Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on nasomaxillary structure and sleep disordered breathing in children with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of RME on upper airway structure and its relationship to improvements in sleep disordered breathing.

Methods: The study was carried out in 23 children with malocclusion and OSA. Clinical assessment visits, daytime sleepiness questionnaire, polysomnography and orthognatodontic examination were performed before (T0) and 4 (T1) and 12 (T2) months after RME.

Are aligners effective and efficient in growing patients?

Background: Proper development of deciduous and mixed dentition is essential to the oral health of growing patients, and early interceptive orthopedic or orthodontic treatments are indicated in specific clinical situations. Nowadays, orthodontists are subjected to a lot of pressure from growing patients and their parents about the orthodontic appliances that should be used. The aim of this article is to indicate how, when and why it is possible to effectively use aligners in growing patients.

Fixed and removable orthodontic retainers, effects on periodontal health compared: A systematic review.

Unlabelled: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the properties of the different types of orthodontic retainers, identify their differences and define which type of device is most effective and less harmful to periodontal health.

Methods: A literature search was carried out by a reviewer by consulting PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Medline full text, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Science Direct electronic databases for biomedical and health literature as well as the grey literature and setting up the search from December 2010 without any restriction about articles languages.

Results: The results showed that patients who wear retainers for a long period have significant differences in clinical parameters compared to patients without retainers.

Fluorinated Agents Effects on Orthodontic Alloys: A Descriptive In Vitro Study.

Fluoride-based mouthwashes and gels are preventive measures in countering demineralization and caries but, modifying environmental acidity, can reduce the wet corrosion resistance of orthodontic alloys. To evaluate chemical stability, in vitro experiments were conducted on stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires, weighed before and after immersion in household fluorinated mouthwashes and gels, measuring weight variations and elution of metal ions from acid corrosion phenomena. Elution samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, detecting residual ion concentration, while surface changes were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy.

Clear Aligner Treatments in Orthoperio Patients.

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment is a recognized approach to support specific periodontal issues thanks to its capability to manipulate periodontal tissues. This concept is certainly not new, but the use of aligners in certain clinical conditions can be considered as being innovative when a multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. Moreover, aligners enable to plan 3D tooth movements, root placement, staging, and range of dental movements, alongside the improvement of oral hygiene.

Treatment of impacted canines with aligners: An alternative and viable option.

To recover impacted canines without esthetic issues, the aligners can be a resolutive tool allowing by pontics the camouflage of absent canines during orthodontic treatment. Knowledge of biomechanics, correct staging of dental movements, and surgery planification are strategic to achieve a good result.

Cone beam CT evaluation of skeletal and nasomaxillary complex volume changes after rapid maxillary expansion in OSA children.

Objective: The first objective of this study was to evaluate skeletal changes and changes in dimensions and volume of the upper airways before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), by Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT). The second objective was to evaluate if RME therapy could improve both the patency of the nasal airways and the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS).

Methods: 19 children with OSA and malocclusion took CBCT scans with a Dentascan and 3D reconstruction program before (T0) and 4 months after (T1) RME.

Guided endodontic microsurgery in apicoectomy: a review.

The purpose of this review was twofold. The first aim was to show predictable protocols of guided endodontic microsurgery (EMS) and to describe its clinical outcomes. The second aim was to verify the accuracy of this technique compared to the traditional pathway.

Patient's perception of intraoral scanning: a comparison between traditional and digital dental impression.

The purpose of this work was to assess the discomfort perceived by the patient during the intraoral scan procedure using the iTero Scanner. A sample of 33 patients was selected on the basis of parameters that identify a complete dentition. All treated patients underwent a traditional polyvinylsiloxane impression with double procedure and an intraoral scan in the same session.

Physical and chemical mechanisms involved in adhesion of orthodontic bonding composites: in vitro evaluations.

Background: Bond strength of orthodontic composite is strongly influenced by molecular and structural mechanisms. Aim of this in vitro study was to compare bond strength of light-cure orthodontic composites by measuring debonding forces and evaluating locations of bond failure. Investigations on chemical compositions clarified adhesive behaviors and abilities, exploring effects of ageing processes in this junction materials.

SEM characterization and ageing analysis on two generation of invisible aligners.

Background: The purpose of the in vitro study is to investigate and compare the morphological features and the chemical stability in weight of two different polyurethane-based blends, Smart Track (LD30) and Exceed30 (EX30), used for orthodontic aligners manufacture before and after the oral usage.

Methods: Twenty orthodontic aligners were randomly selected: 10 LD30 and 10 EX30, each group was divided in two subgroups, never used and intra-orally aged. By the employment of a Stereomicroscope, a section of 5 × 5 mm was cut from the buccal surface of the incisal region of each aligner.

In Vitro Evaluation of Structural Factors Favouring Bacterial Adhesion on Orthodontic Adhesive Resins.

Bacterial adhesion to the surface of orthodontic materials is an important step in the formation and proliferation of plaque bacteria, which is responsible for enamel demineralization and periodontium pathologies. With the intent of investigating if adhesive resins used for bracket bonding are prone to bacteria colonization, the surface roughness of these materials has been analyzed, combining information with a novel methodology to observe the internal structures of orthodontic composites. Scanning electron microscopy, combined with focus ion bean micromachining and stylus profilometry analyses, were performed to evaluate the compositional factors that can influence specific pivotal properties facilitating the adhesion of bacteria to the surface, such as surface roughness and robustness of three orthodontic adhesive composite resins.

Thermoformed Retainer: An Effective Option for Long-Term Stability.

Introduction: The concept of orthodontic retention is moving toward the idea that teeth will move unless retained indefinitely. However, permanent retention implies permanent supervision, and that is where reality clashes with stability. The cornerstone of Essix permanent retention is the complete delegation of responsibility to the patient.

Comparison of the abrasive properties of two different systems for interproximal enamel reduction: oscillating versus manual strips.

Background: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate enamel reduction efficiency, abrasive property decay, and enamel effects between oscillating mechanical and manual systems for interproximal enamel reduction (IPR).

Methods: Three oscillating strips and three manual strips were tested on twelve freshly extracted premolars blocked in an acrylic cylinder pot by means of a material testing machine. Each strip underwent one test of 8 cycles (30 s each).

Periodontal condition in growing subjects with Marfan Syndrome: a case-control study.

Background: Marfan's syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1. Orofacial characteristics may be useful in identification of the syndrome. Severe periodontitis is sometimes observed in MFS patients, but no in-depth information has been reported in Italian groups of growing subjects with MFS.

Long-term periodontal status of palatally and buccally impacted canines after closed surgical-orthodontic approach.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the periodontal status of palatally and buccally impacted canines exposed with closed technique, and to compare them with the controlateral canines that served as control teeth as well as to compare them each other.

Methods: 28 patients, 14 with unilateral palatally impacted canines and 14 with unilateral buccally impacted canines comprised the subjects of the study. Mean recall observational period was 2 years 4 months ± 1 year 1 month.

Use of clear aligners in open bite cases: an unexpected treatment option.

In open bite case treatments, a proper diagnostic differentiation is essential in determining the appropriate corrective procedures. Dental open bites are generally more responsive to treatment with orthodontics alone, whereas skeletal open bites often require a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Patient selection and treatment principles for non-surgical open bite treatment routinely include fixed appliances both labial or lingual.

Lower incisor extraction treatment with the Invisalign® technique: three case reports.

The extraction of a lower incisor can lead to satisfactory orthodontic results for patients with moderate to severe lower incisor crowding. Invisalign(®) is a treatment modality for such treatments, moving teeth with precision and reducing inconvenience for the patient. Three case reports are presented in this article supporting the above statements.

Invisalign technique in the treatment of adults with pre-restorative concerns.

The Invisalign method is gaining an increasing interest as an alternative treatment option in adult patient in multidisciplinary complex cases to simplify the treatment plan. The aim of this work is to show the importance of planning a multidisciplinary approach to respond at the esthetic requests of adult patients and to treat complex cases with high predictability.

Unilateral canine crossbite correction in adults using the Invisalign method: a case report.

The aim of this paper is to present and debate the treatment of a unilateral canine crossbite using clear aligners (Invisalign). The possibility of combining partial fixed appliances with removable elastics to optimize the final outcome is also described. The advantages of protected movement, due to the presence of the aligners, to jump the occlusion during crossbite correction is also highlighted.

An alternative technique in the treatment of anterior cross bite in a case of Nickel allergy: a case report.

Aim: The objective of this paper is to show an alternative use of an Essix based appliance in the treatment of anterior single-tooth crossbite malocclusion in a patient with Nickel allergy.

Materials And Methods: Anterior crossbite malocclusion of one or more teeth, without posterior crossbite association, is a relatively frequent condition both in the mixed and the permanent dentition. This kind of malocclusion is usually treated with either fixed or removable appliances.