Augmenting orthodontic anchorage by orthodontic implants

Orthodontic implants are an excellent alternative to conventional orthodontic anchorage systems such as intraoral dental anchoring units and extra-oral headgear devices. With the advent of pros-thetic implants and their predictable results and the increased demand for orthodontic treatment by adult patients and the importance of anchorage control, the orthodontists found an opportunity to use these temporary additional devices for reinforcement of anchorage or for traction. In recent years, orthodontic implants have become very popular for providing temporary skeletal anchorage and have several applications in clinical orthodontics especially for adults with an incomplete dentition as well as to reduce the need for patient compliance and for prosthetic cases. Other Advantages include their relatively small size, which results in minimal anatomical limitations, user-friendly protocol, imme-diate loading potential, adaptability to biomechanics in effecting orthodontic and orthopedic forces, high success rate, low cost and most importantly patient acceptability. The purpose of this review is to revive orthodontists on the current concepts of orthodontic implants and orthodontic mechanics

Oral device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea

The objective of this review is to highlight recent developments in oral devices [ODs] as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] for Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA] treatment. OSA is a common sleep disorder characterized by recurring collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in sleep fragmentation and oxygen desaturation. The role of dentistry in sleep disorders is becoming more significant, especially in co-managing patients with simple snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]. The practicing dental professional has the opportunity to assist patients at a variety of levels, starting with the recognition of a sleep-related disorder, referring them to a physician for evaluation, and assisting in the management of sleep disorders. Almost every discipline in dentistry needs to be aware of sleep disorders and their potential impact. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine [AAOSM] has recommended [ODs] for use in patients with primary snoring and mild to moderate OSA. The category of mandibular repositioning or advancement devices [MRD/ MAD] is by far the most common type of ODs in use today. It protrudes the mandible forward, thus preventing or minimizing upper airway collapse during sleep

Signaling molecules and genetic mechanisms involved in orthodontic tooth movement

The objective of this review is to highlight recent developments in cellular, molecular, tissue, and genetic reactions in response to orthodontic force application. Histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies in the 20th century and the early 21st century demonstrated that many phenomena, both physical and biologic, are involved in tooth movement. When mechanical forces are applied, cells, as well as the extracellular matrix [ECM] of the [periodontal ligament] PDL and alveolar bone, respond concomitantly, resulting in tissue remodeling. During the early phases of orthodontic tooth movement, PDL fluids are shifted, and cells and ECM are strained. In areas where tension or compression evolves under the influence of the orthodontic appliance, vasoactive neurotransmitters are released from distorted nerve terminals. In the PDL, most terminals are near blood-vessel walls. Therefore, the released neurotransmitters interact first with capillary endothelial cells. In response, the endothelial cells express receptors that bind circulating leukocytes, promoting their migration by diapedesis out of the capillaries. These migratory cells secrete many signal molecules, including cytokines and growth factors, some of which might be categorized as inflammatory mediators, that stimulate PDL and alveolar bone lining cells to remodel their ECM. This force-induced remodeling facilitates movement of teeth to areas in which bone had been resorbed