ABSTRACT
Anterior open bite is a challenging malocclusion that Orthodontists deal with in their day to day practice. Many treatment options exist for its correction and the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of reverse curved NiTi arches on anterior open bite treatment in adolescents and to investigate whether true intrusion of molars could be achieved in this special age group. The study sample consisted of 15 patients [age ranged from 12.2 to 14 years]. All presented a high angle skeletal pattern and an anterior open bite. After initial leveling, upper accentuated curve and lower reverse-curve 0.016 × 0.022 inch arch wires were placed, with anterior elastics applied in the canine regions. Cephalometric assessment was carried out on lateral head films taken at the beginning of treatment and on average 3 months after open bite closure was obtained. The upper and lower incisors, the upper and lower first premolars and the upper and lower first molars were uprighted and extruded. The overbite was increased significantly due to the extrusion of the upper and lower incisors, while the overjet was reduced due to uprightening of both upper and lower incisors. This technique was effective in the treatment of open bite in young adolescents although no true intrusion was achieved in the molar region. Further studies are suggested to investigate the long term stability of our results
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence rate of bacteremia following toothbrushing with toothpastes composed of several antibacterial agents and compare the results with the conventional oral hygiene maintaining methods in orthodontic patients. METHODS: This clinical study included 100 adult orthodontic patients who were divided into 4 groups. Each group comprised of 25 patients, wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. In the first group, bacteremia was assessed after toothbrushing without using any toothpaste. In the second group, a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse was used before brushing with no toothpaste. In the third group, subjects brushed with a commonly used toothpaste which did not include an additional antimicrobial agent. The fourth experimental group used toothpaste which included tea tree oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and bisabolol as antimicrobial elements. Pre- and post-brushing blood samples were obtained using a strict aseptic technique. All samples were microbiologically evaluated using blood culture bottles. RESULTS: Toothbrushing in orthodontic patients yielded to an increase in the occurrence rate of bacteremia when using normal toothpaste or no toothpaste at all. CONCLUSIONS: The use of chlorhexidine mouthwash before toothbrushing, and brushing with antimicrobial toothpaste did not show a statistically significant difference in preventing the occurrence of bacteremia (p > 0.05).