From periodontal mechanoreceptors to chewing motor control: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This critical review summarizes the current knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of periodontal mechanoreceptors, and understands their role in the signal pathways and functional motor control. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Original articles were searched through Pubmed, Cochrane Central database and Embase until january 2016. RESULT: 1466 articles were identified through database searching and screened by reviewing the abstracts. 160 full-text were assessed for eligibility, and after 109 exclusion, 51 articles were included in the review process. Studies selected by the review process were mainly divided in studies on animal and studies on humans. Morphological, histological, molecular and electrophysiological studies investigating the periodontal mechanoreceptors in animals and in humans were included, evaluated and described. CONCLUSION: Our knowledge of the periodontal mechanoreceptors, let us conclude that they are very refined neural receptors, deeply involved in the activation and coordination of the masticatory muscles during function. Strictly linked to the rigid structure of the teeth, they determine all the functional physiological and pathological processes of the stomatognathic system. The knowledge of their complex features is fundamental for all dental professionists. Further investigations are of utmost importance for guiding the technological advances in the respect of the neural control in the dental field.

Changes in electric activity of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles before and after orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, through clinical and electromyographic (EMG) assessments, the electric activity of masseter muscle and anterior temporalis muscles during clenching, before and after orthodontic treatment and mandibular setback, with or without LeFort I osteotomy, for correction of mandibular excess. STUDY DESIGN: Seventeen adult patients (10 males, 7 females, mean age: 22.5 ± 2.4 years) were recruited for this study. All patients received orthodontic treatment and surgical corrections. EMG recordings were obtained from 4 channels of the 8-channel electromyograph FREELY (DeGoetzen spa, Olgiate Olona, VA, Italy). RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the value of activity index at T0-T1 (33% T0, 1% T1) (P < .05), of asymmetry index at T0-T1 (21% T0, 4% T1) (P < .05), and of torque index at T0-T1 (24% T0, 5% T1) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of EMG activity after surgery may be considered a sign of good adaptation of the neuromuscular system to the new occlusal condition and a good method for detecting nonresponding patients who might require further treatment.

Three-dimensional cephalometry: a method for the identification and for the orientation of the skull after cone-bean computed tomographic scan.

The aims of this work were (1) to describe a method to identify new skeletal landmarks useful to define the reference system to orient the skull in a new position after cone-bean computed tomographic scan and (2) to demonstrate the reliability of this new method.Ten orthognathic patients (5 male, 5 female; mean [SD] age, 18.9 [1.2] years) underwent the cone-bean computed tomographic scan before surgery. Seven 3-dimensional skeletal measurements derived from 4 skeletal point of construction (C) (right, left, and median orbital C, and sella C) have been used for this study. Reliability has been calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient tests.Intraobserver reliability was 0.9999 for operator A (T1-T2) and 0.9999 for operator B (T1-T2); interobserver reliability was 0.9999 between the first (T1-T1) measurement and 0.9999 between the second (T2-T2).The original method is able to reduce the variability of landmark identification due to the variability of the human anatomy and the influence of the human error in cephalometric analysis. The innovation of this new method is the real possibility to use the anatomical structures in a 3-dimensional way, enhancing the reliability of the reference points.

Reverse cycle chewing before and after orthodontic-surgical correction in class III patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of reverse-sequence chewing cycles in skeletal class III patients before and after orthodontic-surgical therapy to evaluate whether the occlusal and skeletal correction is followed by a functional improvement. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty skeletal class III patients (11 males and 9 females, 22.7 ± 3.0 years old) were recruited for this study. All patients received orthodontic and surgical treatment. Chewing cycles were recorded with a kinesiograph before (T0) and after (T1) therapy. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the number of reverse chewing cycles after surgical correction was exhibited in all recordings, when chewing either soft or hard boluses, on both the right and the left side. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the prevalence of reverse chewing cycles could be considered an indicator of functional adaptation after therapy and a method for the early detection of nonresponding patients who may require further consideration using a different approach.

Assessment of the reliability and repeatability of landmarks using 3-D cephalometric software.

The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability and repeatability of identification landmarks using 3-D cephalometric software. Ten orthognathic patients were selected for this study and underwent the following protocol: 1. radiographic evaluation (CBCT technique); 2. stone casts; 3. photos; and 4. 3-D cephalometric evaluation. Twenty-one hard tissue landmarks and 14 cephalometric measurements were taken three times (T1, T2, and T3) on each patient, with an interval of one week by two experts in orthodontics (A, B). Standard deviation and Pearson's correlation coefficient were calculated to evaluate intra- and inter-observer repeatability. The results showed a strong correlation for both intra- and inter-observer Pearson's correlation coefficient (>0.7). The current preliminary study showed that the reliability and repeatability of the identification landmarks were very high if the 3-D cephalometric landmarks are defined correctly in the three planes of the space. Further evaluation is necessary to better define the 3-D cephalometric system.

Cone-beam computed tomography: accuracy of three-dimensional cephalometry analysis and influence of patient scanning position.

The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of the position of the skull during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and if the three-dimensional cephalometric measurements are influenced by skull orientation during CBCT scan.The study consisted of 5 CBCT scanning (KODAK 9500 Cone Beam 3D System unit) in 5 different positions of a dry skull. The data were imported in SIMPLANT OMS Software version 13.0. Fifteen three-dimensional cephalometric measurements were calculated; moreover, the mean, the SD, the maximum/minimum Δ, and the maximum/minimum Δ percentage were calculated. The statistical analysis was performed by an independent-samples t-test to evaluate differences between the 5 scans.No difference was found in all the three-dimensional analysis. Twelve of 15 measurements have a Δ greater than 1.5, and 7 of 15 measurements have a Δ greater than 2. Nine of 15 have a Δ percentage greater than 5%. The preliminary results suggest that the three-dimensional cephalometric analysis is influenced by patient scanning position.

Expression of muscle-specific integrins in masseter muscle fibers during malocclusion disease.

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface membrane proteins linking the extracellular matrix to actin. α7B integrin is detected in proliferating and adult myofibers, whereas α7A plays a role in regenerating muscle fibers with a minor function in mature muscle fibers. The expression levels of ß1A appear to be very low, whereas ß1D appears to be the predominant integrin form in mature muscle. Considering the important features of masseter muscle we have studied integrin expression in masseter muscle specimens of surgical patients with posterior right crossbite and comparing them to left side masseter muscle specimens. Our results showed that the expression of integrins was significantly lower in the crossbite side muscle. Furthermore, the most important finding is that ß1A is clearly detectable in adult masseter muscle. This behavior could be due to the particular composition of masseter, since it contains hybrid fibers showing the capacity to modify the contractile properties to optimize the energy efficiency or the action of the muscle during contraction. Moreover, masseter is characterized by a high turnover of muscle fibers producing a regeneration process. This may indicate a longer time to heal, justifying the loss of ß1D and the consequential increase of ß1A. Thus, our data provide the first suggestion that integrins in masseter muscle play a key role regulating the functional activity of muscle and allowing the optimization of contractile forces.

Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging and computed axiography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders in a selected patient population.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity differences and interpretative agreement for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed axiography (CA) tracings in a patient population group with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 173 patients (53 men, 120 women; mean age: 33.2 ± 2.6 years) diagnosed with TMD was selected for this study. Each patient underwent an evaluation as per the European Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders clinical form as well as MRI and CA. RESULTS: Use of the MRI results as the gold standard for the planned comparison led to the following observations: a CA sensitivity of 68% for joints without morphologic changes (so-called normal temporomandibular joints [TMJs]), sensitivity of 27% for those with disc displacement, and sensitivity of 8% for those with osteoarthritis. The kappa index, or agreement between the two examination methods, was weak for normal TMJs (0.16), acceptable for anterior disc displacement with reduction (0.28), little for anterior disc displacement without reduction (0.10), and very little for morphologic alterations (0.01). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity and agreement of the two examination methods was generally low. It was even worse when pathologic changes in the TMJ were more severe. MRI and CA are different examinations that could both be considered for severe TMD diagnosis.

Ex vivo measurement reliability using two different cbct scanners for orthodontic purposes.

BACKGROUND: There are many cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners available on the market: detector technology, algorithm precision, and scanner settings influence image quality. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of linear measurements made on images of the same sample obtained using two different CBCT scanners. METHODS: Twenty-eight linear measurements between orthodontic anatomical landmarks that were marked with gutta-percha points on a fresh sacrificed lamb head were taken three times. The head was scanned with two CBCT scanners using different scanning parameters. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images were reconstructed and the same measurements were taken three times by the same operator. Measurements were repeated 4 months later by two operators. RESULTS: There was minimal, clinically significant difference between the measurements taken with the digital caliper or CBCT scanners, but there was no difference between the two different scanners. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clinically significant difference between these two scanners; a difference was found between the CBCT and real anatomical measurements in only a few cases.

Chewing pattern and muscular activation in open bite patients.

Different studies have indicated, in open bite patients, that masticatory muscles tend to generate a small maximum bite force and to show a reduced cross-sectional area with a lower EMG activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinematics parameters of the chewing cycles and the activation of masseters and anterior temporalis muscles of patients with anterior dental open bite malocclusion. There have been no previous reports evaluating both kinematic values and EMG activity of patients with anterior open bite during chewing. Fifty-two young patients (23 boys and 29 girls; mean age±SD 11.5±1.2 and 10.2±1.6years, respectively) with anterior open bite malocclusion and 21 subjects with normal occlusion were selected for the study. Kinematics parameters and surface electromyography (EMG) were simultaneously recorded during chewing a hard bolus with a kinesiograph K7-I Myotronics-Usa. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the open bite patients and the control group for a narrower chewing pattern, a shorter total and closing duration of the chewing pattern, a lower peak of both the anterior temporalis and the masseter of the bolus side. In this study, it has been observed that open bite patients, lacking the inputs from the anterior guidance, that are considered important information for establishing the motor scheme of the chewing pattern, show narrower chewing pattern, shorter lasting chewing cycles and lower muscular activation with respect to the control group.

Reverse-sequencing chewing patterns evaluation in anterior versus posterior unilateral crossbite patients.

It is well established that patients with a unilateral posterior crossbite exhibit reverse-sequencing chewing patterns when chewing on the affected side. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles in patients with anterior versus posterior unilateral crossbite during chewing soft and hard boluses. Eighty-six children (39 boys, 47 girls) were included in the study: 26 (10.4 ± 2.7 years) with unilateral anterior crossbite, 43 (10.2 ± 4.2 years) with unilateral posterior crossbite, and 17 (10.6 ± 2 years) with normal occlusion were selected for the study. Mandibular movements were measured with a kinesiograph (K7, Myotronics Inc. Tukwila). The kinematic signals were analyzed using custom-made software. The results showed a low prevalence of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles in patients with anterior crossbite, without any significant difference between sides and with the control group, with both soft (P = 0.33) and hard (P = 0.29) bolus. The patients with posterior unilateral crossbite showed a significant higher prevalence of reverse-sequencing chewing cycles during chewing on the crossbite side with respect to the non-crossbite side (P < 0.001) and to the control group (P < 0.001). Comparing the patients with anterior versus posterior unilateral crossbite, a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the prevalence of reverse chewing cycles was demonstrated during chewing on the posterior crossbite side only with both soft and hard bolus. In conclusion, patients with anterior versus posterior unilateral crossbite show different functional characteristics depending on which dental region is involved.

Clinical and instrumental evaluation of the temporomandibular joint before and after surgical correction of asymptomatic skeletal class III patients.

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology, the disk position, and the TMJ symptoms before and after surgical-orthodontic correction of skeletal class III malocclusion.Eleven adult patients were recruited to participate in this longitudinal study. Each patient received presurgical and postsurgical orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Six patients were corrected exclusively through mandibular setback, whereas 5 received combined mandibular setback and maxillary advancement. All patients were investigated before and 2 years after treatment through (1) clinical examination, (2) magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) Computerized axiography (CA).The incidence of clinical signs and symptoms was reduced 2 years after surgical-orthodontic treatment, the condyle-disk relationship and TMJ appearance at magnetic resonance imaging were unchanged, and CA showed a significant improvement of TMJ border movements.Mandibular setback surgery does not appear to alter the condyle-disk relationship, whereas correction of class III malocclusion seems to improve clinical and CA signs of TMJ function. Further controls and more long-term evaluation of these patients are necessary to assess the maintenance of these improvements in time.

Advantages of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the orthodontic treatment planning of cleidocranial dysplasia patients: a case report.

Our aim was to discuss, by presenting a case, the possibilities connected to the use of a CBCT exam in the dental evaluation of patients with Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia with delayed exfoliation of deciduous and eruption of permanent teeth and multiple supernumeraries, often impacted. We think that CBCT in this patient was adequate to accurately evaluate impacted teeth position and anatomy, resulting thus useful both in the diagnostic process and in the treatment planning, with an important reduction in the radiation dose absorbed by the patient.

Identification of a novel RUNX2 gene mutation in an Italian family with cleidocranial dysplasia.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare, well-defined skeletal disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance and complete penetrance. Although it involves the whole skeletal system, the main clinical manifestations of CCD are malformations of the skull and clavicles, which lead to a typical appearance of the face and shoulders. Dental aspects are particularly evident and often eruption difficulties are the first indication for the patient, who does not present any other problem. It has been established that insufficiency of the RUNX-related transcription factor, the core-binding factor alpha 1 (CBFA1) protein, causes CCD. This protein is essential in skeletal development by regulating osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. CBFA1 protein is encoded by the RUNX2 gene located on chromosome 6p21. The molecular characterization of the novel RUNX2 gene mutation c.580 + 1G > A in an Italian family (a 27-year-old female, her 54-year-old mother and 24-year-old sister) affected by the typical CCD phenotype, which was proven to alter splicing of the RUNX2 messenger RNA, underscoring the contribution of novel altered splicing mechanism to the aetiology of this disease is presented.

Slow or rapid palatal expansion for early treatment of unilateral posterior crossbite? Evaluation of the reverse chewing cycles correction.

OBJECTIVES: It is well established that patients with a unilateral posterior crossbite, when chewing on the affected side, show an increased frequency of reverse chewing cycles. It was hypothesized that the correction of reverse cycles may be due to the characteristics of the therapy. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of reverse chewing patterns in children with unilateral posterior crossbite before and after treatment with Function Generating Bite (FGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty children, (9 boys, 11 girls; age, mean ± SD, 7.5 ± 1.1), 10 with a right and 10 with a left posterior unilateral crossbite were selected. Mandibular movements during chewing soft and hard boluses were measured with a kinesiograph (K7 -I, Myotronics Inc. Tukwila, Washington, USA). RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference when comparing the percentage of reverse chewing patterns, before and after therapy with FGB, during chewing on the crossbite side both with soft and hard bolus (p<0.0001). No significant differences were observed during chewing on the non-crossbite side. DISCUSSION: The results of this study confirmed that FGB corrects both the dental and functional asymmetries. Knowing that the rapid palatal expansion does not correct the masticatory function, it is of clinical relevance, for the orthodontists, the knowledge and the understanding of the functional outcomes with different therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The type of treatment and the biomechanics of the appliance used are of great importance for the correction of the reverse chewing cycles and for rebalancing the functional asymmetry of children with unilateral posterior crossbite.

Evaluation of the stomatognathic system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of stomatognathic dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study sample consisted of 40 patients with RA (34 female, 6 male), mean age 44 years, recruited at the Rheumatology Division of the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. The inclusion criteria were diagnosis of RA according to the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association (ARA). In the study, 82.5% (n=33) of patients affected by RA satisfied at least the criteria of one diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The results are in agreement with the literature and the prevalence of such involvement ranges between 53% and 94% of patients. Several studies reported an involvement of the stomatognathic system in RA. In fact, RA can affect the temporomandibular joint as much as any other synovial joint. A more thorough analysis is required for a multidisciplinary approach to gnathological patients, including assessment by a rheumatologist. This issue and its epidemiologic relevance need further scientific research. Dentistry has a fundamental role in this process since patients who present with a systemic disease such as RA can be recognized and intercepted and referred to medical specialists, i.e., rheumatologists, to provide a diagnosis and therapy.

Hemispheric prevalence during chewing in normal right-handed and left-handed subjects: a functional magnetic resonance imaging preliminary study.

This study evaluated the activation of different cortical areas during nondeliberate chewing of soft and hard boluses in five right-handed and five left-handed subjects with normal occlusion, to determine different hemispheric prevalences. The study was conducted with a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (1.5 T Magnetom Vision - Siemens Medical, Germany) using a head coil. The results showed that the most frequently activated areas were Brodmann's areas four and six in the primary motor and premotor cortex, the insula and Broca's area and, overall, showed greater activity of the cortical mastication area (CMA) in the right hemisphere for right-handed and in the left hemisphere for left-handed subjects.

Muscular activation during reverse and non-reverse chewing cycles in unilateral posterior crossbite.

The aim of this study was to characterize the kinematics and masseter muscle activation in unilateral posterior crossbite. Eighty-two children (8.6 +/- 1.3 yr of age) with unilateral posterior crossbite and 12 children (8.9 +/- 0.6 yr of age) with normal occlusion were selected for the study. Electromyography (EMG) and kinematics were concurrently recorded during mastication of a soft bolus and a hard bolus. The percentage of reverse cycles in the group of patients was 59.0 +/- 33.1% (soft bolus) and 69.7 +/- 29.7% (hard bolus) when chewing on the crossbite side. When chewing on the non-affected side, the number of reverse cycles was 16.7 +/- 24.5% (soft bolus) and 16.7 +/- 22.3% (hard bolus). The reverse cycles on the crossbite side were narrower with respect to the cycles on the non-affected side. Although both types of cycles in patients resulted in lower EMG activity of the masseter of the crossbite side than of the contralateral masseter, the activity of the non-affected side was larger for reverse than for non-reverse cycles. It was concluded that when chewing on the crossbite side, the masseter activity is reduced on the mastication side (crossbite) and is unaltered (non-reverse cycles) or increased (reverse) on the non-affected side.

Interleukin-1 gene cluster polymorphisms and gingival recessions after orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 gene cluster have been associated with the severity of periodontal diseases featured by a variable degree of destruction of connective tissue and bone, such as periodontitis and periimplantitis. This study was aimed to investigate if a link exists between such interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms and the development of gingival recessions during orthodontic treatment in Italian children. METHODS: We evaluated, in 74 young Italian patients of both sexes, the -889 C/T polymorphism of the interleukin-1alpha gene and the -511 C/T and +3954 C/T polymorphisms of interleukin-1alpha gene by polymerase chain reactions-restriction fragment length polymorphism method using NcoI, AvaI and TaqI as restriction enzymes. RESULTS: No association of interleukin-1 genotypes investigated and gingival recession occurring during orthodontic treatment were identified. CONCLUSION: In the population studied specific interleukin-1 genotypes (linked to a higher susceptibility to bone resorption in periodontal disease) there does not appear to be any association with the development of gingival recessions during orthodontic treatment.

Effect of bolus hardness on the chewing pattern and activation of masticatory muscles in subjects with normal dental occlusion.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of bolus hardness on the kinematic of mastication and jaw-elevator muscle activity in subjects with normal dental occlusion and function. The mandibular motion and the surface EMG envelope of the masseter and temporalis anterior muscles were assessed in twelve subjects during mastication of a soft and hard bolus of the same size. When chewing the hard bolus, the chewing pattern in the frontal plane was significantly higher and wider, with smaller closure angle and higher peak velocity than when chewing the soft bolus. EMG peak amplitude of both the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was higher for the side of the bolus but the contralateral side increased its activity significantly more than the ipsilateral side when the hardness of the bolus increased (for the masseter, mean+/-SD: 130.4+/-108.1% increase for the contralateral side and 29.6+/-26.9% for the ipsilateral side). Moreover, the peak EMG activity for both muscles occurred more distant from the closure point with hard bolus. The increased activity of the contralateral side may help maintaining the mandibular equilibrium, with indirect participation to the power stroke generated by the chewing-side masseter. The results provide kinematic and EMG adaptations to bolus hardness in healthy subjects and can be used as normative data in the development of methods for early diagnosis of impaired chewing function.