A prospective clinical trial of the effects produced by the Connecticut intrusion arch on the maxillary dental arch.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the effects produced in the maxillary dental arch by means of Connecticut intrusion arch (CIA) with or without a cinch back on the distal end of the tube of the first molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 44 patients with a mean age of 13.1 ± 1.8 years treated for deep bite with a CIA randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (G1), 22 patients with initial mean age of 12.72 ± 1.74 years treated with the CIA in the upper arch without a cinch back on the distal surface of the tube of the first molars, and group 2 (G2), 22 patients with an initial mean age of 13.67 ± 2.03 years treated with the CIA with a cinch back. Lateral cephalograms were available before treatment (T1) and after intrusion of maxillary incisors (T2). The mean treatment period was 5.5 ± 1.45 months. Intragroup and intergroup changes in the maxillary incisor and molar positions were analyzed by paired and independent t-tests associated with the Holm-Bonferroni correction method for multiple comparisons (P < .05). RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups in terms of maxillary incisor displacement. The maxillary incisors flared labially (2.17°) and proclined (1.68 mm) in group 1, whereas a palatal inclination (-1.99°) and retroclination (-1.13 mm) was observed in group 2. No significant differences were found for the molar positions between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence or absence of a distal bend in CIA affects incisor tipping and proclination during intrusion mechanics.

Dentoalveolar effects produced by different appliances on early treatment of anterior open bite: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES:: To compare different appliances for early anterior open bite (AOB) correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: This was a parallel, randomized clinical trial. A prospective sample of patients with AOB was recruited consecutively. Eligibility criteria included angle class I malocclusion with AOB equal to or greater than 1 mm. Participants were allocated by simple randomization to 4 groups: bonded spurs, chin cup, fixed palatal crib, and removable palatal crib. Dentoalveolar changes among the groups were assessed by blinded observers by comparing lateral cephalograms taken before (T1) and 12 months after treatment (T2; analysis of variance followed by Tukey test). Of the measurements, 30% were reassessed for reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman agreement test; α = 5%; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS:: A total of 99 patients with a mean AOB of 3.7 mm (mean age 8.4 ± 0.8 years, both genders) were recruited. Dropouts occurred in all the groups, yielding a final sample size of 81 analyzed individuals. Intergroup comparisons of differences (T2-T1) showed significant differences for the incisor positioning variables (1.1, 1-PP, 6-PP, IMPA, 1.NB and 1-GoMe). However, there was no significant difference in AOB reduction among the groups, with an average correction of 3.1 mm. CONCLUSIONS:: All of the tested devices promoted dental changes, especially in the anterior region, and contributed to AOB reduction during the study period. However, fixed palatal crib demonstrated greater impact on the positioning of the incisors.

A comparative study of the effect of the intrusion arch and straight wire mechanics on incisor root resorption: A randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare external apical root resorption (EARR) of maxillary incisors treated by intrusion arch or continuous archwire mechanics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study analyzed 28 deep bite patients in the permanent dentition who were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1, 12 patients with initial mean age of 15.1 ± 1.6 years and mean overbite of 4.6 ± 1.2 mm treated with the Connecticut intrusion arch (CIA) in the upper arch (Ortho Organizers, Carlsbad, Calif) for a mean period of 5.8 ± 1.27 months. Group 2, 16 patients with initial mean age of 22.1 ± 5.7 years and mean overbite of 4.1 ± 1.1 mm treated with conventional leveling and alignment using continuous archwire mechanics for 6.1 ± 0.81 months. The degree of EARR was detected in 112 maxillary incisors by using CBCT scans and a three-dimensional program (Dolphin 11.7, Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif). The CBCT scans were obtained before (T1) and 6 months after initiation of treatment (T2). Differences between and within groups were assessed by nonpaired and paired t-tests, respectively, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Significant differences were found for both groups between T1 and T2 ( P < .05) indicating that EARR occurred in both groups. However, there were no significant differences when EARR was compared between group 1 (-0.76 mm) and group 2 (-0.59 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The Connecticut intrusion arch did not lead to greater EARR of maxillary incisors when compared with conventional orthodontic mechanics.

Anterior open-bite treatment with bonded vs conventional lingual spurs: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the isolated effects of bonded and conventional spurs on the craniofacial and dentoalveolar complexes of patients in the mixed dentition with anterior open bite. METHODS: The sample included 68 subjects with anterior open bite and Class I malocclusion. Group 1 comprised 20 patients treated with bonded lingual spurs with a mean initial age of 9.31 years (SD, 1.17). Group 2 consisted of 21 patients treated with conventional lingual spurs with a mean initial age of 9.22 years (SD, 1.62). The control group (group 3) consisted of 27 untreated subjects. One-way analysis of variance tests followed by Tukey tests were used for intergroup cephalometric comparisons. After 1 month of treatment, patient acceptance of the spurs was evaluated with a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were significantly greater overbite increases in the experimental groups than in the control group. The group with bonded lingual spurs showed significantly better acceptance than did the group with conventional lingual spurs during chewing and eating. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 appliances resulted in similar overbite increases during early open-bite treatment. After a week or less of treatment, 92.5% of the children had adjusted to the spurs.

Dentoskeletal effects produced by removable palatal crib, bonded spurs, and chincup therapy in growing children with anterior open bite.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of different anterior open bite treatment modalities in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cephalometric study assessed changes resulting from different treatment approaches on 77 growing children with anterior open bite. A control group (n = 30) was used for comparison. Lateral cephalograms were available before treatment and after 12 months. The sample was divided into four groups: removable palatal crib associated with a chincup (G1), bonded spurs associated with a chincup (G2), chincup (G3), and nontreated control (G4). Statistical comparisons among the four groups were performed on T1 and the treatment changes using analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc tests. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes in skeletal variables were found among the groups, except for lower anterior face height (LAFH) increase in G1. Overall, effects in all of the treated groups were exclusively dentoalveolar. A larger overbite (OB) increase was observed in G1 and G2 when compared with G3 and G4. The maxillary incisors in G1 showed increased palatal tipping, retrusion, and more vertical dentoalveolar development as well as increased lingual tipping among mandibular incisors. There was less vertical development of maxillary and mandibular molars in G3. CONCLUSIONS: A removable palatal crib provided an improvement in OB (97.5%), followed by the bonded spurs (84.5%). Conversely, the chincup-only group did not have positive OB effects.

Comparative study of dental cephalometric patterns of Japanese-Brazilian, Caucasian and Mongoloid patients.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of dental variables of adolescent Japanese-Brazilian descendants with normal occlusion, and also to compare them with a similar Caucasian and Mongoloid sample. METHODS: Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to compare the groups: Caucasian (n = 40), Japanese-Brazilian (n = 32) and Mongoloid (n = 33). The statistical tests used were one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA. The cephalometric measurements used followed the analyses of Steiner, Tweed and McNamara Jr. RESULTS: Statistical differences (P < 0.05) indicated a smaller interincisal angle and overbite for the Japanese-Brazilian sample, when compared to the Caucasian sample, although with similar values to the Mongoloid group. CONCLUSION: The dental patterns found for the Japanese-Brazilian descendants were, in general, more similar to those of the Mongoloid sample.

Comparative cephalometric study of Class II malocclusion treatment with Pendulum and Jones jig appliances followed by fixed corrective orthodontics.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to cephalometrically compare the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects in the treatment of Class II malocclusion with Pendulum and Jones jig appliances, followed by fixed corrective orthodontics, and to compare such effects to a control group. METHODS: The sample was divided into three groups. Group 1: 18 patients treated with Pendulum, Group 2: 25 patients treated with Jones jig, and Group 3: 19 young subjects with untreated Class II malocclusions and initial mean age of 12.88 years. The chi-square test was applied to assess severity and gender distribution. Groups 1 and 2 were compared to the control group by means of the one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests in order to differentiate treatment changes from those occurred by craniofacial growth. RESULTS: There were no significant changes among the three groups with regard to the components of the maxilla and the mandible, maxillomandibular relationship, cephalometric and tegumental pattern. Buccal tipping of mandibular incisors was significantly greater in the experimental groups and increased mesial angulation of the maxillary second molars was found in the Jones jig group. In the experimental groups, dental relationship, overbite and overjet were corrected. CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that the distalization achieved its purpose of correcting the Class II.

Early treatment protocol for skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Skeletal Class III malocclusion, with its unpredictable and unfavorable nature, has been characterized by a growth pattern with doubtful prognosis regarding orthodontic mechanics, even when performed early. For a long time, Class III malocclusion was regarded as a synonym of mandibular prognathism, regardless of the affected skeletal structures. Mandibular growth, essentially determined by genetic factors, could barely be controlled by early orthodontic interventions. Therefore, the treatment choice was to wait for the patient to grow, and then make an orthodontic intervention associated with an orthognathic surgery. Maxillary involvement in the etiology of Class III malocclusion was conclusive to change orthodontic therapeutics. Maxillary intramembranous growth has a better response to orthopedic treatment, based on growth control and redirection, thus contributing for early intervention success. In several cases, excellent results have been achieved with rapid maxillary expansion and protraction. The aim of this study was to describe and discuss the treatment of a patient with Class III malocclusion, whose treatment planning comprised two phases: interceptive (mechanical orthopedic appliances) and comprehensive (fixed orthodontic appliance). The results of this case showed that Class III malocclusion should be intercepted as early as possible to permit growth redirection, mainly when the maxilla is the primary etiologic factor or dental and/or functional factors are involved. Diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis depend on patient age, growth potential and severity of malocclusion. Early intervention, adequate indication of appliances, and patient compliance are key factors for good outcomes.

Treatment effects of bonded spurs associated with high-pull chincup therapy in the treatment of patients with anterior open bite.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the cephalometric changes produced by bonded spurs associated with high-pull chincup therapy in children with Angle Class I malocclusion and anterior open bite. METHODS: Thirty patients with an initial mean age of 8.14 years and a mean anterior open bite of -3.93 mm were treated with bonded spurs associated with chincup therapy for 12 months. An untreated control group of 30 subjects with an initial mean age of 8.36 years and a mean anterior open bite of -3.93 mm and the same malocclusion was followed for 12 months for comparison. Student t tests were used for intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: The treated group demonstrated a significantly greater decrease of the gonial angle, and increase in overbite, palatal tipping of the maxillary incisors, and vertical dentoalveolar development of the maxillary and mandibular incisors compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The association of bonded spurs with high-pull chincup therapy was efficient for the correction of the open bite in 86.7% of the patients, with a 5.23-mm (SD, ±1.69) overbite increase.

Class I malocclusion treatment: influence of a missing mandibular incisor on anterior guidance.

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a patient with a deep-overbite Angle Class I malocclusion, agenesis of a mandibular central incisor, and 2 supernumerary teeth, which caused impaction of the mandibular first premolars. The 15-year-old patient also had a convex profile, maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion, and deficiency of space for the correct alignment of teeth. Therefore, treatment consisted of fixed appliance therapy, cervical headgear, extraction of the supernumeraries and the mandibular and maxillary first premolars, and mesiodistal reduction of the maxillary incisors to solve the arch perimeter discrepancy as much as possible with interproximal stripping. This method of treatment significantly improved the patient's facial and dental esthetics and provided a good functional occlusion, despite the absence of a mandibular incisor, which generally impairs achieving adequate incisal guidance.

Effects of the pendulum appliance, cervical headgear, and 2 premolar extractions followed by fixed appliances in patients with Class II malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective study, we compared the cephalometric effects, the dental-arch changes, and the efficiency of Class II treatment with the pendulum appliance, cervical headgear, or extraction of 2 maxillary premolars, all associated with fixed appliance therapy. METHODS: The sample of 82 patients with Class II malocclusion was divided into 3 groups: group 1 patients (n = 22; treatment time, 3.8 years) were treated with the pendulum appliance and fixed orthodontic appliances. Group 2 patients (n = 30; treatment time, 3.2 years) were treated with cervical headgear followed by fixed appliances; group 3 patients (n = 30; treatment time, 2.1 years) were treated with 2 maxillary premolar extractions and fixed appliances. The average starting ages of the groups ranged from 13.2 to 13.8 years. Data were obtained from serial cephalometric measurements and dental casts. The dental casts were analyzed with the treatment priority index. The treatment efficiency index was also used. RESULTS: The 3 treatment protocols produced similar cephalometric effects, especially skeletally. Comparisons among the 2 distalizing appliances (pendulum and cervical headgear) and extraction of 2 maxillary premolars for Class II treatment showed changes primarily in the maxillary dentoalveolar component and dental relationships. The facial profile was similar after treatment, except for slightly more retrusion of the upper lip in the extraction patients. The treatment priority index demonstrated that occlusal outcomes also were similar among the groups. The treatment efficiency index had higher values for the extraction group. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of treatment with the pendulum appliance or cervical headgear and extraction of 2 maxillary premolars associated with fixed appliances were similar from both occlusal and cephalometric standpoints. Class II treatment with extraction of maxillary teeth was more efficient because of the shorter treatment time. Differences in maxillary incisor retraction should be noted, but these differences might have been due to greater maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion in the extraction group before treatment.

Nonextraction treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion.

This case report describes the nonsurgical, nonextraction therapy of a 16-year-old boy with a skeletal Class III malocclusion, a prognathic mandible, and a retrusive maxilla. He was initially classified as needing orthognathic surgery, but he and his parents wanted to avoid that. The Class III malocclusion was corrected with a rapid palatal expander and a maxillary protraction mask followed by nonextraction orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, combined with short Class III and vertical elastics in the anterior area. The height of the maxillary alveolar process and the vertical face height were slightly increased with treatment. Class I molar and canine relationships were achieved, and the facial profile improved substantially.

Treatment of a Class II subdivision malocclusion with multiple congenitally missing teeth.

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with a Class II Division 1 subdivision right malocclusion with 8 congenitally missing teeth, incompetent lips, and incisor protrusion. The treatment plan included extractions and space closure with retraction of the anterior teeth; symmetric mechanics were used in the mandibular arch and asymmetric mechanics in the maxillary arch. Because of the mechanics used, some midline deviations were expected. Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning of asymmetric malocclusions and dental esthetics are essential for success when correcting asymmetic problems, but, even so, small clinical compromises should be expected.

Comparative efficiency of Class II malocclusion treatment with the pendulum appliance or two maxillary premolar extractions and edgewise appliances [corrected].

The objective of this study was to compare, on study models and initial cephalograms, the efficiency of Class II malocclusion treatment with the pendulum appliance, and with two maxillary premolar extraction protocol. The sample consisted of 48 treated Class II malocclusion patients: group 1 comprised 22 patients (7 males, 15 females) treated with the pendulum appliance, with an initial mean age of 14.44 years and group 2, 26 patients (14 males, 12 females) treated with two maxillary premolar extractions at an initial mean age of 13.66 years. To compare the efficiency of each treatment protocol, the occlusal outcomes were evaluated on dental casts using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index and the treatment time (TT) of each group was calculated on clinical charts. The degree of treatment efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the percentage of occlusal improvement, evaluated through the PAR index, and TT. Statistical analysis was undertaken by means of t-tests. The findings demonstrated that the two maxillary premolar extraction protocol provided the occlusal outcomes in a shorter time (group 1: 45.7 months, group 2: 23.01 months) and, therefore, demonstrated greater treatment efficiency than the pendulum appliance.

Comparative distalization effects of Jones jig and pendulum appliances.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we compared the dentoalveolar changes of Class II patients treated with Jones jig and pendulum appliances. METHODS: The experimental group comprised 40 Class II malocclusion subjects, divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 20 patients (11 boys, 9 girls) at a mean pretreatment age of 13.17 years, treated with the Jones jig appliance for 0.91 years; group 2 comprised 20 patients (8 boys, 12 girls) at a mean pretreatment age of 13.98 years, treated with the pendulum appliance for 1.18 years. Only active treatment time of molar distalization was evaluated in the predistalization and postdistalization lateral cephalograms. Molar, second premolar, and incisor angular and linear variables were obtained. The intergroup treatment changes in these variables were compared with independent t tests. RESULTS: The maxillary second premolars showed greater mesial tipping and extrusion in the Jones jig group, indicating more anchorage loss during molar distalization with this appliance. The amounts and the monthly rates of molar distalization were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Jones jig group showed greater mesial tipping and extrusion of the maxillary second premolars. The mean amounts and the monthly rates of first molar distalization were similar in both groups.

Comparison of the effects produced by headgear and pendulum appliances followed by fixed orthodontic treatment.

This study compared the effects produced by two different molar distalizers, namely cervical headgear (CHG) and the intraoral pendulum appliance, associated with fixed orthodontic appliances. The headgear group comprised 30 patients (19 females, 11 males), with an initial age of 13.07 years [standard deviation (SD) = 1.3], treated with CHG and fixed orthodontic appliances for a mean period of 3.28 years, and the pendulum group 22 patients (15 females, 7 males), with initial age of 13.75 years (SD = 1.86), treated with the pendulum appliance followed by fixed orthodontic appliances for a mean period of 4.12 years. Lateral cephalograms were taken at the start (T1) and on completion (T2) of orthodontic treatment. The pendulum and CHG groups were similar as to initial age, severity of the Class II malocclusion, gender distribution, initial cephalometric characteristics, and initial and final treatment priority index (TPI). Only treatment time was not similar between the groups, with a need for annualization for data for the pendulum group. The data were compared with independent t-tests. There was significantly greater restriction of maxillary forward growth and improvement of the skeletal maxillomandibular relationship in the CHG group (P < 0.05). The maxillary molars were more mesially tipped and extruded and the mandibular molars more uprighted in the CHG group compared with the pendulum group (P < 0.05). There was more labial tipping of the mandibular incisors and greater overbite reduction in the pendulum group. The pendulum appliance produced only dentoalveolar effects, different from the CHG appliance, which restricted maxillary forward displacement, thus improving the skeletal maxillomandibular relationship.

Soft tissue changes produced by a banded-type Herbst appliance in late mixed dentition patients.

AIM: This controlled trial cephalometrically compared soft profile changes during orthodontic treatment with a banded Herbst appliance against a control group. METHODS: The sample consisted of late mixed dentition Class II division 1 malocclusion cases. The first group consisted of 29 consecutive patients (14 females and 15 males), selected prospectively and treated solely with a banded Herbst appliance; the second group consisted of 28 nontreated subjects (14 females and 14 males). Two lateral cephalograms were obtained from each patient at the beginning and immediately following the completion of the treatment/observation period (1 year). Soft tissue cephalometric variables were analyzed. Different t tests were used to compare the starting forms of the 2 groups and the changes that occurred after treatment (P <.05). RESULTS: The present study showed a modest decrease in the facial convexity, retrusion of the upper lip, and an improvement in the mentolabial angle. All these changes were statistically significant. The profile improvement in the Herbst group was likely because of the changes observed in the upper lip and, to a minor degree, in the lower lip and soft tissue pogonion. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the changes in the soft tissue profile produced by a banded-type Herbst appliance were statistically different from the control group, but not likely clinically significant. The direction and magnitude of the changes were similar to those reported for permanent dentition cases.

Soft-tissue treatment changes in Class II Division 1 malocclusion with and without extraction of maxillary premolars.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we compared the soft-tissue changes and posttreatment status after nonextraction and maxillary premolar extraction treatment in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion. METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of 44 patients, divided into 2 matching groups, were evaluated. Group 1 comprised 22 patients (10 boys, 12 girls) treated nonextraction with initial and final mean ages of 12.50 and 15.12 years, respectively, and a mean treatment time of 2.62 years. This group had an initial mean overjet of 7.97 mm. Group 2 consisted of 22 patients (10 boys, 12 girls) treated with extractions of 2 maxillary premolars with initial and final mean ages of 12.86 and 15.32 years, respectively. The mean treatment time was 2.46 years, and the initial mean overjet was 8.61 mm. Independent t tests were used to compare the initial and final cephalometric status and the treatment changes between the groups. RESULTS: According to the results, only 1 soft-tissue variable showed a significant treatment change between the groups. However, at the posttreatment stage, there were no significant differences between the soft-tissue variables. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol including extraction of 2 maxillary premolars provides similar soft-tissue results as nonextraction treatment of complete Class II malocclusion.

Panoramic evaluation of mesiodistal axial inclinations of maxillary anterior teeth in orthodontically treated subjects.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to evaluate, through panoramic radiographs, the mesiodistal axial inclinations of the maxillary anterior teeth at the beginning and end of nonextraction orthodontic treatment, and to compare the results with the mesiodistal axial inclinations of a control sample with normal (acceptable) occlusions. METHODS: The experimental sample consisted of 40 white patients (20 male, 20 female; mean age, 14 years) with Class I maloccusions who were treated orthodontically with a standard edgewise (not preadjusted) technique without extractions. The mean treatment period was 1.6 years. The control sample comprised 42 white subjects (14 male, 28 female; age range, 12-17 years) with untreated normal (acceptable) occlusions. Panoramic radiographs were taken of the patients at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of treatment. The mean values of the mesiodistal axial inclination at T1 were compared with the mean values at T2, and both were compared with the mesiodistal axial inclinations of the control sample. RESULTS: The mesiodistal axial inclinations of the maxillary anterior teeth of the experimental group at T1 were different from those of the control group for 50% of the evaluated teeth. In contrast, the inclinations at T2 were consistent with the normal anatomical configuration of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The panoramic radiograph is an effective tool for evaluating the mesiodistal axial inclinations of maxillary anterior teeth.