The effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of maxillary incisors' retraction in orthodontic space closure: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: This single-centered randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in accelerating the orthodontic retraction of maxillary incisors.

Methods: Forty-two patients aged 16-40 were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, one which underwent MOPs (MOPG) in the buccal and palatal region of all maxillary incisors immediately before the start of retraction and one which did not (CG). Eligibility criteria included the orthodontic need for maxillary first premolars extraction and space closure in two phases.

Is the computed tomography exam important for planning mini-implant installation?

Background: Mini-implants are devices used to provide absolute and temporary anchorage for tooth movement. Objectives: The present study was carried out to compare the use of periapical radiographs and computed tomography (CT) for planning mini-implants performed by orthodontists.

Material And Methods: Five radiographs and five CT scans of premolars and molars regions.

Three-dimensional nasal septum and maxillary changes following rapid maxillary expansion in patients with cleft lip and palate.

Objectives: To determine the three-dimensional changes of the nasal septum (NS), alveolar width, alveolar cleft volume, and maxillary basal bone following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Materials And Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted based on the analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 40 consecutive patients with UCLP (mean age 11.1 ± 2.

Facial asymmetry: virtual planning to optimize treatment predictability and aesthetic results.

Facial asymmetry is a condition that compromises function and social interactions and, consequently, the quality of life. Orthodontic-surgical treatment may be indicated to achieve a stable occlusion and significant improvement in facial aesthetics. The virtual planning of the maxillary, mandibular and chin movements can be done prior to surgery.

Are computed tomography 3D measurements of the upper airways in mouth-breathing children in agreement with the ENT clinical diagnosis of obstruction?

Introduction: Imaging studies have hystorically been used to support the clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation of the upper respiratory tract for the diagnosis of obstructive causes of oral breathing.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare 3D volumetric measurements of nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx of obstructed mouth-breathing children with measurements of non-obstructed mouth-breathing children.

Methods: This retrospective study included 25 mouth-breathing children aged 5-9 years evaluated by otorhinolaryngological clinical examination, flexible nasoendoscopy and full-head multi-slice computed tomography.

Successful and stable orthodontic camouflage of a mandibular asymmetry with sliding jigs.

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a simple and low-cost clinical approach to correct an asymmetric skeletal Class III combined to an extensive dental open bite that significantly compromised the occlusal function and smile aesthetics of an adult male patient. The patient did not accept the idealistic surgical-orthodontic treatment option, neither the use of temporary anchorage devices to facilitate the camouflage of the asymmetrical skeletal Class III/open bite. Therefore, a very simple and inexpensive biomechanical approach using sliding jigs in the mandibular arch was implemented as the compensatory treatment of the malocclusion.

Upper airway assessment using four different maxillary expanders in cleft patients: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Objective: To evaluate the anterior and posterior maxillary width, the nasal passage volume, the oropharyngeal minimum axial area, and volume changes in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients treated with one of the following four expanders: Hyrax, Fan-Type, inverted mini-hyrax supported on the first permanent molars (iMini-M), or inverted mini-hyrax supported on the first premolars (iMini-B).

Materials And Methods: A total of 40 patients with transverse maxillary deficiency who were submitted for rapid maxillary expansion were divided in four groups according to type of expander used. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before and 3 months after expansion.