Evaluación de los cambios faciales y dentoalveolares en pacientes tratados con Twin block Modificado: resultados preliminares / Evaluation of facial and dentoalveolar changes in patients treated with modified twin block: preliminary results

Introducción: el déficit de crecimiento mandibular es un aspecto muy importante en los pacientes en crecimiento, ya que genera diferentes tipos de patología a nivel facial, bucal y funcional. Objetivo: el propósito de este trabajo es dar a conocer resultados de la investigación realizada sobre los cambios faciales, alveolares y dentales que se producen en tratamientos sobre pacientes en crecimiento con Twin Block Modificado (TBM), combinado con aparatología fija multibrackets para el acabado dentario final. Material y método: la población estudiada son 24 pacientes, 16 de sexo femenino (66,6%), y 8 de sexo masculino (33,33%), con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y 15 años, que presentaron un valor del ángulo ANB de clase II (ángulo formado por el punto A - punto Na - punto B). Se utilizaron las telerradiografías laterales de cráneo iniciales y finales del mencionado grupo, habiéndose creado un método específico de 26 medidas para realizar la investigación. Resultados: en los resultados obtenidos de la muestra se ha observado un claro aumento de los valores del crecimiento mandibular, tanto verticales como horizontales, como los valores que evalúan la posición sagital horizontal de los dientes inferiores del grupo estudiado. Conclusiones: los resultados muestran una relevante diferencia a favor de tratar con TBM a los pacientes que se encuentren en crecimiento con la mandíbula en una posición posterior respecto al maxilar. (AU)

Introduction: Mandibular growth deficiency is a very important condition in patients who are still growing, as it can lead to different types of pathology at the facial, mouth and functional level. Objective: The purpose of this work is to publicize the results of the research that the doctoral candidate is carrying out on the facial, alveolar and dental changes that occurin treatments on growing patients with Modified Twin Block (from this moment abbreviated as TBM). Material and method: The population studied is 24 patients, 16 female (66.6%), and 8 male (33.33%), aged between 12 and 15 years, who presented a value of the class II ANB angle (angle formed by point A - point Na - point B). The initial and final lateral skull radiographs of the aforementioned group were used, having created a specific method of 27 measurements to carry out the research. Results: In the results obtained from the sample, a clear increase in the values of mandibular growth, both vertical and horizontal, has been observed, as well as the values that evaluate the horizontal sagittal position of the lower teeth of the group studied. Conclusions: The results show a relevant difference in favor of treating with TBM patients who are growing with the mandible in a posterior position with respect to the maxilla. (AU)

Emergency appointments and psychological distress during COVID-19 lockdown among orthodontic patients in Spain.

Background: COVID-19 created an unexpected situation for dental patients. However, the impact of the lockdown on orthodontic patients is still unknown. Hence, this study was conducted to analyse the number and type of emergencies, distress and fear of getting infected among brackets and aligners orthodontic patients during the COVID-19 lockdown. Material and Methods: A total of 324 questionnaires about emergency appointments during the lockdown and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-K10 were distributed between March and December 2022 among patients who were on active orthodontic treatment during lockdown at the Master of Orthodontics at the University Alfonso X el Sabio during February and December 2022. Chi-square was used to compare groups. Results: Emergency appointment was needed by 37.78% of patients during lockdown: 73.5% among those with aligners and 45.9% with brackets (p<.01). Loose bracket was the most prevalent emergency for bracket patients and lack of aligners among invisible orthodontic patients. Of those, 36.95% in need of orthodontic emergency appointments didn´t attend the clinic for fear of being infected; 21% of patients had high or very high anxiety levels. Conclusions: Orthodontic patients had moderate levels of anxiety and fear of being infected during lockdown. Of these, 31.78% needed an emergency appointment. Key words:Orthodontics, COVID-19, dental healthcare, dentistry, emergency.