Caries and white spot lesion trajectories of orthodontic patients across an observation period of 20 years.

OBJECTIVES: Fixed orthodontic appliances may increase the risk for caries and white spot lesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term associations between both in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 patients aged 36.6 ± 6.5 years whose fixed appliance orthodontic treatment had finished at least 15 years ago were included. Current clinical data and photographs (T3), panoramic x-ray and photographs from before treatment (T0), after debonding (T1) and at 2-year follow-up (T2) were available. Parameters of interest were dentine caries, "Missing/Filled Teeth" (MFT), "White Spot Lesion" (WSL) index and "Periodontal Screening and Recording" index (PSR; T3 only). RESULTS: At T0, 30.4% had no caries experience decreasing to 25.6%, 22.4% and 6.8% at T1, T2 and T3 resp. The median MFT (95% CI) at T0, T1, T2 and T3 was 2 (1;3), 3 (2;4), 3 (2;4) and 7 (6;9) resp. increasing significantly at each time point (p < 0.001 each); 30.1% had WSL at debonding. Patients with caries experience at T0 had a 2.4-fold increased risk of WSL at debonding. Dentine caries, caries experience and WSL at T1 were significantly associated with incident caries at T2, but not at T3. PSR at T3 had a significant association with previous caries incidence and WSL. CONCLUSIONS: Caries experience prior to orthodontic treatment may constitute a risk indicator for WSL, and caries experience and WSL at its end for caries incidence in the near term. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Present caries and WSL may help identifying orthodontic patients with special need for prevention and counselling.

Quality of orthodontic care-A multicenter cohort study in a German convenience sample : Part 2: Cross-sectional patient-reported outcomes after orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: In light of the growing interest in orthodontic care and its effectiveness in Germany, part 2 of this multicenter cohort study evaluated patient-reported outcomes such as oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral hygiene habits, oral health beliefs, and potential influencing factors. METHODS: Of 586 patients screened from seven German study centers, data from 343 patients were analyzed for this part of the study. At the end of their orthodontic treatment, study participants filled out a questionnaire of either the German long version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G 49) or the German short version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP-19), depending on their age, as well as questions about their oral hygiene behavior and beliefs. Patient-, treatment- and occlusion-related factors were analyzed to account for potential influencing factors with regard to patients' OHRQoL after orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: In all, 222 study participants filled out the OHIP-based and 121 the COHIP-based questionnaire. The mean OHIP-G 49 score was 12.68 and the mean OHIP-G 14 score was 3.09; the mean COHIP-19 score was 6.52 (inverted score 69.48). For OHIP-G 49 scores, a nonsignificant trend towards a higher score for male patients (14.45 vs 11.54; p = 0.061) was detected, while this trend was inverse for the COHIP-19 scores, i.e., female patients reported more impairment (total score 6.99 vs. 5.84; p = 0.099). Analyses suggested a trend towards better OHRQoL for patients who classified for the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index improvement rate group 'greatly improved' as well as for nonsmokers. Oral hygiene habits and beliefs after orthodontic treatment were estimated to be good. CONCLUSION: In this German cohort, OHRQoL proved to be good and was rather unimpaired after orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, self-reported oral hygiene behavior and oral health beliefs represented good health awareness.

White spot lesions after fixed appliance treatment-Can we expect spontaneous long-term (≥15 years) improvement?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent to which post-orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs) change in appearance over a period of ≥15 years and whether an association with caries data exists. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients treated with a Herbst-Multibracket appliance at age 14.0 ± 2.7 years for 20.1 ± 5.1 months who attended a recall 18.3 ± 2.9 years post-treatment. Post-treatment (T1) intraoral photographs were assessed by a panel of five dentists using a modified version of the WSL-Index by Gorelick. For affected incisors, photographs from before treatment (T0) and recall (T3) were evaluated. In addition, the WSL-Change Index by Pancherz and Muehlich was assessed for all adequately visible incisors considering T1, T2 (if available), and T3. Radiographic (T0, T1, and T2-if available) and clinical (T3) MFT data were used. RESULTS: 37.5% of the patients exhibited WSLs on ≥ 1 incisor at T1; in total, 81 incisors (14.9%) were affected. At T3, 48% of the WSLs had improved. The modified WSL-Index decreased from 1.2 ± 0.4 to 0.8 ± 0.6 (P < .001), with a score 0 in 28% of the previously affected incisors. When comparing T2 vs. T3, additional improvement after T2 occurred in 11% of the teeth. While no difference existed at T0, the MFT values at T1, T2, and T3 were higher (P ≤ .05) in patients with WSLs at T1 than in those without. LIMITATIONS: The homogeneity of the subjects was limited and no patient-reported outcome was assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, post-orthodontic WSLs showed spontaneous full recovery in 28% and improvement in 48% of the teeth. Patients affected with WSLs exhibited higher post-treatment MFT values.

What to Prefer in Patients with Multibracket Appliances? Digital vs. Conventional Full-Arch Impressions-A Reference Aid-Based In Vivo Study.

This study aimed to investigate the transfer accuracy and required time for digital full-arch impressions obtained from intraoral scanners (IOSs) versus conventional alginate impressions (CAIs) in patients with multibracket appliances (MBA). Thirty patients with buccal MBAs (metal brackets, archwire removed) were examined using an established reference aid method. Impression-taking using four IOSs (Primescan, Trios 4, Medit i700, Emerald S) and one CAI with subsequent plaster casting were conducted. One-hundred-twenty (n = 30 × 4) scans were analyzed with 3D software (GOM Inspect) and 30 (n = 30 × 1) casts were assessed using a coordinate measurement machine. Six distances and six angles were measured and compared to the reference aid values (ANOVA; p < 0.05). Except for the intermolar distance, transfer accuracy was significantly higher with IOSs than with CAIs (p < 0.05). No such difference was found regarding the six angles. In patients with MBAs, digital impression-taking using IOSs can be recommended. For all measured variables except one, the transfer accuracy of IOSs was better than or at least equivalent to the data from CAIs. In addition, significantly (p < 0.001) less time was necessary for all IOSs in comparison to CAIs plus plaster casting.

Twenty-year follow-up of functional treatment with a bionator appliance (part 2): a retrospective cephalometric analysis of skeletal and dentoskeletal changes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate skeletal and dentoskeletal changes 20 years after bionator treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analog lateral cephalograms of 18 subjects treated with a bionator appliance during growth were digitized with a transmitted light scanner. Inclusion criteria were: increased overjet (≥4 mm), skeletal Class II, available lateral cephalograms before (T0), after (T1), and 20 years after (T2) treatment with only a Bionator. To assess standard cephalometric parameters, the software ivoris analyze was used. Data were analyzed using Friedman's two-way analysis of variance by ranks followed by Dunn's post hoc tests (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: During therapy (T0-T1), ANB decreased significantly by 1.9° and remained unchanged long term. SNA slightly decreased (-0.6°) during treatment, SNB and SNPg increased (+1.4°, +1.7°). All three parameters showed a significant increase at T2 (+1.2°, +1.6°, +1.6°). Vertical measurements (ML-NL, ML-NSL, NL-NSL) remained almost unchanged during therapy. NL-NSL also was unchanged during the long-term interval; ML-NSL and ML-NL decreased significantly (-3.4°, -4.9°). During treatment, the maxillary incisors retroclined (OK1-NL: -1.6°, OK1-NA: -0.6°), the mandibular incisors proclined (UK1-ML: +3.5°, UK1-NB: +4.9°), neither significantly. Long term, there was a nonsignificant tendency toward proclination of upper (OK1-NL: +0.1°, OK1-NA: +0.7°) and retroclination of lower incisors (UK1-ML: -1.5°, UK1-NB: -5°). CONCLUSIONS: Changes of ANB after bionator treatment without additional fixed appliances remained stable after 20 years. The observed long-term changes are probably consequences of well-known physiological and age-related processes.

Long-term (≥ 15 years) outcome quality after Class II:1 bionator or Herbst multibracket appliance treatment : A comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term outcome quality (≥ 15 years) of Class II:1 treatment using either a bionator (BIO) or a Herbst-multibracket appliance (HMB). METHODS: Patients who underwent functional treatment during the ideal treatment period for the respective approach (prepuberty vs. peak/postpeak) were assessed. Inclusion criteria were overjet ≥ 4 mm, skeletal Class II and availability of study casts from before, after and ≥ 15 years after treatment. The study casts were assessed using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and standard orthodontic cast measurements. RESULTS: During treatment, PAR score, overjet and sagittal occlusal relationship improved significantly in all groups. Long-term, there was a significant increase of incisor irregularity in the upper (HMB) and lower (BIO) arch and a significant decrease of lower arch width 3 - 3 (BIO). PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusal relationship remained stable long-term. Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences between the BIO and HMB groups in terms of lower arch width (6 - 6), upper and lower arch width (3 + 3/3 - 3) as well as sagittal molar relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The achieved improvement in PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusion remained comparably stable long-term in all groups. The long-term changes are probably a consequence of natural aging.

The transfer accuracy of digital and conventional full-arch impressions influenced by fixed orthodontic appliances: a reference aid-based in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of fixed orthodontic appliances (FOAs) on the transfer accuracy of full-arch impressions by five intraoral scanners (IOSs): CS3600, Primescan, Trios 4, Medit i500, Emerald S, and one conventional alginate impression (CAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To compare the data with the actual model situation, an established reference aid-based method was applied. A test model with human teeth was used and modified for each testing group, resulting in five different settings: natural teeth (group A), metal brackets without/with wire (groups B/C), ceramic brackets without/with wire (groups D/E). A total of 300 (n = 12 × 5 × 5) scan datasets of IOSs were analyzed using a 3D software (GOM Inspect) and 60 (n = 12 × 5) plaster casts of CAI were measured with a coordinate measurement machine. The deviations between the reference aid and the impressions were determined. RESULTS: For all groups with brackets (B to E), IOSs showed a higher transfer accuracy compared to CAI, even for long-span distances. However, some significant differences between the IOSs were observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, IOSs can be recommended for impressions with and without FOAs, even if CAI showed the smallest average deviations in settings without FOAs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IOSs are widely used in orthodontics and the current study demonstrated that their use enables fast impression taking even in settings with fixed orthodontic appliances. In addition, for these settings, the transfer accuracy is higher than with conventional alginate impressions. Nevertheless, a re-investigation in a clinical setting should be performed to verify the current in vitro findings.

Efficiency and outcome quality of Herbst-Multibracket appliance therapy in Class II:2 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective investigation was to generate representative data on the efficiency and outcome quality of Class II:2 Herbst-Multibracket appliance (Herbst-MBA) treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All Class II:2 patients who had started Herbst-MBA treatment at the study centre since 1986 were included. Study casts from before treatment, after Herbst-MBA treatment, and (if available) after ≥24 months of follow-up were evaluated using standard occlusal variables, the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR)-Index, and the Ahlgren-Scale. RESULTS: During treatment, the pre-treatment PAR score was reduced from 23.6 ± 7.66 to 5.6 ± 3.85 (n = 192); during the follow-up period, a slight increase to 6.0 ± 3.60 occurred (n = 127). The percentage of patients who could be assigned to the PAR category 'greatly improved' was 30% after treatment and 33% after follow-up; only 1%, respectively, 2% had to be assigned to the category 'worse/no different'. The outcome ratings according to the Ahlgren-Scale revealed 20% excellent, 32% good, 46% acceptable, and 2% unsuccessful results. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design with follow-up data not available from all subjects and no data from untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS: Herbst-MBA is an efficient treatment approach in orthodontic care of Class II:2 malocclusions. High-quality results (mean/median PAR score: 5.6/5.0) with very good short-term stability (2.2 years' follow-up) were achieved. Unfortunately, no appropriate control group or groups, where other treatment approaches had been applied, exist.

Upper airway changes following high oblique sagittal split osteotomy (HSSO).

The aim of this study was to evaluate volumetric changes of the posterior airway space (PAS) following bimaxillary surgery using a high oblique sagittal split osteotomy (HSSO) of the mandibular ramus. The cone beam CTs of Class II and Class III patients taken before (T0) and 6-12 months after surgery (T1) were analyzed using 3D software (Mimics® Innovation Suite 18.0). The PAS was divided into three segments (superior, middle, inferior) by three planes parallel to the Frankfurt horizontal plane intersecting at the posterior nasal spine, the velum palatinum and the epiglottis. Total (TPAS) and partial volumes (SPAS = superior, MPAS = middle, IPAS = inferior) were calculated. For the 25 Class II patients, a highly significant increase (p<0.001) of the total, middle and inferior airway space (TPAS: +33.6%, MPAS: +43.1%, IPAS: +55.9%) was found, while the increase of the upper airway space was statistically not significant (+5.4%, p = 0.074). For the 28 Class III patients, the total, middle and inferior airway space increased statistically insignificantly (TPAS: +4.6%, p = 0.265, MPAS: +2.7%, p = 0.387, IPAS: +2.8%, p = 0.495), while the increase of the upper airway space was statistically significant (+9.7%, p = 0.010). Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery using the HSSO technique led to a significant increase of PAS for Class II patients and could conserve the PAS for Class III patients.

Outcome quality of Class II division 1 Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment: influence of pretreatment Class II severity and skeletal maturity.

BACKGROUND: No reliable predictive factors for treatment (Tx) success and outcome quality in Class II:1 Tx have been identified yet. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of pre-Tx Class II severity and skeletal maturity on outcome quality after Herbst-multibracket appliance (MBA) Tx. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All Class II:1 patients who completed Herbst-MBA Tx between 1986 and 2014 at University of Giessen, Germany. Pre-Tx (T0), post-Tx (T1), and (if available) post-retention (≥24 months; T2) study casts were evaluated using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and the Ahlgren scale. Three occlusal severity (mild, moderate, and severe) and four skeletal maturity (pre-peak, peak, post-peak, and adult) subgroup categories were defined. RESULTS: Four hundred eight-five patients (age at T0: 14.4 ± 3.2 years) could be evaluated; post-retention (T3) data were available for 230 patients. For the total sample, the median PAR score was 32.4 ± 8.85 at T0, 8.0 ± 4.52 at T1, and 8.8 ± 5.11 at T2. Very low correlations between the subgroup categories (occlusal severity/skeletal maturity) and PAR-score reduction were detected both during Tx (r = 0.12/r = 0.05) and the total observation period (r = 0.17/r = 0.03). The overall outcome quality according to Ahlgren was: 17.0% excellent, 34.8% good, 43.8% acceptable, 2.2% unacceptable, and 2.2% not assessable. The association with the subgroup categories was: p = 0.019 (occlusal severity)/p = 0.820 (skeletal maturity). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design with follow-up data was not available from all subjects and no data from untreated controls. Tx was performed by several physicians using different kind of MBAs. CONCLUSION: Class II:1 Herbst-MBA Tx is an effective and successful Tx approach irrespective of pre-Tx skeletal maturity but dependent-to a certain extent-on Class II severity. Thus, when considering a Herbst appliance for Class II correction, neither of the two variables should considerably limit the indication.

Prevalence, magnitude, and incidence of labial gingival recession with Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and magnitude of labial gingival recession (LGR) before and after as well as the incidence during Class II:1 Herbst-Multibracket appliance (Herbst-MBA) treatment (Tx) plus retention in a retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of Class II:1 patients who completed Herbst-MBA Tx (mean pre-Tx age 14.4 years) at Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany were analyzed. Tx consisted of a Herbst phase (mean 8.1 months) and a subsequent MBA phase (mean 16.1 months). Study casts from before and after Herbst-MBA Tx plus ≥24 months of retention were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 460 pre-Tx and 222 postretention study casts were available (total observation period: 59.2 ± 14.8 months). The overall prevalence for teeth with LGR ≥0.5 mm was 1.1% pre-Tx and 5.3% postretention. The highest prevalence of up to 5.3% (pre-Tx) and 16.4% (postretention) were seen for the lower incisors. Overall, the median magnitude of LGR was 0.0 mm pre-Tx/postretention (mean: 0.05 mm/0.08 mm). Incidence values of 4.0% (all teeth) and 10.0% to 11.4% (lower central incisors) were calculated for LGR ≥0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LGR ≥0.5 mm increased from, on average, 1.1% to 5.3% during ≈6 years of Herbst-MBA Tx plus retention. The highest incidence was seen in lower incisors (10.0%-11.4%). However, because of the overall mean magnitude of 0.08 mm postretention, the clinical relevance can be considered as insignificant.

Long-term (≥15 years) effects of Class II treatment: a longitudinal and cross-sectional study on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is controversial and post-orthodontic long-term TMD data of Class II populations are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the long-term (≥15 years) effects of Herbst-multibracket appliances (MBA) Class II treatment (Tx) on signs and symptoms of TMD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients (University of Giessen, Germany) who underwent Herbst-MBA Tx (end of active Tx ≥ 15 years ago), could be located and agreed to participate in a recall. Available records from before (T0) and after (T1) active Tx were used for comparison with the recall data (T2). All findings were classified according to research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) as well as the Helkimo index. RESULTS: Seventy-two out of 152 patients participated at age 33.7 ± 3.0 years. Complete TMD data-sets (T0 + T1 + T2) were available for 33 participants. Participants and non-participants did not differ significantly at T0 or T1 in terms of general clinical data, occlusal relationship or TMD prevalence. At all time-points, 79-91 per cent of the patients were free of TMD signs and symptoms (RDC/TMD and DC/TMD). The TMD prevalence fluctuated: 21 per cent (T0), 9 per cent (T1), 15 per cent (T2). Similar findings with a trend towards improvement during T0-T1 and recurrence during T1-T2 were seen for the Helkimo index. There were no statistically significant differences. LIMITATIONS: The participation rate of only 62 per cent, the disparate availability of records (T0, T1), the fact that the patients were not treated at exactly the same time period and that no untreated control group is available. CONCLUSION: In the long-term (≥15 years) Herbst-MBA Class II Tx neither seems to increase nor decrease the risk for developing TMD.

Long-term effects of Class II Herbst treatment on the pharyngeal airway width.

Objective: The aim was to assess the long-term effects of Class II malocclusion treatment with the Herbst appliance on the pharyngeal airway (PA) width in comparison to untreated individuals with Classes I and II malocclusion. Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 13 male Class II patients from before (T1) and after (T2) treatment with the Herbst appliance as well as after the end of growth (T3) were retrospectively analyzed and compared to two untreated age- and gender-matched samples with Class I (n = 13) or Class II (n = 13) malocclusion. The PA dimensions were measured using the parameters p (narrowest distance between the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall) and t (narrowest distance between the base of the tongue and the posterior pharyngeal wall). In addition, standard cephalometric measurements were performed. Results: Relevant changes in PA dimensions were only seen for the post-treatment period, during which the distances p and t showed a significant increase in the Herbst group only (∆p: 2.3 mm, ∆t: 3.3 mm) while remaining similar in both untreated groups (∆p: 0.5 mm, ∆t: 0.5 mm, respectively, ∆p: 0.7 mm, ∆t: 1.6 mm). During the same period, posterior face height showed a significantly larger increase in the Herbst group than in both control groups (8.2 versus 5.8 mm, respectively, 5.4 mm), whereas anterior face height (NL-Me) showed a similar development in all groups (4.6 versus 4.4 mm, respectively 3.2 mm). Conclusion: In the long term, Herbst treatment resulted in a significant post-treatment increase of PA width, possibly due to an increased lower posterior facial height development compared to untreated individuals.

Long-term (≥15 years) post-treatment changes and outcome quality after Class II:1 treatment in comparison to untreated Class I controls.

Aim: To investigate the long-term (≥15 years) post-treatment (Tx) occlusal changes and outcome quality after Class II:1 Tx. Subjects and Methods: Herbst-MBA Tx had been performed at age 12.8 ± 2.7 years in 119 patients. A recall was conducted and study models from before and after active Tx, after retention as well as after recall were evaluated using standard occlusal variables and the PAR index. These data were compared to 31 untreated Class I controls. Results: 52 out of 119 patients could be located and participated at 33.6 ± 3.1 years. Compared to the 67 patients who did not participate in the recall, the pre- and post-Tx occlusal data of the participants did not differ systematically; however, the PAR scores were higher by 3.0-4.7 points at all times. Pre-Tx, the mean values of the 52 participants were: PAR = 27.2 ± 7.6, Class II molar relationship (MR) = 0.7 cusp widths (cw), overjet = 8.2 mm, overbite = 4.1 mm. After Tx, the PAR score was 3.4 ± 2.2. A Class I MR (0.0 ± 0.1 cw) with normal overjet (2.3 ± 0.7 mm) and overbite (1.3 ± 0.7 mm) existed. At recall, a mild PAR score increase to 8.2 ± 5.5 points had occurred; this was mainly due to increased overjet and overbite values (3.6 ± 1.1 and 2.8 ± 1.6 mm) while the MR was stable (0.0 ± 0.2 cw). For all these variables, similar findings were made in the untreated controls. Conclusion: The occlusal outcome of Class II:1 Tx showed very good long-term stability. While mild changes occur post-Tx, the long-term result is similar to untreated Class I controls.

Outcome quality and long-term (≥15 years) stability after Class II:2 Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment in comparison to untreated Class I controls.

Aim: To investigate the outcome quality and the long-term (≥15 years) post-treatment (Tx) changes after Class II:2 Herbst-multibracket appliance (MBA) Tx. Subjects and Methods: In this longitudinal observational study, a recall of Class II:2 patients who had been treated by a Herbst-MBA during adolescence was conducted. Study models from before and after active Tx, after retention and after recall were assessed using standard occlusal variables and the peer assessment rating index (PAR). These data were compared to historical untreated Class I controls. Results: Twenty out of 33 patients (61%) could be located and participated at age 33.9 ± 2.7 years. When comparing their data to the 13 patients who did not participate, the pre- and post-Tx occlusal findings did not differ systematically; however, the PAR scores of the non-participants were by 3.3-8.2 points higher at all times and the non-participants were 2.1-2.5 years older. Pre-Tx at age 14.4 ± 2.7 years, the participants showed the following mean values: PAR = 15.0 ± 7.0, Class II molar relationship (MR) = 0.8 ± 0.3 cusp widths (cw), overbite = 5.3 ± 1.3 mm. After Tx, a PAR score of 2.9 ± 1.3 and a super Class I MR (-0.1 ± 0.1 cw) with normal overbite (1.2 ± 0.8 mm) existed. At recall, a PAR score increase to 5.9 ± 3.6 points had occurred, mainly caused by an increase of overbite to 2.5 ± 1.5 mm. The average MR remained Class I (0.0 ± 0.2 cw). For all variables, the untreated controls exhibited similar findings. Conclusion: The occlusal outcome of Class II:2 Herbst-MBA Tx exhibited very good long-term stability. While mild post-Tx changes occurred, the long-term findings are similar to untreated Class I controls.

Nonsyndromic oligodontia : Does the Tooth Agenesis Code (TAC) enable prediction of the causative mutation?

OBJECTIVES: The literature suggests an association between phenotype and causative mutation in nonsyndromic oligodontia. Thus, the present study was designed to verify this hypothesis in a consecutive cohort of patients. METHODS: All patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia who had been treated at the study center (Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Germany) over the period 1986-2013 were contacted. Candidates were included only if at least one more family member had hypo- or oligodontia (i.e., without regard to the number of congenitally missing teeth). A total of 20 patients were included. After evaluating the dental status of each participant, the Tooth Agenesis Code (TAC) was applied. On this basis, a tentative diagnosis was made to predict which gene (MSX1, AXIN2, EDA, or PAX9) was likely to show mutation. Afterwards this hypothesis was confirmed or rejected by analyzing a saliva sample for mutation of the predicted gene. If confirmed, any available family members were also genetically analyzed. RESULTS: Based on their TAC scores and sums, gene mutations were predicted for MXS1 in 11, AXIN2 in 3, EDA in 6, and PAX9 in none of the patients. The evaluation of MSX1 yielded variants in 4 of 11 cases, all of which were classified as nonpathogenic since they were not considered as functional mutations. The evaluation of EDA yielded a pathogenic exon-7 mutation in 2 of 6 patients, both being brothers with different TAC scores; the same mutation, which represents a novel missense mutation, was also found in other members of the same family. The evaluation of AXIN2 yielded variants in 3 of 3 cases, all of which were classified as nonpathogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings obtained in consecutive patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia did not reveal any clinically relevant associations between oligodontia phenotype (based on TAC) and causative mutations for nonsyndromic oligodontia.

Changes in white spot lesions following post-orthodontic weekly application of 1.25 per cent fluoride gel over 6 months-a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Part I: photographic data evaluation.

Background: White spot lesions (WSLs) are a frequent side-effect of multibracket appliance treatment. The effect of local fluoridation on post-orthodontic WSL is however inconclusive. Objective: Assessment of WSL changes in response to weekly 1.25 per cent fluoride gel application after multibracket appliance treatment. Trial design: Randomized, single-centre, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. Participants: Patients with not less than 1 WSL (modified score 1 or 2) on not less than 1 upper front teeth after debonding. Interventions: Professional fluoride/placebo gel application during weeks 1-2; self-administered home application (weeks 3-24). Outcomes: Photographic WSL assessment (dimension and luminance) of the upper front teeth (T0-T5). Randomization: Random assignment to test (n = 23) or placebo group (n = 23) using a sequentially numbered list (random allocation sequence generated for 50 subjects in 25 blocks of 2 subjects each). Recruitment: The clinical study duration lasted from March 2011 to September 2013. Blinding: Unblinding was performed after complete data evaluation. Numbers analysed: Intent-to-treat analysis set comprising 39 participants (test: n = 21, placebo: n = 18). Outcome: Dimensional WSL quantification showed limited reliability. Luminance improvement (%) of WSL, however, was seen after 6 months (test/placebo: tooth 12, 24.8/18.0; tooth 11, 38.4/35.4; tooth 21, 39.6/38.3; and tooth 22, 15.2/25.0). No statistically significant group difference existed. Data suggest that WSLs are difficult to measure with respect to reliability and repeatability and methods for monitoring WSLs in clinical trials require improvement/validation. Harms: Similar adverse events occurred in both groups; none was classified as possibly related to the study product. Limitations: The number of dropouts was higher than expected and the socio-economic status was not assessed. Furthermore, the unknown level of compliance during the home application phase must be considered as limitation. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, no difference could be detected with respect to the development of WSL under post-orthodontic high-dose fluoride treatment. Registration: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01329731). Protocol: The protocol wasn't published before trial commencement.

Changes in white spot lesions following post-orthodontic weekly application of 1.25 per cent fluoride gel over 6 months-a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Part II: clinical data evaluation.

Background: White spot lesions (WSL) frequently occur as side-effect of multibracket appliance treatment. The clinical effects of local fluoridation on post-orthodontic WSL and oral health development are however inconclusive. Objective: In vivo monitoring of clinical WSL and oral health changes in response to weekly 1.25 per cent fluoride gel application after multibracket appliance treatment. Trial design: Randomized, single-centre, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. Participants: Patients with not less than 1 WSL (modified score 1 or 2) on not less than 1 upper front teeth after debonding. Interventions: Professional fluoride/placebo gel application during weeks 1-2; self-administered home application (weeks 3-24). Outcomes: Clinical evaluation of WSL index, lesion activity, plaque index, gingival bleeding index, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index as well as saliva buffer capacity and stimulated salivary flow rate (T0-T5). Randomization: Random assignment to test (n = 23) or placebo group (n = 23) using a sequentially numbered list (random allocation sequence generated for 50 subjects in 25 blocks of 2 subjects each). Recruitment: The clinical study duration lasted from March 2011 to September 2013. Blinding: Unblinding was performed after complete data evaluation. Numbers analysed: Intention-to-treat analysis set comprised 39 participants (test: n = 21, placebo: n = 18). Outcome: No clinical parameter except stimulated salivary flow rate (fluoride group: 1.1ml/min, placebo group: 0.74ml/min; P = 0.022) showed a statistically significant group difference after 24 weeks. Harms: Several adverse events occurred similarly frequent in both groups; none was classified as possibly related to the study product. Limitations: The number of dropouts was higher than expected and the socio-economic status was not assessed. Furthermore, the unknown level of compliance during the home application phase must be considered as limitation. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, no clinical effect of post-orthodontic high-dose fluoride treatment on WSL and oral health changes could be detected. Registration: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01329731). Protocol: The protocol wasn't published before trial commencement.

Replantation of a displaced incisor in a boy with a cleft lip and alveolus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tooth replantation after traumatic avulsion or transplantation is a challenge in oral surgery. A special method named auto-alloplastic replantation, in which a titanium post is used after extraoral endodontic treatment, combines several advantages. The treatment is performed in one step with no further endodontic intervention, no wide root canal instrumentation, no recontamination, and reduced endodontic infection. This is the first report on replantation of an ectopic tooth in a patient with a cleft lip and alveolus using this method. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents the treatment of a 13-year-old white boy with a cleft lip and alveolus who had an ectopic incisor in the cleft region. His rehabilitation was performed by a tooth transposition using the auto-alloplastic replantation technique. After preparation of the displaced incisor from the vestibule, extraoral endodontic treatment followed using a titanium post prior to replantation in a newly formed socket. In the follow-up, the tooth is still in place and functioning after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: This method can be used to bridge the years while a patient is young and jaw growth is incomplete until bone augmentation and implantation can be performed. The tooth will preserve the remaining alveolar ridge and help the adolescent psychologically.

Herbst plus Lingual versus Herbst plus Labial: a comparison of occlusal outcome and gingival health.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse and compare the effects during Herbst treatment combined with a lingual (completely customized) or labial (straight-wire) multibracket appliance (MBA), with special regard to lower incisor gingival recessions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen Class II:1 patients [overjet ≥ 5mm, Class II molar relationship ≥ 0.5 cusp widths (CW) bilaterally or 1.0 CW unilaterally, median age 16.0 years] treated with a Herbst appliance in combination with a lingual MBA (group LINGUAL) were retrospectively matched (molar relationship and skeletal maturity) to 18 Class II:1 patients treated with a Herbst appliance combined with a labial MBA (group LABIAL). Study models and intraoral photographs from before and after treatment were evaluated regarding occlusal variables and gingival recessions. Lateral cephalograms from before, during (before and after Herbst), and after treatment were analysed to assess lower incisor changes. RESULTS: Both groups showed similar reductions of overjet (5.4/5.6mm), overbite, (2.9/2.7mm) and sagittal molar relationship (0.9/0.8 CW). During the Herbst phase, the changes in lower incisor inclination and incisal edge position were significantly smaller in the LINGUAL than in the LABIAL group (iiL/ML: +7.0/+12.7degrees, P = 0.002; ii-MLppg: +2.5/+3.9mm, P = 0.004). For the total treatment period, no significant differences were found (iiL/ML: +5.3/+8.6degrees; ii-MLppg: +2.1/+2.4mm). No clinically relevant gingival recessions were seen. CONCLUSION: Both treatment approaches successfully corrected the malocclusion. The group LINGUAL exhibited significantly less proclination during the Herbst phase only. Neither treatment approach induced deleterious gingival recessions.