[Comparison of face mask treatment with or without expansion screw in dentoskeletal changes of Class III patients]

Among various treatments available for patients with Class III malocclusion, orthopedic protraction of maxilla during the mixed dentition period has been reported to be beneficial in cases with maxillary deficiency. In such patients, however, the maxillary expansion is not sometimes needed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of face mask with and without maxillary expansion screw in Class III malocclusion patients who had maxillary deficiency. Twenty children with class III malocclusion were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups [A and B]. The children in group A were treated with a protraction face mask, and patients in group B were treated with a face mask and removable slow maxillary expansion device. The cephalometric changes in maxilla and mandible, and alterations in dental relations were compared within and between groups before and after treatment. Before-after comparisons in each group were performed with paired sample t-test. Covariance analysis served for between groups comparisons. In group A, the overjet was improved and molar relation was changed into normal occlusion [Class I]. The cephalometric analysis in group B revealed that Class III malocclusion was modified through a forward movement of the maxilla and a backward rotation of the mandible. Face mask is a favorable treatment in improving the antero-posterior position of maxilla and mandible in Class III patients even if they don't need palatal expansion

[Frequency of orthodontic malpractice cases and verdicts filed at the Iranian Medical Council during 1994-2004]

The number of complaints filed by patients at the Iranian Medical Council is rising in recent years. Some of the complaints are related to orthodontics malpractice cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of orthodontics malpractice complaints filed against either specialists or general dental practitioners -according to the final decree registered at the Iranian Medical Council. This descriptive study was designed to examine the relevant documents filed since 1372 [1994], which received rulings by the Iranian Medical Council. Of the 54 orthodontics cases, 31 were filed against general practitioners, 16 against orthodontists, 3 against pediatricians and 4 against so-called denturists. A total of 25 cases were acquitted of all charges, 3 cases were punished verbally, 33 cases received written notice and 4 cases of dentuirists were referred to court. Among all, 27 malpractice cases were against removable and 26 involving fixed orthodontic treatments. Twelve convicted individuals were also charged with lack of professional care, 14 with lack of expertise, and 2 for negligence. This study shows a considerable rise in convicted malpractice cases filed against general dental practitioners [88%], according to registered cases at the Iranian Medical Council over the past ten years. For prevention and control of such events, this result suggests that more education and closer supervision as well as enforcement of regulations are required by authorities