Angle Class I malocclusion treated with lower incisor extraction

In planning orthodontic cases that include extractions as an alternative to solve the problem of negative space discrepancy, the critical decision is to determine which teeth will be extracted. Several aspects must be considered, such as periodontal health, orthodontic mechanics, functional and esthetic alterations, and treatment stability. Despite controversies, extraction of teeth to solve dental crowding is a therapy that has been used for decades. Premolar extractions are the most common, but there are situations in which atypical extractions facilitate mechanics, preserve periodontal health and favor maintenance of the facial profile, which tends to unfavorably change due to facial changes with age. The extraction of a lower incisor, in selected cases, is an effective approach, and literature describes greater post-treatment stability when compared with premolar extractions. This article reports the clinical case of a patient with Angle Class I malocclusion and upper and lower anterior crowding, a balanced face and harmonious facial profile. The presence of gingival and bone recession limited large orthodontic movements. The molars and premolars were well occluded, and the discrepancy was mainly concentrated in the anterior region of the lower dental arch. The extraction of a lower incisor in the most ectopic position and with compromised periodontium, associated with interproximal stripping in the upper and lower arches, was the alternative of choice for this treatment, which restored function, providing improved periodontal health, maintained facial esthetics and allowed finishing with a stable and balanced occlusion. This case was presented to the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (BBO), as part of the requirements for obtaining the BBO Diplomate title.

No planejamento ortodôntico de casos que incluem extrações como alternativa para solucionar o problema de discrepância de espaço negativa, a decisão crítica é determinar quais dentes serão extraídos. Devemos considerar vários aspectos, como a saúde periodontal, mecânica ortodôntica, alterações funcionais e estéticas, e estabilidade do tratamento. Apesar das controvérsias, a extração de dentes para solucionar apinhamentos dentários é uma terapêutica que tem sido utilizada há décadas. As extrações de pré-molares são as mais comuns, mas há ocasiões em que extrações atípicas facilitam a mecânica, preservam a saúde periodontal e favorecem a manutenção do perfil, que tende a se alterar desfavoravelmente devido às modificações faciais decorrentes da idade. A extração de um incisivo inferior, em casos bem selecionados, é uma abordagem eficiente; e a literatura descreve maior estabilidade pós-tratamento, quando comparada com a opção de extração de pré-molares. O presente artigo relata um caso clínico de uma paciente com má oclusão de Classe I de Angle e apinhamento anterior superior e inferior, face equilibrada e perfil harmonioso. A presença de recessões gengivais e ósseas limitava grandes movimentações ortodônticas. Os molares e pré-molares estavam bem relacionados, e a discrepância concentrava-se principalmente na região anterior da arcada dentária inferior. A extração de um incisivo inferior em posição mais ectópica e com periodonto comprometido, associada a desgastes interproximais nas arcadas superior e inferior, foi a alternativa de escolha para o tratamento, que restabeleceu a função, proporcionando melhoria da saúde periodontal, manteve a estética facial, e permitiu a finalização com uma oclusão estável e equilibrada. Esse caso foi apresentado à diretoria do Board Brasileiro de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial (BBO), como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do título de Diplomado pelo BBO.

Analysis of two different surgical approaches for fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Background: Fractures of the condyle account for one third of all the mandibular fractures. Different surgical approaches to the condyle described hitherto testify to the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical techniques used for approaching the condyle in such cases of fractures. We have described and compared two of such surgical techniques in this study. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of dealing with condylar fractures by two different surgical techniques: the mini retromandibular approach, and the preauricular approach. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 31 patients who had suffered with mandibular condylar fractures was carried out. Of these, 26 patients had unilateral condylar fractures, and 5 patients had a bilateral fracture. Further, 19 of these patients were treated by the mini retromandibular approach and 12 by the preauricular approach. The treated patients were followed up and evaluated for a minimum period of 1 year and assessed for parameters such as the maximum mouth opening, lateral movement on the fractured side, mandibular movements such as protrusion, dental occlusion, scar formation, facial nerve weakness, salivary fistula formation and time taken for the completion of the surgical procedure. Statistical Analysis: t- test was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. Results: Dental occlusion was restored in all the cases, and good anatomical reduction was achieved. The mean operating time was higher 63.53 (mean) ± 18.12 minutes standard deviation (SD) in the preauricular approach compared to 45.22 (mean) ± 18.86 minutes SD in the mini retromandibular approach. Scar formation was satisfactory in almost all the cases.