Class II subdivision treatment and stability with asymmetric Herbst appliance: A case report.

Non-surgical treatment of Class II subdivision may involve complex mechanics or asymmetric tooth extraction in its resolution. This report demonstrates the result and the short-term stability of Class II subdivision treated with asymmetrically installed Herbst appliance followed by conventional fixed orthodontic appliance. The approach allowed the correction of the unilateral Class II molar relationship and increased overjet, as well as the deviation of dental midlines, with improvement in lip posture and facial profile. The results remained stable two years after treatment, confirming the treatment success.

Biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional observational study was designed to assess the biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists, and possible differences regarding training time. METHODS: Both the application of methods for sterilization/disinfection of instruments and materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected through questionnaires via e-mail. RESULTS: The questionnaires were answered by 90 orthodontists with a mean age of 37.19 ± 9.08 years and mean training time of 13.52 ± 6.84 years. Regarding orthodontic pliers, 63.23% use an autoclave, except 1 who does not perform any procedure. All participants use autoclave to sterilize instruments, and 95.6% of respondents perform cleaning with chemicals prior to sterilization. Most of them (65.56%) use an autoclave to sterilize orthodontic bands, with some still associating disinfection methods, while few (18.89%) do nothing at all. There was a high incidence of the answer "nothing" for the methods used for elastic, accessories, bandages, metal springs, and arches. All respondents use mask and gloves in attendance, 78.92% use aprons, 58.92% use protective goggles, and 50.01% use cap. Training time significantly influenced (p = 0.003) only the use of glutaraldehyde for sterilization/disinfection of pliers. CONCLUSIONS: The sterilization and cleaning of pliers, instruments, and bands, besides the use of PPE, received more uniform and positive responses, while other items suggest disagreements and possible failures. Only orthodontists trained for more than 13 years choose using glutaraldehyde for pliers sterilization/disinfection, the only adopted method with a significant difference in relation to training time.

Biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists

ABSTRACT Objective: This cross-sectional observational study was designed to assess the biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists, and possible differences regarding training time. Methods: Both the application of methods for sterilization/disinfection of instruments and materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected through questionnaires via e-mail. Results: The questionnaires were answered by 90 orthodontists with a mean age of 37.19 ± 9.08 years and mean training time of 13.52 ± 6.84 years. Regarding orthodontic pliers, 63.23% use an autoclave, except 1 who does not perform any procedure. All participants use autoclave to sterilize instruments, and 95.6% of respondents perform cleaning with chemicals prior to sterilization. Most of them (65.56%) use an autoclave to sterilize orthodontic bands, with some still associating disinfection methods, while few (18.89%) do nothing at all. There was a high incidence of the answer "nothing" for the methods used for elastic, accessories, bandages, metal springs, and arches. All respondents use mask and gloves in attendance, 78.92% use aprons, 58.92% use protective goggles, and 50.01% use cap. Training time significantly influenced (p = 0.003) only the use of glutaraldehyde for sterilization/disinfection of pliers. Conclusions: The sterilization and cleaning of pliers, instruments, and bands, besides the use of PPE, received more uniform and positive responses, while other items suggest disagreements and possible failures. Only orthodontists trained for more than 13 years choose using glutaraldehyde for pliers sterilization/disinfection, the only adopted method with a significant difference in relation to training time.

RESUMO Objetivo: o presente estudo observacional transversal foi delineado para avaliar as condutas de biossegurança adotadas pelos ortodontistas, e as possíveis diferenças em função do tempo de formação. Métodos: tanto as técnicas de esterilização e desinfecção de instrumentais e materiais quanto o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual da equipe foram coletados por meio de questionários via e-mail. Resultados: os questionários foram respondidos por 90 ortodontistas, com idade média de 37,19 ± 9,08 anos e tempo médio de formação de 13,52 ± 6,84 anos. Quanto aos alicates ortodônticos, 63,23% usam autoclave, exceto aqueles que não realizam nenhum procedimento. Houve total abrangência no uso da esterilização do instrumental por autoclave, sendo que 95,6% realizam a limpeza com substâncias químicas previamente à esterilização. A maioria (65,56%) utiliza autoclave para a esterilização de anéis ortodônticos e alguns associam métodos de desinfecção, mas 18,89% nada fazem. Houve alta incidência da resposta "nada" para os métodos utilizados em elásticos, acessórios, ligaduras, molas e arcos. Todos os questionados utilizam máscara e luva no atendimento ortodôntico, 78,92% incluem o uso do avental, 58,92% usam óculos de proteção e 50,01% vestem o gorro (50,01%). O tempo de formação influenciou significativamente (p= 0,003) apenas no uso do glutaraldeído para esterilização e/ou desinfecção dos alicates. Conclusões: a esterilização e limpeza de alicates, instrumental de exame, aplicador de elásticos e anéis ortodônticos, além do uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, receberam respostas mais uniformes e positivas, enquanto os outros itens sugerem falhas. Apenas os ortodontistas formados há mais de treze anos optaram pelo uso do glutaraldeído para esterilização/desinfecção dos alicates ortodônticos, sendo a única conduta que mostrou diferença significativa em relação ao tempo de formação.

Clinical recognition of mouth breathers by orthodontists: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: A routine diagnosis of a patient's breathing status performed by an orthodontist normally includes visual assessment, medical history, clinical examination of habitual lip posture, size and shape of the nostrils, reflex control of the alar muscle and respiratory tests, and the dental mirror test. The objective of this study was to test the recognition of mouth breathers in young persons by an orthodontist and agreement with an otolaryngologist's reference diagnosis when routine assessments were carried out. METHODS: Three independent and blind evaluations were conducted on the same day by 2 orthodontists independently (anamnesis and breathing tests, respectively) and an otolaryngologist (rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and visual assessment). The weighted kappa coefficient was used to test intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement. The frequencies of answers and findings were reported for each breathing status. RESULTS: Fifty-five volunteers composed the sample of this study; 20 participants were nasal breathers, and 35 participants were classified as mouth breathers (and subdivided into mouth breathers with airway obstruction and mouth breathers by habit) by the otolaryngologist. The weighted kappa coefficient showed poor interrater agreement for most comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of mouth breathing in young persons by orthodontists is poor.

Retention period after treatment of posterior crossbite with maxillary expansion: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the duration of the retention period in growing patients undergoing maxillary expansion and its relation with posterior crossbite stability. METHODS:: Search strategies were executed for electronic databases Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, which were completed on January 15, 2016. The inclusion criteria included randomized, prospective or retrospective controlled trials in growing subjects with posterior crossbite; treated with maxillary expanders; retention phase after expansion; post-retention phase of at least 6 months. The exclusion criteria were anterior crossbite, craniofacial anomalies, surgery or another orthodontic intervention; case reports; author's opinions articles, thesis, literature reviews and systematic reviews. The risk of bias of selected articles was assessed with Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs and Downs and Black checklist for non-RCTs. RESULTS:: A total of 156 titles/abstracts was retrieved, 44 full-texts were examined, and 6 articles were selected and assessed for their methodological quality. The retention period after maxillary expansion ranged between 4 weeks and 16 months. Fixed (acrylic plate, Haas, Hyrax and quad-helix) or removable (Hawley and Hawley expander) appliances were used for retention. CONCLUSIONS:: Six months of retention with either fixed or removable appliances seem to be enough to avoid relapse or to guarantee minimal changes in a short-term follow-up.

Retention period after treatment of posterior crossbite with maxillary expansion: a systematic review

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the duration of the retention period in growing patients undergoing maxillary expansion and its relation with posterior crossbite stability. METHODS: Search strategies were executed for electronic databases Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, which were completed on January 15, 2016. The inclusion criteria included randomized, prospective or retrospective controlled trials in growing subjects with posterior crossbite; treated with maxillary expanders; retention phase after expansion; post-retention phase of at least 6 months. The exclusion criteria were anterior crossbite, craniofacial anomalies, surgery or another orthodontic intervention; case reports; author’s opinions articles, thesis, literature reviews and systematic reviews. The risk of bias of selected articles was assessed with Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs and Downs and Black checklist for non-RCTs. RESULTS: A total of 156 titles/abstracts was retrieved, 44 full-texts were examined, and 6 articles were selected and assessed for their methodological quality. The retention period after maxillary expansion ranged between 4 weeks and 16 months. Fixed (acrylic plate, Haas, Hyrax and quad-helix) or removable (Hawley and Hawley expander) appliances were used for retention. CONCLUSIONS: Six months of retention with either fixed or removable appliances seem to be enough to avoid relapse or to guarantee minimal changes in a short-term follow-up.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: o objetivo da presente revisão sistemática foi avaliar a duração do período de contenção e a estabilidade do tratamento ortodôntico com expansão maxilar em pacientes em crescimento com mordida cruzada posterior. MÉTODOS: foram realizadas buscas estratégicas nas bases eletrônicas: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed e Scopus, até 15 de janeiro de 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: estudos clínicos controlados e randomizados, prospectivos ou retrospectivos, de pacientes em crescimento com mordida cruzada; tratados com aparelhos expansores maxilares, com fase de contenção pós-expansão e no mínimo seis meses de fase de pós-contenção. Os critérios de exclusão foram: mordida cruzada anterior, anomalias craniofaciais, cirurgia ou outro tratamento ortodôntico; relato de casos; artigos de opinião; teses; revisões de literatura e revisões sistemáticas. O risco de viés dos artigos selecionados foi avaliado a partir do Cochrane risk of bias tool para ensaios clínicos randomizados e Downs and Black checklist para ensaios clínicos não randomizados. RESULTADOS: a busca resultou em 156 títulos/resumos, sendo 44 textos examinados na íntegra. Foram selecionados 6 artigos para o acesso à qualidade metodológica. A duração do período de contenção ocorreu entre 4 semanas e 6 meses. Aparelhos fixos (aparelho em acrílico, Haas, Hyrax e quad-helix) ou removíveis (Hawley e Hawley com expansor) foram utilizados na fase de contenção. CONCLUSÃO: parece que seis meses de contenção com aparelhos fixos ou removíveis são suficientes para evitar a recidiva ou garantir mudanças mínimas em um curto período de acompanhamento pós-contenção.

Perception of midline deviations in smile esthetics by laypersons

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the esthetic perception of upper dental midline deviation by laypersons and if adjacent structures influence their judgment. Methods: An album with 12 randomly distributed frontal view photographs of the smile of a woman with the midline digitally deviated was evaluated by 95 laypersons. The frontal view smiling photograph was modified to create from 1 mm to 5 mm deviations in the upper midline to the left side. The photographs were cropped in two different manners and divided into two groups of six photographs each: group LCN included the lips, chin, and two-thirds of the nose, and group L included the lips only. The laypersons performed the rate of each smile using a visual analog scale (VAS). Wilcoxon test, Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test were applied, adopting a 5% level of significance. Results: Laypersons were able to perceive midline deviations starting at 1 mm. Statistically significant results (p< 0.05) were found for all multiple comparisons of the values in photographs of group LCN and for almost all comparisons in photographs of group L. Comparisons between the photographs of groups LCN and L showed statistically significant values (p< 0.05) when the deviation was 1 mm. Conclusions: Laypersons were able to perceive the upper dental midline deviations of 1 mm, and above when the adjacent structures of the smiles were included. Deviations of 2 mm and above when the lips only were included. The visualization of structures adjacent to the smile demonstrated influence on the perception of midline deviation.

RESUMO Objetivo: este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a percepção estética dos desvios da linha média dentária superior por indivíduos leigos, assim como se as estruturas adjacentes influenciam nesse julgamento. Métodos: um álbum contendo 12 fotografias frontais do sorriso de uma mulher, aleatoriamente distribuídas e com a linha média desviada digitalmente, foi avaliado por 95 indivíduos leigos. As fotografias frontais de sorriso foram modificadas para criar desvios de 1 mm a 5 mm para a esquerda na linha média superior. As fotografias foram obtidas de duas maneiras e divididas em dois grupos de seis fotografias cada: Grupo LCN, incluindo lábios, mento e dois terços do nariz; e Grupo L, incluindo apenas os lábios. Os indivíduos leigos classificaram o sorriso de acordo com uma Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Os testes de Wilcoxon, tde Student e Mann-Whitney foram aplicados, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: os leigos foram capazes de perceber desvios da linha média a partir de 1 mm. Resultados estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,05) foram encontrados para todas as múltiplas comparações dos valores nas fotografias do Grupo LCN e para quase todas as comparações nas fotografias do Grupo L. As comparações entre as fotografias dos grupos LCN e L mostraram valores estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,05) quando o desvio foi de 1 mm. Conclusões: os indivíduos leigos foram capazes de perceber os desvios da linha média de 1 mm; e acima desses, quando estruturas adjacentes ao sorriso apareciam nas fotografias. Desvios de 2 mm ou mais foram percebidos apenas quando os lábios apareciam nas fotografias; a visualização das estruturas adjacentes ao sorriso pareceu ter influência sobre a percepção dos desvios da linha média.

Perception of midline deviations in smile esthetics by laypersons.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the esthetic perception of upper dental midline deviation by laypersons and if adjacent structures influence their judgment. METHODS:: An album with 12 randomly distributed frontal view photographs of the smile of a woman with the midline digitally deviated was evaluated by 95 laypersons. The frontal view smiling photograph was modified to create from 1 mm to 5 mm deviations in the upper midline to the left side. The photographs were cropped in two different manners and divided into two groups of six photographs each: group LCN included the lips, chin, and two-thirds of the nose, and group L included the lips only. The laypersons performed the rate of each smile using a visual analog scale (VAS). Wilcoxon test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test were applied, adopting a 5% level of significance. RESULTS:: Laypersons were able to perceive midline deviations starting at 1 mm. Statistically significant results (p< 0.05) were found for all multiple comparisons of the values in photographs of group LCN and for almost all comparisons in photographs of group L. Comparisons between the photographs of groups LCN and L showed statistically significant values (p< 0.05) when the deviation was 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS:: Laypersons were able to perceive the upper dental midline deviations of 1 mm, and above when the adjacent structures of the smiles were included. Deviations of 2 mm and above when the lips only were included. The visualization of structures adjacent to the smile demonstrated influence on the perception of midline deviation.

Treatment of midfacial hypoplasia in syndromic and cleft lip and palate patients by means of a rigid external distractor (RED).

INTRODUCTION: Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) became an alternative for the treatment of severe craniofacial skeletal dysplasias. The rigid external distraction device (RED) is successfully used to advance the maxilla and all the maxillary-orbital-frontal complex (monobloc) in children, adolescents and adults. This approach provides predictable and stable results, and it can be applied alone or with craniofacial orthognathic surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: In the present article, the technical aspects relevant to an adequate application of the RED will be described, including the planning, surgical and orthodontic procedures.

Treatment of midfacial hypoplasia in syndromic and cleft lip and palate patients by means of a rigid external distractor (RED)

INTRODUCTION: Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) became an alternative for the treatment of severe craniofacial skeletal dysplasias. The rigid external distraction device (RED) is successfully used to advance the maxilla and all the maxillary-orbital-frontal complex (monobloc) in children, adolescents and adults. This approach provides predictable and stable results, and it can be applied alone or with craniofacial orthognathic surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: In the present article, the technical aspects relevant to an adequate application of the RED will be described, including the planning, surgical and orthodontic procedures.

INTRODUÇÃO: a Distração Osteogênica (DO) tornou-se uma alternativa para o tratamento das displasias craniofaciais esqueléticas severas. O aparelho distrator externo rígido (RED) é utilizado com êxito para avançar a maxila e todo o complexo maxilar-orbital-frontal (monobloco) em crianças, adolescentes e adultos. Essa abordagem proporciona resultados previsíveis e estáveis, podendo ser aplicada isoladamente ou junto a procedimentos cirúrgicos ortognáticos craniofaciais. OBJETIVO: no presente artigo, serão descritos os aspectos técnicos pertinentes a uma adequada aplicação do RED, incluindo o planejamento, procedimentos cirúrgicos e ortodônticos.

Avaliação in vitro da força liberada por elásticos em cadeia / In vitro evaluation of force delivered by elastomeric chains

OBJETIVO: avaliar in vitro e comparar a redução de intensidade das forças liberadas por três grupos de elásticos em cadeia, com diferentes configurações, de um mesmo fabricante, medidas em intervalos de tempo preestabelecidos. MÉTODOS: os segmentos de elásticos em cadeia foram alongados e mantidos ativados durante o experimento com o auxílio de um dispositivo desenvolvido especialmente para esse fim e para possibilitar a leitura das forças. A avaliação da degradação da força foi realizada medindo-se a intensidade da força ao longo do tempo, e calculando-se o percentual de força perdida em relação à força inicial, em cada intervalo de tempo e para cada amostra testada. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: os dados coletados foram submetidos a análises estatísticas e os resultados demonstraram que, nos momentos seguintes ao inicial, a intensidade da força variou, dentro dos grupos e entre os grupos, nos diferentes momentos. A leitura dos valores das forças remanescentes em cada momento, comparada à referência da força inicial, resultou em valores diferentes, com significância estatística, em todas as comparações efetuadas dentro de cada grupo de elásticos (curto, médio, longo). Após a análise dos resultados das comparações entre os grupos de elásticos em cadeia, conclui-se que, apesar de verificados alguns resultados estatisticamente significativos para a comparação das magnitudes das forças liberadas em cada momento, essas diferenças parecem não ter expressão clínica, demonstrando que, aparentemente, o espaçamento entre os elos não representa uma característica clinicamente significativa na degradação da força ao longo do tempo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare, in vitro, the decrease in the forces delivered in three groups of elastomeric chains, produced by the same manufacturer, according to the distance between links (short, medium, long). METHODS: The segments of elastomeric chains were stretched and kept activated during the trial using a device developed especially for this purpose, which also allowed force readings. Force degradation was evaluated by measuring force along time and calculating the percentage of force decrease from initial force at each time interval and for each specimen under test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Data were statistically analyzed and results showed that at the different time points after initial readings, force intensity varied within and between groups. Readings of remaining forces at each time moment compared with the initial reference force revealed statistically significant differences in all the comparisons in each group of elastics (short, medium, long). Although the comparisons between forces delivered at each time point revealed statistically significant differences, these differences do not seem to have a clinical significance. The space between links does not seem to be a clinically significant characteristic in force degradation along time.

Guias clínicos e radiográficos utilizados para a predição do surto de crescimento puberal / Clinical and radiographic guidelines to predict pubertal growth spurt

OBJETIVO: o objetivo desse artigo é chamar a atenção para a organização das informações disponíveis nos exames e durante o tratamento ortodôntico de indivíduos em crescimento, as quais servem como guias para a predição do estágio do surto de crescimento puberal. CONCLUSÃO: tais informações fornecem oportunidades de acréscimos no diagnóstico e prognóstico dos casos e na tomada de decisões do planejamento, evolução do tratamento e da fase de contenção, principalmente daqueles pacientes que apresentam más oclusões associadas a desarmonias esqueléticas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the organization of information available on exams and during orthodontic treatment in growing patients, which serve as guides for predicting the stage of pubertal growth spurt. CONCLUSION: these data provide opportunities for increments in diagnosis and prognosis of cases and decisions in the planning, evolution of treatment and contention phase, especially those patients with malocclusion associated with skeletal disharmonies.

Ceramic surface polishing techniques after removal of orthodontic adhesive.

OBJECTIVE: Verify the in vitro effectiveness of different porcelain surface polishing systems used after orthodontic debonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Restorations were simulated by 52 metallic samples covered with glazed feldspathic porcelain. Four of these intact samples composed the control group (C). The remaining samples were divided into four groups (n = 12), according to the surface preparation they were to receive: no surface treatment (G1); roughened with a diamond bur (G2); etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid (G3); and sandblasted with aluminum oxide (G4). All experimental samples were treated with silane and bonded with a primer and standardized amount of adhesive. After composite removal, each group was divided into subgroups randomly (n = 4), according to the porcelain polishing system used: Edenta (P1); Identoflex (P2); and Komet (P3). All 52 sample-surfaces were evaluated quantitatively with a profilometer, and a mean roughness profile (Ra) value was determined for each sample. Both control and experimental specimens were evaluated qualitatively using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess surface morphology. RESULTS: Statistical analysis with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey multiple comparisons test showed statistical differences between surface preparation groups (G1 not equal G2 = G3 = G4), at alpha = .05 level of significance; as for polishing protocols, no statistical difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: The surface preparation was the determinant for final surface texture. No combination between surface preparation and polishing system was able to reestablish the original glazed porcelain smoothness.