Static mandibular condyle positions studied by MRI and condylar position indicator.

We compared mandibular condyle positions as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a mechanical device, the condylar position indicator (CPI). Both methods assessed 3 mandibular positions in 10 asymptomatic males and 10 asymptomatic females, aged 23 to 37 years, free from temporomandibular disorders: maximum intercuspation, bimanually manipulated centric relation, and the unguided neuromuscular position. Bite registrations were obtained for bimanual operator guidance and neuromuscular position.

Estimated functional space of centric condyle positions in temporomandibular joints of asymptomatic individuals using MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on centric condyle positions lack 3D comparisons of guided and unguided methods, which are used for accomplishing centric relation reference positions. The purpose of this study was to describe the space, in which mandibular condyles are placed in vivo by dental intercuspation, Dawson's bimanual manipulation, and neuromuscular position. Twenty asymptomatic individuals aged 23 to 37 years underwent separate bite registrations using bimanual manipulation and the unguided neuromuscular technique.

Geometric morphometrics of different malocclusions in lateral skull radiographs.

Background: To evaluate the role of craniofacial shape in malocclusion by application of geometric morphometrics to a set of two-dimensional landmarks and semilandmarks obtained from lateral skull radiographs.

Methods: Cephalometric radiograph tracings of 88 untreated Caucasians (age range 7-39 years) were assigned to four groups according to their occlusion: neutrocclusion, distocclusion, mesiocclusion, and anterior open bite. The geometric morphometric shape analysis incorporated 66 landmarks and semilandmarks, which underwent generalized Procrustes analysis, between-groups principal component analysis, thin-plate spline deformation grid visualization, permutation tests, and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pulpal blood flow after orthodontic treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: The effect of non-invasive extracorporeal shockwaves on pulpal blood flow in orthodontic patients who have undergone active treatment was investigated.

Materials And Methods: Seventy-two adult patients were enrolled in the clinical trial and allocated by block randomization to a treatment or a placebo group at a 1:1 ratio. The patients were required to be otherwise healthy.