Difference in Orthodontic Patients' Perceptions of Essix and Hawley Retainers

Abstract Objective: To determine differences in how orthodontic patients perceive the aesthetics relating to the use of Essix and Hawley retainers. Material and Methods: Photographs of a female patient using an Essix retainer and a Hawley retainer, respectively, were assessed by 70 orthodontic patients aged between 21 and 55 years. All participants were provided with the same images of the two retainer types being worn and were asked to grade the aesthetics of each retainer using a visual analog scale. The significance of differences in orthodontic patient perceptions of aesthetics in the use of Essix and Hawley Retainers in the young adult and adult age groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test with assumed significance p<0.01. Results: There were differences in participants' perceptions between the two retainers that were statistically significant, with responses varying between young adults aged 21 to 35 years and adults aged 36 to 55 years. According to the VAS, the two retainers' average scores in the total population are 82 for Essix Retainer and 60 for Hawley Retainer in both groups. Conclusion: The Essix retainer as a retention appliance is considered more aesthetically pleasing than the Hawley retainer among both young and middle-aged adults.

Perspectives of Indonesian Orthodontists on the Ideal Orthodontic Treatment Time.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the types of orthodontic treatment provided by Indonesian orthodontists and to analyse their perspectives on the ideal time to initiate orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross­sectional survey was conducted using the Google Drive questionnaire template. This electronic questionnaire was sent to a sample of orthodontists across different regions of Indonesia. The participants were asked to report the stage at which they would start orthodontic treatment, as well as answer questions about occlusal abnormalities and functional problems. Descriptive statistics for all variables were determined, including both practice characteristics and orthodontic treatment timing. RESULTS: A total of 152 orthodontists agreed to participate in the study, of which 64.5% were female and 35.5% were male. Indonesian orthodontists prefer two-phase orthodontic treatment. Sucking habits and open bite were found to be the most frequent indications for treatment in the primary dentition. Anterior crossbite was found to be the most frequent indication for treatment during the early mixed dentition stage. Severe Class II was found to be the most frequent indication for treatment during the late mixed dentition stage. Indonesian orthodontists are more concerned about impacted canines and midline diastema than other occlusal deviations in the permanent dentition. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that Indonesian orthodontists favor two-phase orthodontic treatment. They also prefer to treat sucking habits and open bite in the primary dentition, anterior crossbite in the early mixed dentition, and severe Class II during the late mixed dentition stage.

Camouflage treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion in an adult cleft-palate patient using passive self-ligating system.

This case report describes the successful camouflage treatment to correct a moderate skeletal Class III malocclusion in a 19-year-old male cleft-palate patient. Early closure of the palate produced palatal scar tissue that inhibited midfacial growth, causing maxillary arch deficiency, severe maxillary crowding, and anterior and posterior crossbites. Combined surgical-orthodontic therapy would have been the preferred treatment of choice; however, the patient declined this option because of surgical risks and costs. Therefore, nonextraction camouflage treatment using a passive self-ligating bracket system was used. Treatment aims including expansion of the maxillary arch and correction of the anterior and posterior crossbites were achieved without the use of an additional maxillary arch expander or other auxiliary appliances. This treatment resulted in satisfying facial esthetics and a normal dental occlusion.