Response of masticatory muscles to treatment with orthodontic aligners: a preliminary prospective longitudinal study.

Introduction: The emergence of orthodontic aligners has provided an aesthetic and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment. However, the encapsulated design of the aligners can influence the masticatory muscles, and might compromise safe treatment.

Objective: This preliminary longitudinal study aimed to investigate whether the use of orthodontic aligners affects the biting force and myoelectric activity of the superficial masseter and anterior temporal muscles.

Escobar Syndrome-An Multidisciplinary Approach for an Excellent Outcome With 3 Years of Follow-Up.

This case report intends to provide the facial characteristics of Escobar syndrome and to describe the orthodontic treatment of a 12-year-old female patient diagnosed with it. Escobar syndrome, a variant of the multiple pterygium syndrome, is a rare disorder with many systemic, facial, and oral manifestations.The patient presented with mixed dentition, severe dolichofacial pattern, increased lower facial height, convex profile, severe anterior open bite, maxillary hypoplasia, and mandibular retrognatism.

Surface morphology changes of acrylic resins during finishing and polishing phases.

Introduction: The finishing and polishing phases are essential to improve smoothness and shining on the surface of acrylic resins used to make removable orthodontic appliances. A good surface finishing reduces roughness, which facilitates hygiene, prevents staining and provides greater comfort to the patients.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to analyze the changes on surface morphology of acrylic resins during finishing and polishing phases.

Superficial morphology and mechanical properties of in vivo aged orthodontic ligatures.

Introduction: The degradation of elastic ligatures in the oral environment results in the need of periodic replacement to maintain the optimal force during the orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to perform a clinical prospective randomized study of the degradation of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures in the oral environment by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile strength test.

Methods: Two hundred elastic ligatures were randomly selected and placed around the brackets of 5 volunteers and removed in groups of 10, at different times (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks).

Systemic levels of metallic ions released from orthodontic mini-implants.

Introduction: Orthodontic mini-implants are a potential source of metallic ions to the human body because of the corrosion of titanium (Ti) alloy in body fluids. The purpose of this study was to gauge the concentration of Ti, aluminum (Al), and vanadium (V), as a function of time, in the kidneys, livers, and lungs of rabbits that had Ti-6Al-4V alloy orthodontic mini-implants placed in their tibia.

Methods: Twenty-three New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.