Aditi Gaur

Nano-orthodontics revolutionizing oral health care

Nanotechnology involves the structuring and manipulation of materials at a molecular level. This technology is being applied to produce newer materials with enhanced properties and providing a direct control over matter at nano-scale. The applications of nanotechnology are being explored in various arenas including health care. The use of this technology would aid in improving the quality of health care being rendered to the patients. Nanotechnology has paved its way into various specialties of dentistry including orthodontics. Current research and applications of nanotechnology in orthodontics involve the use of nanomaterials like nanocomposites, nano-coated wires and brackets. The present article aims to provide an insight into the applications of nanotechnology and its future perspectives in orthodontics.

Diagnosis and management of facial asymmetries

Facial esthetics evaluation is the most important part of the orthodontic treatment-planning procedure. The attainment of the best facial esthetic appearance for a given patient is a primary goal of orthodontic treatment. The evaluation of a patient′s frontal symmetry is the most critical aspect of diagnosis because this is most appreciated view for any individual. Even the most esthetic faces are associated with mild forms of facial asymmetry. The individuals who report for an orthodontic treatment are often associated with facial asymmetry that may be greater than the acceptable norms. Such asymmetries may have a skeletal or dental etiology. The diagnosis, treatment planning, and the mechanics for the asymmetric patient require the identification of the cause of the asymmetry. A careful differential diagnosis together with a thorough treatment plan can ensure successful treatment outcomes in the management of such cases.

Nonsurgical correction of facial asymmetry and occlusal plane cant in a nongrowing female: A case report

The present article describes a case report of a 19-year-old female with facial asymmetry and chin deviation towards the right. Sequential extraction of all four first premolars was performed for midline correction and alignment of blocked out lateral incisors. After the teeth were aligned in the arch, asymmetric elastics were used for correction of the canine and molar relation. Improved facial and dental esthetics were achieved after orthodontic treatment. The posttreatment results were maintained 1 year after the treatment. Orthodontic treatment can successfully improve facial appearance in patients with mild facial asymmetry, thus eliminating the need for orthognathic surgery in such cases.

Crouzon syndrome: A comprehensive review and case report

Crouzon syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniosynostosis of coronal and sagittal sutures. Crouzon syndrome is caused by mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR-2) gene. Other characteristic features of Crouzon syndrome include exophthalmos, midfacial hypoplasia, and mandibular prognathism. The present article describes a case report of a 13-year-old male patient with characteristic skeletal and dental features of Crouzon syndrome.

Effects of adhesion promoter on orthodontic bonding in fluorosed teeth: A scanning electron microscopy study.

Introduction: The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the effects of fluorosis in orthodontic bonding and to evaluate the efficiency of an adhesion promoter (Assure Universal Bonding Resin) in bonding to fluorosed teeth. Materials and Methods: Extracted premolars were divided into two groups on the basis of Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. Ten samples from each group were etched and evaluated for etching patterns using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remaining samples were subdivided into four groups of 20 each on the basis of adhesives used: IA, IIA - Transbond XT and IB, IIB - Transbond XT plus Assure Universal Bonding Resin. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 24 h using the universal testing machine. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were recorded using SEM. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way analysis of variance, and Tukey′s post hoc test was performed on SBS and ARI scores. Results: Similar etching patterns were observed in both fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth. No significant differences were found in the SBS values observed in both groups (8.66 ± 3.19 vs. 8.53 ± 3.44, P = 1.000). Increase in SBS was observed when Assure Universal Bonding Resin was used. Higher ARI scores were observed when adhesion promoter was used for bonding. Conclusions: Mild-moderately fluorosed teeth etch in a manner similar to the nonfluorosed teeth. Similar bond strengths were achieved in fluorosed and nonfluorosed teeth when conventional composite was used. Use of adhesion promoter increases the bond strengths in both groups of teeth.

Correction of Class II malocclusion and soft tissue profile in an adult patient.

Treatment of Class II malocclusion in nongrowing individuals is a challenging situation for the clinician. Class II malocclusion with bialveolar protrusion often dictates premolar extractions with maximum anchorage. The present article describes the case of an adult female with skeletal Class II malocclusion, bimaxillary protrusion, increased overjet, deep bite, lip protrusion, everted lower lip, deep mentolabial sulcus, and lip incompetence. To correct the malocclusion, all four first premolars were extracted. Direct anchorage from miniscrews was used for retraction of the anterior segment. The mandibular buccal segment was protracted into the extraction space using Class II mechanics. Ideal Class I canine and molar relation were achieved in 24 months. There was a significant improvement in facial profile and smile esthetics of the patient.

Orthodontic management of a borderline case with ectopic maxillary canine by unilateral premolar extractions

Management of orthodontic cases often requires extraction of permanent teeth. The decision making regarding extractions depends upon the arch length tooth material discrepancies, the growth pattern, general profile, and arch asymmetries. Unique orthodontic problems may command special treatment lines to be taken. The present report describes a case with unilateral buccally blocked out canine and bilateral posterior crossbite, for which unilateral premolar extractions were performed achieve esthetic and functionally stable occlusion.

Recent advances in the management of orthodontic pain

Orthodontic pain is the most frequent complaint of the patients undergoing orthodontic therapy and directly influences their compliance during the treatment. The lengthy duration of treatment along with frequent pain due to the orthodontic appliances often leads to patient burn out and has been associated with discontinuation of orthodontic treatment. It is imperative for the clinicians to identify and manage the pain experienced by their patients. Various modalities for the management of orthodontic pain have been proposed over the years. The present article focuses on the common factors that lead to pain in an orthodontic patient and the various methods to relieve orthodontic pain. to be less continuous as compared to conventional bracket