Photobiomodulation accelerates orthodontic alignment in the early phase of treatment.

Background: Numerous strategies have been proposed to decrease the treatment time a patient requires in orthodontic treatment. Recently, a number of device-accelerated therapies have emerged in orthodontics. Photobiomodulation is an emerging area of science that has clinical applications in a number of human biological processes.

Clinical applications of orthodontic microimplant anchorage in craniofacial patients.

Microimplant anchors, also known as temporary anchorage devices, mini- and micro-screws, have been used to enhance orthodontic anchorage for difficult tooth movements. Here, the authors describe how microimplants can be used to help treat craniofacial patients by supporting distraction osteogenesis procedures, maxillary protraction procedures, cleft segment expansion and stabilization, and tooth movement into narrow alveolar cleft sites. While most craniofacial patients are treated without microimplants, it would be worthwhile to identify which cases could benefit from microimplant anchorage.

A rapid solution to align the severely malpositioned premaxilla in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Objective: To describe a laboratory modification of the maxillary cast to make an improved nasoalveolar molding plate used in presurgical orthopedics for infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Conclusions: Modifying the nasoalveolar molding plate may reduce the presurgical treatment time for the bilateral cleft lip and palate patient.

A novel model surgery technique for LeFort III advancement.

Current techniques for model surgery and occlusal splint fabrication lack the ability to mark, measure and plan the position of the orbital rim for LeFort III and Monobloc osteotomies. This report describes a model surgery technique for planning the three dimensional repositioning of the orbital rims. Dual orbital pointers were used to mark the infraorbital rim during the facebow transfer.

A lighting approach for clinical photographs of the face.

This article describes an alternative approach of lighting setup for taking clinical photographs of the face. The lighting techniques presented in this article will help the clinician obtain good-quality clinical photographs.