Usability of free software used for visualization and measurement of digital orthodontic models

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the free software available that allow visualization and measurement of orthodontic digital models. 80 graduate students of orthodontics were asked to perform pre-defined tasks in a digital model through 3D Viewer ® and 3D-Tool ® software. The success in accomplishing the tasks and the time spent were recorded. To end, each participant answered a questionnaire to express their satisfaction regarding the software. There were no statistically significant difference between the software when compared to the accomplishment rates of tasks and the time spent by participants on each one. The software were evaluated as "slightly satisfactory" in several criteria. There is scope for optimization of orthodontic software by manufacturers since lack of their interface usability can discourage orthodontists' adherence to new resources that could provide benefits to their daily routine, even if they are freely available.

Limites de atuação da equipe de saúde bucal em um panorama global / Attribution limits of the oral health group in a global overview

Objetivo: Comparar as atribuições clínicas referentes à atuação da equipe auxiliar odontológica brasileira (Auxiliar e Técnico em Saúde Bucal) com as atribuições de outras profissões auxiliares regulamentadas no exterior (Dental Assistant, Dental Therapist; Dental Nurse; Dental Hygienist; Orthodontic Therapist). Métodos: Foram buscadas normativas e leis, nacionais e internacionais, que subsidiassem a identificação das atribuições clínicas de auxiliares odontológicos nas bases de dados Lilacs, Scielo e Pubmed. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que há diversas funções que podem ser delegadas à equipe de saúde bucal no exterior que seriam privativas dos cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros, tanto nas áreas de diagnóstico, preventiva, clínica geral e ortodontia, quando comparadas com as leis que regem a Odontologia no Brasil. Conclusões: Dental Nurse seria uma função com correlação a Auxiliar em Saúde Bucal, já os Técnicos em Saúde Bucal apresentam menor número de funções dos que as designadas aos terapeutas e higienistas odontológicos. O Orthodontic therapist é condizente a atividades privativas do cirurgião-dentista. De forma geral, os terapeutas entram na área de competência do Cirurgião-dentista no que concerne à Lei 5081/66, que regulamenta a profissão, inclusive dentro de especialidades odontológicas, como é o caso da ortodontia.

Objective: To compare clinical attributions related to the work of the Brazilian dental assistant team ("Auxiliar e Técnico em Saúde Bucal") with attributions of other auxiliary jobs regulated abroad (Dental Assistant, Dental Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Orthodontic Therapist). Methods: National and international regulations and laws were used to support the identification of clinical attributions of dental assistants using Lilacs, Scielo, and Pubmed databases. Results: Several attributions can be delegated to the oral health team abroad that would be exclusive to Brazilian dentists, especially regarding diagnosis, preventive dentistry, general practice, and orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: Dental Nurse can be correlated to "Auxiliar em Saúde Bucal". "Técnicos em Saúde Bucal" have lesser attributions than those assigned to Dental Therapists and Hygienists. Orthodontic Therapist has attributions exclusively designated to the dentist. In general, Therapists attributions are of competence of the Dentist concerning Law 5081/66, which regulates the profession, including dental specialties, as is the case of orthodontics

Comparative study of the usability of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models.

Background. Software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models, apart from presenting the necessary features for diagnosis and treatment planning, also need to be user-friendly. This characteristic refers to software' usability, a measure that evaluates how easy it is to use it is by a specific group of professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the usability of free available versions of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models. Methods. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® usability were evaluated through their interface analysis and executing the following procedures: malocclusion classification and models analysis (arch-length and tooth-size discrepancies). Results. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® software programs had an installer only for Windows platform, occupied less than 110 megabytes of virtual space and only read files from their respective manufacturers. None possessed Portuguese as a language option. Both allowed visualization of the models in different axes through options present in initial screen, at a click. For model analysis, both software programs required to measure tooth to tooth and performed necessary calculations automatically. However, OrthoCAD® software program was less intuitive because the option for these actions was among several others, within menus, which could cause confusion during navigation. In addition, the marking of points did not always obey the clicked site. Conclusion. The free access version of the evaluated software programs exhibited usability limitations related to language, supported file format and even the model analysis execution for orthodontic diagnosis. Although OrthoCAD® was inferior, both did not meet orthodontists' clinical demand against these factors in the evaluated versions.

Citotoxicidade da resina acrílica com e sem adesivo temático para confecção da placa de Hawley / Acrylic resin cytotoxicity with and without thematic adhesive for hawley retainer

As placas de Hawley podem ser utilizadas como aparelhos passivos de contenção pós-movimentação ortodôntica, confeccionadas com resina acrílica e grampos de aço. Como todo aparelho removível, seu efeito depende da colaboração do paciente na sua utilização, principalmente de pacientes jovens. A confecção da placa de Hawley com adesivos temáticos surgiu com o objetivo de diminuir esse problema, motivando o paciente quanto ao seu uso. Avaliou-se, in vitro, a biocompatibilidade da resina acrílica com e sem adesivo temático. A citotoxicidade das resinas com e sem adesivos foi avaliada por meio de estudo colorimétrico em células L929, incubadas por 1, 2, 3 e 8 dias, em contato direto com corpos de prova. A quantificação das células viáveis foi realizada por espectrofotometria. Foi verificada baixa viabilidade celular nos dois grupos avaliados, com menores valores de absorbância no grupo das resinas com adesivo temático. Conclui-se que as resinas acrílicas com e sem adesivos temáticos apresentaram elevado grau de citotoxicidade, sendo que as resinas acrílicas sem adesivo apresentaram aumento na viabilidade celular após 8 dias, fator não observado nas resinas temáticas.(AU)

Hawley retainers are commonly used as a passive orthodontic appliance, made with acrylic resin and stainless steel clasps. Like any removable appliance, its effect depends on patient collaboration in its use, especially in young patients. Hawley's retainers with thematic adhesives came to motivate patient and minimize this problem. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro biocompatibility of the acrylic resin with and without the thematic adhesive. The resins cytotoxicity with and without adhesives was evaluated by means of a colorimetric study in L929 cells, incubated for 1, 2, 3, and 8 days, in direct contact with the samples. The viable cell quantification was performed by spectrophotometry. Low cell viability was observed in the two groups evaluated, with lower absorbance values in the resin group with thematic adhesive. It was concluded that acrylic resins with and without thematic adhesives presented high cytotoxicity. Adhesive-free acrylic resins presented an increase in cell viability after 8 days, which was not observed in resins with thematic adhesives. (AU)

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of orthodontic mini-implants.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate and compare in vitro cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of mini-implants from three different commercial brands used for orthodontic anchorage. METHODS:: Six mini-implants (Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm)) were separately immersed in artificial saliva (pH 6.76) for 30 and 60 days. The cytotoxicity of the corrosion extracts was assessed in L929 cell cultures using the violet crystal and MTT assays, as well as cell morphology under light microscopy. Metal surface characteristics before and after immersion in artificial saliva were assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples underwent atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions, constituent elements of the alloy that present potential toxicity. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni tests were used for comparisons among groups with p < 0.05 considered significant. Statistical analysis was carried out with Graph Pad PRISM software Version 4.0. RESULTS:: No changes in cell viability or morphology were observed. Mini-implants SEM images revealed smooth surfaces with no obvious traces of corrosion. The extracts assessed by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry presented concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions below 1.0 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION:: Orthodontic mini-implants manufactured by Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm) present high corrosion resistance and are not cytotoxic.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of orthodontic mini-implants

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare in vitro cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of mini-implants from three different commercial brands used for orthodontic anchorage. Methods: Six mini-implants (Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm)) were separately immersed in artificial saliva (pH 6.76) for 30 and 60 days. The cytotoxicity of the corrosion extracts was assessed in L929 cell cultures using the violet crystal and MTT assays, as well as cell morphology under light microscopy. Metal surface characteristics before and after immersion in artificial saliva were assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples underwent atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions, constituent elements of the alloy that present potential toxicity. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni tests were used for comparisons among groups with p < 0.05 considered significant. Statistical analysis was carried out with Graph Pad PRISM software Version 4.0. Results: No changes in cell viability or morphology were observed. Mini-implants SEM images revealed smooth surfaces with no obvious traces of corrosion. The extracts assessed by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry presented concentrations of aluminum and vanadium ions below 1.0 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants manufactured by Conexão(tm), Neodent(tm) and SIN(tm) present high corrosion resistance and are not cytotoxic.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, in vitro, e comparar a citotoxicidade e a resistência à corrosão de mini-implantes de três marcas comerciais diferentes, utilizados para ancoragem ortodôntica. Métodos: seis mini-implantes fabricados pelas empresas Conexão(r), Neodent(r) e SIN(r) foram imersos, separadamente, em saliva artificial (pH = 6,76), por 30 e 60 dias, de forma a obter os extratos da corrosão. A citotoxicidade dos extratos foi avaliada em cultura de células L929, empregando-se a análise de ensaios do cristal violeta e MTT, bem como da morfologia celular sob microscopia óptica. As características da superfície do metal antes e após a imersão em saliva artificial foram avaliadas usando microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os extratos foram submetidos a espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, para determinar as concentrações dos íons alumínio e vanádio, elementos constituintes da liga e que apresentam toxicidade em potencial. Para análise estatística, os testes one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni foram usados para comparação entre os grupos, com p < 0,05 sendo considerado significativo. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa Graph Pad PRISM v. 4.0. Resultados: não foi observada alteração na viabilidade ou morfologia celular após a exposição dos mini-implantes aos extratos. A análise dos mini-implantes por microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelou superfícies lisas e sem traços evidentes de corrosão. Os extratos analisados usando espectrofotometria de absorção atômica apresentaram concentrações de íons alumínio e vanádio inferiores a 1,0 µg/ml e 0,5 µg/ml, respectivamente. Conclusão: os mini-implantes fabricados pelas empresas Conexão(r), Neodent(r) e SIN(r) apresentam alta resistência à corrosão e não são citotóxicos.

Radiographic evaluation of orthodontic treatment by means of four different cephalometric superimposition methods.

INTRODUCTION: Despite discussion on the merit of various cephalometric superimposition methods, there remains a need to assess which one can be used in daily practice with reasonably accuracy and less working time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate four methods of cephalometric superimposition by means of assessing the longitudinal changes in craniofacial morphology caused by growth and response of adolescents with Class I malocclusion to orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extraction. METHODS: Pretreatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs of 31 adolescents (20 females and 11 males), with Angle Class I malocclusion and indication of premolar extraction, participated in this study. Radiographs were digitized, traced and had structures identified by means of a cephalometric software. Four superimposition methods were used: Björk structural method, Steiner/Tweed SN line, Ricketts N-Ba line at N-point and Ricketts N-Ba line at CC-point. Positional changes were quantified by horizontal and vertical linear changes in the following cephalometric landmarks: anterior/posterior nasal spine (ANS and PNS), gnathion (Gn), Gonion (Go), Pogonion (Pog), A-point and B-point. Differences between T1 and T2 in horizontal and vertical positional changes for all superimposition methods were assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the cephalometric superimposition methods or when patients' sex was considered. CONCLUSION: Björk structural method, Steiner/Tweed SN line, Ricketts N-Ba line at N-point and Ricketts N-Ba line at CC-point methods were reliable and presented similar precision when the overall facial changes due to active growth and/or orthodontic treatment were examined.

Radiographic evaluation of orthodontic treatment by means of four different cephalometric superimposition methods

INTRODUCTION: Despite discussion on the merit of various cephalometric superimposition methods, there remains a need to assess which one can be used in daily practice with reasonably accuracy and less working time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate four methods of cephalometric superimposition by means of assessing the longitudinal changes in craniofacial morphology caused by growth and response of adolescents with Class I malocclusion to orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extraction. METHODS: Pretreatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs of 31 adolescents (20 females and 11 males), with Angle Class I malocclusion and indication of premolar extraction, participated in this study. Radiographs were digitized, traced and had structures identified by means of a cephalometric software. Four superimposition methods were used: Björk structural method, Steiner/Tweed SN line, Ricketts N-Ba line at N-point and Ricketts N-Ba line at CC-point. Positional changes were quantified by horizontal and vertical linear changes in the following cephalometric landmarks: anterior/posterior nasal spine (ANS and PNS), gnathion (Gn), Gonion (Go), Pogonion (Pog), A-point and B-point. Differences between T1 and T2 in horizontal and vertical positional changes for all superimposition methods were assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the cephalometric superimposition methods or when patients' sex was considered. CONCLUSION: Björk structural method, Steiner/Tweed SN line, Ricketts N-Ba line at N-point and Ricketts N-Ba line at CC-point methods were reliable and presented similar precision when the overall facial changes due to active growth and/or orthodontic treatment were examined. .

INTRODUÇÃO: apesar dos debates sobre os méritos dos vários métodos de sobreposição cefalométrica, ainda há necessidade de se avaliar quais deles poderiam ser utilizados na prática diária, com razoável precisão e menor tempo de trabalho. OBJETIVO: o objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar quatro métodos de sobreposição cefalométrica, avaliando as mudanças longitudinais na morfologia craniofacial causadas pelo crescimento e resposta ao tratamento, em adolescentes com má oclusão de Classe I tratados ortodonticamente com extração de primeiros pré-molares. MÉTODOS: foram usadas telerradiografias laterais pré-tratamento (T1) e pós-tratamento (T2) de 31 adolescentes (20 do sexo feminino e 11 do sexo masculino), com Classe I de Angle e indicação de extração de pré-molares. As radiografias foram digitalizadas, traçadas e as estruturas, identificadas com um software cefalométrico (Radiocef, Radio Memory, Belo Horizonte, Brasil). Quatro métodos de sobreposição foram utilizados para avaliar mudanças de posição devidas ao crescimento e/ou tratamento: método Estrutural de Björk; método Steiner/Tweed linha SN; Ricketts linha N-Ba no ponto N; e Ricketts linha N-Ba no ponto CC. As mudanças posicionais avaliadas pelos métodos de sobreposição foram quantificadas por mudanças lineares horizontais e verticais nos seguintes pontos cefalométricos: espinha nasal anterior (ENA), espinha nasal posterior (ENP), gnátio (Gn), Gônio (Go), Pogônio (Pog), Ponto A e Ponto B. Mudanças de posição horizontal e vertical entre T1 e T2 para todos os métodos de sobreposição foram avaliadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Bonferroni (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os métodos de sobreposição cefalométrica em toda a amostra ou quando o sexo dos pacientes foi considerado. CONCLUSÃO: de acordo com a metodologia aplicada nesse estudo, os métodos de sobreposição cefalométrica Estrutural de Björk, de Steiner/Tweed linha SN, ...

Avaliação da resistência ao cisalhamento de tubos de colagem ortodônticos / Shear bond strength evaluation of orthodontic molar tubes

O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento de tubos de colagem ortodônticos de diferentes marcas comerciais. Foram utilizados 30 tubos de colagem ortodônticos divididos em cinco grupos (n = 6): I (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Colorado, USA), II (Ormco Corporation, Glendora, Califórnia), III (3M-Unitek, Minnesota, USA), IV (G&H Wire Company, Hanover, Alemanha) e V (Dentsplay GAC International, NY, USA). Os mesmos foram colados no ponto mais convexo e centralizados na face do dente bovino e levados à máquina universal de ensaios mecânicos Emic DL 2000, a uma velocidade de 0,5 mm por minuto. Foi avaliada a força necessária para descolar os tubos ortodônticos. Os dados foram analisados pela análise de variância (ANO-VA) e teste de Fisher. Os tubos ortodônticos do grupo III necessitaram de uma força maior para que ocorresse a descolagem, esses resultados foram estatisticamente significantes em relação aos demais (p < 0,01), que se descolaram com força menor. O grupo IV apresentou os menores valores para descolar, entretanto, sem diferença estatística com o grupo V (p > 0,01). Conclui-se que tubos ortodônticos podem ser utilizados como alternativa para a bandagem dos molares. Três das cinco marcas comerciais suportaram tanto a força ortodôntica como a mastigatória, enquanto que duas marcas comerciais suportaram somente as forças ortodônticas.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic molar tubes from different trademarks. Thirty molar tubes were divided into five groups (n = 6): I (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Colorado, USA), II (Ormco Corporation, Glendora, Califórnia), III (3M-Unitek, Minnesota, USA), IV (G&H Wire Company, Hanover, Alemanha) e V (Dentsplay GAC International, NY, USA). The tubes were bonded to bovine teeth and placed on an Emic DL2000 testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The amount of force required to debond the tubes was assessed. Data were analyzed using two-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and the Fisher test. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) on shear bond strength. Othodontic tubes of group III presented thehigher SBS, while group IV showed the lower SBS, with no statistical difference in relation to group V (p > 0.01). It was concluded that bonding tubes may be used as an alternative to molar bands. Three of the five brands assessed in this study, supported both, orthodontic and masticatory forces, while two of them supported only the orthodontic forces.