Proliferative response of cells of the dentogingival junction to mechanical stimulation.

The aim of this research was to study the proliferative response of junctional epithelium (JE) and gingival connective tissue (GCT) to mechanical stimulation in vivo with regard to the potential occurrence of apical migration of JE and loss of GCT attachment during orthodontic tooth movement. Elastic bands were inserted between the maxillary first and second molars of male rats aged 8 weeks, which were pulse-labelled with 3H-thymidine and subsequently killed in groups, together with labelled control animals (a total of 98 rats) after periods of 1-168 hours. Autoradiographs were prepared from plastic mesiodistal sections, and parameters of cell proliferation for JE and GCT of the papilla between the second and third molars were determined.

Functional and social discomfort during orthodontic treatment--effects on compliance and prediction of patients' adaptation by personality variables.

During the course of treatment orthodontic patients frequently endure a number of functional complaints and are anxious about their appearance. The aims of this longitudinal study were to follow the progress of patients' adaptation to discomfort, to elucidate the putative relationship between the type of appliance worn and functional and social discomfort experienced, to study potential predictability by their attitude to treatment and to evaluate the effects of discomfort as predictors of patients' compliance. Eighty-four patients undergoing either removable, functional, or fixed appliance treatment monitored their complaints during the first 7 days of treatment and rated them retrospectively 14 days, and 3 and 6 months after appliance insertion.

Efficacy of protection by latex gloves during orthodontic therapy.

The wearing of gloves during orthodontic or dental treatment is generally indicated for reasons of hygiene and protection against infection. This study was aimed at determining the extent and localization of perforations caused by the various orthodontic treatment techniques and interrupting the infection barrier. The impermeability was tested by means of a water retention test according to European standard EN 455, Part 1, performed on 1600 Centramed (Centramed, Koblenz), Tekmedic and SafeEx non-sterile disposable latex gloves (both by Safe Med, Switzerland) and Safe Gan latex gloves with an additional acrylate coating (also by Safe Med).

Relationship between patient discomfort, appliance acceptance and compliance in orthodontic therapy.

Orthodontic treatment is occasionally a discomfort to patients, due to pain or functional restrictions. In this context, several retrospectively planned studies were performed in the 1980s, but correlations between different aspects of patient discomfort were not investigated. The present study aimed at examining and structuring the psychogenic dimensions of patient discomfort.

Pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment: causative factors and effects on compliance.

Orthodontic patients experience pain and discomfort to a varying degree during the course of treatment. The aims of the present investigation were to follow the progress of adaptation after insertion of new appliances and to study the relationships between the type of appliance worn and pain or discomfort experienced, between pain sensations and attitude toward the treatment and their effects on patients' compliance. Pain and discomfort experienced by 84 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, their attitude toward the treatment, and compliance were assessed 7 days, 14 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after appliance insertion, using specially designed protocols, questionnaires, and rating scales.