Comparative evaluation of duration of extraction space closure and degree of root resorption with conventional and self-Ligation brackets.

Introduction: Determination of difference between conventional and passive self-ligating brackets (SLBs) in respect of extraction space closure, patient perception and root resorption. Material and Methods: Eighty patients were divided into four groups of 20 each with age-sex-matched control using a simple randomisation technique and allocation concealment with a closed opaque envelope method. Group 1 consisted of conventional brackets with Connecticut New Archwire (CNA) wire mushroom loop, group 2 consisted of conventional brackets with TAD (AbsoAnchor, Korea) supported retraction, group 3 consisted of passive SLB with CNA archwires (Libral Traders, India) mushroom loop and group 4 consisted of passive SLB brackets with TAD (AbsoAnchor, Korea) supported retraction. The rate of retraction, root resorption and patient satisfaction were assessed. All conventional brackets (Orthox, USA) and passive SLBs (CaptainOrtho, India) had 0.018 Roth prescriptions with a slot size of 0.018 × 0.025. Results: Retraction was the fastest in group 2 with a mean of 1.266 ± 0.14 mm/4 week and a duration of 23.40 weeks. Similarly, group 4 showed the most sluggish movement with a mean of 1.182 ± 0.80 mm/4 weeks with a total duration of 25 weeks; howeverdifferencesce among groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.470). Conclusion: SLBs have advantage of better patient comfort, less pain and reduced chairside time. Though the present study found increased treatment duration with SLB along with friction mechanics, refuting the previous claims of reduced friction with SLBs, however, the difference was not statistically significant and results have to be extrapolated with caution and experience considering other advantages of SLBs.

Modified Interim Mandibular Advancement (MIMA) Appliance for Symptomatic Correction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic, progressive, multifactorial, life-threatening disorder that causes significant impact on patient's life. Patients with OSA [Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)>30] who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy or are not surgical candidates may benefit from oral appliances. This paper describes interim appliance devised from existing Hawley's retainer in patients with OSA. A 38-year-old man of athletic built with history of orthodontic treatment six months back due to esthetic concerns and wearing upper Hawley's retainer, reported with chief complaint of frequent nocturnal awakening along with excessive daytime somnolence. Based on diagnostic aids, he was diagnosed with Class II Division 1 malocclusion with severe mandibular retrusion. Sleep test revealed AHI score of 34, suggestive of severe OSA. With ENT and Oral surgeon concurrence, mandibular advancement of 7mm with Bilateral Sagital Split Osteotomy (BSSO) with distraction was contemplated as a viable functional and curative stable treatment plan. Because of non-adherence and non-compliance with CPAP therapy and on request of patient, an interim anterior positioning appliance was devised to facilitate comfortable sound sleep till the time surgery is impending. After three months of wearing this customized appliance, improved quality of sleep was discernible; both subjectively as reported by patient and objectively using sleep test (AHI=9.8).

An Approach with Hybrid Segmental Mechanics.

Present case report provides an insight into the hybrid segmental mechanics with treatment of 13-year-old male, considering the side effects of sole continuous arch wire sliding mechanics. Patient was diagnosed as a case of skeletal class I jaw relationship, low mandibular plane angle, class II molar relation on right and class I molar relation on left side, anterior cross bite, crowding of 12mm in upper, 5mm in lower arch. He also had proclined upper and lower anteriors by 2mm, convex profile and incompetent lips. Total treatment duration was 20 months, during which segmental canine retraction was performed with TMA (Titanium, Molybdenum, Aluminum) 'T' loop retraction spring followed by consolidation of spaces with continuous arch mechanics. Most of the treatment objectives were met with good intraoral and facial results within reasonable framework of time. This approach used traditional twin brackets, which offered the versatility to use continuous arch-wire mechanics, segmental mechanics and hybrid sectional mechanics.