Evaluation of Various Sterilization Processes of Orthodontic Instruments using Biological Indicators and Conventional Swab Test Method: A Comparative Study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of various sterilization procedures using conventional spore monitoring method, i.e., by using swab test and biological indicators and to determine the efficiency of cold sterilization by using Bioclenz-G (2% glutaraldehyde) solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each group was divided into medium load (containing 15 sets of instruments) and heavy load (containing 30 sets of instruments). Each group was tested 15 times for medium and heavy loads. Two groups are swab tested control group and experimental group with three different methods of sterilization: hot air oven, cold sterilization, and ethylene dioxide sterilization. RESULTS: Spores were present in all the groups tested for 10 minutes cycle, in comparison with no spore growth in any of the groups tested for a 10-hour cycle. CONCLUSION: All methods of sterilization showed complete sterilization of instruments when monitored with biological indicators. One group of heavy load in steam autoclave and one group each of medium load and heavy load in hot air oven sterilizer showed sterilization failure when monitored with the conventional swab test method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study proves the efficacy and durability of various sterilization procedures.

Comparative Assessment of Facial Asymmetry in Malocclusion using Posteroanterior View.

AIM: The study was conducted to assess facial asymmetry in various dental malocclusions and to determine asymmetry in lower, mid, and upper face and jaws using posteroanterior cephalometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 120 posteroanterior cepha-lograms were taken of individuals between 12 and 25 years of both sexes, and were divided into four groups: Angle's class I excellent occlusion, Angle's class I malocclusion, Angle's class II malocclusion, and Angle's class III malocclusion. These cepha-lograms were traced and Grummon's analysis was performed. RESULTS: In Angle's class I occlusion and Angle's class II malocclusion, the results obtained showed asymmetry present in the upper face. Correlation was found between occlusion, maloc-clusion, and facial asymmetry. CONCLUSION: Facial asymmetry was found in all dental occlusions whether excellent or malocclusion group, with maximum asymmetry having upward trend toward upper face starting from lower. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For the success of the orthodontic treatments in various types of malocclusion and to determine the facial asymmetry, posteroanterior view can be very helpful, as it gives additional information which can be utilized to augment treatment planning and improve prognosis in terms of relapse prevention.

Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Recycled Brackets using Different Methods: An In vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Debonding of brackets commonly occurs during orthodontic treatment. Due to increase in costs replacement of a damaged bracket is not liked by the dentist. This study is done to assess the shear bond strength of recycled brackets using different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using five groups of orthodontic brackets (0.022" × 0.028", MBT prescription) bonded on the premolars mounted in cubes. Other materials required were cubical trays, bonding material, light cure unit, universal testing machine, digital camera and sandblasting unit. RESULTS: From the result of ANOVA test we observed the test is significant (F = 20.79, P < 0.01) and the test is rejected. When the Tukey's t-test result was applied it was seen that the mean shear bond strength of all groups of brackets is as follows: Group I (5.31 Megapascals [Mpa]) < Group II (7.37 Mpa) < Group III (8.96 Mpa) < Group IV (5.56 Mpa) < Control group (9.24 Mpa). Alternatively we can say that shear bond strength of following bracket groups can be arranged as Group I < Group IV < Group II < Group III. CONCLUSION: From this study we conclude that Group III, which was recycled with an ultrasonic cleaner with electropolisher and silane coupling agent in place of primer, showed the highest shear bond strength.

Dental Occlusion among School Going Children of Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND: A dental survey was conducted among the school going children of age group 6-13 yrs, focused to find out incidence of malocclusion so as to predict the probable time at which preventive measures can be taken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was carried on 985 unrelated healthy subject, including of 575 boys and 410 girls and the population was divided into three economic group of upper, middle and lower class. RESULTS: 1)In the study 57% of sample is found with normal occlusion.2)The proportion of malocclusion was higher in males.3)Lower income group sample showed highest proportion of malocclusion. CONCLUSION: In this study on school going children, it was found out that 57% of population showed normal occlusion and that malocclusion was higher in males and in lower income group population.

A retrospective cephalometric evaluation of dental changes with activator and activator headgear combination in the treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion.

AIM: The aims of this study were to evaluate the dental changes brought about by activator and activator headgear combination (ACHG) and to determine whether we can achieve control over the lower incisor proclination which is a side effect of using functional appliances; or not, while treating cases of skeletal class II malocclusions. METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of 45 skeletal class II division 1 patients were selected for the study. Fifteen of them were successfully treated with an Andresen activator and the other 15 with an activator headgear combination. Fifteen class II subjects who had declined treatment served as the control group. Cephalometric landmarks were marked by one author to avoid interobserver variability. RESULTS: The results revealed that both the activator and the activator headgear combination significantly (p < 0.001) affected dental variables measured. The mandibular incisor proclination was effectively controlled in the activator headgear combination group. CONCLUSION: An activator headgear combination would offer itself as a better option compared with activator alone in the treatment of skeletal class II malocclusions especially in cases with proclined mandibular incisors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When one of the treatment goals is to achieve a greater control over mandibular incisor proclination in the treatment of Skeletal Class II malocclusions, employing a combination of activator and headgear may substantially improve clinical outcomes.