Chairside archwire preparation for sliding mechanics

The aim of this paper is to describe a method of chairside archwire preparation for space by the sliding mechanic. One size stainless steel standard shape archwire is needed for the upper and lower dental arches. The archwire preparation require bending two circles distal to lateral incisors, orienting the circles in relation to the archwire, correcting undesirable level and torque discrepancy, and individualizing the archwire to the patient's arch form. The circles will divide the archwire into anterior and posterior segments. The force for sliding mechanics is provided by stretching elastic ring between the molar hooks and the circles. The prepared archwires can be used for the treatment of different types of malocclusions. It proved practical, effective and reliable. This eliminated the need to buy large stocks of archwires with soldered hook and different archform

Quadrilateral analysis of Saudi adults with anterior openbite

The aims of this study were [1] to apply the quadrilateral analysis to Saudi adult male and female patients with normal occlusion, [2] to compare the results to Saudi adult male and female with anterior openbite, and [3] to evaluate the correlation of the quadrilateral variables. The normal occlusion sample consisted of 60 lateral skull radiographs [30 male and 30 female] of Saudi adults with normal occlusion and balanced face selected from the cephalographs of fourth year dental students. The openbite sample consisted of 60 pretreatment lateral skull radiographs [30 male and 30 female] of Saudi adult with anterior openbite selected from the cephalographs of patients referred for the correction of dentofacial deformities. The cephalometric radiographs were traced by hand. The quadrilateral was constructed and measured for analysis. The quadrilateral analysis was applied to Saudi adult males with normal occlusion and the results were compared to Saudi adult males with anterior openbite. The quadrilateral analysis was applied to Saudi adult females with normal occlusion and the results were compared to Saudi adult females with anterior openbite. The quadrilateral analysis of Saudi adult males with anterior openbite was compared to Saudi adult females with anterior openbite. Correlation analysis of the quadrilateral variables and the relation proportional correlation of the quadrilateral analysis for the Saudi adult males with anterior openbite was evaluated. The method error was small and acceptable. The quadrilateral analysis of the craniofacial structures of Saudi adults showed the following. [1] In subjects with normal occlusion the length of the maxillary base and the length of the mandibular base and the average of lower face heights were equal. [2] In openbite subjects compared to normal: [a] the maxillary and the mandibular base lengths were small. [b] The facial heights were large. [c] The sagittal angle was large. [d] The maxillary and mandibular sagittal ratios were large. [e] The posterior extensions of the maxilla and mandible were short. [f] The average lower facial height was large. [g] Vertical sagittal ratio was larger than normal. [3] The correlation analysis showed that the malformation of the craniofacial structure in anterior openbite subjects resides in the maxillo-mandibular complex. The results suggest that in conjunction with the ODI, the sagittal angle, the maxillary and mandibular sagittal ratio can be additional parameters in determining an openbite tendency

B-clasp: a new retentive component of removable appliance and its clinical application

The objective of this paper was to introduce a new type of retentive clasp [B-Clasp] for the removable appliance that engages the roof of the molar tube in the fixed appliance. It is a bi-helix clasp made from 0.7 mm stainless steel wire and consists of mesial helix, bridge, distal helix, flyover and tag. Its fabrication and clinical applications are presented. Clinically, the B-clasp proved to be practical, effective and retentive in several clinical applications in orthodontics

Cephalometric craniofacial characteristics of a sample of Saudi female adults with class III malocclusion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphologic characteristic of the craniofacial complex of Saudi adult females with Class III malocclusion. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 30 Saudi adult females with Class III malocclusion [ages 18 to 28 years] were selected from the pretreatment orthodontic files of College of Dentistry of King Saud University. Cases were analyzed and compared with a Class III control group that was matched for age and sex. The Saudi females with Class Ill malocclusion exhibited a distinct craniofacial morphologic characteristic that was manifested in a combination of alterations in angular and linear measurements on the lateral cephalogram. The anterior [S-N], posterior [S-Ar] and total cranial base [S-Ar] linear measurements were significantly shorter, and the cranial base angle [N-S-Ar and N-S-Ba] was significantly smaller in Class III than in control. Maxillary length [ANS-PNS] was significantly smaller, and the maxilla was more posteriorly positioned in the patients with Class III malocclusion. The mandible and chin position were prognathic, and there was increase in total mandibular length [Ar-Pog] accompanied by obtuse gonial [Ar-Go-Me] angle and steeper mandibular plane. Both the ramal height [Ar-Go] and the posterior facial height were significantly shorter in Class III malocclusion than in control. Dental compensation in the patients with Class III was manifested by protrusion of the maxillary incisors and retrusion of mandibular incisors. There was tendency to open bite in these Class III malocclusions. The soft tissue reflects the underlying skeletal pattern by retrusion of upper and lower lips to esthetic line, and smaller nasiolabial angle

Reliability and accuracy of the lower incisor mandibular plane angle: proposed correction factor

The labiolingual position of the lower incisors is in a zone of balance. Any significant changes in the position lead to relapse, although, in some cases, there are exceptions. In cephalometric analysis, the relative anteroposterior position of the lower incisor is measured by the lower incisor mandibular plane angle [IMPA]. However, the morphology of the mandible could vary affecting the value of IMPA. This study is designed to analyze the factors influencing the IMPA, and to introduce a method for adjusting abnormal inclination

Cephalometric comparisons of dentofacial features between Saudi and British school boys

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the cephalometric dentofacial features of Saudi school boys to similar age and gender British data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panel selected 38 male students with normal occlusion. The mean age of the sample was 10.2 t 1.3 years. Standardized lateral skull radiographs were taken with the head at the natural position. The radiographs were traced and digitized. From the digitized data the measurements of the following dentofacial structures were obtained. These were [a] cranial base, [b] anterioposterior skeletal relationships. [c] vertical skeletal relationships, [d] dentoalveolar and [e] soft tissue. The method errors in identifying and locating the anatomical landmarks were assessed by the method of double determination by redigitizing the radiographs on two different occasions with minimal of six weeks interval. The results of the double determination were small. The comparisons of the cephalometric features between the Saudi and the British school boys revealed that the Saudi have [1] Smaller anterior and total cranial base and cranial base angle. [2] Recessive chin. [3] Larger lower and total of the anterior and posterior facial heights [4] Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion. [5] Smaller interincisal angle [6] Upper and lower lips protrusion. [7] Smaller nasiolabial angle. This study compared the Saudi and British boys, it may be more beneficial if Saudi can be compared to other population inhabiting the area to identify the differences and the cephalometric features that are common to the whole Arab in the Middle East