Esthetic perceptions of facial silhouettes after treatment with a mandibular protraction appliance.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the effects on the facial silhouettes produced by a mandibular protraction appliance associated with corrective treatment in Class II patients. METHODS: The sample consisted of 54 (27 initial and 27 final) lateral radiographs from 27 patients. Of these patients, 14 were girls and 13 were boys, with a mean initial age of 12.27 years and a mean treatment period of 2.9 years. An album containing the silhouettes of the pretreatment and posttreatment profiles based on the lateral cephalograms of the patients was prepared. Then, 60 orthodontists and 60 laypeople chose the more esthetic facial silhouette (A or B) and the amount of alterations they perceived between the 2 silhouettes, according to a visual analog scale. A paired t test was used to compare the 2 groups of evaluators with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Differences between the preferences regarding the pretreatment and posttreatment facial silhouettes were statistically significant for both groups. The posttreatment silhouettes were preferred by most evaluators. The visual analog scale scores showed that the lay evaluators identified greater differences between the pretreatment and posttreatment silhouettes than did the orthodontists (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evaluators' judgments, treatment with the mandibular protraction appliance had a positive effect on the facial silhouette, and the laypeople better perceived this effect.

Periodontal and dental effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, assessed by using digital study models.

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the maxillary dental arch changes produced by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). METHODS: Dental casts from 18 patients (mean age of 23.3 years) were obtained at treatment onset (T1), three months after SARME (T2) and 6 months after expansion (T3). The casts were scanned in a 3D scanner (D-250, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Maxillary dental arch width, dental crown tipping and height were measured and assessed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Increased transversal widths from T1 and T2 and the maintenance of these values from T2 and T3 were observed. Buccal teeth tipping also showed statistically significant differences, with an increase in all teeth from T1 to T2 and a decrease from T2 to T3. No statistically significant difference was found for dental crown height, except for left first and second molars, although clinically irrelevant. CONCLUSION: SARME proved to be an effective and stable procedure, with minimum periodontal hazards.

Periodontal and dental effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, assessed by using digital study models

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the maxillary dental arch changes produced by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). METHODS: Dental casts from 18 patients (mean age of 23.3 years) were obtained at treatment onset (T1), three months after SARME (T2) and 6 months after expansion (T3). The casts were scanned in a 3D scanner (D-250, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Maxillary dental arch width, dental crown tipping and height were measured and assessed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Increased transversal widths from T1 and T2 and the maintenance of these values from T2 and T3 were observed. Buccal teeth tipping also showed statistically significant differences, with an increase in all teeth from T1 to T2 and a decrease from T2 to T3. No statistically significant difference was found for dental crown height, except for left first and second molars, although clinically irrelevant. CONCLUSION: SARME proved to be an effective and stable procedure, with minimum periodontal hazards. .

OBJETIVOS: o presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar as alterações dentárias e periodontais decorrentes da Expansão Rápida da Maxila Assistida Cirurgicamente (ERMAC). MÉTODOS: foram obtidos os modelos de gesso de 18 pacientes (média de idade de 23,3 anos), ao início (T1), 3 meses após a ERMAC (T2) e 6 meses após a expansão (T3). Os modelos foram digitalizados (Scanner 3D 3Shape D-250) e mensuraram-se as distâncias transversais, bem como a inclinação e a altura da coroa clínica dos dentes posteriores. Para análise dos resultados, aplicou-se a análise de Variância e o teste de Tukey. RESULTADOS: nas distâncias transversais, observou-se um aumento de T1 para T2 e uma manutenção de T2 para T3. As inclinações dentárias demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas em alguns dentes; porém, numericamente tenderam a um aumento de T1 para T2 e a uma diminuição de T2 para T3. Não se observou diferença estatisticamente significativa na altura da coroa clínica, exceto nos primeiros e segundos molares do lado esquerdo, porém, clinicamente irrelevante. CONCLUSÕES: a ERMAC demonstrou ser um procedimento efetivo e estável, com mínima repercussão periodontal. .

Agenesis of maxillary second premolar--diagnosis and clinical management.

Controlling the eruption and development of dentitions is fundamental for a good oral health. The early diagnosis and adequate treatment of occasional developmental disorders are essential to achieve occlusal, functional and esthetic harmony. Abnormality is the term used for classification of alterations and is the most common developmental anomaly in humans. Even though several factors causing tooth malformations have been identified, many are still partially understood, thus requiring a more thorough study. Anyway, the available knowledge provides bases to attempt the early diagnosis of tooth abnormalities, to allow the adoption of preventive and effective therapeutic approaches.

Cephalometric variables used to predict the success of interceptive treatment with rapid maxillary expansion and face mask. A longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: Prognosis is the main limitation of interceptive treatment of Class III malocclusions. The interceptive procedures of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask therapy performed in early mixed dentition are capable of achieving immediate overcorrection and maintenance of facial and occlusal morphology for a few years. Individuals presenting minimal acceptable faces at growth completion are potential candidates for compensatory orthodontic treatment, while those with facial involvement should be submitted to orthodontic decompensation for orthognathic surgery. OBJECTIVES: To investigate cephalometric variables that might predict the outcomes of orthopedic treatment with RME and face mask therapy (FM). METHODS: Cephalometric analysis of 26 Class III patients (mean age of 8 years and 4 months) was performed at treatment onset and after a mean period of 6 years and 10 months at pubertal growth completion, including a subjective facial analysis. Patients was divided into two groups: success group (21 individuals) and failure group (5 individuals). Discriminant analysis was applied to the cephalometric values at treatment onset. Two predictor variables were found by stepwise procedure. RESULTS: Orthopedic treatment of Class III malocclusion may have unfavorable prognosis at growth completion whenever initial cephalometric analysis reveals increased lower anterior facial height (LAFH) combined with reduced angle between the condylar axis and the mandibular plane (CondAx.MP). CONCLUSION: The results of treatment with RME and face mask therapy at growth completion in Class III patients could be predicted with a probability of 88.5%.

Cephalometric variables used to predict the success of interceptive treatment with rapid maxillary expansion and face mask. A longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION: Prognosis is the main limitation of interceptive treatment of Class III malocclusions. The interceptive procedures of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask therapy performed in early mixed dentition are capable of achieving immediate overcorrection and maintenance of facial and occlusal morphology for a few years. Individuals presenting minimal acceptable faces at growth completion are potential candidates for compensatory orthodontic treatment, while those with facial involvement should be submitted to orthodontic decompensation for orthognathic surgery. OBJECTIVES: To investigate cephalometric variables that might predict the outcomes of orthopedic treatment with RME and face mask therapy (FM). METHODS: Cephalometric analysis of 26 Class III patients (mean age of 8 years and 4 months) was performed at treatment onset and after a mean period of 6 years and 10 months at pubertal growth completion, including a subjective facial analysis. Patients was divided into two groups: success group (21 individuals) and failure group (5 individuals). Discriminant analysis was applied to the cephalometric values at treatment onset. Two predictor variables were found by stepwise procedure. RESULTS: Orthopedic treatment of Class III malocclusion may have unfavorable prognosis at growth completion whenever initial cephalometric analysis reveals increased lower anterior facial height (LAFH) combined with reduced angle between the condylar axis and the mandibular plane (CondAx.MP). CONCLUSION: The results of treatment with RME and face mask therapy at growth completion in Class III patients could be predicted with a probability of 88.5%. .

INTRODUÇÃO: a principal limitação do tratamento interceptivo das más oclusões de Classe III está no prognóstico. Os procedimentos interceptivos de expansão rápida da maxila e de tração reversa, adotados ao início da dentição mista, são capazes de propiciar sobrecorreção imediata e manutenção da morfologia facial e oclusal por alguns anos. Pacientes que, ao final do crescimento, apresentam, no mínimo, faces aceitáveis, são candidatos ao tratamento ortodôntico compensatório, ao passo que aqueles com comprometimento facial deveriam ser submetidos a tratamento ortodôntico descompensatório para cirurgia ortognática. OBJETIVO: investigar variáveis cefalométricas preditoras dos resultados do tratamento ortopédico com expansão rápida da maxila e tração reversa (ERM e TM). MÉTODOS: uma avaliação cefalométrica foi aplicada, ao início do tratamento, em 26 crianças com má oclusão de Classe III (média de idade de 8 anos e 4 meses). Após um período médio de 6 anos e 10 meses, ao final do crescimento pubertário. sob o crivo de uma análise facial subjetiva, foram constituídos dois grupos, sendo um grupo de sucesso (21 pacientes) e um grupo de insucesso (5 pacientes). Análise discriminante foi aplicada aos valores cefalométricos ao início do tratamento, por meio do procedimento stepwise, assim, identificamos duas variáveis preditoras. RESULTADOS: o tratamento ortopédico de uma má oclusão Classe III pode ter prognóstico desfavorável ao final do crescimento quando, nos registros cefalométricos iniciais, for observada uma altura facial anteroinferior aumentada (AFAI) associada a uma diminuição do ângulo entre o eixo condilar e o plano mandibular (CondAx.PM). CONCLUSÃO: os resultados para o final de crescimento de um tratamento com ERM e TM, para cada novo paciente com má oclusão de Classe III, poderiam ser previstos com uma probabilidade de acerto de 88,5%. .

Skeletal maturation in individuals with Down's syndrome: comparison between PGS curve, cervical vertebrae and bones of the hand and wrist.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted with the aim of adapting the methods developed by Martins and Sakima to assess skeletal maturation by cervical vertebrae in the pubertal growth spurt (PGS) curve. It also aimed to test the reliability and agreement between those methods and the method of hand and wrist radiograph when compared two by two and all together.  METHODS: The sample comprised 72 radiographs, with 36 lateral radiographs of the head and 36 hand-wrist radiographs of 36 subjects with Down's syndrome (DS), 13 female and 23 male, aged between 8 years and 6 months and 18 years and 7 months, with an average age of 13 years and 10 months.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed that adapting the methods developed by Martins and Sakima to assess skeletal maturation by cervical vertebrae in the PGS curve is practical and useful in determining the stage of growth and development of individuals. The stages of maturation evaluated by cervical vertebrae and ossification centers observed in radiographs of the hand and wrist were considered reliable, with excellent level of agreement between the methods by Hassel and Farman as well as Baccetti, Franchi and McNamara Jr and Martins and Sakima. Additionally, results revealed an agreement that ranged between reasonable to good for the three methods used to assess the skeletal maturation, showing statistical significance.

From conventional to self-ligating bracket systems: is it possible to aggregate the experience with the former to the use of the latter?

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontics, just as any other science, has undergone advances in technology that aim at improving treatment efficacy with a view to reducing treatment time, providing patients with comfort, and achieving the expected, yet hardly attained long-term stability. The current advances in orthodontic technology seem to represent a period of transition between conventional brackets (with elastic modules) and self-ligating brackets systems. Scientific evidence does not always confirm the clear clinical advantages of the self-ligating system, particularly with regard to reduced time required for alignment and leveling (a relatively simple protocol), greater comfort for patients, and higher chances of performing treatment without extractions - even though the number of extractions is more closely related to patient's facial morphological pattern, regardless of the technique of choice. Orthodontics has recently and brilliantly used bracket individualization in compensatory treatment with a view to improving treatment efficacy with lower biological costs and reduced treatment time. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims at presenting a well-defined protocol employed to produce a better treatment performance during this period of technological transition. It explores the advantages of each system, particularly with regards to reduced treatment time and increased compensatory tooth movement in adult patients. It particularly addresses compensable Class III malocclusions, comparing the self-ligating brackets system, in which greater expansive and protrusive tooth movement (maxillary arch) is expected, with Capelozza Prescription III conventional brackets, in which maintaining the original form of the arch (mandibular arch) with as little changes as possible is key to yield the desired results.

Skeletal maturation in individuals with Down's syndrome: Comparison between PGS curve, cervical vertebrae and bones of the hand and wrist

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted with the aim of adapting the methods developed by Martins and Sakima to assess skeletal maturation by cervical vertebrae in the pubertal growth spurt (PGS) curve. It also aimed to test the reliability and agreement between those methods and the method of hand and wrist radiograph when compared two by two and all together. METHODS: The sample comprised 72 radiographs, with 36 lateral radiographs of the head and 36 hand-wrist radiographs of 36 subjects with Down's syndrome (DS), 13 female and 23 male, aged between 8 years and 6 months and 18 years and 7 months, with an average age of 13 years and 10 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed that adapting the methods developed by Martins and Sakima to assess skeletal maturation by cervical vertebrae in the curve of PGS is practical and useful in determining the stage of growth and development of individuals. The stages of maturation evaluated by cervical vertebrae and ossification centers observed in radiographs of the hand and wrist were considered reliable, with excellent level of agreement between the methods by Hassel and Farman as well as Baccetti, Franchi and McNamara Jr and Martins and Sakima. Additionally, results revealed an agreement that ranged between reasonable to good for the three methods used to assess the skeletal maturation, showing statistical significance. .

INTRODUÇÃO: esse estudo foi realizado com o propósito de adaptar os métodos para avaliação da maturação óssea por meio das vértebras cervicais na curva do Surto de Crescimento Puberal (SCP)de Martins e Sakima, assim como testar a confiabilidade e a concordância existente entre eles e o método para a radiografia de mão e punho, quando comparados 2 a 2, e entre todos, conjuntamente. MÉTODOS: a amostra constou de 72 radiografias, sendo 36 telerradiografias em norma lateral da cabeça e 36 radiografias de mão e punho, de 36 indivíduos com Síndrome de Down (SD), sendo 13 do sexo feminino e 23 do masculino, na faixa etária entre oito anos e seis meses até 18 anos e sete meses, com média de 13 anos e dez meses. CONCLUSÃO: de acordo com os resultados obtidos, concluímos que as adaptações dos métodos para a avaliação da maturação óssea por meio das vértebras cervicais na curva de SPC de Martins e Sakima resultaram em uma ferramenta prática e útil na determinação do estágio de crescimento e desenvolvimento dos indivíduos. Os estágios de maturação avaliados por meio das vértebras cervicais e os centros de ossificação observados nas radiografias de mão e punho foram considerados confiáveis, com excelente grau de concordância entre os métodos de diversos outros autores, e uma concordância de razoável a boa entre os três métodos para avaliação da maturação óssea quando comparados conjuntamente, sendo estatisticamente significativa. .

From conventional to self-ligating bracket systems: Is it possible to aggregate the experience with the former to the use of the latter?

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontics, just as any other science, has undergone advances in technology that aim at improving treatment efficacy with a view to reducing treatment time, providing patients with comfort, and achieving the expected, yet hardly attained long-term stability. The current advances in orthodontic technology seem to represent a period of transition between conventional brackets (with elastic ligatures) and self-ligating brackets systems. Scientific evidence does not always confirm the clear clinical advantages of the self-ligating system, particularly with regard to reduced time required for alignment and leveling (a relatively simple protocol), greater comfort for patients, and higher chances of performing treatment without extractions - even though the number of extractions is more closely related to patient's facial morphological pattern, regardless of the technique of choice. Orthodontics has recently and brilliantly used bracket individualization in compensatory treatment with a view to improving treatment efficacy with lower biological costs and reduced treatment time. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims at presenting a well-defined protocol employed to produce a better treatment performance during this period of technological transition. It explores the advantages of each system, particularly with regards to reduced treatment time and increased compensatory tooth movement in adult patients. It particularly addresses compensable Class III malocclusions, comparing the system of self-ligating brackets, with which greater expansive and protrusive tooth movement (maxillary arch) is expected, with conventional brackets Capelozza Prescription III, with which maintaining the original form of the arch (mandibular arch) with as little changes as possible is key to yield the desired results. .

INTRODUÇÃO: a Ortodontia passa, como toda ciência, por constantes evoluções tecnológicas que buscam aumentar a efetividade da abordagem terapêutica, visando a diminuição do tempo de tratamento, o aumento do conforto para os pacientes, bem como a obtenção da tão almejada, e pouco alcançada, estabilidade em longo prazo. O estágio atual de desenvolvimento tecnológico da Ortodontia representa, ao que tudo indica, uma fase de transição entre os sistemas convencionais de ligação (com módulos elásticos) e os chamados autoligáveis. As evidências científicas nem sempre consubstanciam a clara percepção clínica das vantagens desse sistema, no que diz respeito a um menor tempo de alinhamento e nivelamento, uma relativa simplificação técnica, maior conforto para os pacientes, além do aumento da capacidade de tratamento sem extrações - embora essa indicação esteja mais ligada à avaliação do padrão morfológico facial, e menos a qualquer escolha técnica. Desde um passado recente e não menos brilhante, a Ortodontia vem utilizando a individualização de braquetes para tratamentos compensatórios, buscando aumentar a efetividade da abordagem terapêutica, com menores custos biológicos e menor tempo de tratamento. OBJETIVO: o presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um protocolo bem definido de melhor aproveitamento dessa fase de transição tecnológica, buscando explorar o que cada sistema tem de melhor, principalmente sob a óptica da redução do tempo de tratamento e aumento da capacidade de movimentação dentária compensatória em pacientes adultos. Especificamente, serão abordadas as más oclusões de Classe III compensáveis, usando o sistema de braquetes ...

Effects of mandibular protraction appliance associated to fixed appliance in adults.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to conduct a cephalometric evaluation of the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects resulting from treatment of adult patients presenting Class II malocclusion, performed with a Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: The sample consisted of teleradiographs obtained before and after treatment of 9 adult patients (initial mean age of 22.48 years) with bilateral Class II, division 1, malocclusion. Paired t test (p < 0.05) was applied to compare initial and final values. RESULTS: t test revealed an increase in anteroinferior facial height and posterior facial height. The dental changes include: extrusion of upper incisors, buccal inclination, protrusion of lower incisors, mesialization and extrusion of mandibular molars. Regarding the soft tissue component, there was an increase in nasolabial angle in addition to upper lip retrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of treating Class II malocclusion adult patients, by means of using Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed appliance were mostly observed in the mandibular arch, and consisted of buccal inclination, protrusion and intrusion of incisors, and mesialization and extrusion of the molars.

Six-year follow-up of maxillary anterior rehabilitation with forced orthodontic extrusion: achieving esthetic excellence with a multidisciplinary approach.

Orthodontic extrusion with multidisciplinary treatment can provide predictable outcomes in selected situations, reducing the costs and the adaptation times of gingival tissues after implant integration. Forced orthodontic extrusion is strongly related to interactions of teeth with their supportive periodontal tissues. This article reports a case of orthodontic extrusion of the maxillary incisors for later implant rehabilitation in a patient with periodontal disease. Slow forces were applied for 14 months. After this time, the teeth were extracted, and the implants were placed on the same day. Also in the same session, the provisional crown was fabricated for restoration of the anterior maxillary interdental papillae loss and for gingival contouring. Clinical and radiographic examinations at the 6-year follow-up showed successful tooth replacement and an improved esthetic appearance achieved by this multidisciplinary treatment. The decision to perform orthodontic extrusion for implant placement in adult patients should be multidisciplinary.

Effects of mandibular protraction appliance associated to fixed appliance in adults

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to conduct a cephalometric evaluation of the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects resulting from treatment of adult patients presenting Class II malocclusion, performed with a Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: The sample consisted of teleradiographs obtained before and after treatment of 9 adult patients (initial mean age of 22.48 years) with bilateral Class II, division 1, malocclusion. Paired t test (p < 0.05) was applied to compare initial and final values. RESULTS: t test revealed an increase in anteroinferior facial height and posterior facial height. The dental changes include: extrusion of upper incisors, buccal inclination, protrusion of lower incisors, mesialization and extrusion of mandibular molars. Regarding the soft tissue component, there was an increase in nasolabial angle in addition to upper lip retrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of treating Class II malocclusion adult patients, by means of using Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed appliance were mostly observed in the mandibular arch, and consisted of buccal inclination, protrusion and intrusion of incisors, and mesialization and extrusion of the molars.

OBJETIVO: esse estudo retrospectivo teve como objetivo avaliar, cefalometricamente, os efeitos esqueléticos, dentários e tegumentares decorrentes do tratamento com o Aparelho de Protração Mandibular em conjunto ao aparelho fixo em pacientes adultos para correção da má oclusão de Classe II. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por telerradiografias pré- e pós-tratamento de nove adultos (idade inicial média de 22,48 anos), portadores de má oclusão de Classe II, divisão 1 bilateral. O teste t pareado (p < 0,05) foi empregado para comparação dos valores iniciais e finais. RESULTADOS: de acordo com o teste t, observou-se aumento da altura facial anteroinferior e da altura facial posterior. As alterações dentárias foram: extrusão dos incisivos superiores, inclinação para vestibular e protrusão dos incisivos inferiores; e mesialização e extrusão dos molares inferiores. Com relação ao componente tegumentar, houve aumento do ângulo nasolabial e retrusão do lábio superior. CONCLUSÃO: os efeitos do tratamento com o Aparelho de Protração Mandibular em conjunto com aparelho fixo em pacientes adultos para correção da má oclusão de Classe II foram direcionados, principalmente, à arcada inferior, com inclinação vestibular, protrusão e intrusão dos incisivos e mesialização e extrusão dos molares.

Evaluation of the Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Index in Lateral Cephalograms Taken in Different Head Positions

The aim of this study was to evaluate if upward or downward head inclination might interfere with determination of the growth stage, using cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI), in order to verify the accuracy of such diagnosis when radiographs are taken with errors. Forty-nine patients, 26 females and 23 males, aged 9 to 15 years, were submitted to 3 lateral cephalograms: normal (NHP), with 15° upward head inclination (NHP-Up), and with 15° downward head inclination (NHP-Down). Three examiners evaluated the CVMI on the 147 cephalograms. The agreement among examiners was higher in the evaluation of cephalograms taken in NHP. The weighted Kappa test revealed moderate to substantial agreement between NHP and NHP-Up and between NHP and NHP-Down. There was greater agreement between NHP-Up and NHP-Down. It may be concluded that the evaluation of the CVMI on cephalograms in NHP is different as compared with radiographs taken with inclinations. Both NHP-Up and NHP-Down exhibited greater disagreement in the interpretation among examiners, since the evaluation method was not designed for cephalograms with positioning errors.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a inclinação da cabeça para cima ou para baixo interfere na determinação do estágio de crescimento por meio do Índice de maturação das vértebras cervicais (IMVC), verificando a acurácia deste método de diagnóstico, quando as radiografias são tomadas com erros. Quarenta e nove pacientes, 26 do gênero feminino e 23 do masculino, entre 9 e 15 anos de idade, foram submetidos a 3 telerradiografias em norma lateral: posição natural de cabeça (PNC), cabeça inclinada 15° para cima (PNC-alta), e 15° para baixo (PNC-baixa). Três examinadores avaliaram o IMVC nas 147 telerradiografias. A concordância entre os examinadores foi alta na avaliação das telerradiografias obtidas em PNC. O teste Kappa revelou concordância moderada a substancial entre PNC e PNC-alta e entre PNC e PNC-baixa. Houve concordância significante entre PNC-alta e PNC-baixa. Pode-se concluir que a avaliação do IMVC em telerradiografias obtidas em PNC difere em comparação com as radiografias tomadas com inclinações. Tanto PNC-alta quanto PNC-baixa demonstraram maior discordância na interpretação entre os examinadores, uma vez que o método de avaliação não foi preconizado para telerradiografias com erros de posicionamento.

Evaluation of the cervical vertebrae maturation index in lateral cephalograms taken in different head positions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if upward or downward head inclination might interfere with determination of the growth stage, using cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI), in order to verify the accuracy of such diagnosis when radiographs are taken with errors. Forty-nine patients, 26 females and 23 males, aged 9 to 15 years, were submitted to 3 lateral cephalograms: normal (NHP), with 15° upward head inclination (NHP-Up), and with 15° downward head inclination (NHP-Down). Three examiners evaluated the CVMI on the 147 cephalograms. The agreement among examiners was higher in the evaluation of cephalograms taken in NHP. The weighted Kappa test revealed moderate to substantial agreement between NHP and NHP-Up and between NHP and NHP-Down. There was greater agreement between NHP-Up and NHP-Down. It may be concluded that the evaluation of the CVMI on cephalograms in NHP is different as compared with radiographs taken with inclinations. Both NHP-Up and NHP-Down exhibited greater disagreement in the interpretation among examiners, since the evaluation method was not designed for cephalograms with positioning errors.

Using the HERBST appliance with atypical extractions in the lower dental arch.

This article reports the case of a patient with severe mandibular deficiency and crowding in the mandibular arch treated with atypical extractions of two premolars followed by mandibular advancement with the Herbst appliance. It became clear that this therapy corrected the malocclusion while improving facial.

Characteristics of regional odontodysplasia: A case report / Características da odontodisplasia regional: relato de um caso clínico

Regional odontodysplasia is an uncommon, nonhereditary developmental dental disorder of unknown etiology, which should be early detected. This paper compares a regional odontodysplasia case with the clinical and radiographic characteristics reported in the literature, showing a 1y6m follow up and the limitations of performing a multidisciplinary esthetic and functional treatment.

A odontodisplasia regional é uma anomalia de desenvolvimento dental de etiologia desconhecida, que apesar de pouco frequente na população, deve ser detectada o quanto antes. Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo comparar um caso clínico de odontodisplasia regional com as características clínicas e radiográficas relatadas na literatura, mostrando o acompanhamento de um caso por 1a6m e as limitações da realização de um tratamento multidisciplinar visando estética e função.

Assessment of changes in smile after rapid maxillary expansion

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated changes in the smile characteristics of patients with maxillary constriction submitted to rapid maxillary expansion (RME). METHODS: The sample consisted of 81 extraoral photographs of maximum smile of 27 patients with mean age of 10 years, before expansion and 3 and 6 months after fixation of the expanding screw. The photographs were analyzed on the software Cef X 2001, with achievement of the following measurements: Transverse smile area, buccal corridors, exposure of maxillary incisors, gingival exposure of maxillary incisors, smile height, upper and lower lip thickness, smile symmetry and smile arch. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: RME promoted statistically significant increase in the transverse smile dimension and exposure of maxillary central and lateral incisors; maintenance of right and left side smile symmetry and of the lack of parallelism between the curvature of the maxillary incisal edges and lower lip border. CONCLUSIONS: RME was beneficial for the smile esthetics with the increase of the transverse smile dimension and exposure of maxillary central and lateral incisors.

INTRODUÇÃO: esse estudo avaliou as alterações das características do sorriso de pacientes com atresia maxilar submetidos à expansão rápida da maxila (ERM). MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 81 fotografias extrabucais do sorriso máximo de 27 pacientes, com idade média de 10 anos, antes da expansão e aos três e seis meses após a fixação do parafuso expansor. As análises das fotografias foram realizadas por meio do programa Cef X 2001, e as seguintes medidas foram analisadas: dimensão transversal do sorriso, corredores bucais, quantidade de exposição dos incisivos superiores, exposição gengival dos incisivos superiores, altura do sorriso, espessuras dos lábios superior e inferior, simetria e arco do sorriso. As alterações no sorriso durante as diferentes fases foram avaliadas por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA), seguida pelo teste de comparações múltiplas de Bonferroni, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: a ERM promoveu aumento estatisticamente significativo da dimensão transversal do sorriso e da quantidade de exposição dos incisivos centrais e laterais superiores; manutenção da simetria entre os lados direito e esquerdo e da falta de paralelismo entre a curvatura das bordas dos incisivos superiores e a do lábio inferior. CONCLUSÃO: a ERM beneficiou a estética do sorriso com o aumento da dimensão transversal do sorriso e da quantidade de exposição dos incisivos centrais e laterais superiores.

Anterior open bite correction using bite block: a case report.

Several etiological factors that result in dental and/or skeletal alterations make the open bite a type of malocclusion with several treatment alternatives. Corrective fixed orthodontics in conjunction with mechanical or functional orthopedics is a routine approach in correcting this problem. However, orthosurgical treatment must never be discarded for cases with skeletal involvement. This article describes a clinical case which, despite involving skeletal aspects, was treated satisfactorily using a passive bite-block appliance in conjunction with corrective fixed orthodontics.

New perspective on Herbst therapy for skeletal Class II malocclusions: a proposal for maxillary protrusion management.

Angle Class II malocclusions may present morphologic deviations originated from the maxilla, mandible, or both. Since its reintroduction by Pancherz, the Herbst appliance has demonstrated effectiveness in the management of patients with mandibular deficiency. Because of the intermaxillary anchorage, the action of mandibular advancement provokes simultaneous reaction of maxillary restriction, similar to high-pull headgear. This aimed of this report is to compare two cases treated in two phases. In the first interceptive phase, the transverse problem was corrected by rapid maxillary expansion, which was followed by a Herbst appliance for mandibular advancement; in the second corrective phase, the cases were finished with fixed appliances. Although Herbst appliances were used in both patients, one patient with maxillary protrusion and another with mandibular deficiency, their use targeted different types of skeletal discrepancies. This difference allowed for the comparison of treatment effects, and although both patients had their malocclusion corrected, it seems reasonable to conclude that the final outcome was more favorable for the patient with maxillary protrusion.