Evaluating the effects of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and conventional brackets on mandibular condyle bone quality using fractal dimension analysis of panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic treatment carried out with clear aligners has become a method that is preferred by patients. In this study, the effect following orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and with conventional brackets, on the mandibular condyle trabecular bone formation is aimed to be examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two individuals (16 females and 16 males) with a mean age of 16.80 ± 3,10 years who received orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and conventional brackets were included in the study. Individuals included in the study from the archive data were divided into two groups according to treatment types. The mandibular condyle bone quality in the panoramic images taken from the patients before orthodontic treatment (T0) and after orthodontic treatment (T1) has been compared retrospectively. This examination is carried out via the fractal analysis method. RESULT: The mandibular condyle bone density in individuals that have undergone orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, has been reduced following orthodontic treatment. In individuals that have undergone orthodontic treatment with conventional brackets however the mandibular condyle bone density has increased following treatment (T0) in comparison to before being treated (T1). The mandibular condyle bone density change according to different treatment groups has been found to be statistically different. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners provides several advantages to patients. However, besides determining the effectiveness of the treatment, complications must also be examined. Application of clear aligners in orthodontic treatment may cause a decrease in bone density in the mandibular condyle. When evaluating orthodontic treatments carried out with clear aligners, the change of the mandibular condyle head bone should be taken into consideration.

Evaluation of effects of removable functional orthodontic apparatus on the upper airway size by cephalometric films.

OBJECTIVE: Respiration is a vital functional process that has effects on normal craniofacial development. Since the upper airway formations and dentofacial structures are adjacent to each other, the interaction between them is possible. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of removable functional appliances used in the treatment of patients with mandibular and maxillary growth retardation-stenosis in Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion on the upper airway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients were studied in the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to treatment modalities. Maxillary expansion device group (Group A), Twinblock-Monoblock group (Group B), Face mask group (Group C), and Chincup group (Group D). The upper airway size in the lateral cephalometric images of the patients before orthodontic treatment with removable functional appliances (T0) and the upper airway size in the lateral cephalometric images taken after the end of the orthodontic treatment with the removable functional appliances (T1) were retrospectively compared. RESULT: Most upper airway size increased after orthodontic treatment (T1) in the individuals who received orthodontic treatment with A, B, C, and D type removable functional appliances compared to pre-treatment (T0). When the changes in upper airway size pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) were compared, the change in upper airway size according to treatment groups was found to be statistically different (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Since a large part of the upper airway is located in the craniofacial complex, orthodontists also examine the airway for diagnosis and planning and can regulate the airway in case of occlusion that has occurred or may occur. This puts orthodontists in an important place to intervene when complications occur or may develop in the upper airway. By determining the effects of removable functional appliances on the airways, airway problems that may be experienced at an early age can be prevented.