Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Soft Tissue Changes after Functional Therapy.

This study was aimed at proposing a three-dimensional (3D) evaluation method for the soft tissue effects of Twin Block (TB) functional appliance therapy by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. In this retrospective study, a total of 60 pre- and posttreatment (T0 and T1) CBCT images of Class II patients with mandibular retrognathia treated with a TB appliance were used. Volumetric and linear soft tissue changes were evaluated quantitatively with 3D measurements and qualitatively with color mapping visual. Linear (NV-A and NV-Pog) and angular (SNA, SNB, and ANB) skeletal changes were also measured on 3D images. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare statistical differences, and the scores of male and female participant differences were observed with the Mann-Whitney U test. In this study, a decrease was observed in SNA (p < 0.05), ANB (p < 0.01), and NV-Pog (p < 0.05) while an increase in SNB (p < 0.01) was found. However, decrease in NV-A distance was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). As a result of the evaluation of soft tissue changes, while the anterior reposition of the lower lip, soft tissue pogonion, and soft tissue gnathion was found to be significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively), the upper lip and subnasale repositions were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). 3D soft tissue changes after TB therapy can be evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by using CBCT images. Anterior repositioning of the mandible with functional therapy also provides improvement in soft tissue profile, especially in the lower facial region.

Volumetric Evaluation of Pharyngeal Airway after Functional Therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) effects of Twin-block functional appliance (TB) on the pharyngeal airway by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 30 patients (14 females, 16 males; mean age 12.50 ± 1.23 and 12.83 ± 1.17 years, respectively) with skeletal Class II malocclusion were included in this study and were treated with TB. On the pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) CBCT scans, volumetric changes in the pharyngeal airway; SNA, SNB, and ANB angles; and bilateral effective mandibular (Co-Gn) and midfacial length (Co-A) were also evaluated. The statistical differences were accessed by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the scores of male and female subjects. In this study, an increase was observed in SNB and Co-Gn (p < 0.01) while a decrease in ANB and SNA (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) was found. However, increase in midfacial length was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the evaluation of volumetric pharyngeal airway changes, statistically significant increases (p < 0.01) in the upper and lower division and total airway volume were determined. Gender differences were insignificant for all measurements (p > 0.05). Volumetric changes in the pharyngeal airway after functional therapy can be successfully evaluated by CBCT images. The anterior repositioning of the mandible by TB increases the mandibular length and pharyngeal airway volume in patients with retrognathic mandible.

Combined Use of Retraction and Torque Arch with Mini-Screws: A Cephalometric Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate and quantify the treatment of micro-implant-aided retraction and torque (R&T) arch on dentofacial structures. METHODS: Twelve patients (mean age 21.2 years) who required orthodontic camouflage treatment were included in the study. Following the canine distalization, mini-screws were placed between maxillary first molars and second premolars, and R&T arch was applied for the retraction of incisors. The vertical retraction arms of the arch were adjusted between the apex of the lateral incisor and the alveolar bone so that the retraction force passed through the center of resistance of four incisors and forced the incisors to bodily retraction. Closed coil-springs applying 150 gr of force were used to retract the incisors. The retraction period lasted for 217±34 days. RESULTS: SNA and NV-A decreased (p<0.05), indicating alveolar bone remodeling around Point A. The reduction in the SNA caused a statistically significant decrease in the ANB (p<0.01). SN/1, NA/1, NA-1, and overjet decreased significantly (p<0.01), depending on the retrusion of the incisors. The distances from the apex and incisal point of the central incisor to the SV reference plane also decreased significantly (p<0.01), revealing a nearly parallel movement of the incisors. Anchorage loss of the molars and decrease in nasolabial angle were not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A combined use of R&T arch with mini-screws is an effective method to retract the incisors without anchorage loss. The type of movement is nearly parallel.

Effect of 2 elastomeric ligatures on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nonconventional elastomeric ligature (Slide; Leone, Florence, Italy) with those of a conventional elastomeric ligature (Ormco, Orange, Calif) on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients. METHODS: A total of 13 orthodontic patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were selected for this study. The use of Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic appliances was tested. Microbial and periodontal records were obtained before bonding and 1 and 5 weeks after bonding. For the statistical analysis and calculations, SPSS software (version 15.0; SPSS, Chicago, Ill) was used. In the statistical decisions, P <0.05 values were accepted as significantly different. RESULTS: No significant differences between Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures were evident at 1 week or 5 weeks after bonding, with regard to gingival index, plaque index, gingival bleeding index, or pocket depth scores (P >0.05). Similarly, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts did not differ significantly on the surface or on the elastics (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the Slide ligatures cover the total surface of the bracket, they do not cause significantly more plaque accumulation or periodontal problems than do the conventional elastomeric ligatures.

Condylar response to functional therapy with Twin-Block as shown by cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the condylar changes through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in patients treated with Twin-Block functional appliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 30 patients who were treated with the Twin-Block appliance were used. Mandible was segmented and pretreatment and posttreatment (T0 and T1) condylar volume was compared. The angle between sella-nasion-Point A (SNA), angle between sella-nasion-Point B (SNB), angle between Point A-nasion-Point B (ANB), midfacial length (Co-A), mandibular length (Co-Gn), and the distances from right condylion to left condylion (CoR-CoL) were also measured on three-dimensional images. Differences were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare the scores of male and female participants. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: In this study, a decrease in SNA and ANB (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and an increase in SNB (P < .01) were found. Additionally, CoR-CoL, Co-Gn, and condylar volume increased at both the left and right sides (P < .01). However, increase at Co-A was not statistically significant (P > .05). Comparison of differences by sex was not statistically significant for all measurements (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Twin-Block appliance increases condylar volume, mandibular length, and intercondylar distance by stimulating growth of condyle in an upward and backward direction.

A modified feeding plate for a newborn with cleft palate.

Objectives : Cleft palate is a common congenital maxillofacial defect. We wish to present the fabrication of a modified feeding plate that will adapt to the changing palatal and velopharyngeal morphology during function. Case Report : A neonate with unilateral cleft lip and palate was referred to our clinic for the fabrication of a feeding plate. Intraoral examination revealed a cleft involving the uvula and the soft palate, with an alveolar defect on the left side. An impression was taken and a dental cast was obtained. A 1-mm Bioplast clear soft plate was pressed on the model. After trimming the edges of the plate, several retentive holes were made for its attachment to the hard plate. With the Bioplast soft plate replaced on the cast, plaster was used to cover parts of the soft plate that were not to come in contact with the hard plate. Biocryl resin was put on the retentive holes and 2-mm Biocryl C Rosa-transparent plate was pressed. The edges of the plate were cut, trimmed, and polished. Conclusion : This modified feeding plate effectively obstructed the soft palate defect. The adaptation of the flexible bulb of the appliance with the soft palate was excellent. Evaluation with nasoendoscopy revealed the synchronized movement of the bulb of the appliance with the soft palate during swallowing. Soft extension of the feeding plate eliminated the risk of irritation, and the baby accepted the appliance easily.

Relationship between Class III malocclusion and hyoid bone displacement during swallowing: a cine-magnetic resonance imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: The displacement of the hyoid bone (HB) is a critical biomechanical component of the swallowing function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the swallowing-induced vertical and horizontal displacements of the HB in subjects with 2 different magnitudes of skeletal Class III malocclusion, by means of real-time, balanced turbo-field-echo (B-TFE) cine-magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: The study population comprised 19 patients with mild skeletal Class III malocclusion, 16 with severe skeletal Class III malocclusion, and 20 with a skeletal Class I relationship. Before the commencement of the study, all subjects underwent cephalometric analysis to identify the nature of skeletal malformations. B-TFE images were obtained for the 4 consecutive stages of deglutition as each patient swallowed 10 mL of water, and the vertical and horizontal displacements of the HB were measured at each stage. RESULTS: At all stages of swallowing, the vertical position of the HB in the severe Class III malocclusion group was significantly lower than those in the mild Class III and Class I malocclusion groups. Similarly, the horizontal displacement of the HB was found to be significantly associated with the severity of malocclusion, i.e., the degree of Class III malocclusion, while the amount of anterior displacement of the HB decreased with an increase in the severity of the Class III deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the existence of a relationship between the magnitude of Class III malocclusion and HB displacement during swallowing.

Evaluation of anxiety level changes during the first three months of orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in dental anxiety, state anxiety, and trait anxiety levels of patients and their parents after 3 months of active orthodontic treatment. METHODS: We evaluated 120 patients and one parent of each patient. State Anxiety (STAI-S), Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) were administered before orthodontic treatment (T1) and after 3 months of treatment (T2). Differences in scores between T1 and T2 were compared using paired-sample t-tests and the relationship between the scores of the DAS and the STAI were analyzed using a bivariate two-tailed Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: Dental anxiety and state anxiety levels decreased among the patients after adjustment to orthodontic treatment (p < 0.001). However, 3 months of treatment was not sufficient to decrease the anxiety levels of parents (p > 0.05). Patient trait anxiety affected patient state anxiety and dental anxiety (p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between patient dental anxiety and parent dental anxiety (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety and state anxiety levels decrease after patients become familiar with their orthodontist and they became accustomed to orthodontic treatment. However, 3 months is not a sufficient length of time to decrease parental anxiety levels.

Orthognathic surgery of a patient with oligodontia: alternative technique for intermaxillary fixation.

Oligodontia may cause various problems during orthognathic surgery because it may be difficult to fix the surgical guide splints. The aim of this clinical report was to present an alternative technique for intermaxillary fixation of a patient with oligodontia and facial deformity. A 20-year-old male patient, whose 8 maxillary and 11 mandibular teeth were congenitally missing, was treated using bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Before the surgical approach, fixed mandibular prosthesis containing pins on the vestibule sides of the crowns was constructed to provide anchorage for intermaxillary splint and to achieve occlusal stability and vertical dimension during the surgery. This prosthesis was also used to hang intraoral elastics during the postoperative orthodontic treatment. At the end of treatment, these pins were cut, composite restoration material was applied to camouflage the places of the pins, and the patient continued to use this prosthesis. The patient gained an appropriate facial aesthetics and oral function using multidisciplinary approach.

Orthodontic treatment of transposition of permanent mandibular lateral incisor and left canine in mixed dentition: a case report.

The purpose of this study was to present the orthodontic treatment of a unilateral transposition of a permanent mandibular left canine and permanent mandibular lateral incisor during middle transitional dentition in a 10-year-old female. A panoramic radiograph showed the apex of the permanent mandibular left lateral incisor to be resting on the mesial corner of the permanent mandibular left canine crown, which was ectopically erupted in the proximity of the primary mandibular left second molar. A removable appliance was used to upright the permanent mandibular left lateral incisor, after which a utility arch was used until full eruption of the permanent dentition. Treatment continued with a fixed appliance system that included all teeth until the transposition of the canine and lateral incisor was corrected and a class I occlusion with a favorable smile was obtained (at 36 months).

Evaluation of hyoid bone movements in subjects with open bite: a study with real-time balanced turbo field echo cine-magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the position and movements of the hyoid bone during deglutition in patients with open bite. METHODS: Thirty-six subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of anterior open bite. The open bite group (OBG) and control group each comprised 18 patients with a mean overbite of -4.9 ± 1.9 mm and 1.9 ± 0.7 mm. The position of the hyoid bone during the 4 stages of deglutition was evaluated by measuring vertical and horizontal movement of the bone. RESULTS: Interactions of group and stage showed no significant effect on the measurements (p > 0.05). However, when group and stage were evaluated individually, they showed significant effects on the measurements (p < 0.001). In OBG, the hyoid bone was more inferiorly and posteriorly positioned, and this position continued during the deglutition stages. CONCLUSIONS: The hyoid bone reaches the maximum anterior position at the oral stage and maximum superior position at the pharyngeal stage during deglutition. Open bite does not change the displacement pattern of the bone during deglutition. The hyoid bone is positioned more inferiorly and posteriorly in patients with open bite because of released tension on the suprahyoid muscles.

Orthognathic surgical planning on three-dimensional stereolithographic biomodel.

The aim of this report was to present the orthognathic surgical planning of a patient with maxillary retrusion, mandibular prognathism, and midline shift on a three-dimensional stereolithographic biomodel. A patient who complained about facial deformity and difficulty in chewing was referred to our department. After a short-term presurgical orthodontic treatment, Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy were performed. Triangular axial gaps occurred anteriorly and posteriorly between the proximal and distal segments of the osteotomized mandible. These gaps were filled with bone grafts in accordance with templates that were constructed on a three-dimensional stereolithographic biomodel. Rotational movement of the distal mandibular segment around the y axis caused axial triangular gapping between the proximal and distal mandibular segments. In the presented case, orthognathic surgical planning was performed on the three-dimensional solid models, and templates were reconstructed according to these gaps. These templates were used to determine the size of the bone grafts during the surgical approach. The patient was diagnosed with lateral cephalometric and posteroanterior cephalometric analysis in postretention for 2 years, and it was determined that long-term results were perfect and skeletal relapse did not occur after 2.5 years of surgery. Movement at the site of the osteotomy is usually the main cause of relapse after orthognathic surgery. In the presented case, a three-dimensional stereolithographic biomodel was used to plan the orthognathic surgery and to reconstruct the templates to determine the size and shape of the bone grafts. Using bone grafts established close contact between proximal and distal osteotomized bone segments, enhanced bone healing, and diminished relapse risk.

Tongue movements in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions evaluated with real-time balanced turbo field echo cine magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the position and movements of the tongue in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. METHODS: Sixty-six patients (31 male, 35 female) with Class III malocclusion were divided into 3 groups according to cephalometric analysis. The first group comprised 23 patients (13 male, 10 female) with mandibular prognathism, the second group comprised 21 patients (9 male, 12 female) with maxillary retrognathism, and the third group comprised 22 patients (9 male, 13 female) with both maxillary retrognathism and mandibular prognathism. Twenty-two skeletal Class I patients (10 male, 12 female) were also included as the control group. RESULTS: Dentofacial morphology affects the position and the movements of the tongue during deglutition. Contact of the anterior portion of the tongue with the rugae area of the hard palate decreased in the Class III malocclusion groups. The posterior portion of the dorsal tongue was positioned more inferiorly, and the root of the tongue was positioned more inferiorly and anteriorly in patients with Class III malocclusion than in the control group. The tip of the tongue was also in a more anterior position in the Class III groups. When the deglutition stages were evaluated, we observed that the manner of bolus transfer was different in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion than in those with skeletal Class I malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue posture is affected by dentofacial structures, and adaptive changes occur in the tip, dorsum, and root of the tongue. Deglutitive tongue movements in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion are also different from those with skeletal Class I malocclusion.

Tongue movements in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion evaluated with real-time balanced turbo field echo cine magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the deglutitive tongue movements in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients (26 male, 33 female) with skeletal Class II relationship were divided into 3 groups according to cephalometric analysis. Group 1 (n = 19) had mandibular retrognathism, group 2 (n = 20) had maxillary prognathism, and group 3 (n = 20) had both mandibular retrognathism and maxillary prognathism. Twenty-two skeletal Class I patients (10 male, 12 female) were also included as the controls. RESULTS: In the mandibular retrusion group, the posterior portion of the dorsal tongue moved downward at stage 2 and upward at stage 3; the root of the dorsal tongue was in an inferior and anterior position at stage 2. In patients with both mandibular retrognathism and maxillary prognathism, the middle portion of the dorsal tongue was positioned superiorly at stage 3 relative to stage 1; the tongue tip was retruded at stage 3 relative to stages 1 and 2. In the control group, the middle portion of dorsal tongue was positioned superiorly at stage 3 relative to stages 1 and 2; the posterior portion of the tongue moved upward at stage 2 and downward at stage 3, and tongue-tip retrusion was observed at stage 2 relative to stage 1. Contact of the anterior portion of the tongue with the rugae area of the hard palate decreased in the Class II malocclusion groups relative to the control group. The middle portion of the dorsal tongue was positioned more superiorly in patients with Class II malocclusion during all stages of deglutition. The root of the tongue was more inferior and anterior, and the tongue tip was retruded in patients with Class II malocclusion compared with the control group. The posterior portion of the dorsal tongue was more inferiorly positioned in patients with mandibular retrusion than in the other Class II groups or the controls. In the third stage of deglutition, this portion of the tongue had a superior position in groups 2 and 3 relative to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Dentofacial morphology affects the position and movements of the tongue during deglutition, and adaptive changes occur in the tip, dorsum, and root of the tongue. Deglutitive tongue movements in patients with a skeletal Class II relationship are different from those with a skeletal Class I relationship.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen during experimental tooth movement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male, adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. HBO was administered in the first group, and the second group served as a control. The mandibular first molars were moved mesially by means of Ni-Ti closed coil springs in all groups. RESULTS: Results were evaluated histomorphometrically and the parameters of trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular bone number (Tr.N), and trabecular separation (Tr.Sep) were evaluated at the interradicular bone area of the mandibular first molars. Increases in BV/TV and Tr.N and decreases in Tr.Sep revealed the osteoblastic activity of HBO. HBO application caused an increase in bone apposition and osteoblastic activity or a decrease in osteoclastic activity. CONCLUSIONS: HBO enhanced the bone formation during experimental tooth movement. Therefore, the findings of this study support our hypothesis that osteoblastic activity might be modulated by changes in the environmental oxygen tension.

Effects of laser irradiation on the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and receptor of IGF-1 (IGFBP3) from gingival fibroblasts.

Various studies have shown biostimulation effects of laser irradiation by producing metabolic changes within the cells. Little is known about the biological effect of laser irradiation on the oral tissues. Among the many physiological effects, it is important to recognize that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may affect release of growth factors from fibroblasts. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the laser irradiation can enhance the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and receptor of IGF-1 (IGFBP3) from human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The number of all samples in the study were 30, and the samples were randomly divided into three equal groups; In the first group (single dose group), HGF were irradiated with laser energy of 685 nm, for 140 s, 2 J/cm(2) for one time, and in the second group, energy at the same dose was applied for two consecutive days (double dose group). The third group served as nonirradiated control group. Proliferation, viability, and bFGF, IGF-1, IGFBP3 analysis of control and irradiated cultures were compared with each other. Both of the irradiated groups revealed higher proliferation and viability in comparison to the control group. Comparison of the single-dose group with the control group revealed statistically significant increases in bFGF (p < 0.01) and IGF-1 (p < 0.01), but IGFBP3 increased insignificantly (p > 0.05). When the double dose group was compared with the control group, significant increases were determined in all of the parameters (p < 0.01). In the comparison of the differences between the two irradiated groups (one dose and two doses), none of the parameters displayed any statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). In both of the laser groups, LLLT increased the cell proliferation and cell viability. The results of this study showed that LLLT increased the proliferation of HGF cells and release of bFGF, IGF-1, and IGFBP3 from these cells. LLLT may play an important role in periodontal wound healing and regeneration by enhancing the production of the growth factors.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome): oral and radiographic findings and ultrastructural/chemical features of enamel and dentin.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome, MPS I-H) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism due to deficient alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme activity and is characterized by accumulation of incompletely degraded glycosaminoglycans that generally lead to impairment of organ and body functions. This report presents oral, dental, and radiographic findings in a boy who presented with MPS I-H. Nine of the patient's primary teeth were extracted and investigated using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Compared with the teeth of otherwise healthy patients, MPS I-H-affected dentin was characterized by extremely narrow dentinal tubules, whose direction followed an irregular wave-like pattern. The enamel-dentin junction was defective, as evidenced by microgaps, and the enamel displayed irregular arrangement of prisms. The additional novel observation was made that the protein structure of enamel and dentin changed in MPS I-H-affected teeth. Also, an increase was observed in the relative mineral/matrix ratio of MPS I-H-affected dentin, indicating that its protein content had decreased in comparison with normal dentin.

Cephalometric evaluation of patients treated by maxillary anterior segmental distraction: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric results of distraction osteogenesis in patients with premaxillary deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, an individual tooth-borne distraction device was used for advancement of the maxillary anterior segment. Unilateral or bilateral distraction was performed for 7 patients, according to the specific requirements of the individuals. Cephalometric radiographs were taken before treatment (T0), after distraction (T1), and after consolidation for 8 weeks (T2). RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis revealed that the premaxilla was moved forward and upward and the length of palatal plane increased. CONCLUSION: These alterations improved the soft tissue profile and solved the space deficiency of the maxilla by increasing the arch perimeter.

Multitomographic evaluation of the dental effects of two different rapid palatal expansion appliances.

Rapid palatal expansion (RPE) is widely used in the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiencies. Generally, there are two types of RPE appliances: banded and bonded expanders. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the dental effects of banded and bonded appliances. The study consisted of 23 patients (13 females and 10 males) with a bilateral maxillary deficiency. Twelve patients (seven females and five males) with a mean age of 14.8 +/- 0.3 years were treated with banded RPE and 11 patients (six females and five males) with a mean age of 15.1 +/- 0.7 years with bonded RPE. Multitomographic radiographs were taken before (T0) and at the end (T1) of expansion while the patients were wearing an acrylic mandibular appliance in which ball bearings and bars were embedded. Statistical analyses of the measurements at T0 and T1 were undertaken with a paired t-test, and the difference between the groups assesed with a Student's t-test. In both groups, the angle between the radiographic image of the bar and the axial inclination of the upper first premolar and molar teeth was (5.34 and 2.73 degrees for the right premolars, 5.17 and 2.28 degrees for the left premolars, 11.83 and 3.73 degrees for the right molars, and 9.75 and 5.64 degrees for the left molars in the banded and bonded groups, respectively. The distance from the vestibular cortical plate to the palatal root of these teeth (1.17 and 1.23 mm for the right premolars, 2.46 and 1.09 mm for the left premolars, 2.75 and 0.64 mm for the right molars, 2.23 and 0.96 mm for the left molars in the banded and bonded groups, respectively) increased (both P < 0.01). These increases indicated buccal tipping of the teeth. Comparison of the two groups showed that tipping of the first molar and premolar teeth in the banded group was significantly more than in the bonded group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).

A unique treatment of finger-sucking habit in children with mental retardation: report of 2 cases.

Finger-sucking habit, or nonnutritive sucking, usually ceases spontaneously in childhood. If the habit is not broken, however, not only will dental occlusion be affected, but the shape of the finger may be altered as well. When the habit is broken, the threatening disturbances of digital growth and dental occlusion will resolve spontaneously. This article describes a unique type of habit-breaking appliance applied on the sucked fingers of 2 children with mental retardation. The advantages of this type of extraoral appliance are discussed.