Reliabilty of recording occlusal contacts by using intraoral scanner and articulating paper - A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The recording of occlusal contacts is a pivotal step in many dental procedures, yet the lack of a standardized method could introduce clinical errors. The aim of this study was to compare the occlusal contacts recorded using a intraoral scanner to the contacts recorded using articulating paper. As a secondary outcome, the subjective clinical assessment made using the two methods was compared between different observers. METHODS: Twenty-eight records were analysed for this study. Digital scan and intraoral photos of the coloured marks impressed by articulating paper were taken at the same time point for every patient. Using a standardized occlusal template, two operators recorded the number of occlusal contacts for every tooth provided by the two techniques. Then, 11 clinicians analysed the collected records and answered questions about the quality of the occlusions observed. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the number of contacts recorded by digital scan and those recorded by the photographed articulation marks, except in the case of the upper central incisors and first premolars. The Kappa Fleiss showed slight and fair agreement between clinicians when judging the occlusions. CONCLUSION: The occlusal contacts recorded using the intraoral scanner and those recorded with the articulating paper did not match, and overall the clinicians showed low agreement when rating the recorded data. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite of the great clinical importance of occlusal contact there is a lack of a precise method for recording and collecting occlusal contacts.

Skeletal and dental effects of function-generating bite appliance compared to rapid palatal expander and untreated controls.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary expansion is a fundamental interceptive orthodontic treatment, which can be achieved through either a rapid expansion protocol or functional devices. However, no data exist about the efficacy of functional devices in achieving skeletal expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) and the function-generating bite type M (FGB-M) on the transversal dimension of the maxilla, and on the maxillary and mandibular dental arch width. METHODS: One hundred eighty-one skeletal Class I patients, aged between 6 and 12 years and with a cervical vertebral maturation stage II or III, with maxillary transversal deficiency were retrospectively enrolled; among these 55 were treated with FGB-M, 73 were treated with RPE and 51 were untreated subjects retrieved from historical databases. The pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) frontal cephalograms were retrieved, and the maxillary and mandibular widths, and the distance between upper and lower first molars were measured. T1-T0 interval was of 17.3 months (RPE), 24.6 months (FGB-M) and 18.2 months (controls). RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding skeletal and dental expansion, while the untreated control group differed significantly from the other two groups. CONCLUSION: The comparison between patients treated with RPE and FGB-M showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB-M groups regarding the amount of skeletal expansion and dental arch width, suggesting that both appliances can be used to achieve similar results.

Effects of Thermoforming on the Mechanical, Optical, Chemical, and Morphological Properties of PET-G: In Vitro Study.

The effectiveness of clear aligners in correcting malocclusions is closely linked to the properties of the materials used to make them. The polymers used in the manufacture of clear aligners have well-established properties. However, the process of manufacturing clear aligners, known as thermoforming, involves thermal and mechanical shocks that may alter these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thermoforming on the mechanical, optical, chemical, and morphological properties of sixty PET-G specimens. The study compared the thickness, weight, absorbance, chemical structure, surface roughness, elastic modulus, yield strength, and breaking load of thirty thermoformed specimens with thirty non-thermoformed specimens. The study introduces a new approach by using standardized samples to analyze both chemical and physical properties. The results showed statistically significant differences in thickness (-15%), weight (-11%), and surface roughness (+1233% in roughness average; +1129% in RMS roughness) of the material. Additionally, a correlation was found between reduction in thickness and increase in opalescence. There was no significant change in the functionality of the aligners after thermoforming, as no significant mechanical changes were found. However, the increase in surface roughness may lead to plaque and fluid accumulation and worsen the fit of the aligners.

The Correlation between Mandibular Arch Shape and Vertical Skeletal Pattern.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the mandibular arch shape and the vertical skeletal pattern in growing patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 Caucasian patients (33 males and 40 females; mean age 9.4) were retrospectively enrolled from a pool of patients treated in chronological order at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Foggia, Italy, from April 2018 to December 2021. Each patient received a laterolateral radiograph and a digital scan of the dental arch. Eight cephalometric parameters (lower gonial angle, intermaxillary angle, divergence angle, Wits index, Jarabak ratio, OP-MP angle, PP-OP angle, and ANB) and five dental measurements (posterior mandibular arch width, anterior mandibular arch width, mandibular occlusal angle, posterior width on distobuccal molar cusps, and molar angle) were analyzed and then compared. A Spearman's rho correlation test between the cephalometric measurements and the dental measurements was performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A negative statistically significant correlation was found between the Jarabak ratio and the intermolar angle; a statistically significant correlation was also observed between the Wits index, the posterior mandibular width, and the occlusal mandibular angle; the ANB angle and the occlusal mandibular angle; the intermaxillary angle (PP-PM) and the mandibular occlusal angle, posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp, and the intermolar angle; and the OP-MP angle and mandibular occlusal angle and the posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp. Conclusions: The mandibular arch form may be related to certain predisposing features in craniofacial morphology, such as jaw divergence, the Jarabak ratio, and the intermaxillary angle.

Treatment of Mandibular Impacted Canine in a Patient with Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with "Reverse Pin": A Case Report.

This case report presents an orthodontic treatment conducted on a 13-year-old girl with bilateral Class II malocclusion and a mandibular impacted canine. The presence of an impacted tooth necessitates careful consideration of the timing of orthodontic treatment, the appropriate surgical procedure to expose the tooth, the specific orthodontic mechanics involved, and the potential problems that may arise, all of which depend on the type and location of the canine impaction in the jaw. The treatment plan included a surgical procedure to expose the impacted tooth and orthodontic traction to guide it into position. Correction of the Class II Division 1 malocclusion utilized a specialized technique called the "reverse pin", reducing vertical side effects. The revised version maintains clarity and key information about the case report and treatment.

The efficacy of a modified mandibular advancement device for OSA treatment in a group of adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is actually recommended for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with mild or moderate severity. The present study evaluated the effects of a fully customizable MAD-type device (It Makes You Sleep, IMYS), in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (15 men and 14 women; mean age 62, SD ±10 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Home Sleep Apnea Testing ;(HSAT) was performed for all patients at baseline (T0) and after three months (T1) of IMYS therapy. The analyzed respiratory parameters were: Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), Minimum Oxygen Saturation (minSO2) and Medium Oxygen Saturation (medSO2). RESULTS: From T0 to T1, a significant reduction of AHI and ODI was reported, as well as a significant increase of minSO2 and medSO2. CONCLUSION: The IMYS device could be an effective MAD appliance for treating moderate-to-severe OSA.

Evaluation of the relationship between incisor torque and profile aesthetics in patients having orthodontic extractions compared to non-extractions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between soft tissues aesthetics and incisor torque, as well as the effect of crowding, anchorage, and extraction pattern, in adult patients treated without extraction or with two or four extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven subjects with permanent dentition were selected retrospectively. Among these, 24 patients were treated with four extractions, 24 with two extractions and 29 without extractions. Lateral cephalograms and photographies taken before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were retrieved. The amount of crowding and the type of anchorage were recorded, and a cephalometric analysis was performed. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the variables within and between groups. Linear regressions were performed to evaluate the effect of different predictors on soft tissues variables at T1. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed no differences within and between groups for soft tissue aesthetics. A significant reduction of the angle obtained from the intersection of Frankfurt plane and mandibular plane was observed in the four-extractions group, and a significant proclination of the lower incisors was observed in the two-extraction group. Linear regressions revealed that the change in soft tissue profile aesthetics was affected by the type of anchorage and the two-extractions pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Similar soft tissue aesthetics were observed after treatment in the three groups, despite the presence of some skeletal and dental differences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A well-controlled incisor torque helps to preserve soft tissues aesthetics. The type of anchorage could influence soft tissues.

Correlation between dental arch form and OSA severity in adult patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The role of interdental widths and palatal morphology on the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has not been well investigated in adult patients yet. The aim of this paper was to assess the morphology of maxilla and mandibular dental arches on three-dimensional (3D) casts and to correlate these measurements with the severity of OSA. METHODS: Sixty-four patients (8 women and 56 men, mean age 52.4) with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate OSA were retrospectively enrolled. On each patient, home sleep apnea test and 3D dental models were collected. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were recorded, as well as the dental measurements including inter-molar distance, anterior and posterior widths of maxillary and mandibular arches, upper and lower arch lengths, palatal height, and palatal surface area. The respiratory and dental variables were then correlated. RESULT: A statistically inverse correlation was found between ODI and anterior width of lower arch, maxillary arch length, palatal height, and palatal area. AHI showed a significant inverse correlation with anterior width of mandibular arch and maxillary length. CONCLUSION: A significant inverse correlation between maxillary and mandibular morphology and respiratory parameters was shown in the present paper.

Correction of Midline Deviation and Unilateral Crossbite Treated with Fixed Appliance.

The following case report describes the treatment of a 20-year-old man with dental and facial asymmetry. Patient presented upper dental midline shifted 3 mm to right side and the lower one 1 mm to left side, skeletal class I, molar class I and canine class III on the right side, molar class I and canine class II on the left side, and upper and lower crowding on teeth #12, #15, #22, #24, #34, and #35 in crossbite. The treatment plan provided four extractions: in the superior arch the right second and the left first premolar and in the lower arch first premolars on the left and right sides. Wire-fixed orthodontic device was used in combinations with coils to correct the midline deviation and to close post-extractive spaces, avoiding miniscrew implants. At the end of the treatment, optimal functional and aesthetic results were obtained: realignment of the midline improved facial symmetry, correction of the crossbite on both sides, and a good occlusal relationship.

Short-term effect of orthodontic clear aligners on muscular activity and occlusal contacts: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The simultaneous presence of maxillary and mandibular clear aligners alters the vertical dimension and the quantity and quality of occlusal contacts. Few data in the literature explain how this occurs and the effects on neuromuscular coordination. This study aimed to evaluate occlusal contacts and muscular balance during treatment with clear aligners over a short follow-up time. METHODS: Twenty-six female adult patients were enrolled in this study. The center of occlusal force (COF) was evaluated using a T-Scan II device, whereas muscular symmetry and balance were determined through surface electromyography using a standardized protocol that reduces anthropometric and electrode variations. Both evaluations were performed in centric occlusion and with aligners worn before treatment, after 3 months, and after 6 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant variation in COF position was reported in the sagittal plane but not in the transverse plane. The shift in the COF position was followed by a change in muscular balance evaluated through surface electromyography. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with clear aligners resulted in an anterior shift of the COF when biting in centric occlusion and a posterior shift when the aligners were worn in healthy female patients after 6 months of observation. This change in occlusal contact was followed by an improvement in muscular function symmetry in the short term when aligners were worn, compared with the centric occlusion during treatment.

Improvement in the transverse dimension of dental arches in mixed dentition patients with posterior crossbite treated with functional therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of treatment of posterior crossbite (PXB) in the mixed dentition with the Function Generating Bite (FGB) appliance on the transverse dimension of the dental arches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 84 PXB patients (female = 46; male = 38; mean age, 8.2 ± 1.8 years) and 69 control (C) patients (female = 31; male = 38; mean age, 8.9 ± 1.4 years). Measurements were taken with digital calipers on maxillary and mandibular study casts before (T0) and after (T1) treatment for the following measures: intermolar (IMD), intermolar gingival (IMGD), intercanine (ICD), and intercanine gingival distances (ICGD). RESULTS: At T0, there was a significant difference in all maxillary measurements between the PXB and C groups (P < .001), reflecting maxillary hypoplasia in PXB patients. At T1, there was no difference between the groups. In PXB patients, the mean increase between T0 and T1 for IMD was 4.34 ± 2.42 mm; this difference measured 3.51 ± 2.19 mm for IMGD, 2.78 ± 2.37 mm for ICS, and 1.89 ± 1.7 mm for ICGD. There was no significant difference in mandibular measurements between groups at T0 and T1. CONCLUSIONS: Functional therapy with FGB is effective in significantly increasing the transverse dimension of the maxillary dental arch in PXB patients. Considering its efficacy in treating masticatory dysfunction, FGB may be considered a good treatment option for the correction of PXB in growing children.

Benefits in Oral Health during Orthodontic Treatment of Patients Aged 17 to 21 Years.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatment on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a population aged 17 to 21 years. The influence of gender and malocclusion severity was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 108 patients were enrolled. Each patient completed a questionnaire about oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 before treatment and after 12 months of treatment. The severity of the initial malocclusion was evaluated through the index for orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed to assess the presence of difference in OHRQoL score before and after the treatment, and the influence of gender and IOTN score on the observed outcomes. RESULTS: We found no significant differences related to gender regarding their perception of how malocclusion affects the quality of life before orthodontic treatment. Moreover, no significant differences were found between males and females regarding their perception of how orthodontic treatment affects the quality of life 12 months after orthodontic treatment. Also, the analysis showed no statistically significant difference between males and females in the correlation IOTN-OHIP for Grades 2 and 3. A statistically significant difference between males and females was found only in Grade 4, both before (p = 0.046) and after treatment (p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: Finally, OHIP-14 can be a valuable instrument to assess the perceptions and the expectations of patients toward orthodontic treatment.

Craniofacial morphology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients.

Background: To evaluate the correlation between cephalometric skeletal parameters and Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSAs) severity, in adult patients with OSAs. Material and Methods: One hundred patients (94 males,6 females mean age 59,3) with diagnosis of OSAs were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) and latero-lateral radiograph. Eight cephalometric parameters (cranial deflection angle, saddle angle, articular angle, divergence angle, cranial base angle, skull base length, mandibular length, maxilla length) were analyzed and then related to Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) and to the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), recorded by HSAT. A Spearman's rho correlation test between cephalometric measurements and HSAT indices was performed. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: A negative statistically significant correlation was found between mandibular length (Condilion-Gnathion distance) and AHI (rho= -0,2022; p<0,05) and between maxilla length (Ans-Pns) and AHI (rho= -0,2984; p<0,01) and ODI (rho= -0,2443; p<0,05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between the divergence angle (S-N^Go-Me) and AHI (rho=0,2263; p<0,05) and between cranial deflection angle (Fh^NBa) and AHI (rho=0,2212; p<0,05) and ODI (rho=0,1970; p<0,05). Conclusions: The OSAs severity may be related to certain predisposing features in craniofacial morphology, such as maxillary and mandibular length, divergence and cranial deflection. Key words:OSAs, Home Sleep Apnea Testing, AHI, ODI, Cephalometry, Airway.

Condylar Asymmetry in Children with Unilateral Posterior Crossbite Malocclusion: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Unilateral posterior crossbite (UXB) is a common, severely asymmetric malocclusion, characterized by maxillary hypoplasia and masticatory dysfunction. The aim of this research is to evaluate the asymmetry of mandibular condyles and rami in children with UXB. This comparative cross-sectional study included 33 children with UXB (girls = 15, boys = 18; mean age ± SD = 8.0 ± 1.3 years.months]) and 33 age- and gender-matched controls (girls = 15, boys = 18; mean age ± SD = 8.4 ± 1.3 years.months]). Pre-treatment OPGs were analyzed by comparing the height of condyles and rami between the sides using the method by Habets et al. (1988); the result was considered significant if the degree of asymmetry was >6%. Children with UXB showed a significantly increased asymmetry of mandibular condyles (mean ± SD = 10.7% ± 9, p < 0.001), but not of rami (mean ± SD = 1.9% ± 2.3), compared to controls. The rami did not show significant asymmetry in either group. The presence of an increased condylar asymmetry index in a developing patient with unilateral posterior crossbite is a sign of altered skeletal growth and should be considered in the diagnostic process and treatment plan.

OSA Wellness Scale (OWS): A New Health-Related Quality of Life Test in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated with Mandibular Advancement Device.

Objectives: To present a new short self-test, called the OSA wellness scale (OWS), for assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in obstructive apnea syndrome (OSA) patients treated with mandibular advancement device (MAD). Methods: 51 OSA patients (8 women and 43 men, mean age 52.3) treated with a fully customizable MAD device (Protrusor) were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received a home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) at baseline (T0) and after three months of MAD treatment (T1). Two self-test evaluations, the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and OWS were also submitted at T0 and T1. The OWS was a short self-test of 8 questions for evaluating the daytime HRQoL. Patients gave an assessment from 0 to 3 for each question. At the end of the questionnaire, the patients had a score from 0 to 24, resulting from the sum of all 8 scores. The higher the score, the greater the patient's perceived state of discomfort. Results: At T1, a significant decrease in the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was shown (p < 0.0001), while no significant changes in body mass index (BMI) were found. Both the ESS and the OWS records showed a significant reduction in daytime sleepiness and HRQoL (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The OWS could be a useful method to verify and numerically compare the perceived quality of life in OSA patients, before and after MAD therapy.

Changes in hyoid bone and tongue position in Class I subjects after orthodontic treatment with rapid palatal expander.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) on the hyoid bone and tongue position in skeletal Class I patients, compared to control groups. METHODS: Eighty-four Class I subjects, aged 6-14, were selected. Among these, 28 patients were treated with RPE, 28 with function-generating bite (FGB) appliance, and 28 were untreated. Lateral cephalograms taken before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were retrieved. Changes in the hyoid bone and tongue position were evaluated, and the area above the tongue was measured. RESULTS: No significant difference in the hyoid and tongue posture was observed across the groups. However, there were significant differences for HC3 (distance from H-point to the third cervical vertebrae), H2H (distance from H-point to SN plane), and TT-Eb (tongue length) between T0 and T1 in all groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that hyoid bone and tongue position changes were related to growth rather than treatment.

Operating time for wire ligation with self-ligating and conventional brackets: A standardized in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Operating time is one of the main advantages attributed from the literature to the use of self-ligating brackets (SLB). The aim of this study is to investigate the time needed for a complete archwire change procedure with conventional brackets (CB) and SLBs in a standardized in vitro research setting, comparing operators with different expertise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three participants were divided into three equal groups: undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and orthodontists. Three sets of typodonts bonded with three types of brackets, including passive SLBs, active SLBs, and CBs using both steel and elastic ligatures were investigated. Operators had to insert, ligate, deligate, and remove wires in sets of typodonts representing an actual dentition before and after orthodontic treatment, mounted in phantoms. Archwire change procedure times were compared between the different bracket/ligation systems, between the before- and after-treatment typodonts, and between operators. RESULTS: There were significant differences between SLBs and CBs, the greatest difference being 11 min 16 s between passive SLBs and CBs ligated with metallic ligatures at T0, for the total archwire change procedure by the operators overall. For all the operators, there was a statistically significant difference in total archwire change procedure time between the systems. The undergraduate students were the slowest when using CBs, but they showed no significant difference compared to the other users when using SLBs. CONCLUSION: SLBs can offer a significant operating time reduction compared to CBs, and time saving is not dependent on the operator's experience and training.

Craniofacial morphology in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: cephalometric evaluation / Morfologia craniofacial em pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono: avaliação cefalométrica

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by a reduced airflow through the upper airways during sleep. Two forms of obstructive sleep apnea are described: the central form and the obstructive form. The obstructive form is related to many factors, such as the craniofacial morphology. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the morphology of the cranial base, of the mandible and the maxilla, and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Methods: Eighty-four patients, mean age of 50.4 years old; 73 males and 11 females with obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled in the present study. Patients with high body mass index and comorbidities were excluded. Lateral cephalograms and polysomnography were collected for each patient to evaluate the correlation between craniofacial morphology and obstructive sleep apnea severity. A Spearman's rho correlation test between cephalometric measurements and obstructive sleep apnea indexes was computed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients with a severe obstructive sleep apnea presented a reduction of sagittal growth of both effective mandibular length and cranio-basal length. The mandibular length was the only variable with a statistical correlation with apnea-hypopnea index. Vertical dimension showed a weak correlation with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. No correlation with maxillary sagittal dimension was shown. Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea severity may be correlated to mandibular and cranial base growth. Facial vertical dimension had no correlation with obstructive sleep apnea severity.

Resumo Introdução: A apneia obstrutiva do sono é caracterizada por um fluxo de ar reduzido nas vias aéreas superiores durante o sono. Duas formas de apneia são descritas: a forma central e a forma obstrutiva. A forma obstrutiva tem sido relacionada a vários fatores, como a morfologia craniofacial. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre a morfologia da base do crânio, da mandíbula e da maxila e a gravidade da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Método: Foram incluídos no presente estudo 84 pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono, com média de 50,4 anos; 73 homens e 11 mulheres. Pacientes com alto índice de massa corpórea e comorbidades foram excluídos. Foram coletados cefalogramas laterais e polissonografia para cada paciente para avaliar a correlação entre a morfologia craniofacial e a gravidade da apneia. Foi computado o coeficiente de correlação de postos de Spearman (rho) entre medidas cefalométricas e índices de apneia obstrutiva do sono. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados: Pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono grave apresentaram redução do crescimento sagital do comprimento mandibular efetivo e do comprimento crânio-basal. O comprimento mandibular foi a única variável que apresentou correlação estatística com o índice de apneia-hipopneia. A dimensão vertical mostrou uma fraca correlação com a gravidade da apneia. Não foi demonstrada correlação com a dimensão maxilar sagital. Conclusão: A gravidade da apneia obstrutiva do sono pode estar correlacionada ao crescimento da base mandibular e craniana. A dimensão facial vertical não apresentou correlação com a gravidade da apneia.

A new design of mandibular advancement device (IMYS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is currently suggested in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study investigated the effects of a new fully customizable MAD-type device called, "It Makes You Sleep" (IMYS), in patients with mild to moderate OSA. METHODS: Sixteen patients (14 men and 2 women; mean age 62; SD ± 11 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) at baseline (T0) and after three months (T1) of IMYS treatment. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), the Minimum Oxygen Saturation (minSO2) and the Medium Oxygen Saturation (medSO2) were analyzed. RESULTS: From T0 to T1, the IMYS treatment showed a significant reduction of AHI and ODI and a significant increase of minSO2 and medSO2. CONCLUSION: The IMYS appliance is an effective device for treating mild or moderate OSA.

Effectiveness of Two Different Fluoride-Based Agents in the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

Hyperesthesia is related to increased sensitivity of dental tissues to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of a calcium-fluoride-forming agent (Tiefenfluorid®, Humanchemie GmbH, Alfeld, Germany) with that of a fluoride varnish (EnamelastTM, Ultradent Inc., Cologne, Germany) in the treatment of dental hyperesthesia in adult patients. In total, 176 individuals (106 females and 70 males, aged 18-59 years old) diagnosed with dental hyperesthesia (DH) were enrolled. The main clinical symptoms were hyperesthesia from coldness and sweetness during chewing; the types of clinical lesions were also determined and recorded. The patients were selected randomly and divided into two groups: (i) the first group of 96 patients was treated with Tiefenfluorid® applied in three appointments at 7-day intervals; (ii) the second group of 80 patients was treated with EnamelastTM, applied seven times at 7-day intervals. All the patients were recalled 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months from the last application. At the baseline and during every follow-up visit, the DH was measured with a pulp tester. A random intercept/random slope model was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment, at various times with respect to the initial diagnosis. Within the limits of the present study, Tiefenfluorid® was more effective than EnamelastTM against DH in that it provided long-lasting results, with a significant improvement still detected at the latest 6-month follow-up.