Morphometric analysis of palatal rugae in different malocclusions.

Objectives: Studies of the association between palatal rugae (PR) and malocclusion are scarce. While unstable following treatment such as rapid maxillary expansion, we hypothesized that PR differ among malocclusions because of genetic determination but also different environmental conditions during development. Our goal was to assess the possible association between PR morphometric measurements and both sagittal and vertical characteristics of malocclusion.

Potential and limitations of orthodontic biomechanics: recognizing the gaps between knowledge and practice.

The perennial goals of efficient biomechanics are to obtain more controlled and faster movement and using more discrete appliances. The most recent technological advances have buttressed these goals. Temporary anchorage devices have revolutionized orthodontic practice and loom as a solid cornerstone of orthodontic science, along with the use of light forces, facilitated by "smart" archwires for optimal tooth movement.

Chin-throat anatomy: Normal relations and changes following orthognathic surgery and growth modification.

Objectives: To determine if a new facial line (T), tangent to the throat, intersects the mandibular border in anterior (ANT) and posterior (POST) parts in proportions varying with facial configuration, and to evaluate the association between chin projection and throat inclination and the potential for the T-line to reflect this association.

Materials And Methods: Measurements on profile photographs and cephalograms of 135 adults (aged 18-50 years)-45 each of Class I, II, and III (CI, CII, CIII) malocclusions-included ANT and POST, chin-throat (CTA), and mento-cervical (MCA) angles. Pre- and posttreatment measurements were compared in two subgroups (n = 25 each) of CII and CIII orthognathic surgery patients and in CII, division 1 early-treatment patients (n = 63).