Effects of stress relaxation in beta-titanium cantilevers used in orthodontic mechanics.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the force decay and design shape changes caused by stress relaxation in two different orthodontic cantilever configurations. METHODS: Eighty cantilevers made of 0.017 x 0.025-in beta-titanium wires were standardized in a passive position, using real scale templates, and randomly divided into two groups (n = 40): Type 1 and Type 2. Each group received a different design (Type 1 with three bends, and Type 2 with two bends), and both were divided in four subgroups (n = 10) according to the evaluation periods: G1 = 24h, G2 = 1 week, G3 = 4 weeks, and G4 = 8 weeks. Mechanical tests were performed immediately after preactivation and at the end of each period, to evaluate force decay. The cantilevers were also scanned and the angles of the bends were measured to assess shape changes. RESULTS: Cantilever forces decayed over time. Type 1 - G1 showed less force decay than Type 2 (10.83 cN vs 17.87 cN). Type 1 cantilevers showed significant force decay only when G4 was compared to G1 (9.05 cN), G2 (11.73 cN), and G3 (9.78 cN). Type 2 cantilevers presented differences when G1 was compared to G2 (9.57 cN) and G3 (7.89 cN). Regarding to the cantilever angle closest to the bracket insertion, Type 1 cantilevers showed significant decrease for G2 (1.58°) and G4 (1.52°). CONCLUSIONS: Cantilevers' design and proximity of the bends influenced force decay pattern overtime. Type 1 cantilevers presented more stable design at the first weeks than Type 2.

Cephalometric evaluation of changes in vertical dimension and molar position in adult non-extraction treatment with clear aligners and traditional fixed appliances.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontists have been using clear aligners to treat malocclusions, and one potential effect of treatment with orthodontic aligners is the intrusion and/or resists extrusion of the posterior teeth. This "bite-block effect" is primarily anecdotal due to the frequent occurrence of posterior open bites in patients after clear aligner therapy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes promoted by clear aligners and traditional fixed appliances in cephalometric measurements of the vertical dimension and molar position in adult patients with Class I malocclusion treated with non-extraction. METHODS: Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients treated with either clear aligners (n=44) or traditional fixed appliances (n=22) were selected for retrospective analysis. Eight interval measurements and one nominal measurement were evaluated: anterior overbite (OB), mandibular plane angle related to cranial base (SN_MP) and related to Frankfort (FMA), lower molar height (L6H) and upper molar height (U6H), palatal plane to mandibular plane angle (PP_MP), lower facial height (LFH), total facial height (TFH), and posterior open bite (Posterior_OB). A single evaluator traced all cephalographs, and changes in select measures of the vertical dimension were compared within and between groups. RESULTS: OB decreased (1.15 mm) and L6H increased (0.63 mm) in the traditional fixed appliance group. Mandibular plane angles (related to cranial base and to Frankfort) increased (0.43° and 0.53°, respectively) in the clear aligner group, but just FMA showed significant difference between groups (difference of 0.53°). LFH and TFH increased (ranging from 0.52 mm to 0.80 mm) in both groups, with no differences between treatment modality. Presence of visible posterior open bite significantly increased over the course of treatment. OB, FMA and L6H exhibited an interaction between treatment stage (pre- and post-treatment) and modality (clear aligner therapy and traditional fixed appliances), but no interaction among these three variables was found. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence does not support the theory that clear aligner therapy produces better vertical dimension control than traditional fixed appliances. Traditional fixed appliance therapy slightly extruded the lower molar, and clear aligner therapy produced a slightly mandibular backward rotation.

Potentialities and limitations of computer-aided design and manufacturing technology in the nonextraction treatment of Class I malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems have assisted orthodontists to position brackets virtually. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a CAD-CAM system could predict the orthodontic treatment outcome of patients with Angle Class I malocclusion with mild crowding or spacing and with no need for orthodontic extraction. METHODS: Using the American Board of Orthodontics Cast-Radiograph Evaluation (ABO-CRE) and color map superimposition, the treated occlusion was compared with the virtual final occlusion of 24 young adults with Class I occlusion. Using eXceed software (eXceed, Witten, Germany), we created the final occlusion prediction for each patient (virtual set up group). A digital model of the final occlusion of each patient was created (treated occlusion group). ABO-CRE score was used to compare groups. In addition, a color map was created for all subjects to access the mean and range values between the virtual set up model and treated occlusion model of each patient. Random and systematic errors were calculated. In addition, chi-square and t test were used. RESULTS: Comparisons between virtual set up occlusion and treated occlusion showed statistically significant differences in 3 out of 7 measurements: interproximal contact score was larger for treated than virtual occlusion (0.45 mm and 0.04 mm, respectively), and the treated occlusion showed larger values than the virtual occlusion for occlusal contacts (14.13 mm and 7.62 mm, respectively) and overjet (7.37 mm and 0.66 mm, respectively). Although the treated occlusion showed a larger score than the virtual occlusion (50.41 mm and 34.58 mm, respectively), there is no significant difference between both. Root angulation decreased (from 1.95 ± 1.29 to 0.65 ± 0.71) because of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ABO-CRE overall score presents no difference between groups. In addition, CAD-CAM setup occlusion closely predicts the final teeth alignment and leveling with interarch relationships showing less ABO-CRE score deduction.

Cephalometric evaluation of changes in vertical dimension and molar position in adult non-extraction treatment with clear aligners and traditional fixed appliances

ABSTRACT Introduction: Orthodontists have been using clear aligners to treat malocclusions, and one potential effect of treatment with orthodontic aligners is the intrusion and/or resists extrusion of the posterior teeth. This "bite-block effect" is primarily anecdotal due to the frequent occurrence of posterior open bites in patients after clear aligner therapy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare changes promoted by clear aligners and traditional fixed appliances in cephalometric measurements of the vertical dimension and molar position in adult patients with Class I malocclusion treated with non-extraction. Methods: Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients treated with either clear aligners (n=44) or traditional fixed appliances (n=22) were selected for retrospective analysis. Eight interval measurements and one nominal measurement were evaluated: anterior overbite (OB), mandibular plane angle related to cranial base (SN_MP) and related to Frankfort (FMA), lower molar height (L6H) and upper molar height (U6H), palatal plane to mandibular plane angle (PP_MP), lower facial height (LFH), total facial height (TFH), and posterior open bite (Posterior_OB). A single evaluator traced all cephalographs, and changes in select measures of the vertical dimension were compared within and between groups. Results: OB decreased (1.15 mm) and L6H increased (0.63 mm) in the traditional fixed appliance group. Mandibular plane angles (related to cranial base and to Frankfort) increased (0.43° and 0.53°, respectively) in the clear aligner group, but just FMA showed significant difference between groups (difference of 0.53°). LFH and TFH increased (ranging from 0.52 mm to 0.80 mm) in both groups, with no differences between treatment modality. Presence of visible posterior open bite significantly increased over the course of treatment. OB, FMA and L6H exhibited an interaction between treatment stage (pre- and post-treatment) and modality (clear aligner therapy and traditional fixed appliances), but no interaction among these three variables was found. Conclusions: The evidence does not support the theory that clear aligner therapy produces better vertical dimension control than traditional fixed appliances. Traditional fixed appliance therapy slightly extruded the lower molar, and clear aligner therapy produced a slightly mandibular backward rotation.

RESUMO Introdução: Ortodontistas têm usado os alinhadores transparentes para tratar más oclusões, e um potencial efeito desse tratamento é a intrusão e/ou resistência à extrusão dos dentes posteriores. Esse efeito de "bloco de mordida" é principalmente empírico, devido à ocorrência frequente de mordidas abertas posteriores em pacientes após a terapia com alinhadores transparentes. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as mudanças promovidas pelos alinhadores transparentes e aparelho fixo convencional nas medidas cefalométricas de dimensão vertical e posição do molar em pacientes adultos com má oclusão de Classe I tratados sem exodontias. Métodos: Radiografias cefalométricas laterais pré- e pós-tratamento de pacientes adultos tratados com alinhadores transparentes (n=44) ou com aparelho fixo tradicional (n=22) foram selecionadas para uma análise retrospectiva. Oito medidas de intervalo e uma medida nominal foram avaliadas: trespasse vertical anterior (OB), ângulo do plano mandibular em relação à base do crânio (SN_MP) e em relação ao Plano de Frankfurt (FMA), altura do molar inferior (L6H) e altura do molar superior (U6H), ângulo do plano palatal ao plano mandibular (PP_MP), altura facial inferior (LFH), altura facial total (TFH) e mordida aberta posterior (Posterior_OB). Um único avaliador fez todos os traçados cefalométricos, e as mudanças nas medidas da dimensão vertical foram comparadas intra e intergrupos. Resultados: OB reduziu (1,15 mm) e L6H aumentou (0,63 mm) no grupo de aparelho fixo tradicional. Os ângulos do plano mandibular (em relação à base do crânio e ao plano de Frankfurt) aumentaram (0,43° e 0,53°, respectivamente). No grupo dos alinhadores invisíveis, apenas o FMA apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos (diferença de 0,53º). LFH e TFH aumentaram (variando de 0,52 mm a 0,80 mm) em ambos os grupos, sem diferenças entre as modalidades de tratamento. A presença de uma mordida aberta posterior visível aumentou significativamente durante o curso do tratamento. OB, FMA e L6H exibiram interação entre o estágio do tratamento (pré- e pós-tratamento) e a modalidade (terapia com alinhadores invisíveis ou aparelho fixo tradicional), porém não foi encontrada interação entre essas três variáveis. Conclusões: A evidência não suporta a teoria de que a terapia com alinhadores invisíveis produz melhor controle da dimensão vertical do que o aparelho fixo. O tratamento com aparelhagem fixa extruiu ligeiramente o molar inferior, e o tratamento com alinhadores invisíveis produziu uma ligeira rotação posterior da mandíbula.

A 3-D evaluation of transverse dentoalveolar changes and maxillary first molar root length after rapid or slow maxillary expansion in children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to conduct a randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME). Maxillary permanent first molar root length and tooth movement through the alveolus were studied using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Subjects with maxillary transverse deficiencies between 7 and 10 years of age were included. Using Haas-type expanders, children were randomly assigned to two groups: RME (19 subjects, mean age of 8.60 years) and SME (13 subjects, mean age of 8.70 years). RESULTS: Buccal cortical, buccal bone thicknesses and dentoalveolar width decreased in both groups. In the RME group the greatest decrease was related to distal bone thickness (1.26 mm), followed by mesial bone thickness (1.09 mm), alveolar width (0.57 mm), and the buccal cortical (0.19 mm). In the SME group the mesial bone thickness decreased the most (0.87 mm) and the buccal cortical decreased the least (0.22 mm). The lingual bone thickness increased in the RME and SME groups (0.56 mm and 0.42 mm, respectively). The mesial root significantly increased in the RME group (0.52 mm) and in the SME group (0.40 mm), possibly due to incomplete root apex formation at T1 (prior to installation of expanders). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary expansion (RME and SME) does not interrupt root formation neither shows first molar apical root resorption in juvenile patients. Although slightly larger in the RME group than SME group, both activation protocols showed similar buccal bone thickness and lingual bone thickness changes, without significant difference; and RME presented similar buccal cortical bone changes to SME.

A 3-D evaluation of transverse dentoalveolar changes and maxillary first molar root length after rapid or slow maxillary expansion in children

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the present study was to conduct a randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME). Maxillary permanent first molar root length and tooth movement through the alveolus were studied using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Subjects with maxillary transverse deficiencies between 7 and 10 years of age were included. Using Haas-type expanders, children were randomly assigned to two groups: RME (19 subjects, mean age of 8.60 years) and SME (13 subjects, mean age of 8.70 years). Results: Buccal cortical, buccal bone thicknesses and dentoalveolar width decreased in both groups. In the RME group the greatest decrease was related to distal bone thickness (1.26 mm), followed by mesial bone thickness (1.09 mm), alveolar width (0.57 mm), and the buccal cortical (0.19 mm). In the SME group the mesial bone thickness decreased the most (0.87 mm) and the buccal cortical decreased the least (0.22 mm). The lingual bone thickness increased in the RME and SME groups (0.56 mm and 0.42 mm, respectively). The mesial root significantly increased in the RME group (0.52 mm) and in the SME group (0.40 mm), possibly due to incomplete root apex formation at T1 (prior to installation of expanders). Conclusions: Maxillary expansion (RME and SME) does not interrupt root formation neither shows first molar apical root resorption in juvenile patients. Although slightly larger in the RME group than SME group, both activation protocols showed similar buccal bone thickness and lingual bone thickness changes, without significant difference; and RME presented similar buccal cortical bone changes to SME.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um estudo clínico randomizado comparando os efeitos da expansão rápida da maxila (ERM) e da expansão lenta da maxila (ELM). O comprimento radicular do primeiro molar superior permanente e o deslocamento dentro do alvéolo foram estudados por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Métodos: pacientes com deficiência maxilar transversal e faixa etária entre 7 e 10 anos foram incluídos no estudo. As crianças foram distribuídas em dois grupos: ERM (19 indivíduos com idade média de 8,60 anos) e ELM (13 indivíduos com idade média de 8,70 anos). Em ambos os grupos foi utilizado o aparelho expansor tipo Haas. Resultados: a cortical vestibular, a espessura do osso vestibular e a largura dentoalveolar sofreram redução nos dois grupos. No grupo ERM, a maior redução foi relacionada com a espessura do osso distal (1,26 mm), seguida pela espessura do osso mesial (1,09 mm), largura alveolar (0,57 mm) e, finalmente, pela cortical vestibular (0,19 mm). Já no grupo ELM, a espessura do osso mesial apresentou maiores valores de redução (0,87 mm), enquanto a cortical vestibular teve a menor redução (0,22 mm). A espessura do osso lingual aumentou nos dois grupos, sendo 0,56 mm no grupo ERM e 0,42 mm no grupo ELM. A raiz mesial aumentou significativamente nos grupos ERM (0,52 mm) e ELM (0,40 mm) - possivelmente, em função da rizogênese incompleta ainda em T1 (antes da instalação do aparelho). Conclusões: a expansão maxilar (ERM e ELM) não interrompe a formação ou leva à reabsorção radicular nos primeiros molares permanentes de pacientes jovens. Embora discretamente maiores no grupo ERM, as modificações na espessura do osso vestibular e lingual demonstradas pelos protocolos de ativação não apresentam diferenças significativas. O grupo ERM apresentou alterações semelhantes ao grupo ELM, em relação à cortical óssea vestibular.

Acurácia e confiabilidade de modelos digitais tridimensionais ­ validação do software eXceedtm / Three-dimensional digital models accuracy and reliability ­ eXceedtm software validation

Resumo Introdução: Os sistemas CAD/CAM auxiliam ortodontistas na confecção de alinhadores estéticos e na colagem indireta (posicionamento virtual de bráquetes) em modelos digitais tridimensionais. Este estudo avaliou a precisão e validade do software eXceedTM. Métodos: Vinte modelos de gesso de pacientes foram digitalizados utilizando um escâner de mesa e os arquivos obtidos foram convertidos em estereolitografia pelo software OrthoAnalyserTM. Utilizando os modelos de gesso e digital, seis medidas foram aferidas: Largura Intermolares (LM), Largura Intercaninos (LC), Comprimento do Arco posterior (CA), Diâmetro da Coroa do Pré-Molar (DP), Altura da Coroa do Canino (AC) e Overjet (OJ). Os erros sistemáticos e aleatórios foram avaliados em análises das réplicas das mensurações. As diferenças foram avaliadas usando o teste t de Student. Os erros aleatórios foram quantificados usando o erro do método (V(Sd2/2n) e o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Resultados: Duas das medidas das réplicas em modelos digitais (CA) e de gesso (LC) demostraram erros sistemáticos estatisticamente significativos. O ICC variou de 0,916 a 0,997. Os erros do método foram todos inferiores a 0,41 mm (0,22 mm). Os gráficos de Bland-Altman mostraram que as diferenças de repetitividade entre os dois métodos estavam dentro dos limites de concordância. Os valores DP (0,253 mm), LC (0,396 mm), AC (0,314 mm) e CA (0,359 mm) foram maiores em modelos de gesso do que nos modelos digitais. Conclusão: As medidas realizadas em ambos os métodos foram confiáveis e reprodutíveis, e as medidas dos modelos de gesso foram ligeiramente maiores do que os dos modelos digitais correspondentes (AU)

Abstract Introduction: CAD/CAM systems help orthodontists in the production of aesthetic aligners and in indirect bonding (virtual bracket positioning) in three-dimensional digital models. This study evaluated the accuracy and validity of the eXceedTM 3D software (Roosikrantsi, Tallinn, Estonia). Methods: Twenty patient plaster models were digitized by a desktop scanner, and the files obtained were converted to stereolithography by OrthoAnalyserTM software. Using the cast and digital models, six measurements were performed: Intermolar Width (LM); Intercanine Width (LC); Posterior Arch Length (CA); Premolar Crown Diameter (DP); Canine Crown Hight (AC) and Overjet (OJ). Intra-observer systematic differences between the replicates were described with mean absolute differences and standard errors (SE); differences were assessed using a paired Students t test. Random errors were quantified using the method error statistic (V[Sd2/2n]) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Differences between methods was evaluated using Students t test. Results: Two of the measurements of the replicas in the digital model (CA) and in the plaster model (LC) showed statistically significant systematic errors. The ICC ranged from 0.916 to 0.997. The method errors were all less than 0.41 mm (0.22 mm). Bland-Altman plots showed that the differences of repeatability between the two methods were within the limits of agreement. The values DP (0.253 mm), LC (0.396 mm), AC (0.314 mm) and CA (0.359 mm) were higher in plaster models than in digital models. Conclusion: The measurements performed in both methods were reliable and reproducible, and plaster models measurements were slightly higher than those of the corresponding digital models. (AU)