Assessment of the Relation Between Craniofacial Tissue Profile-Morphology and Dermatoglyphics.

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the convexity angle of facial tissue and fingerprint types by analyzing the connection between dermatoglyphic prints and facial structure. A total of 65 adults (24 females, 41 males) participated in the study. Each participant's fingerprint was analyzed using conventional methods of observation upon the index finger of the dominant hand. Fingerprints were classified into 3 fundamental types: arch, whorl, or loop. Craniofacial profiling was performed with measurements of hard tissue (Gl'-A-Pg') and soft tissue facial convexity (Gl-Sn-Pg) and total facial convexity (Gl-Prn-Pg) angles between 3 anthropological points determined on the lateral direct radiographs of the participants. Soft tissue convexity facial angle (Gl-Sn-Pg) values were found to be an average of 166.83° in females and an average of 162.05° in males. (Gl-Prn-Pg) values were found to be an average of 138.54° in females and 135.27° in males. The soft tissue profile of males showed a significantly convex structure compared with females. Also, the "whorl" type of fingerprint was found to be dominant in both sexes. There is no statistically significant difference in terms of soft tissue profile convexity in individuals belonging to the 3 different fingerprint groups. No statistically significant difference in soft tissue profile angular values between right-hand thumb and index fingerprint type groups were found among and between sexes. However, a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between the nose, lips, mouth, ear, and eyes and fingerprints of the same person may prove to be beneficial.

The reliability and reproducibility of an Android cephalometric smartphone application in comparison with the conventional method.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability and reproducibility of linear and angular measurements of the cephalometric smartphone Android application OneCeph in comparison with the conventional method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 22 landmarks were registered, and 26 skeletal and dental cephalometric parameters were measured on 30 pretreatment cephalograms. The measurements for both digital (OneCeph) and conventional tracings were performed twice with a 4-week interval. The reliability (intraexaminer error) was evaluated by using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The variation in measurements between the tracing techniques (reproducibility) was determined by paired t-test. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation coefficients of all cephalometric measurements for each tracing technique were ≥ 0.95. Significant differences between the two tracing techniques were detected in five measurements (SNB angle, N I to Pog linear measurement, U1-Apoint linear measurement, U lip to S line, and nasiolabial angle; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Using 26 measurements to compare both tracing methods, all mean differences between the digital (OneCeph) and conventional methods were below 1 degree/1 mm, indicating that differences between the tracing methods were clinically insignificant. The U1-A point measurement was an exception for the digital method (OneCeph) with a clinically significant difference of 1.25 mm (P < .01); the difference was a result of wrongly measuring the distance from the A line to the incisor edge of the upper central incisor rather than the facial surface of the upper incisor. This leads to the conclusion that both tracing methods were reliable for daily clinical practice.

Rate of tooth movement and dentoskeletal effects of rapid canine retraction by dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that duration of orthodontic treatment can be significantly reduced by accelerating canine retraction using dentoalveolar distraction (DAD). METHODS: Thirty-six maxillary canines of 19 patients comprised the DAD group, and 28 canines of 14 patients were included in the distalization group (DG). The initial mean ages were 15.8 ± 1.96 years for the DAD group and 16.02 ± 2.8 years for the DG. A custom-made, rigid, tooth-borne intraoral distraction device was used for the DAD group, and intraoral elastics were applied for canine distalization in the DG. Six skeletal and 11 dental variables were measured for the cephalometric evaluation. RESULTS: Canine retraction was 7.9 ± 1.49 mm in 11.8 ± 1.3 days and canine distal tipping was 11.48° ± 4.37° after DAD; the canines were distalized 5.29 ± 2.01 mm and tipped 13.64° ± 9.54° in 200 ± 57 days in the DG. The rates of posterior canine movement were 0.67 ± 0.14 mm per day after DAD and 0.03 ± 0.01 mm per day in the DG. No significant first molar anchorage loss was observed after DAD, although the DG showed some vertical and sagittal first molar movement. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to reject the null hypothesis. DAD can reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment time by accelerating canine retraction in extraction patients without undesirable side effects.

Growth of the cervical vertebrae in girls from 8 to 17 years. A longitudinal study.

An important criterion of orthodontic diagnosis is the determination of the skeletal maturation stage. The cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method is presented as an alternative to skeletal maturation determination. However, studies published to date concerning CVM have generally been cross-sectional. The aim of this investigation was to longitudinally evaluate growth and development with the CVM method. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 41 girls, aged 9-16 years, collected between 1978 and 1984 were used to evaluate changes in C2, C3, and C4 dimensions. The mean values, standard deviations, maximum and minimum values of cervical vertebrae growth, and growth rate were calculated for every age and age interval. Cumulative growth increment was determined by summing annual mean values for each parameter. CVM stages were initially evaluated according to the method of Lamparski. The time differences between the following CVM stages were evaluated with a paired t-test. The total length increment was distinct for C2 but similar for C1, C3, and C4. Total length increments reached their maximum between CVM stages 2 and 3, except for C3. The total length increment of C3 reached its peak 1 year earlier. The height increments of the spinose processes of C2, C3, and C4 were similar. The results showed that height increments were greater than length increments, which was due to changes in the anatomical pattern. Vertical growth displayed a decreasing trend from the upper to the lower cervical vertebrae. Determination of skeletal maturation from dimensional measurements and anatomical changes of the cervical vertebrae will facilitate orthodontic evaluation by eliminating the need for hand-wrist films and, therefore, decrease the patient's exposure to radiation.

Dentoalveolar transport osteodistraction and canine distalization.

The orthodontic treatment period with extractions is prolonged in many cases because of the limited rate of biological tooth movement. An approach using transport distraction osteogenesis was designed to reduce orthodontic and orthognathic treatment time. Overall management of selected alveolar cleft cases with wide defects may also be optimized and simplified through transport distraction of a tooth-bone segment. We will discuss our experience with 73 cases, both conventional orthodontic cases and orthognathic patients, in which dentoalveolar distraction was used to reduce orthodontic treatment time and to treat wide alveolar clefts with compromised soft tissues to facilitate optimal outcome.

Rapid tooth movement and orthodontic treatment using dentoalveolar distraction (DAD). Long-term (5 years) follow-up of a Class II case.

The purpose of this report is to describe the dentoalveolar distraction (DAD) technique and to present its effects on the surrounding structures by presenting a Class II case. A 15-year-old skeletal and dental Class II female patient with an overjet of 9 mm was treated by DAD osteogenesis. A custom-made, rigid, tooth-borne intraoral distraction device was used for rapid canine retraction. Osteotomies surrounding the canines were made to achieve rapid movement of the canines within the dentoalveolar segment, in compliance with distraction osteogenesis principles. The amount of canine retraction was 7.5 mm in 12 days at a rate of 0.625 mm per day, with no posterior anchorage loss. The canine teeth showed 1.6 mm extrusion and 11 degrees inclination change (distal tipping) during the same period. Orthodontic treatment continued for 6 months with no clinical and radiographic evidence of complications such as root fracture, root resorption, ankylosis, and soft tissue dehiscence. The DAD technique is an innovative method, because it reduces overall orthodontic treatment time by about 50%, with no unfavorable effects on periodontal tissues and surrounding structures and with no need to use any intraoral or extraoral anchorage appliances.

Ten-year follow-up of a patient with hemifacial microsomia treated with distraction osteogenesis and orthodontics: an implant analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has become an accepted treatment method for patients requiring mandibular lengthening because of congenital malformations. However, the skeletal growth pattern of a distracted mandible in the long term has still not been clearly shown in the literature. The purpose of this report was to analyze the dentofacial changes observed during a 10-year follow-up period in a patient treated with mandibular DO. METHODS: The patient was a 12-year-old girl with hemifacial microsomia who had undergone DO with an external device. Morphologic changes during the observation period were evaluated on panoramic radiographs and posteroanterior and lateral cephalograms. Six Björk-type titanium implants were placed bilaterally in the mandible under local anesthesia to analyze the mandibular skeletal changes over time. RESULTS: Marked lengthening was achieved during the active phase of mandibular distraction. The ratio between the ramus heights of the affected and normal sides improved significantly in the affected side's favor as the mandible was lengthened, but this ratio returned to its initial value after 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was some growth on the affected side during the follow-up period, it was not enough to catch up with the growth on the normal side. The original asymmetry recurred as a consequence of the growth pattern in this patient with hemifacial microsomia.

Witkop tooth and nail syndrome and orthodontics.

This case report presents the orthodontic treatment of a patient with Witkop syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the absence of several teeth and abnormalities of the nails. The patient, a 6-year 4-month-old boy, was referred to our clinic for treatment of severe overjet and openbite. Radiographic and clinical evaluations showed peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors and the congenital absence of three mandibular incisors as well as spoon-shaped fingernails. Treatment of openbite and overjet was initiated with functional appliances, and fixed orthodontic appliances were inserted at age 10 years 3 months. The edentulous spaces are being maintained for implants that will be provided once the patient's growth is complete. Evaluations of long-term treatment results to date have indicated improvements in both facial and dental esthetics.

Long-term effects of symphyseal distraction and rapid maxillary expansion on pharyngeal airway dimensions, tongue, and hyoid position.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO) followed by rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the pharyngeal and nasal airway dimensions and the tongue and hyoid positions. METHODS: The material consisted of lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of 13 female and 7 male patients (mean age, 20.0 +/- 2.3 years). Records were taken before treatment, after distraction (11.4 +/- 2.2 days after surgery), after RME (94.9 +/- 5.8 days after surgery), and at follow-up appointments (24.1 +/- 4.2 months after surgery). MSDO was performed with a custom-made tooth-and-bone-borne device. RME was performed with an acrylic bonded device. The average amounts of mandibular and maxillary expansion were 8.1 +/- 1.7 and 5.9 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively. RESULTS: Posteroanterior cephalometric analysis showed significant transversal width increases between the mandibular canines and molars. No significant pharyngeal or transverse nasal airway changes occurred with MSDO except for a significant decrease in tongue length. However, MSDO followed by RME caused statistically significant but clinically small changes in oropharyngeal width (+1.0 mm), tongue length (-2.2 mm), vertical airway length (-2.3 mm), and vertical position of the hyoid bone (-1.4 mm), which were all stable at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MSDO alone or MSDO followed by RME does not significantly affect the pharyngeal airway dimensions or the hyoid position in adults. Any changes caused by these procedures might have been counteracted by the reflex mechanisms that protect airway potency.

Effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis on mandibular structures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis on dental and mandibular skeletal structures with a tooth- and bone-borne distraction device. METHODS: The sample comprised 20 patients, ranging in age from 15.8 to 23.3 years (mean, 20.1 +/- 2.3 years) at the start of treatment. The distraction device was activated 1 mm per day. The device was usually maintained in position about 90 days after surgery. Records were obtained at the start of treatment, at the end of distraction (11.4 +/- 2.2 days after surgery), and at follow-up periods (24.1 +/- 4.2 months after surgery). The records included posteroanterior cephalograms and study casts. The data were analyzed statistically by using the repeated measure analysis of variance and paired t test. RESULTS: Posteroanterior cephalometric analysis demonstrated no significant changes in bigonial widths and ramal angles at the end of distraction period. On the other hand, bimolar widths were significantly increased, whereas bicondylar widths were markedly decreased. The dental cast analysis indicated that the maximum amount of increase was found between the mandibular canines, and the widening effect gradually decreased from the mandibular canines to the second molars. The follow-up data confirmed that the treatment results were stable. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term findings indicate that mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis is an efficient nonextraction treatment alternative for mandibular dental crowding to increase mandibular skeletal and dental arch widths.

Microscopic evaluation of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate microscopically the newly formed hard tissue after a consolidation period of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO). Sixteen patients underwent MSDO treatment. After a latency period of seven days, the distraction device was activated by the patient once in the morning and once in the evening, for a total of one mm per day for a mean 10.1 +/- 2.8 days, and the mean opening of the device was 8.1 +/- 1.7 mm. The device was usually maintained in position approximately 90 days after surgery. After the completion of the distraction period, the lower anterior teeth were bonded and tooth movement into the distraction site was initiated. After a consolidation period, second surgery was performed to remove the distraction devices. During the second surgery, hard tissue biopsies were taken on the apical region of the two central incisors and the left canine. The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and decalcified in 3% HNO(3) solutions. New bone formation was present within the distraction gap immediately after the consolidation period. The cellular construction was more irregular in the distraction sections than in the normal bone sections. The newly distracted area was not complete immediately after the consolidation period. Furthermore, the newly formed bone had a membranous structure, which indicates continual maturation. Bone exposed to stretching forces undergoes new bone formation, and the newly formed bone is of a membranous type also named as a woven type.

Long-term skeletal effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis. An implant study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term skeletal effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO) with a tooth- and bone-borne distraction device, analysed using the metallic implant method. The study sample comprised 20 patients between 15.8 and 25 years of age, with a mean age of 20.01 +/- 2.25 years at the start of treatment. In 12 subjects, titanium implants were inserted in the mandible to analyse mandibular skeletal changes in the short and long term. A custom-made intraoral, tooth- and bone-borne distractor was designed and used. After a latency period of 7 days, the distractor was activated twice daily, by a total amount of 1 mm. Postero-anterior (PA) cephalograms were obtained at the start of distraction and at the end of consolidation (94.95 +/- 5.79 days after surgery) and follow-up periods (21.5 +/- 4.6 months after consolidation). The data were analysed statistically using paired t-tests. The mean amount of screw activation was 8.10 +/- 1.68 mm. The inter-symphyseal and inter-molar implant distances and the bimolar width significantly increased during the consolidation period (P < 0.001) and were maintained at the end of the follow-up. On the other hand, the bicondylar width was markedly decreased (P < 0.05), while no significant skeletal changes were observed in bigonion and biantigonion widths, inter-ramal implant distance, or inter-ramal and implant angles at the end of the consolidation period. The long-term findings of this study indicate that MSDO provides an efficient and stable non-extraction treatment alternative, mainly by increasing the anterior mandibular skeletal and dental arches.

Alterations in gingival dimensions following rapid canine retraction using dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis.

The aim of this clinical prospective study was to evaluate the alterations that occurred in the gingival dimensions of canine teeth following dentoalveolar distraction (DAD) during a 12 month follow-up period.The study sample comprised 36 maxillary canines of 18 growing or adult subjects with a mean age of 16.94 years (13.08-25.58 years) at the start of treatment. Full retraction of the canines was achieved in 10.36 +/- 1.93 days (range 8-14 days) at a rate of 0.8 mm/day using a custom-made intraoral rigid tooth-borne distraction device. Before surgery (pre-DAD), immediately after removal of the device (post-DAD), and at 1, 6, and 12 months post-DAD, the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD) and width of keratinized gingiva were recorded and the width of attached gingiva was calculated. The alterations in clinical measurements among different evaluation periods were analysed by Friedman and repeated measure ANOVA tests. There were significant differences between pre- and post-DAD for PD measurements for all sites, with the highest at the distal site. The palatal sites likewise showed significant differences at the 1, 6, and 12 month follow-up periods compared with the post-DAD period. The buccal sites showed no significant changes at any time point. The width of keratinized gingiva also showed no significant change during the follow-up period, while the width of attached gingiva was significant only between the pre- and post-DAD periods (P < 0.01). On the basis of the above findings, it could be concluded that DAD is an innovative technique with no unfavourable long-term effects on the gingival tissues of rapidly retracted canine teeth.

Rapid canine retraction and orthodontic treatment with dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: Duration of treatment is one of the things orthodontic patients complain about most. To shorten treatment time, a new technique of rapid canine retraction through distraction osteogenesis was introduced. The effects of dentoalveolar distraction on the dentofacial structures are presented in this article. MATERIAL: The study sample consisted of 20 maxillary canines in 10 growing or adult subjects (mean age, 16.53 years; range, 13.08-25.67 years). First premolars were extracted, the dentoalveolar distraction surgical procedure performed, and a custom-made intraoral, rigid, tooth-borne distraction device was placed. The canines were moved rapidly into the extraction sites in 8 to 14 days, at a rate of 0.8 mm per day. RESULTS: Full retraction of the canines was achieved in a mean time of 10.05 (+/-2.01) days. The anchorage teeth were able to withstand the retraction forces with minimal anchorage loss. The mean change in canine inclination was 13.15 degrees +/- 4.65 degrees, anterior face height and mandibular plane angle increased, and overjet decreased significantly at the end of dentoalveolar distraction. No clinical and radiographic evidence of complications, such as root fracture, root resorption, ankylosis, periodontal problems, and soft tissue dehiscence, was observed. Patients had minimal to moderate discomfort after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The dentoalveolar distraction technique is an innovative method that reduces overall orthodontic treatment time by nearly 50%, with no unfavorable effects on surrounding structures.

Differential diagnosis of skeletal open bite based on sagittal components of the face.

AIMS: This study examined the morphology of skeletal open bite with respect to the sagittal components of the face. METHODS: The material consisted of cephalometric and hand-wrist films of 49 girls and 22 boys with skeletal open bite. The samples were grouped into Class I, II, and III facial types on the basis of ANB angle. In addition to conventional dentofacial variables, nasopharyngeal airway area was also measured on lateral headfilms. All measurements were examined by analysis of variance and Duncan test. Subsequently the factors leading to open bite were evaluated using multiple-regression analysis. RESULTS: Dentofacial morphology differed in the sagittal components of skeletal open bite, and the differences were most obvious between the Class II and Class III open bite groups. Posterior maxillary dentoalveolar height and mandibular incisor inclination were important factors in the development of open bite in the skeletal Class I and Class II open bite groups, while in the skeletal Class III open bite group, the nasopharyngeal airway and the gonial angle were involved. CONCLUSION: Sagittal components of skeletal open bite should be considered in the differential diagnosis and treatment planning of such cases.

Biomechanical evaluation of mandibular midline distraction osteogenesis by using the finite element method.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of mandibular midline distraction osteogenesis on the mandibular complex by using a 3-dimensional finite element model, whose construction was based on computer tomography scans of the mandible of a 22-year-old man. The computer tomography pictures were transferred and converted to the finite element model by means of a procedure developed for this study. The final mesh consisted of 1314 solid elements with 3076 nodes. The distraction was performed on the middle intersection point of the vertical and horizontal planes on the mandibular symphysis. The mechanical response in terms of displacement and von Mises stresses was determined by widening the mandible up to 5 mm on both sides. The results indicate that the mandible was separated almost in a parallel manner (4.45-5.0 mm separation from the mandibular incisors to the lower border of the mandibular symphysis and 4.09-4.92 mm from the mandibular canines to the symphyseal border at the canine region), superoanteriorly. Anteroposterior evaluation demonstrated that the greatest widening was achieved at the symphyseal region, and the widening effect gradually decreased from anterior to posterior. Viewed occlusally, the width of the mandibular bone at the symphyseal region increased remarkably, whereas the ramal and gonial regions of the mandible and the condyle had shown minimal displacement. Mandibular bone was displaced forward and slightly downward. The highest stress levels were observed bilaterally below the condylar areas. High stress levels were also observed in the ramal region of the mandible.

Semirapid maxillary expansion--a study of long-term transverse effects in older adolescents and adults.

A new approach, namely, semirapid maxillary expansion (SRME) was introduced with the hypothesis that SRME may stimulate the adaptation process in the nasomaxillary complex and thus would result in reduction of relapse in the postretention period. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of SRME on dentofacial structures in older adolescents and adults. The study sample consisted of 40 individuals, 20 orthodontic patients who required maxillary expansion and 20 control cases who received no orthodontic treatment. The mean ages were 14.57 and 13.83 years at the start of treatment and control periods, respectively, and ranged between MP3cap and Ru hand-and-wrist maturation stages. A rigid acrylic maxillary expander was used for SRME (RME of 5-7 days, followed by slow maxillary expansion). The mean expansion time was 0.34 years, and the mean follow-up period was 2.68 years after retention. PA cephalometric film measurements were performed, and the data were analyzed statistically by using paired and Student's t-tests. Lower nasal and maxillary base widths, and upper intermolar and incisor interapex widths were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < .05, P < .001) and remained unchanged during the retention and follow-up stages. Moreover, significant amount of increases occurred in zygomatic and lower nasal widths during the follow-up period. The findings of this study suggested that the dentoskeletal changes after the use of SRME were maintained satisfactorily in the long term in older adolescents and adults.

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on nocturnal enuresis.

One of the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a reduction in nighttime bed-wetting. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effects of RME on nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children who are liable to psychosocial stress conditions. Eight children (six boys and two girls) who had not responded to different conventional medical treatments were included in the study. The subjects were between eight and 11 years of age with a mean age of nine years five months, and were residents of a government orphanage. All the children wet the bed at least one time every night and previously had been subjected to unsuccessful conventional treatment modalities. Maxillary expansion was performed using a rigid acrylic RME device. Lateral and PA cephalometric films and dental casts were used in the assessment of the dentofacial and nasopharyngeal structures. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test. In seven of the eight children, remarkable improvement was observed in NE after three to six mm RME. At the end of eight months observation, the mean rate of improvement in bed-wetting in the seven successful subjects was 74.2% (57.6-87.5%). The findings also indicated significant changes in the nasomaxillary structures and nasopharyngeal airway dimensions with the use of RME. However, none of the subjects became completely dry, and the disorder is probably multicausal including psychological emotions and tensions. This study demonstrated that RME treatment could cause relief for the enuretic children. However, the long-term success rate is still questionable.

2.2 Continuous quality improvement.

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) can be envisaged as a circular process of goal-setting, followed by external and internal evaluations resulting in improvements that can serve as goals for a next cycle. The need for CQI is apparent, because of public accountability, maintaining European standards and the improvement of dental education. Many examples are known where recommendations from both external and internal evaluation are used for the improvement of dental education. Unfortunately, the implementation of the recommendations is inconsistent, rarely systematic and usually not transparent. This section agreed that it is essential to apply CQI in a structured, systematic and transparent way if we are to improve and maintain the quality of dental education. A model is proposed which includes three aspects: a) the process of CQI; b) the subjects to which CQI should be applied; and c) the management tools to govern CQI. It is stressed, that CQI is a process that can be applied in any dental school irrespective of curriculum or educational approach within the relevant context of the country or the region. The approach needs to recognize the complexity and the need to balance a quality improvement with accountability. A CQI system is also constrained in any organization by the attitudes and values of the staff. Inevitably there has to be a wide range in the application of CQI. Nevertheless, an agreed model on CQI might enhance convergence towards higher standards of dental education. The process of CQI can be supported by developments in information and communication technology (ICT): collection of data, identifying the steps in CQI, formats of reports, etc. The section was set, as one of its tasks, to advise on the development of a network based on a number of case studies on the application of CQI in dental education.