The effects of maxillary expansion on the soft tissue facial profile.

Purpose: The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the possible changes in soft tissue facial profile induced by orthopedic rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME), and to correlate them with the underlying hard tissue alterations.

Materials And Methods: 16 patients who received bone borne SARME and 25 patients who were subjected to RME using metal cast splint hyrax appliance were analyzed retrospectively. This research was conducted on lateral cephalometric radiographs taken on 2 occasions: before expansion (T1) and at the beginning of any further orthodontic treatment (T2).

Evaluation of mandibular hard and soft tissues in cleft patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the mandibular hard and soft tissue measurements of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with non-cleft individuals.

Materials And Methods: The study sample comprised of lateral cephalograms of 45 subjects. Sample included 15 non-cleft (NC), 15 unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 15 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) cases whose age were between 15 to 17.

Levels of ll-37 antimicrobial peptide in the gingival crevicular fluid of young and middle-aged subjects with or without gingivitis.

Purpose: LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide which plays an important role in the innate immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the LL-37 levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of middle-aged and young adults who have either gingivitis or healthy periodontal tissues.

Materials And Methods: Forty middle-aged adults (20 healthy controls and 20 with gingivitis) and 41 younger adults (20 healthy controls and 21 with gingivitis) were included in the present study.