Temporom and ibular joint reciprocal clicking; unexpected responses to class II elastic mechanics

The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between the use of class II elastic mechanics in orthodontics and the coincidental relief of TMJ clicking. The study was conducted on a total sample of 24 Saudi patients. All subjects were classified as Angle's class II division 1 malocclusion and with a positive history of reciprocal TMJ clicking. Treatment entailed the extraction of the four first premolars, and the use of direct bonding st and ard edgewise mechanics. During the course of orthodontic treatment, class II elastic mechanics were used for 15 patients [experimental sample group], and J hooks cervical traction were used for 9 patients [control sample group]. On the basis of collected data interpretation, the study showed that 9 out of 15 patients in the experimental sample group showed significant relief of TMJ clicking; on the other h and, only one patient from the control group showed clicking relief. No specific TMJ morphological or positional changes could be detected in both sample groups. This study recommended a further extensive investigation to explore the cause-effect relationship of the abovementioned clinical finding

investigation into gummy smile with orthodontic treatment

To study gummy smile which was the chief complain of not less than 12% of the orthodontic patients, the present study was undertaken on two separate occlusions: computer analysis of pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 166 non gummy smile orthodontic patients and computer analysis of pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 45 gummy smile subjects. The subject was considered [gummy smile], when he/she showed more than two millimeters maxillary gingival display during maximum smile. All cephalograms were digitized and analyzed using the Jiffy Orthodontic Evaluation Software of RMO. The collected data were interpreted and discussed in view of the available literature. The study concluded that gummy smile characteristic pattern of a subject during maximum smile did not change by orthodontic treatment of dental malocclusion. All gummy smile subjects were characterized by incompetent lip during rest, but the reverse was not true. Gummy smile was a common characteristic of dentoalveolar bimaxillary protrusion. It was associated with short and thin upper lip, increased maxillary height and proportionally higher posterior/anterior face ratio [%]

Head posture and reliability of some cephalometric measurements

To study the effect of limited upward and downward head rotation [ +/- 10 degrees] on the reliability of cephalometric measurements, 60 cephalograms of 20 subjects were analyzed. For each subject, three cephalograms were taken with +10 and -10 degrees head rotation from the zero angle [Frankfort horizontal plane to the floor]. Data analysis and interpretation stressed on cephalometric l and marks proper identification, contributed significantly to the error l and marks proper identification as well as to the error variance of cephalometric measurements rather than limited head rotation

Pubertal growth spurt: Approach and assessment among a sample of Saudi population

The validity of using the h and third finger middle phalanx ossification stages [MP3], and m and ibular canine development stages, to follow-up the pubertal growth spurt among Saudi population, were studied on a total sample of 118 orthodontic patients [68 females and 50 males]. In conclusion the MP3 stage is more valid and a simple reliable method to be used by the clinicians

Extraction orthodontias and masticatory muscle activity

To study the effect of extraction orthodontics on the occlusal force and muscle activity, right and left anterior temporalis and masseter muscles EMG were recorded in centric occlusion and during chewing of peanuts, before and two weeks after extraction of four first premolars. The studied sample was composed of 12 orthodontic patients, 6 males and 6 females of age range from 13.5 to 19 years. For each subject, treatment entailed the extraction of the four first premolars after thorough analysis. The data collected were statistically analysed and the following conclusions can be drawn. 1-A highly significant reduction [p < 0.01] of the activity of both muscles in the recorded two positions were reported after extraction. 2- Both sexes were affected undifferently. 3- The percentage change in the muscle activity during centric occlusion was higher than that occurring during chewing of hard food. 4-A precise analysis should be done if extraction is to be considered during orthodontic treatment to avoid impairment of the stomatognathic system

Transseptal fiber system compressive force [TCF] and extraction orthodontics

The changes in transseptal fiber compressive force [TCF], throughout four first premolars extraction orthodontics, were evaluated on a total sample of 17 adolescent patients [10 females and 7 males]. The TCF magnitudes were measured by stress and tension gauge as the frictional force resisting withdrawal of a thin stainless steel strip sliped interproximally into two adjacent teeth contact. Measurements were taken for each subject in four separate occasions; 1- 24hrs before extraction, 2- 24hrs after extraction, 3- 24hrs after active orthodontic treatment and 4- 12 months of retention. Data interpretation revealed the followings: 1. Sharp drop in TCF magnitudes after active orthodontic treatment [P < 0.05], 2. Significant improvement of the TCF magnitudes after retention [P < 0.05]. 3. The mandibular dental arch showed significantly higher TCF than that of the maxillary dental arch [P < 0.05], 4. Right side of both dental arches showed significantly higher TCF than that of the left side [P < 0.05]. 5. The TCF magnitudes increasing in acending order in both arches, from the central incisors to the second premolar first molar contacts. The results were discussed in view of the available literature and it concluded that, recording of the TCF magnitude will be of vital importance to follow-up successful extraction orthodontics

condylar position in relation to the masticatory muscle activity

The relationship between the condylar position and the activity of the anterior temporalis, masseter and suprahyoid muscle group was studied using tomography and electromyography. The studied sample was composed of 80 adult males classified into four equal groups according to the skeletal and dental pattern. The first group had normal skeletodental pattern, the second group had normal skeletal pattern with dental malocclusion and the third group had skeletal class II with dental malocclusion. The results revealed that the muscle activity cannot be considered as a determinant factor for condylar location inside the glenoid fossa both vertically and anteroposteriorly

middle phalanx of the third finger in the assessment of the pubertal growth spurt

The article demonstrated a sensitive, reliable, precise and simple method for recording the third finger middle phalanx of a subject. In clinical practice, the first record is included in the lateral cephalogram. The serial records to follow up the different stages of the pubertal growth spurt by means of the third finger middle phalanx, are performed by st and ard dental X-ray film. The method is illustrated and discussed, and it was concluded that it meets the requirements of the clinician in the field of orthodontics and /or orthopedics

study of the effect of wearing complete dentures overnight on the muscular activity

The activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles was studied by direct electromyograph in 10 patients, who had worn conventional complete dentures for at least one year. Five of the patients had worn their dentures overnight, and the other five had removed their dentures at night. Results showed that the muscle activities were higher in patients who had removed their dentures at night than those who had worn the dentures overnight