Canine retraction and anchorage loss using self-ligating and conventional brackets with sliding mechanics: A split-mouth clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Appliance biocompatibility, orthodontic treatment efficiency and patient convenience are the major issues confronting contemporary orthodontic practice. Very few studies have been published till date regarding the efficiency of self-ligating brackets as against conventional brackets. Hence, the present study was planned to compare the rate of canine retraction between self-ligating and conventional brackets and to determine the amount of anchorage loss during canine retraction. METHODS: The present clinical study was designed as a prospective, observational study comprising of 25 patients requiring first premolar extraction as a part of orthodontic treatment. Self-ligating and conventional brackets were bonded using a split-mouth study design randomly. Retraction of canines was done with 150 grams of force using Dontrix gauge with E-chains. The study was conducted in relation to upper arch only, while the rate of retraction was evaluated every 4 weeks for 3 months. Average rates of retraction in 3 months were calculated. For anchorage loss, an acrylic guide plug was used in mid-treatment cast (T0) and after 3 months of retraction (T3). The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Independent t-test was used to compare the means of the two variables studied, while Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the variables studied in the groups included. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between the average rate of canine retraction with self-ligating brackets vs. conventional brackets over a period of 3 months came out to be 0.6434, while on comparing the data in terms of anchorage loss over a period of 3 months, the respective correlation coefficient value was found to be 0.6659 with the results being statistically highly significant in either case (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Self-ligating brackets showed double the amount of displacement compared to conventional brackets in some of the cases. Also, chair side time was significantly reduced with self-ligating brackets as against conventional brackets.

Impairment of olfactory and gustatory sensations in severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) disease.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) disease had first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and since then, it has emerged as a global threat to humanity. An early diagnosis and isolation are the most significant measures required to prevent its spread. Recent anecdotal evidence has suggested impairment of olfactory and gustatory sensations associated with corona virus disease (COVID-19). Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 is an important aspect for the manifestations seen in this deadly viral disease. The associated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction can also lead to partial and/or complete loss of the ability to smell and taste in the early stages of disease onset. Evidence has also suggested that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in human saliva makes it the carrier of the infectious viral disease and aids in its diagnosis. The present review focuses on the listed clinical manifestations in the form of olfactory and gustatory impairment in SARS-CoV-2 virus disease.

Prevalence of Color Vision Anomalies among Dental Professionals.

PURPOSE: Color blindness is one of the potential disabilities affecting the ability of color perception by the eye. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of color blindness among dental professionals. METHODS: For the present study, a total of 198 dental professionals were randomly selected as subjects who were asked to fill the required questionnaire followed by which their color vision status was evaluated using the Ishihara test. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The prevalence of color blindness, age specificity, and the ratio of the occurrence of color blindness in relation to gender were assessed using Chi-square test for independence and Chi-square test with Yates's correction for independence when the expected frequency was <5. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The present study reported 3.54% prevalence of color blindness among the study population. A higher number of cases were reported from males (9.26%) than females (1.39%). (P < 0.05) Furthermore, the prevalence of color blindness was found to be more in faculty members (5.88%) than in students with a reported prevalence of 3.31%. CONCLUSION: The present study reported high prevalence of color blindness in dental professionals while they were totally unaware of it.

Effect of Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety Among Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Dental anxiety is a distressing challenge faced by both the patients and the dental care provider, particularly in the Department of Orthodontics. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of aromatherapy (oils) on dental anxiety level among orthodontic patients and to compare the effect on anxiety levels between lavender oil, rose oil, and a placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 patients (36 men and 36 women) who reported to the Department of Orthodontics were selected and randomly allocated into three groups: lavender oil, rose oil, and placebo. The ambient odor of those oils or placebo was maintained with a candle warmer, and the patients were made to wait in their respective rooms for 15 minutes. Participants' heart rate and blood pressure, being reliable and objective indicators of anxiety, were measured using pulse oximeter and sphygmomanometer, respectively. Additionally, a questionnaire, comprising demographic data and questions representing a modified Dental Anxiety Scale, was given to the patients to measure subjective anxiety levels before and after aromatic therapy. Paired t-test, analysis of variance, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for both subjective and objective analyses. RESULTS: Lavender oil and rose oil produced a significant reduction of dental anxiety level among orthodontic patients in both objective and subjective method (P ≤ .05); lavender oil demonstrated a greater significance in reducing the anxiety level when compared to rose oil. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that aromatherapy offers promising effect against dental anxiety among orthodontic patients. Aromatherapy can be recommended as an easy alternative to reduce anxiety in patients before orthodontic treatment.