Failure rates of mini-implants inserted in the retromolar area.

OBJECTIVE: Anchorage reinforcement is an important issue in orthodontic treatment. There is a lack of evidence regarding the failure rate of mini-implants inserted in the retromolar (RM) area, therefore the purpose of this present study was to evaluate the failure rates of mini-implants inserted in the RM area and to evaluate the factors affecting their stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of 102 patients (52 female, 55 male; mean age: 18.6years; SD: 5.2years) that had received 110 RM mini-implants for orthodontic treatment from 1.2.2012 to 1.6.2017 was conducted after IRB approval at the department of orthodontics. Clinical notes and photographic images of the patients were analysed to evaluate the dependent and independent variables. The primary outcome was mini-implant failure. Independent variables of patient related factors, mini-implant related factors, orthodontic related factors, surgical related factors, and maintenance-related factors were evaluated by logistic regression models for association to failure rates. RESULTS: A 23.2% failure rate of mini-implants inserted in the RM area was observed. The patient's right side and inflammation were significantly associated with RM mini-implant failure. The odds ratios (relative risk) for mini-implant failure in the right side, and in mini-implants with inflammation around them were 0.166 and 0.188, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Failure rate for RM mini-implants were found to be 23.2%. To minimize RM mini-implant failure, clinicians should attempt to reduce inflammation around the mini-implants, especially for mini-implants placed on the right RM area.

Efficiency of class III malocclusion treatment with 2-premolar extraction and molar distalization protocols.

INTRODUCTION: Different treatment protocols have been implemented for management of Class III malocclusion with aim of achieving ideal occlusal goals. The aim of current study was to compare the efficiency of Class III treatment with mandibular 2-premolar extraction and mandibular molar distalization protocol. METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on pre-treatment and post-treatment dental casts of 60 orthodontic patients who had Class III malocclusion and were treated with a mandibular dentition distalization and mandibular 2-premolars extraction protocol. The study was conducted at orthodontic departments of Dental Section, Faisalabad Medical University/Punjab Medical College and de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Pakistan. The sample was classified into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 30 patients (20 females, 10 males) (mean age, 18.02years) treated with distalization protocol and Group B consisted of 30 patients (18 females, 12 males) (mean age, 18.97years) treated with mandibular 2-premolars extraction protocol. To compare the efficiency of the treatment protocol in each group, the initial and final occlusal results were assessed on dental models using PAR index while treatment efficiency was assessed using a treatment efficiency index (TX). The groups were compared with t and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the initial age, treatment time, treatment efficiency and any occlusal feature between the groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment efficiency of Class III malocclusions with mandibular 2-premolar extractions or mandibular dentition distalization protocol is similar.

Bacteremia after micro-osteoperforation.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the presence of bacteremia following micro-osteoperforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 28 Class I orthodontic patients (21 women, 7 men; mean age, 18.11±0.4 years). The micro-osteoperforation was performed 4 weeks following bonding of fixed orthodontic appliances. Using aseptic technique, 20-mL blood sample was collected before the micro-osteoperforation and another 20-mL, 60 seconds after the first micro-osteoperforation. The blood was inoculated into culture bottles and incubated at 37°C for 1 week. Bacterial growth was investigated by using Gram staining technique. The results were analysed using the McNemar test. RESULT: No significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative samples was found with respect to bacteremia (P=0.229). CONCLUSION: Micro-osteoperforation technique is not related to transitory bacteremia.

Cephalometric assessment of patients with adenoidal faces.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dentofacial morphology of adenoidal faces via linear and angular measurements on lateral cephalometric tracings and compare the extent of changes with control group. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from January to July 2007 at the Department of Orthodontics, de'Montmorency Institute of Dental Sciences/Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore (tertiary health center). As a non probability purposive sampling, total of 90 cephalometric radiographs of subjects (12 to 17 years of age) 45 with adenoidal faces and 45 subjects having normal class I and orthognathic profile were collected and utilized in the study. Subject with cranio-facial anomalies and syndromes, history of previous orthodontic treatment or trauma to the head and neck region were excluded. The collected data was entered on SPSS version 10 and analyzed by using, Paired 't' test. RESULTS: Significant difference is seen among the readings showing a drastically vertical pattern of growth in dentofacial complex, except the palatal inclination angle. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the subjects with upper airway obstruction display excessive vertical dentofacial development, leading to a long face appearance. The condition needs to be prevented by early recognition and treatment of the causative factor.