Evaluation of enamel thickness of mandibular incisors.

OBJECTIVE: To measure enamel thickness at the proximal surfaces of the mandibular incisors, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one single-rooted mandibular incisors were selected and analyzed according to anatomical characteristics, to form three groups: Group 1 - central incisors (n = 18); Group 2 - right lateral incisors (n = 10); and Group 3 - left lateral incisors (n = 13). First, enamel thickness at the proximal contact areas of the mandibular incisors was measured. Second, the mesial and distal surfaces of the lateral incisors were compared. Finally, the relationship between the tooth width and the mean enamel thickness was determined. Each tooth was scanned with a micro-CT scanner, and the image was processed with SCANCO micro-CT onboard analysis software. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in mean enamel thickness between the mesial and distal surfaces for each lateral incisor, or between contralateral lateral incisors. In all surfaces analyzed, the upper zones had statistically significantly thinner enamel (0.52 ± 0.10 mm) when compared to the middle and lower zones (0.60 ± 0.08 mm and 0.59 ± 0.08 mm, respectively). There was no correlation (r =0.07) between enamel thickness of the mandibular incisor and the tooth width. CONCLUSIONS: The enamel thickness of the mandibular incisors is similar on the mesial and distal surfaces, with the thinnest layer located at the upper zone.

Evaluation of enamel thickness of mandibular incisors

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure enamel thickness at the proximal surfaces of the mandibular incisors, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans. Material and Methods: Forty-one single-rooted mandibular incisors were selected and analyzed according to anatomical characteristics, to form three groups: Group 1 - central incisors (n = 18); Group 2 - right lateral incisors (n = 10); and Group 3 - left lateral incisors (n = 13). First, enamel thickness at the proximal contact areas of the mandibular incisors was measured. Second, the mesial and distal surfaces of the lateral incisors were compared. Finally, the relationship between the tooth width and the mean enamel thickness was determined. Each tooth was scanned with a micro-CT scanner, and the image was processed with SCANCO micro-CT onboard analysis software. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in mean enamel thickness between the mesial and distal surfaces for each lateral incisor, or between contralateral lateral incisors. In all surfaces analyzed, the upper zones had statistically significantly thinner enamel (0.52 ± 0.10 mm) when compared to the middle and lower zones (0.60 ± 0.08 mm and 0.59 ± 0.08 mm, respectively). There was no correlation (r =0.07) between enamel thickness of the mandibular incisor and the tooth width. Conclusions: The enamel thickness of the mandibular incisors is similar on the mesial and distal surfaces, with the thinnest layer located at the upper zone.

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir a espessura do esmalte nas superfícies proximais dos incisivos inferiores, usando imagens de microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Material e Métodos: Quarenta e um incisivos inferiores com raiz única foram selecionados e analisados de acordo com as características anatômicas, formando três grupos: Grupo 1 - incisivos centrais (n = 18); Grupo 2 - incisivos laterais direitos (n = 10); e Grupo 3 - incisivos laterais esquerdos (n = 13). Primeiro, foi medida a espessura do esmalte nas áreas de contato proximal dos incisivos inferiores. Em segundo lugar, as faces mesial e distal dos incisivos laterais foram comparadas. Por fim, foi determinada a relação entre a largura do dente e a espessura média do esmalte. Cada dente foi escaneado com um scanner micro-CT, e a imagem foi processada com o software de análise SCANCO micro-CT. Resultados: Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na espessura média do esmalte entre as superfícies mesial e distal de cada incisivo lateral, ou entre os incisivos laterais contralaterais. Em todas as superfícies analisadas, as zonas superiores apresentaram esmalte significativamente mais fino (0,52 ± 0,10 mm) quando comparadas às zonas média e inferior (0,60 ± 0,08 mm e 0,59 ± 0,08 mm, respectivamente). Não houve correlação (r = 0,07) entre a espessura do esmalte do incisivo inferior e a largura do dente. Conclusões: A espessura do esmalte dos incisivos inferiores é semelhante nas faces mesial e distal, com a camada mais fina localizada na zona superior.

Sistema Essix MTM – uma alternativa estética para movimentação / MTM Essix system – an aesthetic alternative for dental movement-two case reports

O aumento do interesse por parte dos adultos em tratamentos ortodônticos tem levado as empresas a desenvolverem novas alternativas que utilizem aparelhos ortodônticos menos perceptíveis e mais estéticos. Os alinhadores estéticos destacam-se entre as opções de tratamento que atendem a estas expectativas. Serão apresentados neste trabalho alguns aspectos relevantes sobre estes dispositivos, além de dois casos clínicos tratados com o sistema Essix MTM (Dentsply), em que todos os objetivos estéticos e funcionais propostos foram alcançados. Os resultados encontrados neste trabalho corroboram com a ideia de que, quando bem indicados, os alinhadores estéticos são uma opção viável de tratamento dentro do cotidiano clínico do ortodontista...

The increased interest in orthodontics by adults has led companies to develop new treatment alternatives that use less visible and more aesthetic orthodontic appliances. The aesthetic aligners stand out among the treatment options that attend these expectations. This paper presented some relevant aspects of these devices, as well as two cases treated with Essix MTM (Dentsply) system, in which all aesthetic and functional objectives proposed treatment have been achieved. The results of this study support the idea that, when properly indicated, aesthetic aligners are a viable treatment option within the clinical routine of the orthodontist...

Extração seriada: considerações clínicas / Serial extraction: clinical considerations

O tratamento “precoce” das más-oclusões tem despertado interesse crescente da comunidade ortodôntica. Dentre estes, destaca-se a extração seriada que visa conciliar as diferenças entre a quantidade conhecida do material dentário e a deficiência permanente do osso de suporte. A técnica é aplicada na dentadura mista, por meio de uma sequência pré-determinada de exodontias entre dentes decíduos e permanentes, na busca do alinhamento imediato, de preferência espontâneo, dos dentes permanentes remanescentes com uma terapia ortodôntica mecânica mínima. Será relatado um caso clínico no qual foi realizada a extração seriada em um paciente com má-oclusão de Classe I, em crescimento, com apinhamento severo e biprotruso. Todos os objetivos estéticos e funcionais foram alcançados...

The early malocclusion treatment has increased interest of orthodontic community. Among these is the serial extraction that harmonizes the differences between the amount of dental material and permanent deficiency of supporting bone. The technique is applied in mixed dentition through a predetermined sequence of extractions between deciduous and permanent teeth, in order to reach spontaneous immediately alignment of remaining permanent teeth with a minimum orthodontic mechanics. It will be reported a case where the serial extraction was performed in a growing patient with biprotrusion, Class I malocclusion and severe crowding. All functional and aesthetics goals were reached...