ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: A transpalatal arch (TPA) directly connecting the maxillary first molars can be used in passive (for stabilization) and active (for molar or segment movement) modes. Activation may be symmetric or asymmetric. This study was performed to analyze the effectiveness of TPAs for transverse expansion treatment by measuring both the force systems they deliver and the clinical tooth movements thus achieved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (six with symmetric and four with asymmetric transverse discrepancies) were treated using a TPA made of titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) and fitted with 0.032" × 0.032" Burstone lingual brackets. The force systems exerted by these TPAs and the resultant tooth movements were first simulated and measured inside the orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS). All TPAs, whether used in the symmetric or asymmetric activation mode, were adjusted to an expansive force of 4 N. After a treatment of 12 weeks, their effectiveness was analyzed by comparing the clinical tooth movements to the movements simulated in the OMSS. RESULTS: Clinically, the symmetric treatments resulted in a mean correction of 4.5 ± 1.0 mm and a mean of buccal crown tipping of 10.1°, compared to 9.6° for the movements simulated in the OMSS. The four cases of unilateral crossbite were treated with an asymmetrically activated TPA (including a force on one side and a combination of force and negative torque on the other side). The intended unilateral expansion was achieved in all four cases. Vertical side effects were acceptably small in both the symmetric and the asymmetric treatment cases. The tooth movements could be implemented as planned in all 10 patients, whereby in 5 patients complete correction of the occlusal width discrepancy was achieved by the end of the 12-week treatment. CONCLUSION: Given this combination of good efficacy and minor side effects, the TMA/TPA appliance may be recommended as a suitable approach to correct transverse discrepancies. Recommendations expressed in previous studies for the use of Burstone-type TMA/TPA in these situations is confirmed by our study.
Subject(s)
Dental Stress Analysis/methods , Malocclusion/physiopathology , Malocclusion/therapy , Molar/physiopathology , Palatal Expansion Technique/instrumentation , Tooth Movement Techniques/instrumentation , Adolescent , Biomechanical Phenomena , Child , Equipment Failure Analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Malocclusion/diagnosis , Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures/instrumentation , Orthodontic Appliance Design , Orthodontic Appliances , Stress, Mechanical , Tensile Strength , Tooth Movement Techniques/methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) position after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandible by the help of pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A collective of nâ=â78 patients was investigated between 2009 and 2011 before and after BSSO of the mandible in mono- or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery procedures. No intraoperative fixation of the condyles was administered. CBCT scans were performed in all patients before and immediately after surgery with the KaVo 3DeXam device in the position of terminal occlusion. Subsequently, all scans were analyzed by help of the eXam Vision program and the ImageJ image processing software. Alterations of the TMJs were quantified by determining pre- to postoperative differences of the intercondylar distance, the mandibular angle on both sides, and the condylar angles in the transversal plane. RESULTS: The difference between pre- and postoperatively ascertained values was minimal (means: lateral condylar distance -0.17â mm; distance of condylar centers -0.32â mm; medial condylar distance -0.49 âmm; left mandibular angle +1.06°; right mandibular angle +2.06°; condylar angles in relation to a reference line: left -2.93, right -0.75; angle of cutting +3.42). There is no apparent tendency toward a positional change in any of the 3 examined planes. Between bi- and monomaxillarily operated patients there was no difference either, except for the osteotomy plane. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-dimensional analysis of CBCT data of the TMJ seems to be appropriate to determine the condylar position pre- and postoperatively. Performed by an experienced orthognathic surgeon, BSSO of the mandible does not effectuate any relevant changes of the TMJ-position, thus making an intraoperative condyle-fixation unnecessary.
