Random tree algorithm to analyse the relation between type of traumatic dental injuries and its demographic and predisposing factors - A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aim: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) have become the public dental health problem worldwide in children and adolescents. These injuries are complex and multifactorial in aetiology. This study was done with the aim to analyse the association of 'type of TDI' with its demographic and various predisposing factors in children by an advanced statistical method of machine learning (ML) of artificial intelligence (AI). Materials and Methods: The present study's data were gathered by conducting the observational cross-sectional study among index age-groups 12 and 15 years children of randomly selected schools of different geographical regions. Structured interviews and dental examinations performed were done to record the variables of TDIs in self-constructed proforma. The gathered data were analysed by employing the random-tree model of machine learning algorithm of IBM SPSS Modeler version-18 software. Results: Molar-relationship (2.5), age (1.75), sex (1.5) and geographical region/area (~1.5) were the most important predictors (factors) for the determination of type of dental injury as shown by the random tree model, whereas clinical factors like overjet (0.75), lip-competence (0.5) and overbite (0.5) showed lesser importance in the determination of type of TDIs. Conclusion: Demographic factors (age, sex and geographical region) and one clinical factor (molar-relation) were found as the stronger factors for determining the type of traumatic dental injury in children.

Critical appraisal of confounding factors of observational studies on the association between dentofacial features and dental trauma in a Brazilian population.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: Dental trauma is a highly prevalent dental emergency. Children and adolescents without inadequate lip coverage, increased overjet, and anterior open bite are associated with the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries. Observational studies do not allow the inference of causality, one of the reasons being: the potential confounding factors. Therefore, this review aimed to critically appraise the confounding factors considered in epidemiological studies that associate dentofacial features with the occurrence of dental trauma in Brazilian children and adolescents. METHODS: Studies included in the qualitative synthesis of a recently published comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on the topic were screened. Studies that only mentioned the performance of bivariate analyzes or that did not mention the performance of multivariate analyzes were excluded. Evaluation of control statements for possible confounders and bias consideration was performed for each selected study. Confounding factors in these studies were also identified and categorized according to their domains. RESULTS: Fifty-five observational studies were screened, of which 11 were excluded due to the mention of only bivariate analyzes or the lack of multivariate analyses. The remaining 44 studies were critically appraised. Of these, 9 studies specifically mentioned the term confounding, and 12 studies mentioned the term bias. However, only 14 studies mentioned limitations on confounding factors in their findings. Among the 99 different variables identified, the most used were type of trauma, followed by sex and age. CONCLUSION: Most studies did not acknowledge the control for possible confounding factors and rarely stressed the need for caution in interpreting their results. Cross-sectional studies do not allow inferring a cause-and-effect relationship between dentofacial features and dental trauma.

A clinical approach to managing open-bite malocclusion associated with severe crowding.

Open bite has been identified as one of the most challenging malocclusions in orthodontics. The treatment approach is complex, the resulting esthetics may not meet the patient's expectations, and the chance of recurrence is high. A 13-year-old girl presented a skeletal Class II malocclusion associated with anterior and posterior open bite, maxillary transverse deficiency, severe anterior crowding, and a hyperdivergent facial pattern. Orthodontic treatment was performed with a Haas expander and subsequent standard edgewise appliances, and the 4 first premolars were extracted. The vertical control of facial growth was undertaken with vertical pull chincap therapy, mini-implants associated with a titanium-molybdenum alloy cantilever on the right and left buccal sides, and a stainless steel alloy transpalatal arch. Posttreatment records showed a bilateral Class I molar relationship, ideal overbite and overjet, and improved facial profile and gingival health. The cephalometric analysis revealed a good balance of the skeletal pattern and facial profile, with an appropriate inclination of the maxillary and mandibular incisors. After a 7-year retention period, the outcome was pleasant facial esthetics and smile and stability of the dental occlusion. This case shows that the clinical approach was adequate, with treatment outcomes achieving positive aspects of function, esthetics, and stability.

Association between malocclusion and articulation of phonemes in early childhood.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between dental malocclusion and speech to understand the etiology of speech sound disorders (SSD) in schoolchildren and to make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articulation and dental occlusion, oromyofunctional evaluation with orofacial praxis and musculature, resting tongue position, and swallowing pattern were analyzed in 290 schoolchildren between the ages of 4 and 7 years. Statistical tests were considered significant for P < .05. RESULTS: A significant association between dental malocclusions (Angle Class II and III, anterior open bite, edge-to-edge bite, overjet and anterior crossbite) and phonetic alterations (P = .008) was observed. Sigmatisms and rhotacisms were the most frequent disorders. Malocclusions also showed a significant association with oral habits and with orofacial praxis and muscle activity. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of malocclusion can cause imbalances in the functions involved in the stomatognathic system. Awareness of this relationship in young children would help professionals to implement preventive measures for the optimum development of children's oral health.

The consequences of living with a severe malocclusion: A review of the literature.

AIM: To facilitate the orthognathic shared decision-making process by identifying and applying existing research evidence to establish the potential consequences of living with a severe malocclusion. METHODS: A comprehensive narrative literature review was conducted to explore the potential complications of severe malocclusion. A systematic electronic literature search of four databases combined with supplementary hand searching identified 1024 articles of interest. A total of 799 articles were included in the narrative literature review, which was divided into 10 themes: Oral Health Related Quality Of Life; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction; Masticatory Limitation; Sleep Apnoea; Traumatic Dental Injury; Tooth Surface Loss; Change Over Time; Periodontal Injury; Restorative Difficulty; and Functional Shift and Dual Bite. A deductive approach was used to draw conclusions from the evidence available within each theme. RESULTS: The narrative literature review established 27 conclusions, indicating that those living with a severe malocclusion may be predisposed to a range of potential consequences. With the exception of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life, which is poorer in adults with severe malocclusion than those with normal occlusions, and the risk of Traumatic Dental Injury, which increases when the overjet is >5 mm in the permanent and 3 mm in the primary dentition, the evidence supporting the remaining conclusions was found to be of low to moderate quality and at high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: This article summarises the findings of a comprehensive narrative literature review in which all of the relevant research evidence within a substantive investigative area is established and evaluated. Notwithstanding limitations regarding the quality of the available evidence; when combined with clinical expertise and an awareness of individual patient preferences, the conclusions presented may facilitate the orthognathic shared decision-making process and furthermore, may guide the development of the high-quality longitudinal research required to validate them.

Extraction vs. Nonextraction on Soft-Tissue Profile Change in Patients with Malocclusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the impact of extraction vs. nonextraction in orthodontic treatment on patients' soft-tissue profile with malocclusion. METHODS: Between April 30th and November 30th, 2020, we searched PubMed and SCOPUS for published papers from inception to November 2020 using "orthodontic," "extraction," "nonextraction," and "Malocclusion." Included studies were summarized, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Pooled data from four controlled trials demonstrated a nonsignificant difference between extraction and nonextraction in terms of SNA (MD = 0.50, 95% CI: -0.37, 1.38; p = 0.26), SNB (MD = 0.11, 95% CI: -1.23, 1.44; p = 0.88), FMA (MD = 1.82, 95% CI: -2.39, 6.02; p = 0.40), IMPA (MD = 0.06, 95% CI: -8.83, -8.94; p = 0.99), overjet (MD = -1.47, 95% CI: -6.21, 3.26; p = 0.54), and overbite (MD = 0.50, 95% CI: -1.40, 2.40; p = 0.60). On the other hand, the extraction method significantly increased the ANB compared with the nonextraction group (MD = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.31; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The current evidence demonstrated that nonextraction protocols for orthodontic treatment are a safe and effective alternative to extraction protocols; individually tailored treatment strategies should be applied. More randomized controlled trials are critically needed to safely make an evidence-based treatment conclusion.

The Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders and Dental Attrition Levels in Patients with Posterior Crossbite and/or Deep Bite: A Preliminary Prospective Study.

Background: The prevalence of various temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the severity of attrition in patients with either bilateral or unilateral deep bite and/or posterior crossbite has not been established, nor has the effect of one year of orthodontic treatment on TMD. Methods: Of 310 patients presenting with suspected TMD, 160 were diagnosed with various TMD and 150 were TMD-free. Diagnosis was according to the Axis I of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. All participants underwent a dental examination, and 100 patients were reevaluated after one year of orthodontic treatment. Fisher's exact test and the proportion test with Bonferroni's correction were used for the categorical univariate analysis. Results: There was a significant association (P < 0.001) between deep bite and dental attrition (wear), but not between crossbite and/or deep bite in patients diagnosed with either painful TMD or disc displacement. The risk of sustaining painful TMD when crossbite presented simultaneously on the anterior and the posterior dentition was 2.625-fold greater than when it presented with a normal bite, although this difference was not significant (P=0.286) due to the lack of statistical power. There was no significant sex-related association between the occurrence of either painful TMD or disc displacement. A reduction in TMD findings was demonstrated after one year of treatment, but no statistical power was reached due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Deep bite may be related to dental wear but not to pain from TMD and/or disc displacement. Only crossbite that presents simultaneously on the anterior and the posterior dentition (mixed X-bite) may have some effect on the level of pain in TMD, but not on in the prevalence of disc displacement. Confirmation of these conclusions by well-designed studies on larger patient groups is warranted. There was a clinically significant improvement in TMD findings after one year of treatment.

Assessing the risk factors for injuries to maxillary permanent incisors and soft tissues among school children - A cross-sectional study.

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the risk factors related to permanent maxillary incisors and soft tissue injuries along with providing information about the age distribution of trauma, overjet, lip competence and physical activity. Methods and Materials: The sample consisted of 2100 school children aged 8-14 years from 15 schools in the Nellore district. The sample was selected adopting a stratified random sampling method and screened applying WHO criteria for the oral examination. The screening was done in classrooms to obtain demographic data, including name, age, gender and children's experience to the maxillary incisor and soft tissue injuries. The injuries were categorized according to Andreasen classification. Overjet and lip competences were recorded, and physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire (PAQ-C). Results: Of the 2100 children, 228 (10.8%) had suffered traumatic injuries. Boys were 1.6 fold more prone to trauma than girls. Enamel fractures were a common type of trauma, and the commonly involved were maxillary central incisors. The relative risk for trauma is 1.215 times higher in increased overjet when compared to normal overjet. Incompetent lips showed 1.189 times greater risk of trauma. The high physical activity showed 1.692 times higher risk for trauma when compared to low physical activity. Conclusion: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries among 8-14 year children was 10.8%. Boys were more commonly injured than girls. Increased overjet incompetent lips and high physical activities are risk factors for trauma. Enamel fracture was the most common type, and maxillary central incisors were the most common teeth having traumatic injuries.

Management of an adult patient with missing one mandibular incisor, severe overjet, and midline discrepancy with asymmetric extraction, lingual appliance, and skeletal anchorage: A case report.

This case report describes the lingual orthodontic treatment of an adult patient with Angle Class I malocclusion, agenesis of mandibular right central incisor, severe overjet and deep overbite, excessive proclination of maxillary and mandibular incisors, and midline discrepancy. Because of unique presentation, symmetric extraction could not be performed in the lower arch of this 34-year-old patient. She was treated with three premolar extractions and absolute anchorage with temporary anchorage devices for maximum retraction of upper anterior teeth. To correct the midline deviation and Bolton tooth-size discrepancy, the mandibular right lateral incisor, canine, and premolars were reshaped to reduce the mesiodistal width. The treatment approach greatly improved the patient's facial and dental appearance and provided a stable occlusion.

Correction of skeletal class II severe open bite with temporomandibular joint disorder treated by miniscrew anchorage and molar extraction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the treatment of open bite with temporomandibular joint disorder by intrusion of molars using miniscrews. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a 42-year-old Japanese woman with a skeletal class II severe anterior open bite and temporomandibular joint disorder. The pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging of both temporomandibular joints revealed osteoarthritis and anterior disc displacement without reduction in both temporomandibular joints. A stabilization splint was used before orthodontic treatment and bilateral upper and lower premolars were extracted. Miniscrews were inserted into the palatal region to intrude the maxillary molars and avoid loss of anchorage. The maxillary left first molar was also extracted to improve the molar relationship and the dental midline. Normal overjet and overbite with Angle class I molar relationship were achieved, and the upper and lower midlines coincided. Our patient's teeth continued to be stable and her temporomandibular joint was asymptomatic after a retention period of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Intrusion of molars by miniscrews is available for skeletal class II severe open bite.

Long-term dental and skeletal effects of mandibular advancement devices in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to clarify whether there are any significant long-term sequelae to wearing mandibular advancement devices focusing on dental and skeletal effects in adults with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SAGE Journals. Hand searches and grey literature were also used. A piloted data collection form was used to extract the appropriate data. RESULTS: Twenty-three reports of 19 studies were included. Five had serious risk of bias while 18 had moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed a significant change in overbite and overjet. I-squared analysis showed a high level of statistical heterogeneity. A moderate correlation was found between wear time and amount of change. CONCLUSION: Mandibular advancement devices will cause a small but statistically significant change in the dentition of long-term wearers. Skeletal changes are generally secondary to dental changes.

Severe unilateral scissors-bite with a constricted mandibular arch: Bite turbos and extra-alveolar bone screws in the infrazygomatic crests and mandibular buccal shelf.

A 33-year-old woman had a chief complaint of difficulty chewing, caused by a constricted mandibular arch and a unilateral full buccal crossbite (scissors-bite or Brodie bite). She requested minimally invasive treatment but agreed to anchorage with extra-alveolar temporary anchorage devices as needed. Her facial form was convex with protrusive but competent lips. Skeletally, the maxilla was protrusive (SNA, 86°) with an ANB angle of 5°. Amounts of crowding were 5 mm in the mandibular arch and 3 mm in the maxillary arch. The mandibular midline was deviated to the left about 2 mm, which was consistent with a medially and inferiorly displaced mandibular right condyle. Ectopic eruption of the maxillary right permanent first molar to the buccal side of the mandibular first molar cusps resulted in a 2-mm functional shift of the mandible to the left, which subsequently developed into a full buccal crossbite on the right side. Treatment was a conservative nonextraction approach with passive self-ligating brackets. Glass ionomer bite turbos were bonded on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary left molars at 1 month into treatment. An extra-alveolar temporary anchorage device, a 2 × 12-mm OrthoBoneScrew (Newton A, HsinChu City, Taiwan), was inserted in the right mandibular buccal shelf. Elastomeric chains, anchored by the OrthoBoneScrew, extended to lingual buttons bonded on the lingually inclined mandibular right molars. Cross elastics were added as secondary uprighting mechanics. The maxillary right bite turbos were reduced at 4 months and removed 1 month later. At 11 months, bite turbos were bonded on the lingual surfaces of the maxillary central incisors, and an OrthoBoneScrew was inserted in each infrazygomatic crest. The Class II relationship was resolved with bimaxillary retraction of the maxillary arch with infrazygomatic crest anchorage and intermaxillary elastics. Interproximal reduction was performed to correct the black interdental spaces and the anterior flaring of the incisors. The scissors-bite and lingually inclined mandibular right posterior segment were sufficiently corrected after 3 months of treatment to establish adequate intermaxillary occlusion in the right posterior segments to intrude the maxillary right molars. The anterior bite turbos opened space for extrusion of the posterior teeth to level the mandibular arch, and the infrazygomatic crest bone screws anchored the retraction of the maxillary arch. In 27 months, this difficult malocclusion, with a Discrepancy Index score of 25, was treated to a Cast-Radiograph Evaluation score of 22 and a pink and white esthetic score of 3.

Relationship between the curve of Spee and craniofacial variables: A regression analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this regression analysis was to identify the determining factors, which impact the curve of Spee during its genesis, its therapeutic reconstruction, and its stability, within a continuously evolving craniofacial morphology throughout life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected a total of 107 patients, according to the inclusion criteria. A morphological and functional clinical examination was performed for each patient: plaster models, tracing of the curve of Spee, crowding, Angle's classification, overjet and overbite were thus recorded. Then, we made a cephalometric analysis based on the standardized lateral cephalograms. In the sagittal dimension, we measured the values of angles ANB, SNA, SNB, SND, I/i; and the following distances: AoBo, I/NA, i/NB, SE and SL. In the vertical dimension, we measured the values of angles FMA, GoGn/SN, the occlusal plane, and the following distances: SAr, ArD, Ar/Con, Con/Gn, GoPo, HFP, HFA and IF. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Our sample including 107 subjects was composed of 77 female patients (71.3%) and 30 male patients (27.8%) 7 hypodivergent patients (6.5%), 56 hyperdivergent patients (52.3%) and 44 normodivergent patients (41.1%). Patients' mean age was 19.35±5.95 years. The hypodivergent patients presented more pronounced curves of Spee compared to the normodivergent and the hyperdivergent populations; patients in skeletal Class I presented less pronounced curves of Spee compared to patients in skeletal Class II and Class III. These differences were non significant (P>0.05). The curve of Spee was positively and moderately correlated with Angle's classification, overjet, overbite, sellion-articulare distance, and breathing type (P<0.05). We found no correlation between age, gender and the other parameters included in the study with the curve of Spee (P>0.05). Seventy five percent (75%) of the hyperdivergent patients with an oral breathing presented an overbite of 3mm, which is quite excessive given the characteristics often admitted for this typology; this parameter could explain the overbite observed in the hyperdivergent population included in this study. For the multivariate analysis, the overbite and the sellion-articulare distance remained independently related to the curve of Spee according to the breathing type, Angle's classification, and overjet. This regression model explains 21.4% of the changes in the curve of Spee.

Impact of overbite and overjet on oral health-related quality of life of children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Usually, morphological parameters of the teeth are recorded to help assess the indication for orthodontic treatment. It is assumed that significant deviations from average values compromise the quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of overbite and overjet on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 748 subjects, aged 9.5-15.5 years, participated in the LIFE child project of the University of Leipzig, where they underwent a general medical and dental examination. Overbite and overjet were measured, and aberrations of the OHRQoL were recorded by the probands themselves, who completed the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G11-14). The OHRQoL is divided into four domains ("oral symptoms", "functional limitations", "emotional well-being" and "social well-being") and is analysed by means of a CPQ score depending on age, gender, socioeconomic status and orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: On average, the participants listed 10.5 (±13.1) problem issues on a CPQ scale ranging from 0 to 140. Subjects with current orthodontic treatment had a CPQ score about 2.5 (±2.4) higher than those without treatment. The aberrations were mainly observed in the domains "oral symptoms" and "functional limitations". Multiple linear regression showed that deviations of the overbite had only little influence on the OHRQoL, but deviations of an overjet-especially of >6 mm increased the CPQ summary score about 6 points. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with overjet deviations of >6 mm in comparison to the norm are associated with significant limitations of the OHRQoL. However, overbite deviations have only little influence.

Class II Division 2 subdivision left malocclusion associated with anterior deep overbite in an adult patient with temporomandibular disorder.

The orthodontic treatment of patients with chief complaint of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) presents doubtful prognosis, due to the poor correlation between malocclusions and TMDs. The present case report describes the treatment of an adult patient with Angle Class II Division 2 subdivision left malocclusion associated with anterior deep overbite and TMD. This case was presented to the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (BBO), as part of the requirements to obtain the title of BBO Diplomate.

Class II Division 2 subdivision left malocclusion associated with anterior deep overbite in an adult patient with temporomandibular disorder

ABSTRACT The orthodontic treatment of patients with chief complaint of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) presents doubtful prognosis, due to the poor correlation between malocclusions and TMDs. The present case report describes the treatment of an adult patient with Angle Class II Division 2 subdivision left malocclusion associated with anterior deep overbite and TMD. This case was presented to the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (BBO), as part of the requirements to obtain the title of BBO Diplomate.

RESUMO O tratamento ortodôntico de pacientes com queixa principal de disfunção nas articulações temporomandibulares (DTM) apresenta prognóstico duvidoso, devido à baixa correlação entre as más oclusões e as DTMs. O presente relato de caso descreve o tratamento de um paciente adulto com má oclusão de Classe II, divisão 2, subdivisão esquerda, de Angle e sobremordida profunda, associadas à DTM. Esse caso foi apresentado à Diretoria do Board Brasileiro de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial (BBO), como parte dos requisitos para a obtenção do título de Diplomado pelo BBO.

Miniscrew-assisted customized lingual appliances for predictable treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion with severe deep overbite and overjet.

This report describes the use of miniscrew-assisted customized lingual fixed appliances in a patient with severe skeletal Class II malocclusion. The patient was a 12-year-old Chinese girl with the chief complaint of protrusive lips and anterior teeth. Her diagnosis included a skeletal Class II relationship with maxillary protrusion, a backward-rotated mandible, a full Angle Class II molar relationship, and severe deep overjet and overbite. Four premolars were extracted, and miniscrew anchorage was placed in the maxillary posterior lingual segment to provide maximum anchorage and to achieve vertical control of the intruding molars. The customized lingual fixed appliance and temporary anchorage devices created a smooth and invisible treatment progress, resulting ultimately in a well-aligned dentition with ideal intercuspation and a dramatically improved profile. The 3-year follow-up examination indicated that the excellent treatment outcome was stable.

Incisor and molar overjet, arch contraction, and molar relationship in the mixed dentition in repaired complete unilateral cleft lip and palate: A qualitative and quantitative appraisal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mixed dentition incisor and molar overjet, severity of contraction of the dental arch, and the sagittal molar relationship on the cleft side vs the noncleft side in children with repaired complete unilateral cleft of the lip and palate (UCLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthodontic records taken prior to orthodontic preparation for alveolar bone grafting were screened to select study casts from patients with nonsyndromic repaired complete UCLP who did not have mandibular skeletal or dental asymmetry. The study sample comprised dental casts from 74 children aged 8.9 ± 1 years. Standardized digital photographs were acquired at 1:1 magnification. A coordinate system was developed using digital image-processing software (Photoshop CS4 and Adobe Illustrator). Incisor and molar overjet, Angle's classification, and arch contraction were recorded. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and kappa statistics were used to compare the cleft and noncleft sides. RESULTS: A negative overjet of -1 to -5 mm was often present at the incisors, with greater frequency and magnitude on the cleft side. Class II molar relation was more frequent on the cleft side (61.1%) than on the noncleft side (47.2%). Significantly greater contraction of the cleft side deciduous canine and deciduous first molar was noted, while the difference was very minor at the first permanent molar. CONCLUSIONS: Cleft side maxillary arch contraction was most severe in the deciduous canine and first deciduous molar region and progressively less severe in the posterior region of the arch. A greater frequency and severity of negative overjet and Class II molar relationship was seen on the cleft side.

Nonsurgical Management of Adult Skeletal Class 3 with Deep Bite utilizing Mini-implants.

INTRODUCTION: Malocclusions with anterior crossbite are a major esthetic and functional concern for patients. This case report presents a 27-year-old Syrian female who was diagnosed with a class 3 malocclusion, combined with anterior crossbite, deep bite, concave profile, and inadequate maxillary incisor exposure. There was a centric occlusion (CO)/centric relation (CR) discrepancy and the mandible could be manipulated to near edge-to-edge incisal relation. Correction was done by class 3 intermaxillary elastics on upper and lower mini-implants for the first 6 months, followed by preadjusted edgewise appliance. The objective of implant-supported elastics was to adapt the patient for the CR condylar position without dental effect. Treatment was completed in 24 months with satisfactory dental and facial relationship.

[Application of semi-buried curvilinear distraction devices in complex management of lower micrognathia in children].

The aim of the study was to apply an effective treatment protocol with low morbidity for children with syndromic and nonsyndromic micrognathia using curvilinear distractors, intraoral approach and early orthodontic treatment. We report 7 patients aged from 3 to 13 years with bilateral mandibular hypoplasia. These patients were characterized by severe malocclusion, esthetic facial deformation and respiratory disorders. In 3 patients mandibular hypoplasia was combined with anterior open bite. The intraoral surgical approach was used in all cases. Good functional and esthetic results were achieved during treatment. The less traumatic intraoral approach, curvilinear distractors, ultrasound callus formation control and early orthodontic treatment assure the good functional and esthetic results in severe cases facilitating the continuinty in complex rehabilitation of the growing child.