The effects of orthodontic therapy on periodontal health: a systematic review of controlled evidence.

Background: Orthodontic therapy has been suggested to lead to an improved periodontal status through mechanisms such as increased ease of plaque removal and reduced occlusal trauma. The objective of the authors' systematic review was to compare contemporary orthodontic treatment with no intervention, by means of evaluating periodontal outcomes measured after end of treatment.

Methods: The authors completed electronic searches in eight databases (1980-2006) and hand searches in six dental journals (1980-2006).

Changes in growth and morphology of the condyle following mandibular distraction in minipigs: overloading or underloading?

Objective: Loading of temporomandibular tissues during mandibular distraction may cause changes in condylar growth and cartilage thickness. This study examines the effects of distraction on the condyle in a large animal model by explicitly measuring growth and in vivo loading.

Design: Unilateral mandibular distraction was carried out on 20 growing minipigs divided into three groups.