though CBCT is considered a low dose radiological examination, ionizing radiation is a known human carcinogenic factor. Furthermore, biological effects are more important in young patients because of their higher radiosensitivity. Orthodontic treatment is typically initiated at young ages and the most common radiographs at this age are dental. This makes it important to quantify the effects of diagnostic radiographs, in particular of CBCT, due to the fact that the radiation doses are higher compared to conventional radiological methods. So far, the carcinogenic response after low dose radiation exposure is not fully understood in the scientific literature. The aim of our review was to emphasize the main indications of CBCT in orthodontics and to evaluate the radiation doses and potential risks of CBCT irradiation of pediatric patients.

Upper airway cavities morphologic features in facial asymmetries.

Facial asymmetries have an important impact on the cranio-facial structures morphology, being the result of the genetic, environmental and dysfunctional factors and their impact on the dento-maxillary complex. Asymmetries can be identified in all craniofacial structures, including the upper airway cavities. Craniofacial asymmetries can influence general growth and development by altering the respiratory function. The present study aimed to evaluate morphologic correlations of the upper airway cavities changes in facial asymmetries. Most of the cases included in the study showed on the underdeveloped side that the nostril and nasal fossa were narrowed, while the paranasal sinuses were frequently larger. However, no correlation could be established to answer whether these changes were determined by asymmetry, or if they appeared as compensatory, or if only some structures of the upper airway cavities changed morphologically in a compensatory manner.

Management of patients with facial paralysis in the dental office: A brief review of the literature and case report.

In the dental office, the dentist may have to examine patients with facial asymmetry and functional disorders caused by facial paralysis (FP). Following clinical examination, it is important for the dental practitioner to establish whether FP was caused by injury to the facial nerve, and to focus on the site of the lesion and potential risk factors. The risks of dental treatment in a patient with FP should also be assessed. Through dental or surgical procedures, the dentist may cause transient or permanent FP. Interdisciplinary collaboration is required for the confirmation of diagnosis and etiology, and for the complex treatment of FP. This article aims to examine the role of the dentist within the multidisciplinary medical team and to present two cases with transient FP following intraoral anesthesia in the dental office.

[Mesialization of upper second molars using skeletal anchorage]. / Mezializarea molarilor doi superiori cu ajutorul miniimplantelor ortodontice.

UNLABELLED: Anchorage represents a great issue that challenged orthodontists all over the years. Nowadays, with the use of microimplants, it has become possible even to induce complex teeth movements. AIM: To present a clinical case in which mesialisation of upper second molars was performed by the means of using miniimplants. RESULTS: The present case shows how a bilateral mesialization of upper second molars using skeletal anchorage was performed by orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances and miniimplants. CONCLUSION: The placing site of the miniimplants plays a huge role in the moments of force produced and delivered to the teeth, thus influencing tooth movement. Miniimplants increase tooth movement control, by the use of skeletal anchorage. The success of their usage depends upon its good primary stabilization and a judicious loading.