The effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of maxillary incisors' retraction in orthodontic space closure: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This single-centered randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in accelerating the orthodontic retraction of maxillary incisors. METHODS: Forty-two patients aged 16-40 were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, one which underwent MOPs (MOPG) in the buccal and palatal region of all maxillary incisors immediately before the start of retraction and one which did not (CG). Eligibility criteria included the orthodontic need for maxillary first premolars extraction and space closure in two phases. The primary outcome of the study consisted of measuring the rate of space closure and, consequently, the rate of incisors' retraction using digital model superimposition 14 days later and monthly thereafter for the next 4 months. The secondary outcomes included measuring anchorage loss, central incisors' inclination, and root length shortening, analyzed using cone beam computed tomography scans acquired before retraction and 4 months after retraction. Randomization was performed using QuickCalcs software. While clinical blinding was not possible, the image's examinator was blinded. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned to each group. However, due to various reasons, a total of 37 patients (17 male and 20 female) were analyzed (mean age: 24.3 ± 8.1 years in the MOPG; 22.2 ± 4.2 years in the CG) during the trial. No statistically significant difference was found between the MOPG and the CG regarding the incisors' retraction measured at different time points at the incisal border (14 days, 0.4 mm vs. 0.5 mm; 1 month, 0.79 mm vs. 0.77 mm; 2 months, 1.47 mm vs. 1.41 mm; 3 months, 2.09 mm vs. 1.88 mm; 4 months, 2.62 mm vs. 2.29 mm) and at the cervical level (14 days, 0.28 mm vs. 0.30 mm; 1 month, 0.41 mm vs. 0.32 mm; 2 months, 0.89 mm vs. 0.61 mm; 3 months, 1.36 mm vs. 1.10 mm; 4 months, 1.73 mm vs. 1.39 mm). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were detected in the space closure, anchorage loss, central incisors' inclination, and radicular length between groups. No adverse effect was observed during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: MOPs did not accelerate the retraction of the maxillary incisors, nor were they associated with greater incisor inclination or root resorption. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03089996. Registered 24 March 2017- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03089996 .

Is the computed tomography exam important for planning mini-implant installation?

Background: Mini-implants are devices used to provide absolute and temporary anchorage for tooth movement. Objectives: The present study was carried out to compare the use of periapical radiographs and computed tomography (CT) for planning mini-implants performed by orthodontists. Material and Methods: Five radiographs and five CT scans of premolars and molars regions. These were analyzed by ten Orthodontists. Initially (T1), the evaluators indicated the preferred location for the insertion of a mini-implant, as well as the diameter and length of the device, using only a periapical radiograph. After 30 days (T2), the same evaluation was performed. Sixty days later (T3), the orthodontists reassessed the radiographs in association with the CT scans. Finally, after 90 days (T4), the evaluation was performed with the same exams. The comparison of the chosen diameter and length of the mini-implants was performed using the Student's t-test. The evaluation of the chosen insertion sites was analyzed by the Wilcoxon test. For both tests, the level of significance was 5%. The kappa concordance test was also performed for the intra- and inter-examiner evaluations. Results: The results of the study showed substantial or perfect intra-examiner and reasonable to perfect inter-examiner agreement. Considering the length and diameter of the mini-implants, no statistical difference was found between the groups. Regarding the insertion site, more than 20% of the treatment plans were changed when the CT scan was associated. Conclusions: The results showed that the association of a CT scan with radiography frequently leads the professional to change the insertion point for the installation of mini-implants. Key words:Orthodontic anchorage procedures. Mini Dental Implants. Bone Screws. Cone-beam computed tomography. Periapical radiography.

Mechanical Properties of Mini-Implants Used in Extra-Radicular Anchorage

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-implants (MIs) manufactured from stainless steel and compare them with conventional titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs. Material and Methods: The following groups were formed: G1 (n=24), 8×1.5 mm steel MIs; G2 (n=24), 12×2.0 mm steel MIs; and G3 (n=24), 10×1.5 mm titanium MIs. The 72 MIs were inserted in the infra zygomatic crest region of the maxilla and retromolar trigone in the jaw of 10 pigs. Pull-out, insertion torque, fracture and percussion tests were performed in order to measure the tensile strength, primary stability and fracture strength of MIs. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion and fracture torque, a universal mechanical testing machine was used for pull-out testing and a periotest device was used to measure the micromovement of MIs. For morphological and MI component evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. D'Agostino & Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-hoc and normality tests were used. Results: G2 insertion and fracture torques were significantly higher than G1 and G3 insertion and fracture torques (p<0.05). The pull-out and percussion tests presented similar values among the groups. SEM revealed that the fracture point was predominantly on the fourth thread for steel MIs (G1 and G2) and on the seventh thread for titanium-aluminum-vanadium MIs (G3). Conclusion: The mechanical properties of stainless steel MIs are superior to those of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs.

Three-dimensional nasal septum and maxillary changes following rapid maxillary expansion in patients with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the three-dimensional changes of the nasal septum (NS), alveolar width, alveolar cleft volume, and maxillary basal bone following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective investigation was conducted based on the analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 40 consecutive patients with UCLP (mean age 11.1 ± 2.2 years). Scans were acquired prior to RME (T0) and after removal of the expander (T1) before graft surgery. A three-dimensional analysis of the effects of RME on the nasal septum, alveolar width, alveolar cleft volume, and maxillary basal bone was performed. RESULTS: No changes in the NS deviation were observed following RME (P > .05). Significant increases of the alveolar transverse dimension were found in the anterior (14.2%; P < .001) and posterior (7.7%; P < .001) regions as well as in the volume of the alveolar cleft (19.6%; P < .001). No changes in the basal bone dimensions and morphology were observed (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Following RME, no changes were observed in the NS and maxillary basal bones of patients with UCLP despite the significant gain in the anterior and posterior alveolar width and the increase of the alveolar cleft defect. Clinicians should be aware that maxillary changes following RME in patients with UCLP are restricted to the dentoalveolar region.

Are computed tomography 3D measurements of the upper airways in mouth-breathing children in agreement with the ENT clinical diagnosis of obstruction? / Medidas obtidas por tomografia computadorizada em 3D das vias aéreas superiores em crianças com respiração bucal estão de acordo com o diagnóstico clínico-otorrinolaringológico de obstrução?

Abstract Introduction: Imaging studies have hystorically been used to support the clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation of the upper respiratory tract for the diagnosis of obstructive causes of oral breathing. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare 3D volumetric measurements of nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx of obstructed mouth-breathing children with measurements of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. Methods: This retrospective study included 25 mouth-breathing children aged 5-9 years evaluated by otorhinolaryngological clinical examination, flexible nasoendoscopy and full-head multi-slice computed tomography. Tomographic volumetric measurements and dichotomic otorhinolaryngological diagnosis (obstructed vs. non-obstructed) in three anatomical regions (the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx) were compared and correlated. An independent sample t-test was used to assess the association between the 3D measurements of the upper airways and the otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of obstruction in the three anatomical regions. Inter- and intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the reliability of the 3D measurements. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.97 to 0.99. An association was found between turbinate hypertrophy and nasal cavity volume reduction (p < 0.05) and between adenoid hyperplasia and nasopharynx volume reduction (p < 0.001). No association was found between palatine tonsil hyperplasia and oropharynx volume reduction. Conclusions: (1) The nasal cavity volume was reduced when hypertrophic turbinates were diagnosed; (2) the nasopharynx was reduced when adenoid hyperplasia was diagnosed; and (3) the oropharynx volume of mouth-breathing children with tonsil hyperplasia was similar to that of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. The adoption of the actual anatomy of the various compartments of the upper airway is an improvement to the evaluation method.

Resumo Introdução: O exame clínico otorrinolaringológico da via aérea superior tem sido historicamente feito com a ajuda de imagens radiográficas para diagnosticar causas obstrutivas da respiração bucal. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as medidas volumétricas em 3D da cavidade nasal, nasofaringe e orofaringe entre crianças com respiração bucal e obstrução respiratória e crianças respiradoras bucais sem obstrução respiratória. Método: Estudo retrospectivo que inclui 25 crianças respiradoras bucais de 5 a 9 anos. As crianças foram avaliadas por exame clínico otorrinolaringológico, nasofibroscopia flexível e tomografia computadorizada multi-slice. Medidas volumétricas obtidas tomograficamente de três regiões anatômicas (cavidade nasal, nasofaringe e orofaringe) foram correlacionadas e comparadas com diagnóstico dicotômico otorrinolaringológico (obstruído vs. não obstruído). Um teste t de amostra independente foi usado para avaliar a associação entre as medidas em 3D das vias aéreas superiores e o diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico de obstrução nas três regiões anatômicas. Os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse inter e intraobservador foram usados para avaliar a confiabilidade das medidas em 3D. Resultados: O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse variou de 0,97 a 0,99. Uma associação foi encontrada entre a hipertrofia de conchas e a redução do volume da cavidade nasal (p < 0,05) e entre a hiperplasia de tonsila faríngea e a redução do volume da nasofaringe (p < 0,001). Não foi encontrada associação entre a hiperplasia da tonsila palatina e a redução do volume da orofaringe. Conclusões: 1) O volume da cavidade nasal estava reduzido nas crianças com diagnóstico de hipertrofia de conchas; 2) O volume da nasofaringe estava reduzido nas crianças com diagnóstico de hiperplasia de tonsila faríngea; e 3) O volume da orofaringe de crianças com respiração bucal e hiperplasia de tonsila palatina foi semelhante ao de crianças respiradoras bucais sem aumento da tonsila palatina. A adoção da mensuração anatômica dos vários compartimentos da via aérea superior complementa o método de avaliação.

Are computed tomography 3D measurements of the upper airways in mouth-breathing children in agreement with the ENT clinical diagnosis of obstruction?

INTRODUCTION: Imaging studies have hystorically been used to support the clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation of the upper respiratory tract for the diagnosis of obstructive causes of oral breathing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare 3D volumetric measurements of nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx of obstructed mouth-breathing children with measurements of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 mouth-breathing children aged 5-9 years evaluated by otorhinolaryngological clinical examination, flexible nasoendoscopy and full-head multi-slice computed tomography. Tomographic volumetric measurements and dichotomic otorhinolaryngological diagnosis (obstructed vs. non-obstructed) in three anatomical regions (the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx) were compared and correlated. An independent sample t-test was used to assess the association between the 3D measurements of the upper airways and the otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of obstruction in the three anatomical regions. Inter- and intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the reliability of the 3D measurements. RESULTS: The intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.97 to 0.99. An association was found between turbinate hypertrophy and nasal cavity volume reduction (p<0.05) and between adenoid hyperplasia and nasopharynx volume reduction (p<0.001). No association was found between palatine tonsil hyperplasia and oropharynx volume reduction. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The nasal cavity volume was reduced when hypertrophic turbinates were diagnosed; (2) the nasopharynx was reduced when adenoid hyperplasia was diagnosed; and (3) the oropharynx volume of mouth-breathing children with tonsil hyperplasia was similar to that of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children. The adoption of the actual anatomy of the various compartments of the upper airway is an improvement to the evaluation method.

Facial asymmetry: virtual planning to optimize treatment predictability and aesthetic results

Abstract Facial asymmetry is a condition that compromises function and social interactions and, consequently, the quality of life. Orthodontic-surgical treatment may be indicated to achieve a stable occlusion and significant improvement in facial aesthetics. The virtual planning of the maxillary, mandibular and chin movements can be done prior to surgery. These movements can be successfully performed with the use of prototyped guides obtained from virtual planning. The aim of this article is to show the state of the art of treatments of facial asymmetries, and emphasize how important is the multi-disciplinary approach to achieve predictable aesthetic and functionally stable results in a patient with facial asymmetry and chin protrusion.

Resumo A assimetria facial é uma condição capaz de comprometer a função oclusal e as interações sociais e, consequentemente, a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Nessas condições, para se obter oclusão estável e melhora significativa na estética facial, o tratamento ortodôntico-cirúrgico pode estar indicado. A simulação virtual da cirurgia permite planejar de forma adequada, e antecipada, os movimentos cirúrgicos a serem efetuados na maxila, mandíbula e mento. Esses movimentos são, então, realizados com sucesso graças ao uso de guias prototipados obtidos a partir do planejamento virtual. Assim, os objetivos do presente artigo consistem em relatar o estado da arte no planejamento virtual do tratamento de um paciente com assimetria facial e protrusão do mento, e enfatizar a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar para se atingir resultados estéticos previsíveis e funcionalmente estáveis.

Successful and stable orthodontic camouflage of a mandibular asymmetry with sliding jigs.

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a simple and low-cost clinical approach to correct an asymmetric skeletal Class III combined to an extensive dental open bite that significantly compromised the occlusal function and smile aesthetics of an adult male patient. The patient did not accept the idealistic surgical-orthodontic treatment option, neither the use of temporary anchorage devices to facilitate the camouflage of the asymmetrical skeletal Class III/open bite. Therefore, a very simple and inexpensive biomechanical approach using sliding jigs in the mandibular arch was implemented as the compensatory treatment of the malocclusion. Although minor enhancements in facial aesthetics were obtained, the occlusal function and dental aesthetics were significantly improved. Furthermore, the patient was very satisfied with his new smile appearance. Some advantages of this treatment option included the small invasiveness and the remarkably low financial costs involved. Moreover, the final results fulfilled all realistic treatment objectives and the patient's expectations. Results remained stable 5 years post-treatment demonstrating that excellent results can be obtained when simple and low cost, but well-controlled mechanics are conducted.

Facial asymmetry: virtual planning to optimize treatment predictability and aesthetic results.

Facial asymmetry is a condition that compromises function and social interactions and, consequently, the quality of life. Orthodontic-surgical treatment may be indicated to achieve a stable occlusion and significant improvement in facial aesthetics. The virtual planning of the maxillary, mandibular and chin movements can be done prior to surgery. These movements can be successfully performed with the use of prototyped guides obtained from virtual planning. The aim of this article is to show the state of the art of treatments of facial asymmetries, and emphasize how important is the multi-disciplinary approach to achieve predictable aesthetic and functionally stable results in a patient with facial asymmetry and chin protrusion.

Upper airway assessment using four different maxillary expanders in cleft patients: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anterior and posterior maxillary width, the nasal passage volume, the oropharyngeal minimum axial area, and volume changes in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients treated with one of the following four expanders: Hyrax, Fan-Type, inverted mini-hyrax supported on the first permanent molars (iMini-M), or inverted mini-hyrax supported on the first premolars (iMini-B). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with transverse maxillary deficiency who were submitted for rapid maxillary expansion were divided in four groups according to type of expander used. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before and 3 months after expansion. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences among the groups, and paired t-tests were used to evaluate the changes in each group. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant increase in the anterior maxillary width, with no intergroup differences. The iMini-B was the only group that did not show a significant increase in the posterior maxillary width. The intergroup comparison demonstrated differences among all groups except between Hyrax and iMini-M, which showed the greatest posterior expansions. The intragroup analysis showed a significant increase in the nasal passage volume in hyrax and inverted mini-hyrax on the molar groups, but the intergroup comparison revealed a significant difference only between Fan-Type and inverted mini-hyrax on the molars. None of the expanders caused significant changes in the oropharyngeal measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Only the Hyrax and inverted mini-hyrax on the molar expanders effectively increased the nasal passage volume, and none of the expanders evaluated in this study modified the oropharyngeal airway.

Phase II study with mounthrinse containing 5% of propolis for three-months: compliance, appreciation and acceptability of the product / Estudo fase II com colutório contendo própolis 5%: aderência, apreciação e aceitabilidade do produto

A placa dentária é considerada um fator etiológico chave associado a gengivite decorrente. A sua remoção pode ser difícil em pacientes que possuam coordenação motora deficiente ou quaisquer outros problemas. Então, ouso do bochecho como adjunto da escovação no controle da placa bacteriana e da gengivite pode aumentar os benefícios no controle de placa dental. Um estudo de fase II foi utilizado para avaliar a aderência, a apreciação e a aceitabilidade de um enxaguatório bucal sem álcool contendo 5% de própolis verde (EPV 5%) no controle de placa e gengivite durante três meses. Cada indivíduo, ao final do estudo, respondeu a um questionário sobre a apreciação e aceitabilidade do enxaguante bucal. Vinte e um pacientes completaram o estudo, apesar de a maioria deles terem considerado o sabor do EPV 5% desagradável. Eles ficaram satisfeitos com o produto e apontaram as mudanças positivas na saúde bucal após o período de tratamento. Sendo assim, a adesão foi satisfatória (≥80%) sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre os períodos de bochecho da manhã da noite.

Dental plaque is considered a key etiological factor associated with arising gingivitis. Its removal can be difficult in pacients with lack of coordination or any other problems. Then, the use of mouthrinse as adjunct to toothbrushing in control of plaque and gingivitis might increase the benefits of controlling dental plaque. A phase II study was used to evaluate the compliance, appreciation and acceptability of an alcohol-free mouthwash contain 5% green propolis (MGP 5%) in control of plaque and gingivitis for three months. Each subject, at the end of the study, answered a questionnaire about appreciation and acceptance of the mouthwash. Twenty one subjects completed the study, although most of them felt the taste of MGP 5% unpleasant. They were satisfied with the product, pointing positive changes in the oral health after the treatment period. Then, the compliance was satisfactory (≥ 80%) with no statistically significant difference between the periods of rinsing in the morning and at night