Reverse Forsus vs. facemask/rapid palatal expansion appliances in growing subjects with mild class III malocclusions : A randomized controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of reverse Forsus (RF; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) and facemask/rapid palatal expansion (FM/RPE) appliances in growing subjects with class III malocclusions. METHODS: The data of this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) were derived from pre- and posttreatment/observation lateral cephalograms of 45 subjects with mild class III malocclusions: group 1 (8 girls, 7 boys; mean age 10.54 years) received a FM/RPE appliance; group 2 (6 girls, 9 boys; mean age 10.49 years) received the RF appliance; and an untreated control group (7 girls, 8 boys; mean age 10.66 years) was matched to the treatment groups with regard to sagittal skeletal and dental classifications. Angular and linear measurements were evaluated using lateral cephalograms. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis, paired-samples t­test, and Wilcoxon test, whereby p < 0.05 was accepted to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The intermaxillary (ANB), interdental (overjet), and sagittal lip relations in the FM/RPE and RF groups showed significant improvements compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Although the anterior and inferior traction of the maxilla was greater in the FM/RPE group compared to the RF group (p < 0.05), both treatment groups showed similar clockwise rotation of the mandible compared to the control group. While significantly more proclination of maxillary incisors occurred in the RF group compared to the FM/RPE and control groups (p < 0.05), both treatments led to significantly retroclined mandibular incisors compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both therapies led to intermaxillary and interdental improvements. The RF appliance had a limited effect on the maxilla and it mostly had dentoalveolar effects when compared to FM/RPE therapy.

Distancia intercanina en niños con dentición temporal, mixta y permanente / Intercanine distance in children with temporary, mixed and permanent dentition

RESUMEN Introducción: Los valores de la distancia intercanina representan una referencia auxiliar útil, para predecir problemas de deficiencia de espacio relacionados con el crecimiento transversal de los maxilares. Objetivo: Determinar los valores de la distancia intercanina en niños con oclusión normal en ambas arcadas dentarias y distintos períodos de dentición. Métodos: Fue realizado un estudio de tipo descriptivo y transversal. El universo estuvo comprendido por 6 033 escolares, de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra aleatoria estratificada de 525 niños con edades de 3, 6, 9 y 12 años, seleccionados de acuerdo con las etapas de desarrollo dental: dentición temporal, mixta temprana, tardía y permanente. Fue realizado un examen clínico facial y bucal, para lo cual se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión. Las variables fueron: edad, sexo y distancia intercanina superior e inferior. Para valorar la posible existencia de asociación entre la distancia intercanina y el sexo, así como con la edad, se utilizó la prueba t de Student para muestras independientes y el análisis de varianza (ANOVA), respectivamente. Resultados: La distancia intercanina superior a los 3 años fue: 27,3 mm, 6 años: 30,42 mm, 9 años: 31,67 y 12 años: 32,93 mm, e inferior (23,19 mm, 24,66 mm, 25,61 y 25,98 mm) para los 3, 6, 9, y 12 años, respectivamente. El sexo masculino mostró los mayores valores. Se comprobaron diferencias significativas en relación con el sexo en la distancia intercanina superior a los 6 y 12 años (p= 0,000) y en la inferior en las mismas edades (p= 0,001 y p=0,01), entre las edades (p= 0,000) tanto en superior como inferior. Conclusiones: La distancia intercanina se incrementa en ambos maxilares conjuntamente con la edad. Se comprueba un predominio de mayor anchura del sexo masculino a los 6 y 12 años en ambos maxilares(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intercanine distance values are a useful auxiliary reference to predict space deficiency problems related to transverse maxillary growth. Objective: Determine intercanine distance values for children with normal occlusion in both dental arches during the different dentition periods. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study universe was 6 033 schoolchildren, from whom a stratified random sample was selected of 525 children aged 3, 6, 9 and 12 years, corresponding to the stages of dental development: temporary, early mixed, late mixed and permanent dentition. Facial and oral clinical examination was performed, based on the inclusion criteria. The variables studied were age, sex, upper intercanine distance and lower intercanine distance. The possible association between intercanine distance and sex and age was determined with Student's independent samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively. Results: Upper intercanine distance was 27.3 mm at 3 years, 30.42 mm at 6 years, 31.67 mm at 9 years and 32.93 mm at 12 years. Lower intercanine distance was 23.19 mm, 24.66 mm, 25.61 mm and 25,98 mm at 3, 6, 9 and 12 years, respectively. Male subjects exhibited greater values. Significant differences were found with respect to sex in upper intercanine distance at 6 and 12 years (p= 0.000) and in lower intercanine distance at the same ages (p= 0.001 and p=0.01), as well as in upper and lower intercanine distance across the different ages (p= 0.000). Conclusions: Intercanine distance increases in both jaws with age. A predominance was found of a greater width in the male sex in both jaws at 6 and 12 years of age(AU)

Effect of face mask therapy on mandibular rotation considering initial and final vertical growth pattern: A longitudinal study.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of maxillary protraction with facemask therapy on mandibular rotation taking into account the initial and final vertical growth pattern of each participant in order to evaluate our null hypothesis: The use of facemask in these patients does not modify their initial vertical growth pattern. Material and Methods: A prospective single cohort study included children with Class III malocclusion treated with rapid palatal expansion and maxillary protraction with facemask. Cephalograms were taken before commencement and after completion of the facemask therapy with standardized equipment and magnification. Intraindividual cephalometric measurements were compared, and the vertical growth patterns were classified according to cephalometric standards. Potential changes in vertical growth pattern before and after completion of the facemask therapy was assessed by measuring Pearson's chi­square and by multiple correspondence analysis. Results: Thirty­eight study participants were recruited, aged between 5.2 to 9.5 years (mean 7.5) at the commencement of facemask therapy, which lasted on average 1.6 years. Differences on pretherapy and posttherapy cephalograms were seen for linear rotational and sagittal measurements (p < .01) as well as angular measurements of the cranial base, including an average palatal plane rotation of 0.45° (standard deviation: 1.78) and an average mandibular rotation of 0.39° (standard deviation: 2.19). The majority of participants maintained their initial vertical growth pattern after facemask therapy according to the multiple correspondence analysis (p < .001). Conclusion: Facemask therapy does not modify vertical growth pattern. The observed changes suggest a trend of maintaining each patient's initial growth direction after therapy.

Effects of facemask therapy on the mandibular retromolar space. A follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mandibular retromolar space after facemask therapy and a follow-up period.  Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between May and September in 2014. The sample consisted of pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2), and follow-up(T3) panoramic radiographs of 19 skeletal and dental Class III patients (7 female, 12 male; mean age: 10.5 years) treated with facemask and a removable intraoral upper appliance in the Faculty of Dentistry Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. Each patient's lower arches were evaluated as right and left segments. As third molars were congenitally absent in 3 segments, a total of 35 segments were evaluated. The average treatment time was one year. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years. The positions, angulations, dental maturations of lower third molars, and mandibular retromolar spaces (DJ) were assessed. Friedman's 2-way Analysis of Variance, multiple-comparison, Pearson's correlation, and Chi-square tests were used for statistical evaluation. A p less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The angulation of the first molar (ϒ) increased significantly only in the follow-up period (T3). Mandibular retromolar spaces were increased significantly during all periods. The most commonly determined position of the third molar, by Winter's classification, was vertical angulation in all periods. Moderate and significant correlations were found between third molar angulation(ß) and DJ at T2 and T3. Significant correlations were also found between DJ and Demirjian classification stages during all periods. CONCLUSION: Facemask therapy did not have an adverse effect on the mandibular retromolar space during treatment and follow up periods.

Effect of protraction facemask on the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of protraction facemask (PFM) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of skeletal Class III malocclusion patients. METHOD: Literature searches were carried out electronically in five English and three Chinese databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE (via Ovid), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database). The date of the most recent search was 22 March 2017. Randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, and before-after studies comparing the effect of PFM and other treatments on TMJ were included. The data were collected and extracted by three authors. The risk of bias in the RCTs was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. For the nonrandomized studies, the risk of bias was judged with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: For the 261 articles identified, 13 studies with 522 participants were included for the final qualitative analysis. Three studies were graded as high value of evidence, while seven studies and the other three studies were graded as moderate value and low value respectively. According to the available evidence, PFM contributed to the significant increase of CondAx-SBL and the significant decrease of CondAx-ML. Thin-plate spline (TPS) analysis showed a horizontal compression in condyles. Condyles tended to move superiorly and posteriorly. Concerning the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), PFM was not involved in aggravating TMJ symptoms and signs. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical evidence suggests that PFM might contribute to the morphologic adaptation of TMJs and displacement of condyles, and PFM may well be not a risk factor for the development of TMD.

Skin irritation from a facial mask in Class III malocclusion: evaluation of individual silicone chin cups in a group of 100 children.

BACKGROUND: Reverse headgear (a facial mask) is one of the most frequently used interceptive orthodontic devices in patients with Class III malocclusion. It is a simple device but may present some drawbacks related to pressure on the skin generated by the forehead and chin supports linked to the maxillary intraoral appliance by elastics. This can cause injury to the chin and lips. METHODS: Patients between 7 and 8 years of age were selected from the Unit of Pediatric Dentistry. Orthopedic therapy with a rapid palatal expander and reverse headgear was prescribed for all subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: those who used a facial mask without a silicone chin cup and those who used a facial mask with a silicone chin cup. RESULTS: Two-hundred subjects including 90 male patients and 110 female patients were enrolled. The groups that used a facial mask with and without a silicone chin cup included 100 patients each. The percentage of subjects without irritation was significantly greater in the group with a silicone chin cup than in the group without a silicone chin cup. CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose a simple and effective solution to prevent skin irritation on the chin caused by a facial mask. A chin mask is a custom solution that can prevent injury to the chin during treatment when coupled with facial mask therapy.

Quantitative comparison of incisal tooth wear in patients receiving one-phase or two-phase treatment for skeletal Class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the amount of incisal tooth wear in the maxillary central incisors of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and anterior crossbite receiving one-phase or two-phase treatment. The hypothesis was that tooth wear would differ according to treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary dental casts obtained before (T1) and after (T2) orthodontic treatment were divided into three groups. Group I consisted of casts from 21 patients (7 males, 14 females; mean age 9.8 years) who received two-phase treatment (maxillary protraction followed by fixed appliance therapy). Group II comprised casts from 37 patients who underwent orthodontic camouflage treatment for crossbite, subdivided according to age. Group IIa consisted of casts from 15 adolescents (8 males, 7 females; mean age 13.5 years), and group IIb consisted of casts from 22 adults (13 males, 9 females; mean age 24.5 years). Maxillary dental casts obtained at T1 and T2 were scanned. For each pair of digital images, T2 was superimposed on T1 using the best-fit method. Tooth wear was quantified and compared among groups. RESULTS: Significantly less tooth wear was observed in group I compared to groups IIa and IIb, but no difference was found between groups IIa and IIb. Spearman correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between tooth wear and age, treatment duration, or craniofacial morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the long duration of early treatment, it caused less wear of the maxillary central incisors than did orthodontic camouflage treatment.

Assessment of upper airway size after orthopedic treatment for maxillary protrusion or mandibular retrusion.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to find out whether different Class II treatments would affect the airway sizes of patients having maxillary protrusion or mandibular retrusion. METHODS: The study sample comprised 57 Class II patients whose upper airway sizes were not significantly different at the start of treatment and whose sagittal skeletal jaw relationships showed that they had maxillary protrusion or mandibular retrusion. Twenty-two of them were treated with cervical headgear, 16 with activator, and 19 were selected as a control. Lateral cephalograms at the start of treatment and the end of orthopedic treatment were assessed. The intragroup comparisons were performed by using the paired-samples t test, and intergroup comparisons of the skeletal features and upper airways were performed with 1-way analysis of variance, with the Tukey test as a second step, at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The ANB angle decreased significantly in the treatment groups. The middle airway space and the SNB angle were significantly increased after the activator therapy (P < 0.05). The SNB angle increased and SN-1 decreased in the mandibular retrusion group when compared with both maxillary protrusion and control groups. No statistically significant difference between the maxillary protrusion and the mandibular retrusion groups was found regarding the upper airway sizes after cervical headgear or activator treatments, respectively (P > 0.05). The only significant differences observed in airway variables were at the middle airway space of the activator and control groups with an increase of 1.6 ± 2.5 mm and a decrease of 1.5 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic treatment with either cervical headgear or activator did not result in different upper airway changes, but activator treatment resulted in increased middle airway space with regard to the Class II control group.

Effectiveness of early orthopaedic treatment with headgear: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although the headgear appliance has been used extensively to correct anteroposterior discrepancies, its treatment effects have not yet been adequately assessed in an evidence-based manner. Objective: Aim of this systematic review was to assess the therapeutic and adverse effects of early headgear treatment from controlled clinical trials on human patients in an evidence-based manner. Search methods: An unrestricted electronic search of six databases from inception to December 2015. Selection criteria: Randomized and prospective non-randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of headgear treatment on human patients. Data collection and analysis: After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, random-effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MDs) and relative risks (RRs), including their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Results: A total of 18 unique studies with a total of 930 (56% male/44% female) patients were included. Headgear treatment was associated with a posterior translation of the anterior maxilla border in the short term, as seen by the mean annualized change in the SNA angle (MD = -1.63°/year; 95% CI = -2.20 to -1.06°/year; high quality evidence) compared to untreated patients. This effect was independent of the rotation of the palatal plane and the inclination of the upper incisors, while a proportional relationship with the initial discrepancy in SNA was seen. The clinical significance of this improvement diminished in the long term, although only limited evidence existed. Additionally, early headgear treatment might decrease the risk of dental trauma during the following years (RR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.80; moderate quality evidence). Low quality evidence on the effect of headgear on the rotation of the palatal plane, the nasolabial angle, the occlusal outcome, and signs of temporomandibular disorders precluded robust assessments, due to risk of bias, inconsistency, imprecision, and small-study effects. Conclusions: Based on existing trials, headgear is a viable treatment option to modify sagittal growth of the maxilla in the short term in Class II patients with maxillary prognathism. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42015029837). Funding: None.

Mordida aberta esquelética – controle bioprogressivo vertical e do plano oclusal / Skeletal open bite – bioprogressive vertical and occlusal plane control

Este relato de caso clínico teve como objetivo demonstrar as alterações no plano oclusal e, consequentemente, a rotação mandibular no sentido anti-horário, provocadas pela associação da mecânica ortodôntica bioprogressiva e do tratamento fonoaudiológico. A paciente – sexo feminino, 11 anos e cinco meses – apresentou-se com mordida aberta anterior esquelética, padrão dolicofacial severo e necessidade de tratamento fonoaudiológico. Para correção da má-oclusão foi utilizada, durante o final da fase de dentadura mista, apenas a mentoneira vertical com uso diário de 14 horas e 300 g de força. Após um ano, a mentoneira foi removida e o aparelho extrabucal cervical com força ortodôntica, juntamente com arco base inferior, foi instalado. Corrigida a má-oclusão, iniciou-se a remoção progressiva dos aparelhos. Pela comparação entre a documentação inicial e final, concluiu-se que os resultados foram significativamente positivos...

This clinical case aims to report changes in the occlusal plane and consequently counterclockwise rotation in the mandibular direction, caused by the association of bioprogressive orthodontic mechanics and speech therapy. An 11 years and 5 months female patient – presented with skeletal anterior open bite, severe dolichofacial pattern and in need of speech therapy. To correct the malocclusion, a vertical chin cup was used at the mixed dentition stage for 14 hours a day with 300 grs of force. After one year, the chin cup was removed and the cervical headgear/lower arch was installed using orthodontic force. After malocclusion correction, the devices were progressively removed. The results were significantly positive when the initial and final scenarios were compared. After malocclusion correction began the gradual removal of the devices. Comparing the initial with the final exams it was concluded that the results were significantly positive...

Alterações nas dimensões dos arcos dentários em pacientes com classe II, primeira divisão, tratados com AEB / Changes in dental arch dimensions in patients with class II, division 1, malocclusion treated with headgear

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as possíveis alterações nas larguras intercaninos e intermolares, e no comprimento dos arcos dentários, em modelos de gesso, de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento ortodôntico com aparelho extrabucal (AEB). Para isso, foram selecionados 12 pares de modelos em gesso de pacientes com classe II, primeira divisão, antes e após o tratamento com AEB, totalizando 24 pares de modelos. As medidas da distância intermolares e intercaninos foram obtidas por meio de um paquímetro digital com precisão de 0,000 mm. Os resultados demonstraram aumento estatisticamente significante nas distâncias intermolares superiores. Não ocorreram diferenças estatisticamente significantes nas distâncias intercaninos e nos comprimentos dos arcos dentários. Concluiu-se que no tratamento ortodôntico com AEB em pacientes classe II, primeira divisão, na dentição mista, pode-se esperar um aumento significativo nas distâncias intermolares superiores...

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the intermolar distance, intercanine distance and arch length, through dental casts, of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with headgear. To that end, we selected 12 pairs of dental casts of patients with class II, division 1 before and after treatment with headgear, totaling 24 pairs of dental casts. The measures of intermolar and intercanine distances were performed on casts with digital calipers accurate to 0.000 mm. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the upper intermolar distances. There were no statistically significant differences in the intercanine distances and dental arches lengths. It was concluded that orthodontic treatment with headgear in class II, division 1 patients, in mixed dentition we can expect a significant increase in the upper intermolar distances...

An Unusual Allergic Response to Orthodontic Treatment.

This paper describes a case of a 13-year-old patient with a systemic hypersensitivity reaction to orthodontic treatment. Her allergy was investigated resulting in a provisional diagnosis of pressure urticaria. The aetiology, diagnosis and clinical management of allergic reactions to dental procedures are discussed.

Periodontal Side Effect During Orthopedic Face Mask Therapy.

A 7-year-old patient exhibited gingival recession of tooth #41 and severe plaque accumulation after 3 months of face mask therapy. The recession improved only slightly after appropriate oral hygiene instructions and motivation. Decisive improvement began when the vertical chin pad extension was reduced to avoid pressure on the affected area.

Pressure-induced alopecia from orthodontic headgear.

UNLABELLED: Every treatment in the dental specialty has its own set of complications, Orthodontic therapy being no exception. Such a problem during the course of treatment puts the specialist in a dilemma as to whether to continue or stop the treatment. One such case in which during headgear therapy, a rare complication such as alopecia was encountered has been dealt with in this paper. This case report shows its effective management while still continuing treatment, thus leading to the desired result. It emphasizes on the importance of maintaining a balance between the benefts and risks of a treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of headgear can lead to the rare complication of alopecia and the clinician should be aware of it. OBJECTIVE: The reader should understand the psychological implications of alopecia and also to carry out the treatment after assessing the risk/beneft ratio.

Avaliação cefalómetrica dos efeitos dentoesqueléticos e dentoalveolares do Pendulum em pacientes jovens / Cephalometric evaluation of skeletal and dentoalveolar effects by pendulum appliance in young

A distalização de molares através de dispositivos intrabucaispermite efeitos dentários sem necessidade de colaboração e emum curto período. Dentre estes aparelhos, pode-se citar o Pendulum,que promove movimentação por deslocamento da coroa do molarpara a distal acompanhada de alguns efeitos colaterais que devemser controlados. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, atravésde telerradiografias pré e pós-tratamento, os efeitos esqueléticos edentoalveolares decorrentes da utilização do aparelho Pendulum em19 pacientes jovens. A análise foi realizada através do teste t Studentpareado e as correlações através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson(r). Verificou-se que o Pendulum permitiu distalização e inclinaçãopara distal do primeiro ® 0,001 e 0,021, respectivamente) e segundomolar (0,001 e < 0,001, respectivamente) estatisticamente significativas,e que apesar de ter sido verificado inclinação para vestibular dosincisivos superiores e aumento da sobressaliência, estas não foramestatisticamente significativas. Houve correlação positiva e estatisticamentesignificante entre a inclinação dos incisivos superiores e asobressaliência (r = 0,713; p = 0,001). Além disso, houve um aumentodo terço inferior facial, porém, sem significância estatística. Não foipossível estabelecer correlações estatisticamente significativas entrea inclinação dos incisivos e a distalização e inclinação dos molares,e entre a sobressaliência e a distalização e inclinação dos molares.

Molar distalization by intraoral devices allows dentaleffects without the need of compliance and in a short period. Amongthese devices Pendulum appliance should be mentioned. It promotesdisplacement to distal of molar crown accompanied by some side effectsthat must be controlled. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate,through pre and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs, theskeletal and dentoalveolar effects of the Pendulum appliance in 19youngpatients. The analysis was performed by using paired Student t test andPearson correlation coefficient (r). It was found that Pendulum alloweddistal movement and tipping of the first ® 0.001 e 0.021; respectively)and second molars (0.001 e < 0.001; respectively) statistically significant,and although it was found buccal inclination of upper incisorsand increased overjet, these were not statistically significant. Therewas a statistically significant positive correlation between the slope ofupper incisors and overjet (r = 0.713; p = 0.00l!. Moreover, loweranterior facial height increase but without statistical significance. It wasnot possible to establish statistically significant correlations betweenthe incisors tipping and molars distalization, and between overjet andmolar tipping and distalization.

Effects on the maxilla and cranial base caused by cervical headgear: A longitudinal study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to test the possible orthopedic effects of cervical headgear on the cranial base and maxilla. Study design: a sample consisting of 79 subjects with skeletal class II malocclusion was divided into two groups. The experimental group was made up of 41 patients all treated with cervical headgear. The control group included a total of 38 non-treated patients. Each one of these groups was then subdivided according to age into one of three groups: prepubescent, pubescent or post-pubescent. Cephalometric parameters were compared in both groups in order to measure the cranial base angle and the vertical and sagittal position of the maxilla. Additionally, cephalometric superimpositions taken at the beginning and end of the study were compared. Results: results revealed significant differences in the cranial base angle and in the SNA angle (p<0.05). However, no differences were observed in the variables that measure the maxillomandibular relationship. While no changes were noted in the palatal plane slope, a flattening of the cranial base was found caused by the cervical headgear, in addition to a retrusion of point A that does not mean there was a reduction in the maxillomandibular relationship. Conclusions: cervical headgear treatment induces cephalometric flattening of the cranial base and a decrease of the SNA angle (AU)

Effect of RME and headgear treatment on the eruption of palatally displaced canines: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment finalized on the maintenance/improvement the upper arch perimeter to assist in the successful eruption of palatally displaced maxillary canines (PDCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized prospective design comprised 64 subjects with PDCs who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: cervical pull headgear (HG); rapid maxillary expansion and cervical pull headgear (RME/HG); or untreated control group (CG). Panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms were evaluated at the time of initial observation (T1) and after an average period of 18 months (T2). At T2 the success of canine eruption was evaluated. A superimposition study on lateral cephalograms was undertaken to evaluate the T1-T2 changes in the sagittal position of the upper molars in the three groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of successful eruption was 85.7% in the RME/HG group and 82.3% in the HG group. Both these prevalence rates were significantly greater than the success rate in untreated control subjects (36%). The cephalometric superimposition study showed a significant mesial movement of the upper first molars in the CG compared with the HG and RME/HG groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of rapid maxillary expansion and headgear (or headgear alone) in PDC cases increases the success rate of eruption of the canine significantly (almost three times more than in untreated controls).

Changes in upper airway width associated with Class II treatments (headgear vs activator) and different growth patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the upper airways for anteroposterior width against different growth patterns and for alterations during various Class II treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalograms from three treatment groups (headgear, activator, and bite-jumping appliance) were evaluated by a single investigator at baseline and at the end of orthodontic treatment. Cephalograms were used to determine upper airway width at different levels in the anteroposterior plane. Patients in the headgear group were additionally divided into six subsets on the basis of y-axis values to assess the influence of different growth patterns. RESULTS: Small increases in pharyngeal width were noted at all vertical level segments, both at baseline and during orthodontic treatments. No significant differences in these small increases were noted across various treatment modalities and growth patterns. CONCLUSION: Upper airway changes did not significantly vary with the different treatment modalities investigated in the present study. Nevertheless, reductions in pharyngeal width potentially triggering or exacerbating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are always possible in the headgear phase.

Emergency orthodontic care.

Orthodontic appliances or parts of orthodontic appliances have caused problems from less severe like discomfort, ulcers and irritation of lips or cheeks to most severe problems like swallowing or aspiration of appliances or its parts. The type of appliances that have caused problems and their clinical management are discussed. Suggestions are made to try and avoid the problems that were encountered in the literature in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.