Correlation Between Cephalometric Values and Soft Tissue Profile in Class I and Class II Adult Patients based on Vertical Patterns.

Objective: To compare soft tissue profile variations between Class I and Class II adult patients due to three vertical skeletal facial patterns (normodivergent, hypodivergent and hyperdivergent) and determine which skeletal variation has the most significant impact on soft tissue profile. Methods: Retrospective soft tissue profile analysis was performed on lateral cephalograms of 131 adult patients. The analysis was divided into two categories correlated with subnasal and general soft tissue profiles. The sample was divided based on two sagittal skeletal patterns (Class I and II) and three vertical groups. In addition, comparisons were made between males and females. Viewbox 4 was used for the analysis. Descriptive, comparative, and correlation statistics were performed using SPSS software. Results: Statistically significant inter-gender differences were found at the subnasal profile level, but not at the general profile level. No significant differences were observed when comparing subnasal profiles for the sagittal groups. However, significant differences were observed at the level of the general profile, especially at the level of Z-angle, lower lip, and chin prominence. In the vertical groups, hyperdivergent facial patterns had significant differences at the level of subnasal and general profiles compared with other vertical facial patterns. Conclusion: Females had more convex subnasal profiles than males. Hyperdivergent facial patterns had an impact on both general and subnasal soft tissue profiles. The sagittal dimension affected only the general soft tissue profile. Therefore, changes in the vertical dimension had the greatest impact on facial esthetics.

Are We Hearing Right? The Negative Impact of New SARS-CoV-2 Preventive Measures and Prolonged Use of Treatment Modalities during Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract Since the dental treatment involves the use of various instruments and machines, there is ample presence of both distracting as well as destructive noise, and these are defined based on various parameters. With an increase in safety measures incorporated into dental practices, such as extra-oral suction devices and respirators, there has also been a corresponding rise in noise levels usually present in a clinic. Previous clinical experiments and trials have shown that the noise in a dental office can permanently bring about hearing damage. In addition to this, working with added safety measures during the pandemic, such as the use of personal protective equipment, respirators, and face shields can decrease operator efficiency and the ability to communicate normally. Dentistry has already been demonstrated to be one of the most hazardous occupations because of the high risk of infections. An Orthodontist must protect their eyes and mouth from potentially hazardous situations and the ears to prevent hearing damage.

Effect of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Glenoid Fossa and Condyle-Fossa Relationship in Growing Patients (MEGP): Study Protocol for a Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is an orthodontic nonsurgical procedure aiming at increasing the width of the maxilla by opening mainly the intermaxillary suture in patients presenting a transverse maxillary skeletal deficiency. The objectives of the current prospective controlled clinical and radiographic study are to evaluate the hypothesis that RME in growing patients will result in radiographic changes at the level of interglenoid fossa distance, condyle-fossa relationship, and nasal cavity widths compared to the group who received no treatment initially and served as untreated control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective controlled clinical and radiographic study, forty healthy growing patients selected from a school-based population following a large screening campaign, ranging in age between 8 and 13 years, presenting a maxillary constriction with bilateral crossbite, and candidates for RME are being recruited. The first group will include participants willing to undergo treatment (n = 25) and the other group will include those inclined to postpone (n = 15). RESULTS: The primary outcome is to compare radiologically the interglenoid fossa distance and the condyle-fossa relationship; nasal cavity width will be a secondary outcome. A multivariable analysis of Covariance model will be used, with the assessment of the time by group interaction, using age as covariate. The project protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Lebanese University, National Institute in Lebanon (CUEMB process number 31/04/2015). The study is funded by the Lebanese University and Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, Lebanon (Number: 652 on 14/04/2016). CONCLUSION: This prospective controlled clinical trial will give information about the effect of RME on the glenoid fossa and condyle-fossa relationship and its impact on the nasal cavity width. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered in BioMed Central (DOI10.1186/ISRCTN77788053).

[Predictors of osteoarticular problems in a cohort of computer users in Lebanon: about 810 employees]. / Facteurs prédictifs des troubles ostéo-articulaires chez les utilisateurs d'ordinateurs au Liban: a propos d'une cohorte de 810 employés.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is the analysis of osteoarticular problems (OAP) occurring in a group of computer users (CU) in search of correlation between symptoms and different etiological factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Questionnaire of 31 items dealing with personal data, the activity of the CU, stress, the occurrence of osteoarticular problems during the last month (Oaplm) and last twelve months (Oaptm) and a checklist of 17 items covering the physical characteristics of the workplace. RESULTS: DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS * 810 respondents of mean age 36 +/- 9 years and predominantly female (69%) * FEATURES: seniority at the workplace (12.5 +/- 9 years), pace of work (825 +/- 1.5 hours/day and 5.5 +/- 1 days/ week), number of breaks (13 +/- 1.04/d), duration of breaks (35 min +/- 25/d), 44.5% in sports activities, work stress in 92% of participants * OAP described:--Osteoarticular problems last month (62%), neck pain (68%), shoulder (46%) and lumbar spine (62%) pain. Tingling hands (40%). Headache (55.5%). Temporomandibular disorders (18.5%)--Osteoarticular problems the last twelve months (46%). UNIVARIATE ANALYSIS: Detection of risk factors * RISK FACTORS and Oaplm relationship: female, weight gain, secretary, stress, pain during labor and work stoppages withp < 0.05 * RISK FACTORS and Oaptm relationship: the position of secretary, stress, pain at work, work stop-pages for Oaplm withp < 0.05 * Protection factor: sports more than one time per week. MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS: Oaplm occurrent factors: weight gain, Oaptm withp < 0.05. Protection factor: well designed workstation * Oaptm occurrent factors: age, stress and Oaplm with p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Significant prevalence of osteoarticular problems in Lebanese computer users. RISK FACTORS: age, Oaptm, weight gain, stress, work-break cycle not respected and poor layout of the workstation. Ergonomic interventions are necessary and indispensable to reduce the cost of occupational diseases related to the CU, and ensure good mental and physical health.