The conversion of vertical growth to horizontal. A prospective pilot study of twelve consecutive patients treated by two different methods.

Vertical growth may be a disadvantage for both facial appearance and long term dental stability. This paper reports a pilot study comparing the direction of facial growth following treatment by either fixed retractive appliances or by removable 'Orthotropic' appliances designed to reduce vertical growth. To meet ethical objections two different operators each treated a consecutive series of six patients with overjets exceeding ten millimeters. The resultant mean growth direction at Gnathion for the fixed retraction group was 67 degrees while in the Biobloc group it was 46 degrees.

A cephalometric evaluation of the Biobloc technique using matched normative data.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: The outcome of Biobloc treatment was evaluated on 35 patients, 13 male, 22 female, with Class II, Division 1 malocclusions. Cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment. A control group was generated from published normative data in such a way that each treated case was matched individually for age, sex and treatment time. The cephalometric change during treatment was compared to the natural growth change in the matched control group using a Mann-Whitney U-test. The treatment effect was calculated by subtracting the natural growth change from the treatment change. This was then compared to twice the method error to see if the treatment change was clinically significant. RESULTS: There was both a statistically and a clinically significant reduction in overjet (p < 0.001), overbite (p < 0.001) and angle ANB (p < 0.001) with an increase in angle SNB (p < 0.001). None of the other cephalometric parameters measured showed a significant change except for upper incisor proclination (p < 0.05) and ArGoMe angle (p < 0.05) but these were not clinically significant.

The aetiology of temporomandibular disorders: a philosophical overview.

Over the last 50 years many theories have been put forward to explain the syndrome currently called 'temporomandibular disorders'. However, it is doubtful whether any single theory fits all the complex features of this condition. The 'multifactorial' explanation also appears flawed. On the assumption that a valid theory should fit the whole evidence, this paper starts by separating the 'predisposing' from the 'initiating' factors, and notes that most existing theories appear to identify the former rather than the latter. The research material is examined in an effort to formulate a theory that is both logical and fits all the known clinical findings.

Middle ear effusion: an orthodontic perspective.

Deviations in facial form are discussed. On the basis of previously published hypotheses, it is suggested that oropharyngeal development may be influenced by the posture, and function of the tongue, lips, and jaws. Attention is drawn to the relationship between a firm tongue to palate swallow, and the pump action of the palatine aponeurosis, which it is suggested is necessary for the aeration of the Eustachian tube. The pump action appears to be reduced in long faced adenoidal children, but clinical evidence suggests that it can be regenerated by early Orthotropics (growth guidance) aimed at directing facial growth forward, instead of downward. Any reduction in the height of the face, facilitates an improved lip seal, without which the downward pattern of facial growth is likely to continue. On occasions when these objectives are achieved it would seem that sufficient room is created to align all 32 teeth, with excellent facial form, and little otolaryngological pathology.

Factors influencing mandibular growth.

A clinically oriented presentation on growth mechanisms and the influence of posture and cellular communication on mandibular growth, with clinical illustrations.

The relationship between facial structure and personality characteristics.

A variety of findings in the fields of constitutional personality theory, person perception, emotion, and orthodontic dentistry suggest there may be a relationship between personality dimensions and facial structure. Twenty subjects with long, angular faces and 20 subjects with short, square faces were selected on the basis of a radiographic study of their facial structure. The subjects completed a biographical data sheet and took Forms A and B of the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. Subjects with long, angular faces were found to be more responsive, assertive, and genuine than subjects with short, square faces who were more restrained, conforming, and shrewd. The results of the study were compared with findings in the somatotype literature linking body size and shape with personality traits. The role of genetic factors underlying facial structure and personality attributes, the development of behaviour patterns based on social stereotypes about facial shape, and the effect of postural sets on facial form during maturation were discussed. Suggestions were made for further research utilizing EMG recordings and developmental observations.