Success rate of microimplants in a university orthodontic clinic.

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the success rate and find factors affecting the clinical success of microimplants used as orthodontic anchorage. Methods. Seventy-three consecutive patients (25 male, 48 female; mean age, 22.45 years) with a total of 139 screw implants of 2 types were examined. Success rate was determined according to 18 clinical variables. Results. The overall success rate was 87.8%. The clinical variables of microimplant factors (type), patient factors (sex, skeletal and dental relationships, overbite, jaw involved, side involved and site involved), and treatment factors (type of insertion, time of loading, purpose of microimplant insertion, mode of loading, type of anchorage used, direction of forces applied) did not show any statistical difference in success rates. Mandibular angle, vertical position of implant placement, oral hygiene status, and inflammation showed significant difference in success rates. Conclusions. Proper case selection and following the recommended protocol are extremely essential to minimise failures.

Clinical trials of Chitra band material.

Stainless steel band material was developed and tested for physico-chemical mechanical toxicological and in-vitro evaluation in dogs, at the Sree Chitra Thirunal Medical Institute, Trivandrum. Weld strength and tensile strength were measured with the Instron testing machine. A clinical pilot study was conducted at College of Dental Surgery, Manipal on 150 patients earlier. In the present study, Chitra bands were cemented on upper and lower molars on one side and Dentaurum bands on the other side, as controls in the same patient. The band was allocated to right and left molars at random. The study was a double blind trial. Thus fifty cases had Chitra bands on the left side and fifty on the tight side. Hundred cases were treated with fixed appliance treatment. The age, sex and technique of treatment were recorded. The spot welder and the cement used were also noted. The patients were recalled every month for nine months and the findings entered in the initial and follow-up proforma by another Orthodontist, making it a blind study. Loose bands, broken bands, broken tubes, broken welds, plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding and gingivitis were noted. The findings will be presented and the clinical applicability of Chitra Band Material discussed.

Development and evaluation of radiopaque light cure composite.

After the development of a two-paste chemical cure composite, evaluation of its physicochemical properties, toxicological evaluation and in-vivo experiments in dogs teeth with histopathological study of dental tissues, a clinical trial was carried out and commercial production recommended. As the shelf life of the material was not enough, a light cure composite was developed, its material characteristics, toxiclological study, in-vivo experiments in dogs with histopathological evaluation and clinical trials carried out. However, the material was radiolucent, and could not be seen in an x-ray and differentiated from a cavity after filling was done. This led to the development of radiopaque light cure composite. Compressive strength, diametral strength, and microhardness were tested with 200-250 phr range of incorporated radiopaque glass particle filler of the size 0.7 to 1.0 micron this improved the properties when compared to conventional composites. The composite was non-toxic and suitable for animal studies. In vivo studies are underway in dogs with histopathological studied of the pulp and dentin. The material awaits clinical trials prior to commercial production.

Comparison and classification of dental arch forms of Indian and Chinese subjects with normal occlusions.

To compare the dental arch forms of Indian and Chinese subjects, 30 untreated Indian and 30 untreated Chinese adults with normal occlusion and symmetrical arches were examined. The arches were classified as narrow, wide, mid, pointed and flat, according to the method developed by Monique Raberin etal., from Lyon, France. For the sample examined the Chinese population was found to have significantly wider arches compared to the Indian population.

Cherubism: presentation of a case.

Cherubism is a rare, fibro-osseous bone disease that affects the jaws. Bilateral enlargement of the mandible produces a full, round lower face. The skin over the cheeks stretches and pulls the lower eyelids down, exposing a thin line of sclera and eyes that are raised, seemingly heavenward. The patient in this report was diagnosed but not treated.

Development and clinical evaluation of Chitra visible light cure composite.

Two paste, self cured BIS-GMA based resin was developed and physicochemical and biological characterization carried out. Its suitability and safety for clinical use were evaluated. Clinical trials for direct bonding of Orthodontic brackets conducted at the College of Dental Surgery, Manipal showed a success rate of 83% against 85% with "Right On" adhesive used as control. Further research to improve shelf life of the material led to the development of light cure-BIS-GMA based resin. It was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics which included setting time, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, microhardness, water sorption and exothermic reaction. Biological characterization studies on material toxicity and biocompatibility on animal models established the safety and suitability of this composite for clinical use in dentistry. Clinical evaluation for direct bonding of Orthodontic brackets in comparison to Ultralight (T.P Orthodontics, USA) showed its handling characteristics to be superior to control. Flash removal was easier around bracket bases bonded with Chitra light cure. However, bond strength of light cure composite was 66% as compared to 79% with Ultralight. Subsequent improvement of the material increased the bond strength significantly. Failure rate with the new material was 11% against 13% with control in the ongoing clinical trials.

Splinting of avulsed central incisors with orthodontic wires: a case report.

A case of an 8-year-old boy who met with a road traffic accident causing trauma to the body and face and extrusion of the upper central incisors is reported. Laceration, oedema and limited mouth opening indicated the use of general anesthesia. During intubation the right central was avulsed accidentally and the left central further luxated and rotated. The avulsed central was reimplanted and the other one derotated and stabilised with orthodontic wire and brackets. Twelve weeks later the patients teeth were firm, immobile, radiographically normal and responded positively to vitality test.

Ectopically erupting canine--a case report.

Management of an ectopically erupting canine is discussed in this case report. Of the various treatment mechanics available to an Orthodontist today, a light elastic thread was used effectively, by the judicious placement of bonded attachments.