Mandibular advancement device in obstructive sleep apnea treatment: what happens to the condyle position and patient response?

BACKGROUND: This study aims primarily to assess the mandibular condyles and patient response to MAD therapy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Also, the study proposes to analyze whether variations in condylar position, OSA severity and mandibular protrusion influence patient response. METHODS: 23 patients diagnosed with mild/moderate OSA and treated with MAD comprised the sample. Clinical, CBCT, and PSG assessments were conducted at baseline and with MAD in therapeutic protrusion (4-6 months of MAD use). The condyle position was vertically and horizontally evaluated at baseline and at the therapeutic protrusion. RESULTS: The condyle position significantly changed with MAD, showing anterior (7.3 ± 2.8 mm; p < 0.001) and inferior (3.5 ± 1 mm; p < 0.001) displacement. Patients with mild OSA required more protrusion (p = 0.02) for improvement. Responders exhibited a significantly prominent (p = 0.04) anterior baseline condyle position. A negative modest correlation was found between treatment response and baseline condyle anterior position (p = 0.03; r=-0.4), as well as between OSA severity and the percentage of maximum protrusion needed for therapeutic protrusion (p = 0.02; r=-0.4). The patient protrusion amount did not predict condylar positional changes. Neither condyle position, OSA severity, nor therapeutic protrusion were predictors of MAD treatment response. CONCLUSION: MAD resulted in anterior and inferior condylar displacement, and the amount of protrusion did not predict condylar positional changes. Responders showed a more anterior baseline condyle position. OSA severity and mandibular protrusion did not predict treatment response.

Three-dimensional comparison between the effects of mandibular advancement device and maxillomandibular advancement surgery on upper airway.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) in improving upper airway (UA) patency has been described as being comparable to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) outcomes. However, no previous study has compared MAD and MMA treatment outcomes for the upper airway enlargement. This study aimed to evaluate three-dimensionally the UA changes and mandibular rotation in patients after MAD compared to MMA. METHODS: The sample consisted of 17 patients with treated with MAD and 17 patients treated with MMA matched by weight, height, body mass index. Cone-beam computed tomography from before and after both treatments were used to measure total UA, superior/inferior oropharynx volume and surface area; and mandibular rotation. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase in the superior oropharynx volume after the treatments (p = 0.003) and the MMA group showed greater increase (p = 0.010). No statistical difference was identified in the MAD group considering the inferior volume, while the MMA group showed a significantly gain (p = 0.010) and greater volume (p = 0.024). Both groups showed anterior mandibular displacement. However, the mandibular rotation were statistically different between the groups (p < 0.001). While the MAD group showed a clockwise rotation pattern (-3.97 ± 1.07 and - 4.08 ± 1.30), the MMA group demonstrated a counterclockwise (2.40 ± 3.43 and 3.41 ± 2.79). In the MAD group, the mandibular linear anterior displacement was correlated with superior [p = 0.002 (r=-0.697)] and inferior [p = 0.004 (r = 0.658)] oropharynx volume, suggesting that greater amounts of mandibular advancement are correlated to a decrease in the superior oropharynx and an increase in the inferior oropharynx. In the MMA group, the superior oropharynx volume was correlated to mandibular anteroposterior [p = 0.029 (r=-0.530)] and vertical displacement [p = 0.047 (r = 0.488)], indicating greater amounts of mandibular advancement may lead to a lowest gain in the superior oropharynx volume, while a great mandibular superior displacement is correlated with improvements in this region. CONCLUSIONS: The MAD therapy led to a clockwise mandibular rotation, increasing the dimensions of the superior oropharynx; while a counterclockwise rotation with greater increases in all UA regions were showed in the MMA treatment.

Methodological parameters for upper airway assessment by cone-beam computed tomography in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A reliable method for analyzing the upper airway (UA) remains a challenge. This study aimed to report the methods for UA assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO #CRD42021237490 and PRISMA checklist) that applied a search strategy to seven databases and grey literature. RESULTS: In 29 studies with moderate-to-high risk of bias, investigators mostly reported the body position during CBCT (upright or supine) and hard tissue references, diverging in UA delimitation and terminologies. The meta-analysis showed two subgroups (upright and supine), and no statistical differences were identified (p = 0.18) considering the UA area. The volume in the OSA group was smaller than that in the control group (p < 0.003 and Cohen's d = - 0.81) in the upright position. Patients with OSA showed smaller anteroposterior dimensions than the control group and were not affected by the position during image acquisition (p = 0.02; Cohen's d = - 0.52). The lateral measurements were also lower in the OSA group (supine) (p = 0.002; Cohen's d = - 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA showed smaller UA measurements in the upright (volume) and supine (lateral dimension) positions. The anteroposterior dimension was also reduced in patients with OSA compared to the control group, regardless of the position during CBCT acquisition.

Evaluation of the three-dimensional (3D) position of cervical vertebrae in individuals with unilateral posterior crossbite.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) position of the cervical vertebrae of growing subjects with unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 1455 patients were screened, and ultimately 58 scans (26 patients with UPC and 32 controls with normal occlusion) were included after imposing inclusion/exclusion criteria. Roll, yaw, and deviation of the geometric center of C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae were measured and compared between groups. A correlation between these parameters and different variables on mandibular positioning was also carried out. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between groups for the deviation of pogonium (Pog), mandibular plane roll, and C3 roll, and patients with UPC showed higher cant or deviation. A significant correlation was reported for the roll of C2 and C3 with the deviation of Pog, a roll of the occlusal plane, and roll of the mandibular plane (p < 0.05). The greater the deviation of the Pog to one side, the greater the roll of the vertebrae with this same side up. The same tendency was observed between the roll of the occlusal plane or the mandibular plane with the roll of these cervical vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between transverse occlusal changes and positional deviations of the cervical vertebrae, especially C2 and C3. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study results do not allow us to infer the clinical/functional consequences of these deviations, as well as if malocclusion's treatment would result in an improvement of intervertebral relationships.

Three-dimensional craniofacial characteristics associated with obstructive sleep apnea severity and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess craniofacial dimensions in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients treated with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and to identify anatomic influences on OSA severity and MAD therapy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with OSA were prospectively treated with MAD. Clinical, cone-beam computed tomography, and polysomnography exams were performed before treatment and 4-6 months after achieving the MAD therapeutic position. Polysomnographic exams and three-dimensional maxillary, mandibular, and upper airway (UA) measurements were evaluated. Pearson's correlation and t-tests were applied. RESULTS: Before MAD treatment, the transverse width measured at the frontomaxillary suture and the angle between the mandibular ramus and Frankfurt horizontal were statistically correlated with apnea and the hypopnea index (AHI), while the gonial angle was correlated with therapeutic protrusion. After MAD treatment, all patients showed a significant AHI reduction and an improvement in minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation. The UA total volume, superior and inferior oropharynx volume, and area were statistically correlated with MAD therapeutic protrusion. The UA total area showed a statistical correlation with the improvement in AHI, and the superior oropharynx volume and area increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The transversal frontomaxillary suture width and the mandibular ramus facial angle may influence OSA severity. The gonial angle, volume, and area of all UA regions may indicate the amount of protrusion needed for successful MAD treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The craniofacial characteristics reported as important factors for OSA severity and MAD treatment outcomes impact therapy planning for OSA patients, considering individual anatomic characteristics, prognosis, and cost benefits.

Morphology changes of maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy / Cambios de la morfología en la distalización de molares maxilares mediante terapia con alineadores transparentes

SUMMARY: To evaluate the skeletal, dento-alveolar and soft tissue morphology changes after maxillary molar distalization by clear aligner therapy and identify the significant efficacy of molar distalization,18 patients in conformity with the inclusion criteria were selected. Pre- and post-treatment Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) were examined to measure the angular and linear parameters. All subjects were completed non-extraction clear aligner treatment by distalizing molars. A paired-t test and independent-samples t-test were performed to observe the difference between before and after treatment and the difference between the first molar and second molar respectively. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Predicted movement rate was calculated by the formula: (actual movement(mm)/planned movement(mm)) x100%. Most variables of pre- and post-treatment showed no statistical difference(P<0.05), excepting SNA angle (P<0.05) and Upper lip/E-line linear (P<0.01) due to incisor retraction. The first and second molar revealed a translation movement without significant tipping and vertical movement. Clear aligners provided a high predictability (83.44 %) of distalization the maxillary first molar, and 85.14 % of the maxillary second molar. Clear aligners can effectively achieve distal displacement of molars.

RESUMEN: Se seleccionaron 18 pacientes, de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión, para evaluar los cambios en la morfología esquelética, dentoalveolar y de los tejidos blandos después de la distalización de los molares maxilares, mediante la terapia con alineadores transparentes e así identificar la significativa eficacia de la distalización de los molares. Se examinó a través de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) antes y después del tratamiento para medir los parámetros angulares y lineales. Todos los sujetos completaron el tratamiento con alineadores transparentes sin extracción mediante la distalización de los molares. Se realizó una prueba t pareada y una prueba t de muestras independientes para observar la diferencia entre antes y después del tratamiento y la diferencia entre el primer molar y el segundo molar, respectivamente. Los valores de p<0,05 se consideraron estadísticamente significativos. La tasa de movimiento prevista se calculó mediante la fórmula: (movimiento real (mm)/movimiento planificado (mm)) x 100 %. La mayoría de las variables de pre y postratamiento no mostraron diferencia estadística (P<0,05), excepto el ángulo SNA (P<0,05) y el labio superior/línea E lineal (P<0,01) debido a la retracción del incisivo. El primer y segundo molar revelaron un movimiento de traslación sin inclinación significativa y movimiento vertical. Los alineadores transparentes proporcionaron una alta previsibilidad (83,44 %) de la distalización del primer molar superior y del 85,14 % del segundo molar superior. Los alineadores transparentes pueden lograr efectivamente el desplazamiento distal de los molares.

Sex determination by osteometric assessment of the mastoid process using Cone Beam Computed Tomography / Determinação do sexo em uma população Iraniana por avaliação osteométrica do processo mastóide em imagens de TCFC

Objective: Sex determination is one of the most important parameters to identify in forensic science. Because the mastoid process is the most resistant to damage due to its position in the skull base, it can be used for sex determination. The purpose of this study was to measure the dimensions and convexity and internal angles of the mastoid process to present a model of sex determination in Iranian population. Material and methods: This study was performed on three-dimensional images of 190 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) of 105 women and 85 men. On each CBCT the distance between the porion and the mastoid (PM), mastoid length (ML), the distance between the mastoidale and the mastoid incision (M-I), the mastoid height (MH), the mastoid width (MW), intermastoidale distance (IMD) the lateral surfaces of the left and right mastoids (IMLSD) and the Mastoid medial convergence angle (MMCA) was measured on both the right and the left. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, and discriminant function analysis. Results: Significant differences were found for all variables except MMCA and MF in both sex. All measured variables except MW were greater for men than women. The discriminant model achieved a total accuracy of 93.7%. Among the measured factors IMD and IMSLD had the most influence on sex determination. Conclusion: Measuring the dimensions of the mastoid process is a very good method for sex determination with high accuracy of 90% (AU)

Objetivo: A determinação do sexo é um dos parâmetros mais importantes para identificação na ciência forense. Por ser o processo mastóide resistente a danos, devido a sua posição na base do crânio, este poderia ser usado na determinação do sexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar as dimensões, convexidade e ângulos internos do processo mastóide para apresentar um modelo de determinação do sexo em uma população Iraniana. Material e métodos: Este estudo foi realizado em 190 imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), sendo 105 mulheres e 85 homens. Em cada TCFC foram realizadas medidas no processo mastóide em comprimento (ML), altura (MH), largura (MW) em ambos os lados direito e esquerdo, também foi medida a distância entre o Pórion e o processo mastóide (PM), distância até incisura mastoidea (M-I), distância entre as superfícies mediais (IMD) distância entre as superfícies laterais dos processos direito e esquerdo (IMLSD) e o ângulo de convergência medial (MMCA). Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, teste t e análise de função discriminante. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram encontradas para todas as variáveis, exceto MMCA e MF em ambos os sexos. Todas as variáveis medidas, exceto MW, foram maiores para os homens do que para as mulheres. O modelo de análise de função discriminante alcançou uma precisão total de 93,7%. Entre os fatores medidos, o IMD e o IMSLD tiveram a maior influência na determinação do sexo. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que as dimensões do processo mastóide constituem um método para determinação do sexo, em população Iraniana, com precisão de 90% (AU)

Protocolo estandarizado para la observación de la imagen tomográfica en endodoncia / Standardized protocol of observation of the tomographic image in endodontics

Objetivo: establecer un protocolo estandarizado de observación de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) en endodoncia, para determinar de manera sistemática las dimensiones de las lesiones apicales crónicas. Métodos: análisis y aplicación de las herramientas de los software tomográficos de haz cónico usados para la exploración de tejidos dentales y periapicales, con previa revisión bibliográfica del tema. Posteriormente, se diseñaron los pasos sistemáticos estandarizados de observación y medición de la imagen tomográfica dental en endodoncia, con lo cual se estableció el protocolo. Finalmente, se entrenaron dos endodoncistas en la aplicación del protocolo para medir sistemáticamente las dimensiones de lesiones apicales crónicas (altura, profundidad y ancho) Resultados: se generó un documento con material gráfico sobre los pasos a seguir del protocolo estandarizado y se realizó una prueba estadística de concordancia, que evidenció un alto grado de coincidencia entre las mediciones hechas por las endodoncistas entrenadas (observadoras 2 y 3) frente a las de una radióloga experta (observadora 1). El mayor grado de acuerdo se encontró entre las observadoras 1 y 2 en la vista sagital al evaluar la altura de la lesión (ICC: 0.9997545), mientras que, las observadoras 1 y 3 lograron el mayor grado de acuerdo en la vista axial (ICC 0.9996737, IC 95%) al evaluar la profundidad de la lesión. Conclusión: la aplicación de este protocolo sencillo, sistemático y estandarizado de observación de tomografía dental permite evaluar de manera confiable, reproducible y precisa la imagen de la periodontitis apical y, a su vez, alcanzar un alto grado de concordancia cuando se miden lesiones apicales.

Objective: Establish a standardized protocol for the observation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in endodontics, to systematically determine the dimensions of chronic apical lesions. Methods: Analysis and application of the tools of the specific Cone Beam Computed Tomography software for the exploration of dental and periapical tissues, prior literature review of the subject. Subsequently, the design of standardized systematic steps of observation and measurement of the dental tomographic image in Endodontics, thus establishing the Protocol. Finally, training of 2 Endodontists in the application of the Protocol by an expert Radiologist, measuring the dimensions of chronic apical lesions (height, depth and width) in 45 high-resolution conical beam dental tomographs and checking its usefulness, through a concordance test using the Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC). Results: A written document was generated with explanatory graphic material on the steps to follow by the Standardized Protocol and a statistical concordance test was carried out that evidenced a high degree of agreement between the measurements of the trained endodontists (observers 2 and 3) against the expert radiologist (observer 1). The highest degree of agreement was found among observers 1 and 2 in the sagittal view when assessing the height of the lesion (ICC: 0.9997545), while observers 1 and 3 achieved the highest degree of agreement in axial vision (ICC 0.9996737, 95% CI) when assessing the depth of the lesion. Conclusion: The application of this simple, systematic and standardized protocol for the observation of dental tomography in clinical practice makes it possible to reliably, reproducibly and accurately assess the image of apical periodontitis, prior observer training, allowing a high degree of concordance to be achieved when apical lesions are measured.

[Use of diagnostic modalities for dentofacial imaging in forensic dentistry. Literature review]. / Uso de las modalidades diagnósticas pertenecientes a la imagenología dentofacial en la odontología forense. Revisión de la literatura.

Objective: To describe the use of diagnostic modalities for dentofacial imaging in forensic dentistry. Materials and Methods: A scientific search was carried out in the PubMed, Google Academic, and SciELO databases with the keywords "Dentofacial Imaging", "Panoramic Radiography", "Lateral Cephalogram", "Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)", "Digital Radiography", and "Forensic Dentistry". Forty-eight recently dated articles published in English were selected, seeking information to describe the use of diagnostic modalities pertaining to dentofacial imaging in forensic dentistry. Results: The most relevant diagnostic modalities of dentofacial imaging for forensic dentistry include panoramic radiography, lateral skull radiography, posterior-anterior skull radiography and cone beam computed tomography. Conclusions: The modalities described, together with morphometric analyses, allow forensic dentists to identify a corpse, estimate age, sex, and even facilitate forensic facial reconstruction for identification purposes.

Remoção de terceiro molar superior deslocado para o espaço bucal / Removal of upper third molar displaced to the buccal space

Os autores descrevem um caso clínico de deslocamento de germe dentário de terceiro molar superior esquerdo para o espaço bucal em um paciente de 13 anos de idade. A localização do dente em posição profunda com envolvimento do corpo adiposo do bucinador dificultou a sua localização, ainda não descrita, nas condições em questão, na literatura. Com a Tomografia Computadorizada de Feixe Cônico (TCFC), foi possível localizar o dente deslocado e planejar a sua remoção. Os riscos e benefícios das extrações de germes de terceiros molares precisam ser avaliados devido ao grande risco de deslocamentos... (AU)

The authors describe a case of displacement of left upper third molar tooth germ to the buccal space in a patient 13 years old. The deep position of the tooth with involvement of the fat body of the buccinator made it difficult its location, still not described, under the concerned conditions, in the literature. With the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), it was possible determine the location of the tooth and plan his removal. The risks and benefits of third molar tooth germ extraction should be evaluated because there is a greater chance of displacement... (AU)