Effect of ibuprofen and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the reduction of pain after initial archwire placement: a double-blind randomized clinical trial / Efecto del ibuprofeno y el ultrasonido pulsado de baja intensidad en la reducción del dolor después de la colocación inicial del arco de ortodoncia: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado doble ciego

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of ibuprofen and low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the reduction of pain after the placement of initial archwire in orthodontic patients. Material and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on 60 female candidates for fixed orthodontic treatment referring to the Orthodontic Department of School of Dentistry in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, during 2015-2016. The subjects were divided into four groups of ibuprofen, LIPUS, placebo, and mock LIPUS. A questionnaire and a rectangular and flexible cubic silicone were given to each patient to record the severity of pain based on the visual analog scale at specified time points (i.e., 2 h, 6 h, at bedtime, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after archwire placement) when biting the silicone block with the anterior and posterior teeth and without biting at all. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used in order to compare the pain severity at different time points. Results: The comparison of pain severity at various time points showed that the highest and lowest mean scores of pain were reported at bedtime and seven days after the intervention (p<0.001). In each of the three conditions (i.e., biting the silicone block with the anterior and posterior teeth and without biting the teeth) at six time points (i.e., 2 h, 6 h, at bedtime, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days following archwire placement), no significant difference was observed in the severity of pain (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, LIPUS (with a frequency of 1 MHz and an intensity of 100 mW) and ibuprofen have no significant effects on reduction of the pain severity at different time points and various conditions in orthodontic patients.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el efecto del ibuprofeno y el ultrasonido pulsado de baja intensidad (LIPUS) en la reducción del dolor después de la colocación del arco inicial en pacientes de ortodoncia. Material y Métodos: Este estudio de ensayo clínico doble ciego se llevó a cabo en 60 candidatas a tratamiento de ortodoncia fija referidas al Departamento de Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Mashhad, Mashhad, Irán, durante 2015-2016. Los sujetos se dividieron en cuatro grupos: ibuprofeno, LIPUS, placebo y LIPUS simulado. Se entregó un cuestionario y un bloque de silicona cúbica rectangular y flexible a cada paciente para registrar la intensidad del dolor según la escala analógica visual en puntos de tiempo específicos (es decir, 2 h, 6 h, hora de acostarse, 2do, 3er y 7mo día después de la colocación del arco) al morder el bloque de silicona con los dientes anteriores y posteriores, y sin morder en absoluto. Se utilizó el análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas para comparar la intensidad del dolor en diferentes momentos.Resultados: La comparación de la intensidad del dolor en varios puntos de tiempo mostró que las puntuaciones medias de dolor más altas y más bajas se informaron a la hora de acostarse y siete días después de la intervención (p<0,001). En cada una de las tres condiciones (es decir, al morder el bloque de silicona con los dientes anteriores y posteriores, y sin morder) en seis momentos (2 h, 6 h, antes de acostarse 2do, 3er y 7mo día después de la colocación del arco), no se observó diferencia significativa en la severidad del dolor (p>0.05).Conclusión: En conclusión, LIPUS (con una frecuencia de 1 MHz y una intensidad de 100 mW) y el ibuprofeno no tienen efectos significativos en la reducción de la severidad del dolor en diferentes puntos de tiempo y diversas condiciones en pacientes de ortodoncia.

Impact of the First Archwires Placement on the Everyday Activities of Orthodontics Patients / Impacto de la Instalación de los Primeros Arcos en las Actividades de Vida Diaria en Pacientes de Ortodoncia

ABSTRACT: Orthodontic treatment (OT) is essential for the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the chewing apparatus, however it may lead to certain complications which can have a negative impact on patients' everyday lives. The study included patients of the Dental Teaching Clinic of Universidad de La Frontera who were undergoing OT for the first time, with the placement of their first orthodontic arch. To analyse the impact of the placement of the first arches on everyday activities (EDA), patients completed a questionnaire with questions relating to their oral condition, including: functional limitation, physical impairment, psychological malaise, physical pain and oral hygiene. The impact on EDAs was classified as high, moderate or low. The chisquared test, Student's t-test and Spearman's coefficient were applied, using a significance threshold of 5 %. Statistical analysis used the SPSS software, v. 22.0. The variables were analysed by sex and age-band. Difficulty in brushing their teeth, eating and speaking were the limitations on EDAs most frequently reported by the patients. Females presented higher scores than males (p=0.003), showing that they suffer a greater negative impact on EDAs than do males. The majority of the patients presented a low impact on EDAs after the placement of their first orthodontic arches. Physical pain after installation, and difficulty in adapting to the orthodontic apparatus were factors determining a negative impact on EDAs, affecting sleep, speech, eating and oral hygiene of patients after starting OT.

RESUMEN: El tratamiento ortodóntico (TO) es esencial para la rehabilitación estética y funcional del aparato masticatorio, sin embargo puede determinar algunas complicaciones que pueden impactar negativamente en la vida diaria de los pacientes. Fueron incluidos pacientes de la Clínica Odontológica Docente Asistencial de la Universidad de La Frontera que realizaban tratamiento ortodóntico por primera vez, con instalación del primer arco ortodóntico. Para análisis del impacto de la instalación de los primeros arcos en las actividades de vida diaria (AVD), los pacientes llenaron un cuestionario con preguntas relacionadas a su condición oral, incluyendo: limitación funcional, incapacidad física, incapacidad psicológica, dolor físico e higiene oral. El impacto en las AVDs fueclasificado como alto, moderado y bajo. Para análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS v. 22.0. Fueron aplicadas las pruebas de chi-cuadrado, t-student y Spearman's coefficient, considerándose umbral de significación de 5 %. Para análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS v. 22.0. Las variables fueron analizadas según sexos y rangos etarios. Dificultad para cepillar los dientes, para comer y hablar fueron las limitaciones en las AVDs más frecuentemente reportadas por los pacientes. Las mujeres presentaron mayores puntajes en relación a los hombres (p=0,003), lo que demostró que presentan mayor impacto negativo en las AVDs en relación a los hombres. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron bajo impacto en las AVDs tras la instalación de los primeros arcos de ortodoncia. El dolor físico tras instalación y la dificultad en la adaptación con el aparato ortodóntico fueron factores que determinaron impacto negativo en las AVDs, afectando el sueño, el habla, la alimentación y la higiene oral de los pacientes que iniciaron el TO.

Effects of orthodontic appliances on the diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance imaging in the head and neck region: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Patients in active fixed orthodontic treatment or fixed retention phase may require magnetic resonance (MR) scans of the head and neck region. Orthodontists are challenged to decide whether to keep or remove orthodontic appliances prior to the scans. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of orthodontic appliances on the diagnostic capability of MR images. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched, with no language restrictions, from database inception to October 2016: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, EBMR. A search in Google Scholar and ProQuest, as well as a manual search, were also conducted. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion. Original studies including any orthodontic appliance on human subjects were considered. Outcomes measured were development of artefacts, diagnostic quality, accuracy, and treatment outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment and QUADAS-2 tools. RESULTS: Five of 1052 studies identified were included in the final qualitative synthesis. A total of 90 adult human subjects were included. Orthodontic appliances evaluated were brackets, bands, archwires, and fixed retainers. The outcomes assessed were production of artefacts, diagnostic quality and diagnostic accuracy. Detrimental effects on diagnostic quality, and subsequently diagnostic accuracy, rose with increased stainless steel (SS) and proximity to anatomic area of interest. Orthodontic appliances may render images uninterpretable and non-diagnostic. CONCLUSIONS: There is fair evidence to suggest orthodontic appliances, mainly those with SS, cause MR artefacts. Removal of metal orthodontic appliances prior to MR scans is recommended, especially if the area of interest is near the orthodontic appliance. Additional evidence is needed to provide guidelines to clinicians.

A needle in a haystack: Report of a retained archwire fragment in the pterygomandibular space.

This clinical report describes a retained archwire fragment, discovered during a new-patient examination of a young woman seeking orthodontic retreatment. The diagnostic process, care coordination, and patient management decisions are discussed, along with a brief exploration of clinical considerations associated with this incident. A suggested emergency prevention and response protocol is also presented.

Is Low-Level Laser Therapy an Effective Method to Alleviate Pain Induced by Active Orthodontic Alignment Archwire? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) alleviates pain after the placement of orthodontic alignment archwire and if there could be a specific indication for the usage of LLLT according to the amount of dental crowding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety subjects were included and randomly assigned to the tested group (orthodontic treatment and LLLT), placebo group (orthodontic treatment and simulated LLLT), and control group (orthodontic treatment only). Inclusion criteria are age between 13 and 30 years, completely erupted mandibular teeth, and lower crowding of ≥3 mm. Exclusion criteria are spaces or diastema in the lower arch, ectopic teeth, treatment plan including extractions or the use of auxiliary devices, and previous orthodontic treatment. Patients reported the pain experienced by using a numeric rating scale, ranging from 0 to 10, at specific time intervals, that is, 2 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, and from day 2 to 7. Kruskal-Wallis H Test was used to assess differences in the maximum pain and pain experienced at each time interval among the three groups and in the maximum pain reported among subjects with different degree of crowding. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 84 patients, 41 male and 43 female patients, with a mean age of 16.5 ± 2.8 years. The pain experienced at each time interval and the maximum pain score were significantly lower in the tested group, whereas no differences were found between control and placebo groups. Moreover, no differences were found in the pain experienced among subjects with mild, moderate, and severe incisor crowding in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT is effective in alleviating the intensity and duration of pain experienced by patients after the engagement of alignment archwire. However, there is no specific indication for the usage of LLLT according to the amount of crowding.

Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

BACKGROUND: Initial arch wires are the first arch wires to be inserted into the fixed appliance at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and are used mainly for the alignment of teeth by correcting crowding and rotations. With a number of different types of orthodontic arch wires available for initial tooth alignment, it is important to understand which wire is most efficient, as well as which wires cause least amount of root resorption and pain during the initial aligning stage of treatment. This is an update of the review entitledInitial arch wires for alignment of crooked teeth with fixed orthodontic braces, which was first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of initial arch wires for the alignment of teeth with fixed orthodontic braces, in terms of the rate of tooth alignment, amount of root resorption accompanying tooth movement, and intensity of pain experienced by patients during the initial alignment stage of treatment. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 5 October 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2017, Issue 9), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 5 October 2017), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 5 October 2017. The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of initial arch wires to align teeth with fixed orthodontic braces. We included only studies involving participants with upper or lower, or both, full arch fixed orthodontic appliances. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors were responsible for study selection, 'Risk of bias' assessment and data extraction. We resolved disagreements by discussion between the review authors. We contacted corresponding authors of included studies to obtain missing information. We assessed the quality of the evidence for each comparison and outcome as high, moderate, low or very low, according to GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS: For this update, we found three new RCTs (228 participants), bringing the total to 12 RCTs with 799 participants. We judged three studies to be at high risk of bias, and three to be at low risk of bias; six were unclear. None of the studies reported the adverse outcome of root resorption. The review assessed six comparisons.1. Multistrand stainless steel versus superelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires. There were five studies in this group and it was appropriate to undertake a meta-analysis of two of them. There is insufficient evidence from these studies to determine whether there is a difference in rate of alignment between multistrand stainless steel and superelastic NiTi arch wires (mean difference (MD) -7.5 mm per month, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26.27 to 11.27; 1 study, 48 participants; low-quality evidence). The findings for pain at day 1 as measured on a 100 mm visual analogue scale suggested that there was no meaningful difference between the interventions (MD -2.68 mm, 95% CI -6.75 to 1.38; 2 studies, 127 participants; moderate-quality evidence).2. Multistrand stainless steel versus thermoelastic NiTi arch wires. There were two studies in this group, but it was not appropriate to undertake a meta-analysis of the data. There is insufficient evidence from the studies to determine whether there is a difference in rate of alignment between multistrand stainless steel and thermoelastic NiTi arch wires (low-quality evidence). Pain was not measured.3. Conventional NiTi versus superelastic NiTi arch wires. There were three studies in this group, but it was not appropriate to undertake a meta-analysis of the data. There is insufficient evidence from these studies to determine whether there is any difference between conventional and superelastic NiTi arch wires with regard to either alignment or pain (low- to very low-quality evidence).4. Conventional NiTi versus thermoelastic NiTi arch wires. There were two studies in this group, but it was not appropriate to undertake a meta-analysis of the data. There is insufficient evidence from these studies to determine whether there is a difference in alignment between conventional and thermoelastic NiTi arch wires (low-quality evidence). Pain was not measured.5. Single-strand superelastic NiTi versus coaxial superelastic NiTi arch wires. There was only one study (24 participants) in this group. There is moderate-quality evidence that coaxial superelastic NiTi can produce greater tooth movement over 12 weeks (MD -6.76 mm, 95% CI -7.98 to -5.55). Pain was not measured.6. Superelastic NiTi versus thermoelastic NiTi arch wires. There were three studies in this group, but it was not appropriate to undertake a meta-analysis of the data. There is insufficient evidence from these studies to determine whether there is a difference in alignment or pain between superelastic and thermoelastic NiTi arch wires (low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence shows that arch wires of coaxial superelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) can produce greater tooth movement over 12 weeks than arch wires made of single-strand superelastic NiTi. Moderate-quality evidence also suggests there may be no difference in pain at day 1 between multistrand stainless steel arch wires and superelastic NiTi arch wires. Other than these findings, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether any particular arch wire material is superior to any other in terms of alignment rate, time to alignment, pain and root resorption.

[Relationship between initial archwire materials and pain at the initial stage of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and network Meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to assess the relationship between initial archwire materials and pain at the initial stage of orthodontic treatment. METHODS: On October 1, 2017, seven databases were searched electronically for studies oninitial archwire materials and pain at the initial stage of orthodontic treatment. Quality assessment was performed with bias risk assessment tools suggested by Cochrane's handbook. Data extraction of included studies was also carried out. Network Meta-
analysis was conducted using R 3.4.2 (with JAGS 4.3.0), GeMTC 0.14.3, and STATA 11.0. RESULTS: Five studies with 330 participants were included, comparing four different materials: multi-stranded stainless steel, conventional nickel-titanium, super-elastic nickel-titanium, and thermal heat-activated nickel-titanium. Two studies were at low risk of bias, one was at high risk of bias, and the remaining two were at unclear risk of bias. Network Meta-analysis results showed no statistical differences of pain among the four initial archwire materials at day 1 and day 7. However, the most painless material was most likely to be thermal heat-activated nickel-titanium on rank probability. CONCLUSIONS: On statistical probability, thermal heat-activated nickel-titanium initial arch wires is most likely to cause the least pain at the initial stage of orthodontic treatment, compared with other materials.

Evaluation of stress biomarkers and electrolytes in saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that treatment with orthodontic appliances evokes significant functional limitations and emotional stress, which can be detected by salivary biomarkers. METHODS: Twenty subjects (10 men and 10 women) who underwent orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. Saliva was sampled for detection of alpha-amylase activity and cortisol levels at three different times: before bracket placement (T0), 24 hours after archwire placement (T1), and 30 days after archwire placement (T2). The saliva electrolytes concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were also evaluated. Moreover, the possible functional limitations of the appliances were evaluated by a masticatory performance test and pain experience registration. All variables were compared with those in a control group with normal occlusion. RESULTS: The orthodontic patients exhibited a significant increase in emotional stress as detected by the alpha-amylase activity at T1, the period in which patients reported the higher values of pain and exhibited the lower masticatory performance indices. The basal salivary cortisol was not affect by the treatment and the main change detected in electrolyte concentration was a sodium reduction, when these patients were compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that orthodontic patients are under emotional stress only during the period of higher pain experience, which could also disrupt the masticatory performance. However, these alterations were not correlated with a single measurement of stress-related biomarkers in saliva, suggesting that these solitary endocrine measurements are not adequate to predict the temporary pain and masticatory limitation experimented by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

The Efficacy of Low-level Laser Therapy on Pain caused by Placement of the First Orthodontic Archwire: A Clinical Study.

Aim: This study was conducted to clinically evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a method of reducing pain reported by patients after placement of their first orthodontic archwires. Materials and methods: A sample of 10 patients with an age group of 12 to 26 years with moderate-to-severe anterior crowding was selected. Each patient was assigned to an experimental group (left quadrant with laser therapy) and a control group (right quadrant with no laser therapy). Low-level laser therapy was given immediately after the placement of initial archwire. All patients were instructed to fill up a survey form at home over the next 7 days. Results: The results revealed that the average onset of pain in the experimental group (16.10 hours) was significantly reduced when compared with the control group (3.10 hours). The most painful day was similar for both the groups. The pain ceased much sooner in the experimental group than in the control group. The intensity of pain was lesser in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy was an effective and noninvasive method for controlling pain in orthodontic patients after receiving their first archwires. The duration and intensity of pain reduced with the application of LLLT Clinical significance: Pain reduction during orthodontic procedures. Keywords: Low-level laser therapy, Nickel-titanium wires, Orthodontic pain.

Evaluation of the Effects of Fluoride Prophylactic Agents on Mechanical Properties of Nickel Titanium Wires using Scanning Electron Microscope.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment these days is increasing in demand, and therefore, it is relatively imperative for the orthodontist to prescribe the use of fluoride-containing products, such as mouthwashes and gels, to help prevent dental caries and maintain healthy oral health. The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the effects of fluoride prophylactic agents on mechanical properties of nickel titanium (NiTi) wires during orthodontic treatment using scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the commercially available round preformed NiTi orthodontic archwire (3M company) and three different mouthwash solutions, i.e., Phos-Flur gel (1.1% sodium acidulated phosphate fluoride, APF, 0.5% w/v fluoride, pH = 5.1; Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals) and Prevident 5000 (1.1% sodium fluoride neutral agent, 0.5% w/v fluoride, pH = 7; Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals). All the specimens were subjected to a three-point bending test on a universal testing machine. To observe the surface morphological changes, one wire from each group was randomly selected and observed under a SEM. RESULTS: It was observed that there was not much difference in the values of both modulus of elasticity and yield strength obtained after loading of stress on the wires in all the three experimental conditions. A significant difference in both modulus of elasticity and yield strength was observed during unloading of stress. Further, when the surface characteristics were observed for all the specimens using SEM images, it was observed that NiTi wires treated with Phos-Flur showed large surface defects which appeared as round, pitted areas depicting corrosion, numerous white inclusions, and overall damaged surface structure of the wire as compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Thus, fluoridated mouthwashes are essential to maintain good oral hygiene and decrease instance of caries in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The prophylactic usage of topical fluoride agents on NiTi wire seems to diminish the mechanical properties of the orthodontic wire that could significantly affect future treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It has been proved that fluoride mouthwashes/gels do affect the structural surface qualities and strength of wires used during the orthodontic treatment irrespective of the composition of the wires. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the clinician to prescribe these prophylactic agents carefully while keeping in mind their pH so that the overall result of the treatment may not be hampered and delayed due to change in properties of the wires used.

Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field for pain caused by placement of initial orthodontic wire in female orthodontic patients: A preliminary single-blind randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this 2-arm parallel trial was to assess the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the reduction of pain caused by initial orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: Thirty-three female patients (mean age, 16.8 ± 3.8 years) who began orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances were examined. In the pilot study, male patients were less likely to use the PEMF device (epatchQ; Speed Dental, Seoul, Korea) and answer a survey consistently, so eligibility criteria were female patients who were periodontally and systemically healthy at the initiation of treatment and had no history of dental pain in the prior 2 weeks or who used no medications (anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs) during the experiment period. Each patient had brackets bonded on the maxillary teeth, and a 0.014-in nickel-titanium archwire was tied with elastomeric rings. Their maxillary arches were randomly divided into left and right sides in a split-mouth design: a normal PEMF device (experimental group) was used on 1 side, and a PEMF device with an inversely inserted battery (placebo group) was used on the opposite side of the arch for 7 hours on 3 consecutive nights. A Google survey link was sent to the patients' mobile phones via text message, and they were instructed to record their current pain on the survey. The survey was sent a total of 6 times after insertion of the initial archwire at 0 (T0), 2 (T1), 6 (T2), 24 (T3), 48 (T4), and 72 (T5) hours. Patients recorded the degree of pain in resting and clenching states using a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 1 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). PEMF devices were used after T2. Generalized linear mixed models, along with ancillary pairwise analyses, were used to model and evaluate the differences in pain reported over 72 hours. RESULTS: The NRS scores did not differ across the groups during the before-PEMF phase for resting (mean difference, -0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.73 to 0.59; P = 0.842) and clenching (mean difference, -0.28; 95% CI, -1.11 to 0.56, P = 0.513). During the after-PEMF phase, NRS scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group during both resting (mean difference, -1.46; 95% CI, -2.06 to -0.85; P = <0.001) and clenching (mean difference, -1.88; 95% CI, -2.74 to -1.02, P = <0.001). The NRS scores did not differ across the groups during the before-PEMF phase for either state but were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the placebo group at T3, T4, and T5 (P <0.01). The average NRS score in the clenching state was significantly greater than in the resting state. CONCLUSIONS: PEMF was effective in reducing orthodontic pain caused by initial archwire placement. REGISTRATION: The trial was not registered. PROTOCOL: The protocol was not published before trial commencement.

Comparative Evaluation of Myeloperoxidase Enzymatic Activity in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Subjects having Orthodontic Treatment by Different Aligning Arch Wires.

INTRODUCTION: There exist a number of factors that affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment. These factors can be assessed by various gingival markers. One such maker is myeloperoxidase (MPO). Hence, we planned the present study to assess and compare the MPO activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment by different aligning arch wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included assessment of patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for crowding of anterior teeth. Diagnostic cast models of all the subjects were made for recording the irregularity index. All the subjects were randomly divided into three study groups with 15 patients in each group based on the type of nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires used. A collection of GCF samples was done in all the patients at various time intervals and it was sent to the laboratory for assessment of MPO activity. Activity of the MPO enzyme was expressed in terms of number of units per 100 µL. All the results obtained were compiled and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: We observed that nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the mean age and mean gingival score in all the study groups. However, significant results were obtained on comparing the mean MPO enzymatic activity in all the study groups at different time intervals. CONCLUSION: Both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi generate optimal forces, which are necessary for higher metabolic response of the periodontal ligament. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the intimal stages of orthodontic treatment, both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi wires are superior in leveling and aligning the crowded teeth.

Efectividad de la retención post ortodoncia en pacientes de 12-35 años relacionada con 2 tipos de retención fija. Revisión sistemática de la literatura / Post-orthodontic retention effectiveness of two types of fixed retainers in patients aged between 12 and 35: a systematic literature review

Identificar la efectividad de la retención post ortodoncia en pacientes de 12 a 35 años con dos tipos de retención fija, mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Método: Se identificaron las publicaciones mediante búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos: Cochrane, Pubmed, Science Direct, Isi Web Science, Scielo. Palabras claves: Tooth crowding, Posttreatment, Retainer, Maloclusión, Recurrence, Orthodontic stability, Relapse. Se analizaron por título, resumen y texto completo. Se seleccionaron aquellos que cumplían con los criterios de elegibilidad. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica de los artículos seleccionados, a través de la lista de chequeo Mincir. Se determino el nivel de evidencia y el grado de recomendación a través de la lista SIGN. Resultados: En la búsqueda electrónica inicial, se identificaron 6.632 artículos, de los cuales, posterior a los filtros, se seleccionaron 15 que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Se obtuvieron finalmente 4 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de calidad y de inclusión. Conclusiones: No existe suficiente evidencia científica, en las publicaciones analizadas, que sustente cuál de los dos tipos de retenedores evaluados, presenta mayor efectividad en la retención postortodoncia

Objective: To identify the effectiveness of two types of fixed post-orthodontic retainers in patients aged between 12 and 35 through a systematic literature review. Method: A systematic literature search was performed using the followings electronic databases: Cochrane, Pubmed, Science Direct, Isi Web Science, Scielo. Keywords: Tooth crowding, Posttreatment, Retainer, Malocclusion, Recurrence, Orthodontic stability, Relapse. The articles were analyzed by title, abstract and full text. The ones that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were chosen. The methodological quality of the articles selected was evaluated using the MINCIR checklist. The articles were classified using the SIGN list, where the articles were evaluated according to study design. Results: In the initial electronic search, 6,632 articles were identified, 15 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After being analyzed, only four articles were considered to include all the quality and inclusion criteria. Conclusions: There is not enough scientific evidence in the publications analyzed to determine which of the two types of evaluated retainers is the most effective in post-orthodontic retention

Cytotoxic outcomes of orthodontic bands with and without silver solder in different cell lineages.

INTRODUCTION: The safety of orthodontic materials is a matter of high interest. In this study, we aimed to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of orthodontic band extracts, with and without silver solder, by comparing the viability outcomes of the HaCat keratinocytes, the fibroblastic cell lineages HGF and MRC-5, and the kidney epithelial Vero cells. METHODS: Sterilized orthodontic bands with and without silver solder joints were added to culture media (6 cm2/mL) and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C under continuous agitation. Subsequently, the cell cultures were exposed to the obtained extracts for 24 hours, and an assay was performed to evaluate the cell viability. Copper strip extracts were used as positive control devices. RESULTS: The extracts from orthodontic bands with silver solder joints significantly reduced the viability of the HaCat, MRC-5, and Vero cell lines, whereas the viability of HGF was not altered by this material. Conversely, the extracts of orthodontic bands without silver solder did not significantly modify the viability index of all evaluated cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Except for HGF fibroblasts, all tested cell lines showed decreased viability percentages after exposure to extracts of orthodontic bands containing silver solder joints. These data show the relevance of testing the toxicity of orthodontic devices in different cell lines.

A New Equation for Predicting Evolution of Oral Pain in Orthodontic Treatment: A Longitudinal, Prospective Cohort Study.

AIMS: To develop an equation capable of relating the evolution of oral pain to the time elapsed, measured from the moment of dental archwire fitting and identifying when pain begins, peaks, and ends; and secondly, to compare pain during orthodontic treatment in relation to archwire material (steel or nickel-titanium [Ni-Ti]) and position (maxillary or mandibular) and patient age (child, teenager, or adult) and gender (male or female). METHODS: A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted of 112 patients who filled in a scale to evaluate pain, noting the times when the pain occurred. The total sample consisted of 60 males and 52 females with a mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of 19.8 ± 6.2 years. The sample was divided into five groups depending on archwire material and position, and patient age and gender. A univariate four-way ANOVA model was performed to compare mean pain levels between groups. Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons. A univariate nonlinear regression model was carried out for pain level, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, and the statistic R² was used. RESULTS: An equation was developed based on pain levels in relation to time elapsed, measured from the moment when the archwire had been fitted in the mouth. The equation had three coefficients related to mean pain values: overall pain, peak pain, and how pain decreased. It fitted all study groups with a correlation coefficient > 0.9. The model showed that pain levels were influenced by archwire material and patient gender and age, but not archwire position. CONCLUSION: The equation reproduced the data registered and can be applied to studies of pain derived from archwires, and this methodology could be used for other external agents fitted in the mouth. Patients receiving dental treatment involving external agents can be made aware of the pain they can expect to experience. This will enable them to distinguish expected pain from other pain, which will help them identify other pathologies requiring medical attention and to approach treatment with better motivation since the pattern of pain evolution is known in advance.

Ion Release and Galvanic Corrosion of Different Orthodontic Brackets and Wires in Artificial Saliva.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the galvanic corrosion of brackets manufactured by four different companies coupled with stainless steel (SS) or nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires in an artificial saliva solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 mandibular central incisor Roth brackets of four different manufacturers (American Orthodontics, Dentaurum, Shinye, ORJ) were used in this experimental study. These brackets were immersed in artificial saliva along with SS or NiTi orthodontic wires (0.016'', round) for 28 days. The electric potential difference of each bracket/ wire coupled with a saturated calomel reference electrode was measured via a voltmeter and recorded constantly. Corrosion rate (CR) was calculated, and release of ions was measured with an atomic absorption spectrometer. Stereomicroscope was used to evaluate all samples. Then, samples with corrosion were further assessed by scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Among ions evaluated, release of nickel ions from Shinye brackets was significantly higher than that of other brackets. The mean potential difference was significantly lower in specimens containing a couple of Shinye brackets and SS wire compared with other specimens. No significant difference was observed in the mean CR of various groups (p > 0.05). Microscopic evaluation showed corrosion in two samples only: Shinye bracket coupled with SS wire and American Orthodontics bracket coupled with NiTi wire. CONCLUSION: Shinye brackets coupled with SS wire showed more susceptibility to galvanic corrosion. There were no significant differences among specimens in terms of the CR or released ions except the release of Ni ions, which was higher in Shinye brackets.

Comparative assessment of chewing gum and ibuprofen in the management of orthodontic pain with fixed appliances: A pragmatic multicenter randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized trial was to investigate the effect of the use of a sugar-free chewing gum vs ibuprofen on reported pain in orthodontic patients. METHODS: This was a 2-arm parallel design randomized controlled trial in 9 sites in the southwest of England. Patients about to undergo orthodontic treatment with maxillary and mandibular fixed appliances were recruited and randomly allocated to an experimental chewing gum group or a control ibuprofen group. Eligibility criteria included patients undergoing fixed maxillary and mandibular appliance therapy, aged 11 to 17 years, and able to use ibuprofen and chewing gum. The primary outcome measure was pain experienced after appliance placement using a mean of 3 recordings on a scale of 0 to 10. Secondary outcome measures were pain experienced in the subsequent 3 days, pain after the first archwire change, ibuprofen use, and appliance breakages. Pain scores were recorded with a questionnaire and posted to a collection center by each patient. Randomization was by means of a central telephone service and comprised computer-generated random numbers used to generate a sequential allocation list, with permuted blocks of variable size (2 and 4) and stratified by center. Neither the clinicians nor the patients were blinded to the intervention. Patients in the control group were permitted to use ibuprofen only, and patients in the experimental group were allowed to use ibuprofen if they did not get sufficient analgesia from the chewing gum. Data were analyzed using the principle of intention to treat with multilevel modeling to reflect the structured nature of the data (scores within patient within site). RESULTS: One thousand patients were recruited and randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the chewing gum and ibuprofen (control) groups. The male-to-female ratios were similar in the groups. The pain questionnaire response rates were good at approximately 84% and 83% after appliance placement (chewing gum group, 419; ibuprofen group, 407) and 70% and 71% after the first archwire change (chewing gum group, 343; ibuprofen group, 341). The primary outcomes were similar for the 2 groups: mean pain scores, 4.31 in the chewing gum group and 4.17 in the ibuprofen group; difference, 0.14 (95% CI, -0.13 to 0.41). There was a suggestion that the relative pain scores for the 2 groups changed over time, with the chewing gum group experiencing slightly more pain on the day of bond-up and less on the subsequent 3 days; however, the differences had no clinical importance. There were no significant differences for the period after archwire change. The reported use of ibuprofen was less in the chewing gum group than in the ibuprofen group; after appliance placement, the mean numbers of occasions that ibuprofen was used were 2.1 in the chewing gum group and 3.0 in the ibuprofen group (adjusted difference, -0.96 [95% CI, -0.75 to -1.17; P <0.001]); after archwire change, the figures were 0.8 and 1.5 occasions (difference, -0.65 [-0.44 to -0.86; P <0.001]). After appliance placement and the first archwire change, there was no clinically or statistically significant difference in appliance breakages between the chewing gum and ibuprofen groups after either bond-up (7% and 8.8%, respectively) or the first archwire change (4.2% and 5.5%, respectively). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sugar-free chewing gum may reduce the level of ibuprofen usage but has no clinically or statistically significant effect on bond failures. REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (79884739) and National Institute of Health Research (6631) portfolios. FUNDING: This research was supported by an award by the British Orthodontic Society Foundation.

External root resorption with the self-ligating Damon system-a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the degree of external apical root resorption (EARR) in patients treated with self-ligating Damon appliances and with conventional preadjusted appliances. METHODS: The sample comprised 52 patients, divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients treated with self-ligating Damon appliances, with an initial age of 16.04 years, final age of 18.06 years, and treatment time of 2.02 years. Group 2 consisted of 27 patients, treated with conventional preadjusted appliances, with an initial age of 16.77 years, final age of 18.47 years and treatment time of 1.70 years. The groups were matched regarding the initial and final ages, treatment time, type of malocclusion, and treatment protocol without extractions. Root resorption was evaluated on periapical radiographs of the maxillary and mandibular incisors at the end of orthodontic treatment with the scores of Levander and Malmgren. Intergroup comparisons of root resorption were performed with Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: No significant difference in the degree of root resorption between the two groups was found. CONCLUSIONS: Similar degrees of resorption can be expected after non-extraction treatment with Damon self-ligating or conventional preadjusted appliances.

Unexpected complications associated with mandibular fixed retainers: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this retrospective study were to describe the types of unexpected complications associated with mandibular fixed retainers and to assess their prevalences and possible etiologic causes. METHODS: A total of 3500 consecutive patients (1423 male, 2077 female) treated with fixed appliances and a mandibular fixed retainer as a part of the retention protocol were screened during the retention period (2008-2013) for unexpected complications. Thirty-eight subjects (12 male, 26 female; mean age, 20.7 ± 8.9 years) with unexpected complications were identified and assigned to the unexpected complications group and compared with a randomly selected control group of 105 subjects (43 men, 62 women; mean age, 29.5 ± 9.7 years) without unexpected complications. Relationships between unexpected complications and cephalometric and clinical variables were evaluated. RESULTS: An opposite inclination of the contralateral canines (twist effect) was found in 21 subjects. In 89.5%, the left canines were tipped buccally. A torque difference of 2 adjacent incisors (X effect) was identified in 12 patients. In 5 subjects, nonspecific complications were noted. Subjects in the unexpected complications group were significantly younger at debonding (P = 0.03) and had higher mandibular plane angles (P <0.0001) and increased pretreatment ventral positions of the mandibular incisors (P = 0.029). No differences were found between the groups with regard to treatment duration, wire type, failure rate, treatment changes in incisor proclination, or intercanine distance. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpected complications of mandibular fixed retainers are relatively rare. Facial divergence was identified as a possible predictor. However, the etiology is most likely multifactorial. Strong asymmetry among the patients with the twist effect suggests that the mechanical properties of retention wires may play a role and should be examined in the future.

Inadvertent tooth movement with fixed lingual retainers.

Fixed retainers are effective in maintaining the alignment of the anterior teeth more than 90% of the time, but they can produce inadvertent tooth movement that in the most severe instances requires orthodontic retreatment managed with a periodontist. This is different from relapse into crowding when a fixed retainer is lost. These problems arise when the retainer breaks but remains bonded to some or all teeth, or when an intact retainer is distorted by function or was not passive when bonded. In both instances, torque of the affected teeth is the predominant outcome. A fixed retainer made with dead soft wire is the least likely to create torque problems but is the most likely to break. Highly flexible twist wires bonded to all the teeth appear to be the most likely to produce inadvertent tooth movement, but this also can occur with stiffer wires bonded only to the canines. Orthodontists, general dentists, and patients should be aware of possible problems with fixed retainers, especially those with all teeth bonded, because the patient might not notice partial debonding. Regular observations of patients wearing fixed retainers by orthodontists in the short term and family dentists in the long term are needed.