[The contribution of health conferences and health regions to regional planning and management in health care: an overview at the federal states level].

Demands for increased health care coordination and cooperation have been raised for a long time in Germany. Over the past years, the public health services in the federal states have initiated networks at the regional level dealing with health-related topics, namely health conferences and health regions. In the areas of health promotion and prevention, health care services and nursing care sector, these networks make an important contribution to regional planning and management by setting up networks among relevant municipal players and developing a more comprehensive approach.

Comparison of Orthodontic Medicaid Funding in the United States 2006 to 2015.

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment is reimbursed by Medicaid based on orthodontic and financial need with qualifiers determined by individual states. Changes in Medicaid-funded orthodontic treatment following the "Great Recession" in 2007 and the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 were compared for the 50 United States and the District of Columbia to better understand disparities in access to care. The results from this 2015 survey were compared to data gathered in 2006 (1).

Comparison of pain perception during miniscrew placement in orthodontic patients with a visual analog scale survey between compound topical and needle-injected anesthetics: A crossover, prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: The use of a compound topical anesthetic (CTA) instead of an injection of a local anesthetic for placing miniscrew implants offers advantages to both the clinician and the patient. The purpose of this crossover, prospective, randomized clinical trial was to compare the clinical effectiveness of a CTA with that of a needle injection of local anesthetic for miniscrew placement.

Methods: Twenty-four orthodontic patients in a university clinic were recruited; they required bilateral buccal miniscrews for orthodontic anchorage.

Age and gender as independent predictors of violence under the influence of alcohol in Zurich, Switzerland.

Violent behaviour associated with alcohol consumption is frequently reported by different media. Clinical data analysing the correlation between alcohol intoxication, age, gender and violence are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age, gender and blood alcohol content on violent behaviour under the influence of alcohol under central European conditions.

Dimensional changes of extended-pour alginate impression materials.

Introduction: Recently, manufacturers have marketed alginate impression materials, claiming dimensional stability for up to 100 hours to allow shipping to a dental laboratory for digital model fabrication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional changes of these newer materials after storage at different temperatures and times.

Methods: Two extended-pour alginates (claiming 100 hours of accuracy) (Kromopan; Lascod, Florence, Italy; and Triphasix; Parkell, Edgewood, NY), 2 traditional alginates (Jeltrate; Dentsply-Caulk, York, Pa; and Kromatica; Matech, Sylmar, Calif), and 1 vinyl polysiloxane (VP Mix; Henry Schein, Melville, NY) were used to impress a scored aluminum die.

Perceived vs measured forces of interarch elastics.

Introduction: Orthodontists depend on perceptions derived from education and clinical experience to judge the optimal forces in patient treatment. The purpose of this study was to survey practicing orthodontists to determine the interarch latex elastic forces they prescribe in different malocclusion scenarios.

Methods: Thirty orthodontists were presented with 4 clinical scenarios on study models, including Class II and Class III malocclusions in edgewise and light wires.

Storage media effect on bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Introduction: In testing bond strengths, various storage media are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 6 storage media and rinsing on the shear bond strength of bonded orthodontic brackets.

Methods: Bovine teeth were stored in 6 storage media for 7 months before bonding: dry (no medium), filtered water, 10% formalin, 1% chloramine T, 10% chloramine T, isotonic saline solution, and 70% ethanol.

Bracket bond strengths of new adhesive systems.

Introduction: Amorphous calcium phosphate, antibacterial monomer MDPB (12-methacryloyloxydodecyl-pyridinium bromide), and self-etching primers are some of the novel elements now added to bonding systems. The purpose of this study was to compare bond strengths of newer bonding systems with either bioactive components or self-etching primers with a conventional bonding system.

Methods: Four new bonding systems, Aegis Ortho (with amorphous calcium phosphate) (Harry J.

Comparison of the efficacy of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in controlling pain after orthodontic tooth movement.

Introduction: Some patients undergoing orthodontic treatment report enough discomfort to affect their compliance or request treatment termination. The purpose of this preliminary study was to test the effectiveness of ibuprofen vs acetaminophen in controlling discomfort after initial orthodontic appliance and archwire placement.

Methods: A total of 60 patients (ages, 12-18 years) undergoing fixed comprehensive orthodontic treatment were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups: 600 mg of acetaminophen, 400 mg of ibuprofen, or a placebo.

Effect of aging on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Introduction: Bracket loss during the later stages of orthodontic treatment is a relatively frequent occurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and isolate the effect of composite aging, one of many factors that can contribute to decreased bond strength during a normal 24-month orthodontic treatment period.

Methods: Two orthodontic bonding adhesives--Transbond APC II (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and Quick Cure adhesive (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill)--were used to bond brackets to 280 bovine incisors that were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months before shear-peel testing.

Medicaid expenditures for orthodontic services.

Introduction: A survey was conducted in 2006 to determine, on a state-by-state basis, the availability of Medicaid-funded orthodontic treatment and, when available, the criteria and the funding rates.

Methods: All 50 states were contacted by e-mail, telephone, or standard mail to obtain answers to the following questions. Does your state provide Medicaid coverage for orthodontic services? What qualifications are required to be reimbursed? What is the patient cutoff age for reimbursement of services? Is an index used to assess malocclusion? If so, which index? What is the primary training of the reviewer? How are services reimbursed? Is limited treatment covered? Is interceptive treatment covered? What is the total amount reimbursed for 24 months of treatment for comprehensive adolescent care?

Results: Wide variations of responses were received from the states, with no statistical significance between any questions based on geographic regions or reimbursement rates, although some trends appeared to exist.

Filled and unfilled restorative materials to reduce enamel decalcification during fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment.

Introduction: Enamel decalcification is a potential problem that can compromise the esthetic results of orthodontic treatment. Patient compliance with preventive measures is frequently inadequate to resolve this issue. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of sealing around the bracket periphery in reducing decalcification.

Effect of primer precuring on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Two adhesive systems, Transbond APC II (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and Quick Cure (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), were used to determine the efficacy of precuring the liquid resin primer phase of the systems to increase shear bond strength. One hundred sixty bovine incisors were divided into groups of 20 specimens. In 1 group, the primer was cured before placement of the bracket with the filled adhesive material, and, in the other group, the primer was not precured.

Comparative bond strength of brackets cured using a pulsed xenon curing light with 2 different light-guide sizes.

Light curing of composite resin material beneath orthodontic brackets is common in clinical orthodontics. Experiences with composite resins and high-intensity lights indicate some advantages to staged curing of the composite. In this study, the shear/peel bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded to bovine enamel and cured with a pulsed xenon plasma arc light was compared with that of bonds cured with a conventional tungsten-quartz-halogen light and a nonpulsed xenon plasma arc light.

K(+)-channel transgenes reduce K(+) currents in Paramecium, probably by a post-translational mechanism.

PAK11 is 1 of more than 15 members in a gene family that encodes K(+)-channel pore-forming subunits in Paramecium tetraurelia. Microinjection of PAK11 DNA into macronuclei of wild-type cells results in clonal transformants that exhibit hyperexcitable swimming behaviors reminiscent of certain loss-of-K(+)-current mutants. PAK2, a distant homolog of PAK11, does not have the same effect.

Bracket bond strength with transillumination of a light-activated orthodontic adhesive.

The literature describes transillumination as a means of curing orthodontic light-cured composite adhesive. The literature also recommends a 2 to 3 times increase in light exposure time when light curing using transillumination. The purpose of this study was to determine the transmittance of the curing light through human enamel and the effect of transillumination on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Enhancing wire-composite bond strength of bonded retainers with wire surface treatment.

Bonded orthodontic retainers with wires embedded in composite resin are commonly used for orthodontic retention. The purpose of this study was to test, in vitro, various wire surface treatments to determine the optimal method of enhancing the wire-composite bond strength. Coaxial wires and stainless steel wires with different surface treatments were bonded to bovine enamel and then pulled along their long axes with an Instron universal testing machine.

Rapid curing of bonding composite with a xenon plasma arc light.

The use of light-cured orthodontic adhesives is an increasingly popular method for the bonding of orthodontic brackets. However, one of the disadvantages of light-cured adhesives is their long curing times. The xenon plasma arc curing light is purported to dramatically reduce the required curing time.

Adult growth, aging, and the single-tooth implant.

Single-tooth implants are an increasingly popular method for replacing single teeth. While the effects of growth on implants in children have been well documented, the changes that occur in adults have not been studied with respect to single-tooth implants. It has been assumed that adults are stable and do not change; however, research in the last few years has indicated that adults do change with aging, and adult growth does occur.

Uprighting molars without extrusion.

Background: Orthodontic molar uprighting often results in extrusion of the molar, which is not always beneficial. The authors present a strategy for accomplishing molar uprighting without extrusion.

Description Of The Procedure: The authors review and compare the benefits of molar uprighting with and without extrusion.

Maxillary midline diastemas: a look at the causes.

Background: Maxillary midline diastemas are a common esthetic problem that dentists must treat. Many innovative therapies have been used, varying from restorative procedures to surgery (frenectomies) and orthodontics. At times, these procedures have been performed by the dentist without full appreciation of the factors contributing to the diastemas.

The use of bovine enamel in bonding studies.

Bovine enamel is commonly used in enamel bonding studies, therefore, a familiarity with some aspects of bovine enamel bonding are important in order to evaluate the studies. Bovine enamel has the advantages of easy attainability and similar microstructure to human enamel. In this study the strength of the enamel bond using an orthodontic adhesive was compared between deciduous bovine, permanent bovine, and human enamel, as well as, the effect on bond strength of multiple rebonding to bovine enamel.

Orthodontic competency in predoctoral education in American dental schools.

Predoctoral orthodontic education is evolving in the United States to reflect the move towards competency-based education. This trend focuses on teaching to competency in an area or procedure. In orthodontics, this creates a dilemma for the educator in determining what orthodontic competency actually is and how to achieve it.