Pharyngeal airway subdivisions in 3-dimensional analysis: Differences between anterior and posterior anatomic boundaries.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate if there were differences between anterior and posterior anatomic boundaries used for the 3-dimensional determination of pharyngeal airway. METHODS: The sample included 150 cone-beam computed tomography scans from healthy patients divided according to (1) age: 6-11, 12-16, and ≥16 years; (2) sex: female and male; (3) anteroposterior skeletal pattern: Class I, II, and III; (4) vertical pattern: brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial; and (5) craniocervical inclination (CCI): natural head posture, head flexion, and head extension. Anatomic regions were created to determine the correspondences between structures anteriorly and posteriorly to the pharyngeal airway. RESULTS: The location of the epiglottis, vallecula, hyoid, C2, and C3 were statistically different according to the CCI, and the location of vallecula, C3, and C4 were different according to sex. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the frequencies of anterior and posterior anatomic region locations among age and different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. Posterior landmarks tend to be located below the anterior ones; consequently, the anatomic subregion they define will also be located below. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior and posterior structures and vertical and anteroposterior skeletal patterns may determine upper airway limits regardless of age. However, the studies must be paired according to sex, and CCI must be standardized.

Versatilidade de ligaduras elastoméricas na correção de rotações unitárias / The versatility of elastomeric ligatures in the correction of single tooth rotations

Resumo Introdução: As ligaduras elastoméricas, também conhecidas popularmente como "elastics", são amplamente utilizadas na ortodontia fixa há bastante tempo. Contudo, além da função de apreender o arco aos slots dos bráquetes, elas também podem ser utilizadas para correção de pequenas giroversões dentárias. Diversas marcas comerciais já desenvolveram um modelo específico de acessório elastomérico para desempenhar essa função, nomeado como "rotator"; porém, por ter um tamanho padronizado, acabam provocando sobrecorreção do movimento em determinadas situações da prática clínica. Descrição da técnica: Desta maneira, o objetivo deste artigo é ilustrar a utilização e versatilidade dos famosos "elastics", posicionados de três formas diferentes nas aletas dos bráquetes, para realizar a correção de pequenas giroversões unitárias na ortodontia fixa. Conclusão: A versatilidade de seu uso permite diferentes magnitudes de correção com praticidade (AU)

Abstract Introduction: Elastomeric ligatures, popularly known as "elastics" have been widely used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances for a long time. However, in addition to the function of fixating the archwires to the bracket slots, they may also be used for the correction of minor tooth rotations. Various commercial brands have developed a specific model of elastomeric accessory to perform this function, known as "rotation wedge". However, as they are of a standardized size, they end up causing overcorrection of the movement in certain clinical situations. Technique description: This article aimed to illustrate the use and versatility of the famous "elastics", positioned in 3 different ways on the bracket tie wings to effectuate correction of small single tooth rotations in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Conclusion: The versatility of their use allows different magnitudes of correction with practicality. (AU)

Mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) effects on adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and quality of life: a multi-center prospective controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Transverse maxillary deficiency is a high prevalent growth disorder within the adult population that may lead to serious health issues, such as detrimental malocclusions and higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), as it expands the mid-face and augment the nasal and oral cavities dimensions, may reduce the airflow resistance and thus play an important role on OSA therapy in some patients. The main objective of the present trial is to assess MARPE effects on the sleep and quality of life of non-obese adult OSA patients with transverse maxillary deficiency. METHODS: A total of 32 participants were divided into intervention and control groups. They underwent physical evaluation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EES) and Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (QSQ), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and home sleep testing (HST) for OSA before MARPE (T1) and 6 months after the intervention (T2). RESULTS: Questionnaires EES (daytime sleepiness) and QSQ (OSA-related quality of life) presented significant statistical differences between the groups. We also found clinical and statistical (p < 0.01) differences between the groups regarding the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), as well as others HST parameters (mean oxygen saturation and snoring duration). CONCLUSION: In our sample, MARPE (without any auxiliary osteotomy) showed a good success rate (85%) and promoted important occlusal and respiratory benefits. We observed important daytime sleepiness and OSA-related quality of life improvement, as well as the AHI (65.3%), oxygen saturation and snoring duration.

Characteristics of patients seeking orthodontic retreatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate patients' experiences with previous orthodontic treatment for those seeking retreatment, and their expectations and motivation for doing so. METHODS: A total of 72 patients were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire. Of these, 36 (13 men and 23 women, mean age 26.3 ± 5.8 years) were seeking retreatment (study group), and 36 (13 men and 23 women, mean age 25.5 ± 6.8 years) were seeking treatment for the first time (control group). Casts from both groups were assessed with the index of complexity, outcome, and need (ICON) score, to objectively determine the treatment need and complexity. Student`s t test for independent samples, and paired Student`s t test, were performed for comparisons between the retreatment and control groups, and between retreatment and previous treatment, respectively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between retreatment patients` motivation for the previous treatment and motivation for the retreatment. However, the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores for motivation differed significantly between the retreatment and control groups (73.8 ± 23.9 and 87.5 ± 14.5, respectively). The mean ICON score of the retreatment group was lower than that for the control group (25 ± 14 and 31 ± 16, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients seeking retreatment were less motivated for treatment, and tooth irregularity was the chief reason for seeking treatment in both groups. Although an objective treatment need was not observed in the 2 groups, all of them had some occlusal traits that clinically justified the orthodontic treatment.

Clinical parameters in soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures for orthodontic patients: surgical laser vs scalpel.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review existing literature regarding clinical parameters comparing surgical laser and conventional surgery with scalpel for soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures in orthodontic patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (Brazilian Dental Literature - BBO), Embase, Open Grey, Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - CAPES), and Google Scholar were searched up to December 2020 without language restriction. Clinical trials comparing clinical parameters from surgical laser and conventional surgery with scalpel for soft tissue adjunctive periodontal procedures in orthodontic patients were selected. Risk of bias (RoB) assessments were performed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Narrative syntheses were performed, and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials were included. One study was rated as low RoB, whereas others presented some concerns or high RoB. The studies were highly heterogeneous in relation to the procedure performed, laser protocol, outcomes evaluated, and follow-up periods. In general, regardless of the procedure and laser protocol used, the studies did not show significant differences between laser and scalpel for the outcomes of probing pocket depth, clinical crown length, gingival index, and relapse rate. Pain and bleeding were significantly lower with the use of laser compared with the scalpel. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature on the subject is scarce and very heterogeneous and has methodological limitations. Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the beneficial effect of laser use in orthodontic patients.

Traumatismo dentário de incisivos superiores em pacientes da Clínica de Ortodontia da UFRJ: prevalência e fatores predisponentes dentofaciais / Dental traumatism of upper incisors in patients of UFRJ Orthodontic Clinic: prevalence and dentofacial predisposing factors

Resumo Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de traumatismo dentário em incisivos superiores de pacientes submetidos a tratamento na Clínica de Ortodontia da UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) e correlacionar oito fatores predisponentes dentofaciais desses indivíduos ao tipo de trauma sofrido. Materiais e Métodos: 765 prontuários de pacientes da Clínica de Ortodontia da UFRJ foram analisados em busca de trauma nos incisivos superiores. 40 prontuários de pacientes traumatizados e com documentação inicial completa foram selecionados. Radiografias cefalométricas laterais foram extraídas dos exames volumétricos, modelos, fotografias e prontuários foram analisados. Resultados: A incompetência labial, o acentuado grau de overjet e a acentuada protrusão e projeção dos incisivos superiores, presentes nos pacientes Classe II esqueléticos, atuam como principais fatores predisponentes para a ocorrência de traumatismo dentário. Conclusões: O tratamento ortodôntico em duas fases, deve ser foco de futuros estudos visando avaliar sua atuação como uma medida preventiva na redução dos índices de trauma dental nesses pacientes.(AU)

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in upper incisors of patients submitted to treatment in the orthodontic clinic of UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and to correlate eight predisposing dentofacial factors of these individuals with the type of trauma suffered. Materials and Methods: 765 medical records of patients of UFRJ Orthodontics Clinic were analyzed for upper incisor trauma. 40 medical records of trauma patients with complete initial documentation were selected. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were extracted from the volumetric exams, models, photographs, and medical records were analyzed. Results: Labial incompetence, marked degree of overjet and protrusion and projection of the upper incisors, present in Class II skeletal patients, act as the main predisposing factors for the occurrence of dental traumatism. Conclusions: two-phase orthodontic treatment should be the focus of future studies aiming to evaluate its performance as a preventive measure in reducing dental trauma rates in these patients.(AU)

Does the exposure to cigarette smoke influence the colour stability and mechanical properties of different orthodontic elastic ligatures? - in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the colour stability and mechanical resistance of orthodontic elastic ligature exposed to cigarette smoke. METHODS: Four commercial brands were used: Aditek® (GA), Eurodonto® (GE), Morelli® (GM) and Orthometric® (GO). Eight elastic ligature rings (for mechanical analysis) and eight 5×5mm fragments of the material (for colour stability analysis) were separated from each commercial brand for the control group (C) (n=64) and experimental group (E) (n=64). The control group was not exposed to cigarette smoke. Colourimetric status (CIEL*a*b* System) and light transmittance (% transmitted light) were evaluated using Vita Easyshade Compact and CM2600 spectrophotometers, respectively. The mechanical resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine (EMIC DL), performing tensile testing (speed 5mm/min). The analyses occurred at the following times: T0, before exposure to the smoke; T1, after the 1st exposure; and T2, after the 2nd exposure to cigarette smoke. Comparison between the groups and evaluation of the time effect were performed with the ANOVA/Tukey (a=0.05) and ANOVA-MR tests with Bonferroni correction (α=0.016). RESULTS: Significant differences were only observed for colour stability in the GA-E (NBS T2: 15.94±1.88) and GM-E (NBS T2: 16.11±4.54) groups (P<0.05); transmittance in the GA-E group (T2-T0: -9.07±5.01) (P<0.016) and mechanical resistance in the GA-C group (T2-T0: -0.95±0.61N) (P<0.016). CONCLUSION: The orthodontic elastic ligatures were sensitive to the cigarette smoke exposure regarding to loss of mechanical strength properties and change in colour stability.

Comparison of feldspathic veneer surface treatments on ceramic bracket SBS, ARI and surface roughness after different debonding/polishing methods: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse, in vitro, surface properties and the shear bond strength after debonding and polishing procedures of ceramic brackets directly bonded to 0.3-0.5-mm thick feldspathic veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty six feldspathic ceramic veneers samples (0.3 to 0.5-mm thick) were allocated into groups according to veneers surface treatment procedures: (S) glaze layer was retained; (SHF) hydrofluoric (HF) acid etch; (SOXA) Al2O3 sandblasting; and (SB) diamond burs roughening. Specimens were treated with silane Monobond N® and ceramic brackets bonded with Transbond XT®. Shear bonding strength (SBS) was assessed with a universal testing machine and ARI evaluated under a stereomicroscopic coupled to a digital camera. Remaining bonding composite was removed using a porcelain polishing kit and surface roughness assessed with a stylus profilometer. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified for SBS among the study groups (S, SHF, SOXA and SB) (P>0.05). The majority of the specimens presented ARI scores 3 and 2 (P>0.05). All of the study groups presented increased surface roughness after debonding and polishing procedures (P<0.05), with significant greater values observed in SB group (RaF: 1.27±0.41; RzF: 6.23±1.82), (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatment with hydrofluoric acid etch, Al2O3 sandblasting and diamond bur did not enhance SBS of orthodontic brackets bonded to ceramic veneers. Ceramic surfaces treated with diamond burs presented significantly increased roughness after adhesive removal.

Agreement among instruments of quantitative evaluation of the hard palate in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement among instruments of the quantitative evaluation of hard palate. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 30 children aged 6 to 11 from Santa Maria, Southern Brazil. The instruments for palate measurements evaluated were: digital caliper, used directly in the oral cavity and in plaster casts, Korkhaus tridimensional bow, used directly in the oral cavity and in plaster casts, and Dolphin Imaging Software used for measurements in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The agreement among different instruments was evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The means of all transversal dimensions obtained by cone-beam computed tomography were lower than those of the other instruments - the agreement values in the width between the canines and in the width between the first molars were lower when comparing the cone-beam computed tomography and the other instruments. In the width between the first and second premolars, all comparisons showed acceptable agreement values. Good concordance values were obtained when comparing the palate depth at the second premolar region when using a bow divider inside the oral cavity and in the cast. CONCLUSION: Most instruments presented satisfactory agreement in the measurements related to the transverse plane of the hard palate. However, when the vertical plane was evaluated, only the bow divider applied to both cast and oral cavity presented ideal agreement.

Stress and displacement of mini-implants and appliance in Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: analysis by finite element method.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, simulations were performed by the finite element method (FEM) to determine the tension and displacement in mini-implants and in expander appliance during rapid maxillary expansion, by varying the number and location of the mini-implants. METHODS: For the computational simulation, a three-dimensional mesh was used for the maxilla, mini-implants and expander appliance. Comparisons were made on six different Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE) configurations, by varying the amount and location of mini-implants. A closed suture was design and received two activations of 0.25 mm, and an open suture had a 0.5-mm aperture that received 20 activations, also of 0.25 mm. RESULTS: For the closed suture, the maximum displacement values in the mini-implants were between 0.253 and 0.280 mm, and stress was between 1,348.9 and 2,948.2 MPa; in the expander appliance, the displacement values were between 0.256 and 0.281 mm, and stress was between 738.52 and 1,207.6 MPa. For the open suture, the maximum displacement values in the mini-implants were between 2.57 and 2.79 mm, and stress was between 5,765.3 and 10,366 MPa; in the appliance, the maximum displacements was between 2.53 and 2.89 mm, and stress was between 4,859.7 and 9,157.4 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: There were higher stress concentrations in the mini-implant than in the expander arm. In the simulations with a configuration of three mini-implants, stress overload was observed in the isolated mini-implant. Displacements of the mini-implants and arms of the appliance were similar in all simulations.

Chromatic analysis of orthodontic resin bonding agents exposed to different antiseptic mouthrinses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the color of different orthodontic resin bonding agents exposed to three antiseptic mouthrinses for a prolonged time interval (10-year aging simulation). METHODS: 160 specimens were distributed into four groups, according to the orthodontic resin bond agent (Concise, Transbond XT, Transbond Plus Color Change, and Natural Ortho). Each group was exposed to different antiseptic mouthrinses: alcohol-based (Listerine®), alcohol-free (Oral-B®), chlorhexidine (Periogard®) and distilled water as the control. Specimens were submitted to two cycles of staining and artificial aging. Color was evaluated by means of a digital spectrophotometer at the beginning of the experiment and after every cycle. The system used to assess color changes was the CIE L*a*b*. Data was analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. RESULTS: After simulation of 10 years of aging, Transbond XT and Natural Ortho composites presented no statistically significant differences in ∆E when exposed to different mouthrinses. The Concise composite specimens exposed to alcohol-free mouthrinse presented a significant difference when compared with specimens from the same group exposed to other antiseptic mouthrinses. Transbond Plus Color Change specimens exposed to chlorhexidine mouthrinse and to alcohol-containing mouthrinse presented a significant difference when compared with the specimens from the group exposed to water and alcohol-free antiseptic. CONCLUSION: All orthodontic resin bonding agents tested presented clinically perceptible color changes when exposed to at least one of the mouthrinses, except for the Natural Ortho composite. The Concise composite exposed to the alcohol-free solution was the resin that presented the highest color change values.

In-vitro trabecular bone damage following mono- and bicortical mini implants anchorage in mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE).

OBJECTIVES: To assess in-vitro trabecular bone damage following mono- and bicortical mini-implant (MI) anchorage in mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen self-drilling MI (four MARPE appliances) were distributed in two groups according to bone insertion (monocortical and bicortical) in bovine rib. The device was activated five times (0.5mm each). Trabecular bone damage was assessed using micro-CT scans made at baseline and after each activation by trabecular spacing parameter (Tb.Sp) (distance [mm] between the trabecular bone structure). These measurements were made in five different regions of interest (ROI) surrounding the screw (whole, superior, inferior, anterior and posterior). Two-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc analysis (α=0.05) was used to evaluate the effect of insertion type (monocortical vs. bicortical) and activation cycle (0-5) on trabecular damage. The time effect was evaluated using ANOVA-MR test effect with Bonferroni correction (α=0.003). The micro-CT images were also examined qualitatively. RESULTS: When analysing the individual ROIs, only the superior ROI had a significant difference (P<0.003) beginning at the fourth activation cycle. For the monocortical group, trabecular spacing was affected when the whole ROI was analysed beginning at the fourth activation cycle, while for the superior ROI, this difference became apparent beginning with the third activation cycle (P<0.003). For the qualitative analysis, it seems that only monocortical anchorage influences the trabecular bone in the superior area. CONCLUSIONS: Monocortical anchorage is more susceptible to bone damage around the MIs, with the superior (cervical) region most strongly affected.

Skeletal Stability and Airway Changes After Maxillary Advancement Using a Rigid External Distraction System in Non-Growing Cleft Patients.

ABSTRACT: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a highly effective technique for correction of severe maxillary hypoplasia, especially in patients with orofacial clefts and craniofacial syndromes. The purpose of this retrospective, longitudinal study was to assess long-term airway alterations after maxillary advancement using a rigid external distraction system (RED) in non growing cleft patients. Fifteen cleft patients (8 males and 7 females) aged from 14 to 25 years were included in this study. All of them were treated with a rigid external distraction system for maxillary advancement after a high Le Fort I osteotomy. To analyse airway changes lateral cephalograms were obteined before distraction (T0), immediately after distraction (T1) and 1 to 3 years and 3 months after distraction (T2). All the measurements were describled by means of median, minimum and maximum. In order to evaluate differences between each time interval, a Wilcoxon test associated to a Delta Cliff test was used to evaluate the effect size (level of significance adopted was 5%). A significant maxillary advancement and increased upper airway antero-posterior dimensions were observed after the distraction osteogeness process, as demonstrated by the difference between T1 and T0. No significant relapse at T2 was found. Lower airway and the airway at tip of uvula region did not display significant alterations. A significant maxillary advancement and increased antero-posterior upper airway dimension was measured immediately after maxillary distraction with rigid external distraction in non growing cleft patients. The findings were stable three years after distraction.

Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE): how to achieve greater stability. In vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the influence of mono- and bicortical anchorage and diameter of mini-implants (MIs) on the primary stability of these devices. METHODS: 60 self-drilling MIs were distributed in six groups according to diameter (1.5mm, 1.8mm or 2.0mm) and type of anchorage (monocortical and bicortical) in bovine rib. The primary stability was evaluated by insertion torque, micromobility and pull-out strength tests. ANOVA and/or Tukey analysis were used to conduct intergroup comparisons (p< 0.05). Non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney) were performed when normality was not found (p< 0.05). RESULTS: MIs with larger diameters and bicortical anchorage showed greater primary stability regarding insertion torque (p< 0.05) and micromobility (p< 0.05). Only MI diameter had an effect on the pull-out strength test. Larger diameter MIs presented better retention in pull-out strength tests (p< 0.001), regardless of mono- or bicortical anchorage. CONCLUSIONS: MI primary stability is dependent on its diameter and type of anchorage. Bicortical anchorage showed greater stability when compared with monocortical anchorage, independently of other variables.

Deformation of the circummaxillary sutures during acute micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion and tooth-supported expansion: An ex vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess and compare the deformation that develops in the circummaxillary sutures during activation of micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) and tooth-supported expander (Hyrax) s, in the rapid maxillary expansion. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE: 7 pigs Sus Scrofa received custom-made MARPE (n = 3) and Hyrax (n = 4) appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The devices were activated 25 times with strain readings captured by strain gauges attached to the following regions: posterior midpalatal suture (MPS), maxilla-premaxilla suture (MPM), maxilla-zygomatic suture (MZ) and maxilla pterygoid-process suture (MPP). The intermolar distance and suture width were measured immediately before activation and at the 20th and 25th activation. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. RESULTS: The MARPE group presented greater MPS displacement in all measured regions, and one of the devices produced a significant opening (1.7 mm) in the posterior region. The accumulated tension in the MPS was higher compared to the other sutures (P < .05). A MARPE animal presented higher median tension in the MPS region (294.77µÎµ) compared to all other animals except one Hyrax animal (P < .05). Regarding the median tensions of the different activation intervals, the median tension measured during the 16th to 25th activation interval in the Hyrax group was lower than that measured during the first 8 activations, in both the MPS and MZ (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: MARPE expanders developed more constant tensions during all activations (MPS and MZ), while Hyrax showed lower tension in the 16th to 25th activation.

Is the buccal alveolar bone less affected by mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion than by conventional rapid palatal expansion?-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the existing literature comparing mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) and conventional rapid palatal expansion (RPE) regarding the effect on the buccal alveolar bone thickness (BT) and marginal bone level (BL). METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Ovid, LIVIVO, CINAHL, the Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, Google Scholar and SIGLE were searched up to January 2020. Risk of bias (RoB) assessments were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration and ROBINS-I tools. Fixed-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean differences (SMD) was implemented to assess the pooled estimates for the BT outcome. The analyses were performed adopting a significance level of 5%. A narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the results on the BL. The GRADE tool was used to assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials and one retrospective study were included. Only one study was rated as with low RoB, while the others were scored as with moderate to serious RoB. Limited evidence indicated that patients using conventional RPE had a greater loss of the BT compared to patients using MARPE (SMD = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.29-0.80; P < .0001). Subgroup analyses showed that differences were significant in both premolars' regions, right (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.24-1.25; P = .004) and left (SMD = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.52-1.57; P < .0001), and these were not significant for the molars' regions (P > .05) (Low quality of evidence). LIMITATIONS: Limited amount of selected papers, methodological issues that could lead to bias and high clinical heterogeneity among the studies. Due to the statistical model applied for the quantitative synthesis of the results, no generalization to any other population is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence suggests that MARPE could decrease the loss of the buccal alveolar bone when compared to conventional RPE.

Mecânica simples e eficaz para desimpactar molares inferiores na dentição mista / Management of lower molar impaction during mixed dentition ­ a simple and effective mechanic

Resumo A erupção ectópica de molares inferiores é na prática clínica muito frequente, fazendo-se necessário redirecionar o trajeto de erupção, para evitar a reabsorção da raiz do dente adjacente, lesões cariosas, problemas periodontais, bem como outras intercorrências. Contudo, realizar a correção desses dentes utilizando apenas a Ortodontia interceptativa nem sempre é tarefa das mais fáceis. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma alternativa simples, confortável e de baixo custo para desimpacção de molares inferiores durante a dentição mista. Foi proposto para isso um arco lingual associado à incorporação de acessório, permitindo que uma mola helicoidal possa ser inserida e retirada para ativação a qualquer momento, independe da colaboração do paciente, redirecionando assim o trajeto de erupção do dente nos tratamentos ortodônticos interceptativos. (AU)

Abstract Lower molar ectopic eruption is very frequently found in clinical practice and redirecting its eruption path may be necessary to avoid adjacent tooth root resorption, tooth decay, periodontal problems, among others issues. However, its correction with interceptive orthodontics during the mixed dentition may be a challenge. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a simple, comfortable and effective manner of managing lower molar impaction during the mixed dentition. A lingual arch associated to an accessory attached to the occlusal surface of the impacted tooth and a helicoidal spring was proposed. The spring was designed in a manner it can be inserted and removed at any time for activation, not depending on patient cooperation and allowing redirection of the tooth eruption path during interceptive treatment.(AU)

Analysis of the middle region of the pharynx in adolescents with different anteroposterior craniofacial skeletal patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the volume and morphology of the middle region of the pharynx (MRP) in adolescents with different anteroposterior craniofacial skeletal patterns. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six patients (56 male and 70 female), who had cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) within their records, were selected for this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified, according to their ANB angle value, in Class I (1o ≤ ANB ≤ 3o), Class II (ANB > 3o) and Class III (ANB < 1o). The total volume (tV), minimum axial area (AxMin) and morphology of the MRP and its subdivisions - velopharynx (VP) and oropharynx (OP) - were characterized by CBCT and 3-dimensional image reconstruction software. Intergroup comparisons were performed by ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Correlations between tV and Axmin with the ANB angle values were tested using linear regression analysis, considering sex as covariable. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference between groups were observed in tV only for the VP region; Class II individuals presented significantly lower tV (6863.75 ± 2627.20 mm3) than Class III subjects (9011.62 ± 3442.56 mm3) (p< 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups for any other variable assessed, neither in MRP nor in the OP region (p> 0.05). A significant negative correlation was evidenced between tV and Axmin and the ANB angle values; sexual dimorphism was observed for some variables. CONCLUSIONS: Class II subjects have smaller tV in the VP region. tV and Axmin tend to decrease in all evaluated regions when the ANB angle values increase.