Effect of a Submucosal Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement - A Split-Mouth, Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate the effect of submucosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the rate of mini-implant-supported retraction, using a split-mouth randomized clinical design. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects of either gender between 16 and 25 years of age with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and crowding of <4 mm scheduled to undergo fixed mechanotherapy with the extraction of 1st premolars; were recruited for the study. Those with a periodontally compromised dentition, blood dyscrasias, smoking/alcoholism, or with a history of fixed orthodontic treatment were not considered. The intervention side received a submucosal injection of autologous PRP which was prepared using 10 ml of the patient's blood. The rate of extraction space closure on both sides was recorded and compared monthly for 3 months using a digital caliper. Results: Mean overall retraction was faster on the intervention side as compared to the control side by 1.5 times and was statistically significant with a P value of 0.001. There was no influence of gender on the rate of retraction. There was no reported swelling or discomfort associated with the PRP injection. Conclusions: Submucosal injection of PRP significantly accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and can therefore be used as an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method to expedite orthodontic treatment.

Comparative Evaluation of Plaque Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Probiotic and Chlorhexidine Oral Rinses in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial agents serve as an effective adjunct in plaque control, and chlorhexidine has been the gold standard. However, the philosophy that natural agents are better for children's oral health is on the rise. Probiotic technology represents a breakthrough approach to maintain oral health by utilizing natural beneficial bacteria commonly found in healthy mouths. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy of probiotic and chlorhexidine oral rinses in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 healthy patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly selected for the study by block randomization and allocation concealment and were divided into three groups: group a, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash; group b, probiotic mouthwash; and group c, a control group. RESULTS: Probiotic and chlorhexidine groups had significantly decreased plaque indices as compared to the control group. However, greater improvement was seen in the gingival indices than plaque indices with better results in the probiotic group than the chlorhexidine group. No statistical significance was observed in the streptococcus count of probiotic and chlorhexidine groups at the end of the intervention period. CONCLUSION: The comparison of probiotics to chlorhexidine has proven that probiotics are as effective as chlorhexidine as an adjunctive chemical plaque control agent.

Ortho-Perio Interrelationship. Treatment Challenges.

It is an undisputed fact that sound periodontal health is a prerequisite for successful orthodontic therapy. Various complex dental problems necessitate a multidisciplinary approach; there cannot be a better example than an ortho-perio interaction. Certain periodontal treatment modalities need to be undertaken before commencing orthodontic treatment. And some periodontal procedures are required after active orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is to familiarize clinicians in the field of both periodontics and orthodontics with the precautions and clinical techniques necessary to preserve the integrity of already compromised periodontium.

Integration of the Herbst and Begg appliance in the management of severe Class II malocclusion.

The efficacy of the Herbst appliance in a normalizing sagittal relationship in patients with a Class II malocclusion is well-documented. This case report describes the treatment of a 14-year-old male patient with severe Class II Division 1 malocclusion due to retrognathic mandible and mildly prognathic maxilla, convex profile, and lip trap. He had severely proclined maxillary incisors and retroclined mandibular incisors, overjet of 13 mm and overbite of 7 mm. Since the patient was in the peak pubertal growth phase, growth modulation was carried out with the Herbst appliance for 8 months, followed by fixed appliance therapy with the Begg appliance for 11 months. Combination of Herbst and Begg appliance led to a very favorable treatment outcome and greatly improved the patient's appearance.

Association of Transforming Growth Factor Alpha and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate in the Indian population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the relationship of the K-primer variant of the transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) gene and C677T variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (CL/P) in the Indian population. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The study group consisted of DNA samples of 25 subjects with nonsyndromic CL with or without cleft palate and 25 unrelated controls, already existing in the Department of Orthodontics, D.A.P.M.R.V. Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THE DNA SAMPLES WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: Group A which included the 25 subjects with nonsyndromic CL/P; and Group B, which consisted of the 25 unrelated controls. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was done for amplification of the region of interest from the DNA samples. Restriction digestion was then performed on the amplified product using the restriction enzyme HinfI, separately for each of the variants. The digested PCR products were separated into channels on a 1.5% agarose gel containing ethidium bromide in an electrophoretic chamber. A U.V. transilluminator was used to see the specific bands of base pairs of the digested PCR products. RESULTS: In Group A, the TGF-α gene variant was present in 16 subjects (P = 0.001) and MTHFR gene variant was present in 8 subjects (P = 0.185). A combination of both gene variants were present in seven subjects, which was an interesting finding. In Group B, four subjects tested positive for the TGF-α and MTHFR gene variants. CONCLUSIONS: The TGF-α gene variant and a combination of TGF-α + MTHFR gene variants significantly contribute to the development of nonsyndromic CL/P and can be considered as genetic markers for Indian population. The MTHFR gene variant, though a minor risk factor, cannot be considered as a genetic marker.

High speed handpieces.

High speed instruments are versatile instruments used by clinicians of all specialties of dentistry. It is important for clinicians to understand the types of high speed handpieces available and the mechanism of working. The centers for disease control and prevention have issued guidelines time and again for disinfection and sterilization of high speed handpieces. This article presents the recent developments in the design of the high speed handpieces. With a view to prevent hospital associated infections significant importance has been given to disinfection, sterilization & maintenance of high speed handpieces. How to cite the article: Bhandary N, Desai A, Shetty YB. High speed handpieces. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):130-2.