Effect of use of antiseptics and fluorides during orthodontic treatment on working properties of NiTi archwires in levelling dental arches : A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The goal was to investigate whether the application of antiseptics and fluorides during orthodontic treatment affects the biomechanics of the levelling of dental arches by changing the working properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires. METHODS: The sample consisted of 60 individuals aged 12-22 years (53% females). There were 20 individuals in each experimental group: (I) individuals conducted regular oral hygiene, (II) individuals used a high concentration of fluorides for intensive prophylaxis for the first month; and (III) individuals used chlorhexidine in the same manner. NiTi alloy archwires (dimensions 0.508â€¯× 0.508 mm) were analyzed 3 months after intraoral exposure and compared to as-received NiTi wires. Elastic modulus, yield strength, springback ratio, and modulus of resilience were calculated. Dimensions of the dental arches were analyzed when NiTi alloy (T1) was placed intraorally and after 3 months (T2). Change was quantified as the difference in dimensions (T2-T1). Anterior width-to-length ratio was used as a measure for dental arch shape. RESULTS: Intraoral exposure reduced elastic modulus, yield strength, springback ratio, modulus of resilience, loading, and unloading forces of NiTi wires (p ≤ 0.021). Chlorhexidine mouthwash and gel with high concentration of fluorides did not change these properties more than saliva with regular hygiene. The amount of change of dental arch shape in the maxilla and mandible did not differ significantly between the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Using antiseptics or a high concentration of fluorides during orthodontic treatment does not significantly affect the mechanical properties of NiTi wires and would not have clinical implications in changing orthodontic biomechanics.

Orthodontic treatment demand in young adolescents - Are parents familiar with their children's desires and reasons?

AIM: To assess the levels of agreement between parents and adolescents about young adolescents' orthodontic treatment demand and to what extent is treatment demand conditioned by family and psychosocial impacts and oral function. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 221 adolescents (11-14 years, 54% female) and their parents. A 5-point scale was used to assess orthodontic treatment demand. Adolescents self-administered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire, and parents self-administered the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire and Family Impact Scale. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need Dental Health Component (IOTN DHC) was used for determining malocclusion severity. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used for the assessment of agreement between two informants. RESULTS: The parent-child agreement on children's orthodontic treatment demand was weak, concording in 67.4% of cases. The most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment derive from the emotional (EW) and social well-being domains for both informants. In linear regression, the adolescent's reporting of impaired EW and IOTN DHC was the only significant linear predictor of orthodontic treatment demand. CONCLUSION: Parents cannot correctly assess the orthodontic treatment demand of their children. Impaired EW is the most significant self-reported determinant of adolescents' demand for orthodontic treatment. Family relationships and parental perspective have a low influence.