Nickel and chromium levels in the saliva of a Saudi sample treated with fixed orthodontic appliances

The aim of this study was to measure the amount of nickel [Ni] and chromium [Cr] released into the saliva of Saudi patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Ninety salivary samples were collected in a cross-sectional manner. Forty samples were collected from patients [17 males, 23 females] with fixed orthodontic appliances after different periods of orthodontic treatment ranging from the first month and up to 32 months into treatment. The fixed orthodontic appliance consisted of 4 bands, 20 stainless steel brackets, and upper and lower nickel titanium or stainless-steel arch wires. The other 50 samples were collected from people without appliances [24 males, 26 females]. Samples were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy to measure Ni and Cr levels, respectively. Student's t-test was used to compare Ni and Cr levels in the treated and untreated control groups. The mean Ni level was 4.197 microg/L in the experimental group and 2.3 ug/L in the control group [p < 0.05]. The mean Cr level was 2.9 microg/L in the experimental group and 3.3 microg/L in the control group [p < 0.05]. Fixed orthodontic appliances resulted in a non-toxic increase in salivary levels of Ni, but no change in Cr levels. Duration of orthodontic treatment did not affect Ni and Cr levels in the saliva

Adverse effects of orthodontic treatment: a clinical perspective

Orthodontic treatment is associated with a number of adverse effects, such as root resorption, pain, pulpal changes, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular dysfunction [TMD]. Orthodontists should be aware of these effects and associated risk factors. Risk factors linked to root resorption include the duration of treatment, length, and shape of the root, trauma history, habits, and genetic predisposition

Cephalometric measurments of a Saudi adult sample according to Jarabak's analysis

The aim of this study was to establish cephalometric norms of Saudi adults according to Jarabak's analysis and to evaluate whether a significant difference exists between Saudi measurements and Jarabak's norms. The inclusion criteria were normal occlusion, pleasant soft tissue profiles, no history of trauma, and no previous orthodontic treatment. The study was carried out on sixty-two standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs of 31 female and 31 male Saudi adults with a mean age of 23 +/- 1 years. Descriptive analysis and independent Student's t-test were carried out. The results showed statistically significant differences in the anterior cranial base length, mandibular length, lower gonial angle, and posterior facial height [p < 0.05] between the Saudi males and females when compared to Jarabak's norms [p < 0.05]. The results demonstrated that the Saudis have distinct cephalometric facial features. It can be concluded that Saudi males and females have distinct craniofacial features when compared to Caucasians. These distinct features should be considered when orthodontists and orthognathic surgeons set their treatment objectives

Cephalometric norms for Saudi sample using McNamara analysis

The present study was carried out on 65 standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs [36 males and 29 females] of 4th year dental students to determine cephalometric norms according to McNamara's analysis, and to evaluate whether a significant difference exists between Saudi and European-American norms. The criteria of selection were normal occlusion, pleasant soft tissue profiles, no history of trauma, and no previous orthodontic treatment. Ten skeletal and dental variables were investigated. Descriptive analysis and independent student t-test were carried out on the data. The results showed statistical significant differences between the Saudi males and females when compared to the norms suggested for European-Americans by McNamara. The results demonstrated that the Saudis have distinct cephalometric facial features. Generally, they revealed a greater convex profile with reduced chin prominence, steeper mandible and more bimaxillary protrusion