Effect of enamel sealants on tooth bleaching and on the color stability of the result.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of enamel sealants on bleaching of natural teeth by use of 40 % hydrogen peroxide in a dental surgery. The color stability of the results from bleaching was, furthermore, determined 10 months after the bleaching procedure. In a standardized setting, four sealants (Pro Seal®, Light Bond™ Sealant, Protecto®, and Clinpro™ XT Varnish) were applied to and removed from human teeth in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Natural teeth served as medium; half of the teeth were sealed and the others served as controls. Hydrogen peroxide gel (40 %; Opalescence Boost; Ultradent Products, South Jordan, UT, USA) was used as bleaching agent. Color measurement was performed with a spectroradiometer (Photoresearch PR670) before the bleaching process (T1) and 24 h (T2) and 10 months (T3) after bleaching. The spectroradiometer results were expressed by use of the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color notation. The L*, a*, and b* values of the sealed and the unsealed surfaces were not significantly different at any time during the study (p > 0.05), irrespective of the sealant used. Ten months after the bleaching process, mean L*, a*, and b* values were lower than at 1-day post-bleaching; the mean value of ΔE between 1-day post-bleaching and 10 months post-bleaching was 2.46 (±3.1). The results of the study suggest that the effectiveness of professional tooth whitening is not appreciably affected by the application of the four sealants tested.

Association between clinical and salivary microbial parameters during orthodontic treatment with removable appliances with or without use of fluoride mouth rinse.

AIM: To evaluate the correlation between clinical and salivary microbial parameters during treatment with removable orthodontic appliances with or without use of fluoride mouth rinse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 48 patients completed this randomized, controlled, parallel-group, clinical pilot study. 24 patients of the test group (TG) rinsed after tooth brushing with a fluoride mouth rinse (100 ppm AmF/150 ppm NaF) while 21 patients of the control group (CG) did not. Clinical parameters [Approximal Plaque Index (API), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI)] as well as levels of salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Compliance was documented by participants. Appliance wear-times were estimated retrospectively by the patients. All participants received the same brushing instructions and were supplied with the same toothbrush/toothpaste. RESULTS: A significant correlation of API values with MS levels (p=0.0003) or with LB levels (p=0.001) was observed. Furthermore, appliance wear-times were significantly associated with API values (p=0.02). The changes of MS or LB levels between beginning and end of the study did not differ significantly between study groups. The changes of the API scores showed slightly different median values (-3.5 in the TG vs. 0 in the CG), the difference, however, was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasise the need for a careful monitoring of the oral hygiene status in patients with removable orthodontic appliances. Larger controlled clinical trials are necessary to investigate treatment options such as use of supplementary fluoride mouth rinse.

Ex vivo assessment of the buccal and oral bone by CBCT.

PURPOSE: Identifying buccal and oral bone as an important supporting periodontal structure for teeth provides important information for treatment planning in periodontics and orthodontics. This study aims to add evidence to the knowledge of preciseness of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) measurements of the vertical dimension of buccal and oral bone. The hypothesis is that CBCT is an accurate and reliable method to measure vertical vestibular and oral bone loss. METHODS: The amount of vertical buccal and oral bone loss (bl) of 260 sites of 10 human cadavers was investigated clinically and radiographically by CBCT. Radiographic measurements were rated by two blinded raters. Measurements and the corresponding differences between clinical and radiological findings are described by medians and quartiles (Q1-Q3). For statistical analysis, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. RESULTS: The CCC between the raters was 0.994 (95% confidence interval 0.992-0.995). The median bone loss (bl) distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the bony defect (BD) was 3.5 mm (range 3-5 mm). The median bl measured in the CBCT was 3.8 mm (range 3.1-4.8 mm). The median difference of the 2 measurements for all sites included in the study (N = 260) was -0.2 mm (-0.7 to 0.3 mm). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT seems to be an accurate and highly reliable method to detect and describe vertical buccal and oral bone loss. It could improve planning and prediction for successful combined periodontal and orthodontic therapies.

[Oral health-specific stress in parents of children with orofacial clefts: an indicator for general parenting stress]. / Mundgesundheitsspezifische Belastung bei Eltern von Kindern mit orofazialen Spaltbildungen: ein Indikator für allgemeine elterliche Belastung.

AIM: Parents of children with orofacial clefts take an active part in the rehabilitation of their children. Against this background, the aim of the present study was to determine the stress in parents of orthodontically treated children with and without orofacial clefts. METHOD: For assessing oral health-specific stress in orthodontic treatment, a questionnaire was developed (FMB). General parenting stress was assessed by the Parenting Stress Index (PSI)-German Short Form. Parents of 54 orthodontically treated children with an orofacial cleft were included in the study. Parents of 44 healthy children served as controls. The questions of the FMB were generated on the basis of clinical practice and were factor analysed. The reliability was calculated and compared with the PSI for validation. RESULTS: The FMB questionnaire presented four factors regarding personal stress, stress within family life, temporal stress and financial stress. The inner consistency of each factor reached satisfactory results with a value of 0.7. Moreover, oral health-specific stress was significantly higher in parents of children with clefts compared to children without clefts. There was no difference in general parenting stress between the two groups. Moreover, both groups showed significant correlations between oral health-specific stress and general parenting stress. CONCLUSION: Oral health-specific stress of children with orofacial clefts could be a hint on general parenting stress. Regarding parents in such stressful situations, the orthodontist should be trained in psychological counselling and should be able to cooperate with a clinical psychologist.

Compression induces Ephrin-A2 in PDL fibroblasts via c-fos.

Ephrin-A2-EphA2 and ephrin-B2-EphB4 interactions have been implicated in the regulation of bone remodeling. We previously demonstrated a potential role for members of the Eph-ephrin family of receptor tyrosine kinases for bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement: compression-dependent upregulation of ephrin-A2 in fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (PDL) attenuated osteogenesis in osteoblasts of the alveolar bone. However, factors affecting the regulation of ephrin-A2 expression upon the application of compressive forces remained unclear. Here, we report a mechano-dependent pathway of ephrin-A2 induction in PDL fibroblasts (PDLFs) involving extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 and c-fos. PDLF subjected to compressive forces (30.3 g/cm(2)) upregulated c-fos and ephrin-A2 mRNA and protein expression and displayed increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of the MAP kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 pathway using the specific MEK inhibitor U0126 significantly reduced ephrin-A2 messenger RNA upregulation upon compression. Silencing of c-fos using a small interfering RNA approach led to a significant inhibition of ephrin-A2 induction upon the application of compressive forces. Interestingly, ephrin-A2 stimulation of PDLF induced c-fos expression and led also to the induction of ephrin-A2 expression. Using a reporter gene construct in murine 3T3 cells, we found that ephrin-A2 was able to stimulate serum response element (SRE)-dependent luciferase activity. As the regulation of c-fos is SRE dependent, ephrin-A2 might induce c-fos via SRE activation. Taken together, we provide evidence for an ERK1/2- and c-fos-dependent regulation of ephrin-A2 in compressed PDLF and suggest a novel pathway for ephrin-A2 induction emanating from ephrin-A2 itself. We showed previously that ephrin-A2 at compression sites might contribute to tooth movement by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation. The regulatory pathway of ephrin-A2 induction during tooth movement identified in this study might be accessible for pharmacological interventions.

In vitro studies on the cytotoxic potential of surface sealants.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study was an initial screening of the cytotoxic potential of widely used smooth enamel surface sealants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 products were allocated to four groups based on their chemical composition: (1) filled resin-based sealants, (2) unfilled resin-based sealants, (3) a resin-modified, glass ionomer-based sealant, and (4) silicone-based sealants. All materials were applied to human enamel slices both in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and in additional experiments applying 50% undercuring and 50% overcuring. An agar overlay assay was then used to test the specimens following ISO 10933. The cytotoxic potential of each material was interpreted based on a reaction index that summarized the decolorization and lysis scores obtained. RESULTS: The cytotoxic potential decreased as follows: unfilled resin-based sealants > filled resin-based sealants > resin-modified, glass ionomer-based sealant > silicone-based sealants. In 75% of the resin-based products, deliberate undercuring was associated with more extensive decolorization zones, leading to higher rates of cytotoxic potential in two of those products. Overcuring, by contrast, was associated with a tendency for smaller decolorization zones in 50% of the resin-based products. CONCLUSION: Surface sealants derived from resin monomers exhibited cytotoxic potential in the agar overlay assay. There is also evidence of a possible association with curing, as undercuring can increase the cytotoxic potential, whereas normal curing (as per manufacturers' instructions) or overcuring may help minimize such effects. More research into the biological implications of these materials is needed, especially with regard to their potential impact on the adjacent gingiva.

Effects of early activator treatment in patients with class II malocclusion evaluated by thin-plate spline analysis.

The aim of the present longitudinal cephalometric study was to evaluate the dentofacial shape changes induced by activator treatment between 9.5 and 11.5 years in male Class II patients. For a rigorous morphometric analysis, a thin-plate spline analysis was performed to assess and visualize dental and skeletal craniofacial changes. Twenty male patients with a skeletal Class II malrelationship and increased overjet who had been treated at the University of Heidelberg with a modified Andresen-Häupl-type activator were compared with a control group of 15 untreated male subjects of the Belfast Growth Study. The shape changes for each group were visualized on thin-plate splines with one spline comprising all 13 landmarks to show all the craniofacial shape changes, including skeletal and dento-alveolar reactions, and a second spline based on 7 landmarks to visualize only the skeletal changes. In the activator group, the grid deformation of the total spline pointed to a strong activator-induced reduction of the overjet that was caused both by a tipping of the incisors and by a moderation of sagittal discrepancies, particularly a slight advancement of the mandible. In contrast with this, in the control group, only slight localized shape changes could be detected. Both in the 7- and 13-landmark configurations, the shape changes between the groups differed significantly at P < .001. In the present study, the morphometric approach of thin-plate spline analysis turned out to be a useful morphometric supplement to conventional cephalometrics because the complex patterns of shape change could be suggestively visualized.

Evaluation of the predictive impact of cephalometric variables. Logistic regression and ROC curves.

In the context of orthodontic treatment planning, the decisions to be made are often affected by the assumption of future growth patterns, especially the direction of mandibular rotation. Using longitudinally available lateral cephalograms from the Belfast Growth Study, it was examined whether, on the basis of the cephalometric variables at the ages of 7, 9 and 11, the direction of mandibular rotation can be predicted in the respective subsequent 4-year intervals. For statistical analysis of this problem, logistic regression models were applied to describe and quantify the influence of potential explanatory variables on the direction of mandibular rotation (dependent variable). In addition, graphical methods taken from the field of medical diagnostics were applied for prediction and for determination of predictive accuracy. The use of logistic regression models revealed no relations between the explanatory variables SN-MeGo and S-Go/N-Me and the subsequent mandibular growth pattern. Only the upper and lower parts of the gonial angle showed a minor predictive impact. A graphical evaluation of their prognostic impact by means of "receiver operating characteristics" (ROC) curves, complemented by determination of the areas under the curves, confirmed the relations discovered. Nevertheless the prognostic limits of the lateral cephalogram emerged clearly for all variables investigated.

A neural network approach to the analysis and classification of human craniofacial growth.

Planning of treatment in the field of orthodontics and maxillo-facial surgery is largely dependent on the individual growth of a patient. In the present work, the growth of 43 orthodontically untreated children was analysed by means of lateral cephalograms taken at the ages of 7 and 15. For the description of craniofacial skeletal changes, the concept of tensor analysis and related methods have been applied. Thus the geometric and analytical shortcomings of conventional cephalometric methods have been avoided. Through the use of an artificial neural network, namely self-organizing neural maps, the resultant growth data were classified and the relationships of the various growth patterns were monitored. As a result of self-organization, the 43 children were topologically ordered on the emerging map according to their craniofacial size and shape changes during growth. As a new patient can be allocated on the map, this type of network provides a frame of reference for classifying and analysing previously unknown cases with respect to their growth pattern. If landmarks are used for the determination of growth, the morphometric methods applied as well as the subsequent visualization of the growth data by means of neural networks can be employed for the analysis and classification of growth-related skeletal changes in general.

Human primary cementoblasts respond to combined IL-1ß stimulation and compression with an impaired BSP and CEMP-1 expression.

Cementoblasts are cells that produce, secrete and direct the production of cementum. Resorption lacunae occur in over 90% of teeth at the compression side of the periodontal ligament and might result in an irreversible loss of the original root length. We isolated and cultivated human primary cementoblasts and investigated their expression pattern concerning markers of the osteoblastogenic differentiation (RUNX2, OCN, ALP, and BSP) and CEMP-1. Compared to osteoblasts, cementoblasts displayed an expression pattern comparable to osteoblasts in an early stage of osteoblastogenic differentiation. Next, the human primary cementoblasts were stimulated with IL-1ß (1 and 10ng/ml) for 24 and 96h and subsequently subjected to compressive forces (30.3g/cm(2)) for 1 and 6h. Our in vitro data demonstrated that BSP and CEMP-1 expression significantly decreased when stimulation was accompanied by compression, while compression or stimulation alone led to increased levels of BSP and decreased levels of CEMP-1. We concluded that human primary cementoblasts subjected to compression and IL-1ß stimulation impeded BSP and CEMP-1 expression, proteins that are associated with cementogenesis.

Compression-dependent up-regulation of ephrin-A2 in PDL fibroblasts attenuates osteogenesis.

Members of the ephrin/Eph family have recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis in a murine model. The activation of the EphB4 receptor on osteoblasts by its ligand ephrin-B2 led to stimulation of osteoblastogenesis and therefore to bone formation. The activation of ephrin-A2-EphA2 signaling on osteoblasts inhibited the activation of osteoblast-specific gene expression, leading to bone resorption. Fibroblasts within the periodontal ligament periodontal ligament may be one of the first responders to orthodontic forces. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) are mechanoresponsive. Members of the ephrin/Eph family might link mechanical forces received by PDLF with the regulation of osteoblastogenesis on osteoblasts of the alveolar bone. To study whether ephrin-A2 is modulated upon compression, we subjected human primary PDLF to static compressive forces (30.3 g/cm(2)). Static compressive forces significantly induced the expression of ephrin-A2, while the expression of ephrin-B2 was significantly down-regulated. Moreover, osteoblasts of the alveolar bone stimulated with ephrin-A2 in vitro significantly suppressed their osteoblastogenic gene expression (RUNX2, ALPL) and decreased signs of osteoblastic differentiation, as demonstrated by a significantly reduced ALP activity. Together, these findings establish a role for this ligand/receptor system linking mechanical forces with the regulation of osteogenesis during orthodontic tooth movement.

Clinical application of cone beam digital volume tomography in children with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic advantages of digital volume tomography (DVT) over conventional imaging and computed tomography are demonstrated in terms of the respective radiation exposure. The potential role for three-dimensional imaging in cleft lip and palate patients is illustrated on the basis of clinical examples. METHODS: The radiation exposure resulting from scans using a cone beam DVT (NEW TOM QR-DVT 9000, Marburg, Germany) was measured with an Alderson-Rando-Phantom (The Phantom Laboratory, New York, NY) and compared with that resulting from other standard imaging modalities. The patient sample consisted of young children with cleft lip and palate on whom orthodontic and surgical treatment was planned on an interdisciplinary basis at the University-Hospital of Heidelberg. RESULTS: Digital volume tomography allows high-quality three-dimensional imaging of the premaxilla region, with an effective equivalent investigation dose of (110 kV, 5.4 mA) 0.342 mSv based on ICRP recommendations. While the effective equivalent investigation dose for DVT is higher than that for standard imaging techniques (for example digital panoramic radiograph Orthophos Plus DS Ceph (66 kV, 8 mA) 0.016 mSv), it is much lower than that for a normal CT scan (e.g. Picker International Inc., Highland Heights, OH) adjusted at (spiral 130 kV, 125 mA, and 30 mA, 1.5 s) 2.27 mSv. Digital volume tomography provides extensive data important in clinical decision making. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical examples show the good applicability of DVT with a reduced radiation dose.