Aynur Aras

Enhanced Effect of Combined Treatment With Corticotomy and Skeletal Anchorage in Open Bite Correction

PURPOSE To determine the effects of combined treatment with corticotomy and skeletal anchorage in open bite correction. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten patients (6 females, 4 males) with ages ranging from 15 to 25 years were involved. All of the individuals received combined subapical corticotomy and skeletal anchorage procedure and intrusion forces of 200 to 300 g were applied on the attachments of each molar and both premolars during 12 to 15 weeks. Mean changes for the measurements for the sample group were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS Significant intrusion of maxillary posterior teeth provided counterclockwise rotation of the mandible and open bite was successfully corrected. SNB angle increased and the ANB angle decreased (P< .05). Significant decreases were noted for vertical skeletal characteristics and overbite increased accordingly (P< .05). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the use of combined treatment with corticotomy and skeletal anchorage provided safe and noncompliance intrusion of posterior teeth in a short period and may be regarded as an alternative method for skeletal open bite correction in adults who reject orthognathic surgery.

Effects of Transmandibular Symphyseal Distraction on Teeth, Bone, and Temporomandibular Joint

PURPOSE The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the clinical effects and long-term results of the transmandibular symphyseal distraction technique for the correction of mandibular transverse deficiencies. This was achieved by assessing the dental, skeletal, and temporomandibular joint changes in the sagittal, vertical, and axial planes using cephalograms, dental casts, and computed tomography (CT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven patients with mandibular transverse deficiencies (3 females and 4 males), aged 14.3 to 22.5 years (mean 16.2), were treated with a bone-borne transmandibular distractor. Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric films, CT scans of both temporomandibular joints, and dental casts were obtained preoperatively, at the end of the distraction period, and at the end of 3 years (clinical follow-up period). The clinical findings were assessed according to the morphologic and functional success criteria established by the Steering Group of European Collaboration on Cranial Facial Anomalies for patients with developmental dentofacial anomalies undergoing craniofacial distraction osteogenesis. The statistical analysis of cephalometric films and dental cast measurements was done using the paired t test. The mean postoperative examination period was 40 months (range 36 to 48). RESULTS The desired amount of distraction was achieved in all patients (mean 6.48 mm). The intraoperative and postoperative complications encountered included damage to the central incisors during vertical osteotomy (1 patient), wound dehiscence after a latent period (3 patients), mild temporomandibular joint pain during the distraction period (3 patients), and chronic gingivitis around the activation rods (7 patients). The success criteria for craniofacial distraction osteogenesis were fulfilled at the end of the 3-year follow-up period. Model analysis showed that the maximal amount of expansion was achieved at the premolar region (first premolar 5.79 mm, second premolar 5.07 mm). Frontal (posteroanterior) cephalograms taken at the end of the distraction period revealed significant increases in the bicondylar (0.35 mm), bigonion (3.43 mm), biantegonion (2.29 mm), and intermolar (4.0 mm) widths, and the ramal angle had decreased significantly (-1.64 degrees). The increase in the transverse measurements was greater at the dentoalveolar level than at the base of the mandible. Lateral cephalograms showed that transmandibular symphyseal distraction produced significant increases in the incisor mandibular plane angle (2.79 degrees) and mandibular body length (1.72 mm). The effect of the procedure on the condyle was 2.5 degrees to 3 degrees of distolateral rotation as calculated using the CT scans. Dental crowding was resolved rapidly by the movement of the teeth into the distraction regenerate. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and radiologic results of the present study have shown that a transmandibular distractor is a clinically effective bone-borne distractor for the correction of mandibular transverse deficiencies and anterior crowding. The follow-up cephalograms and CT scans showed the transverse skeletal stability of the distraction procedure and no permanent temporomandibular dysfunction. However, additional multicenter studies with more patients are necessary to precisely evaluate the long-term postdistraction changes on the skeleton, teeth, and temporomandibular joint.

Comparison of treatments with the Forsus fatigue resistant device in relation to skeletal maturity: A cephalometric and magnetic resonance imaging study

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to compare the dentoskeletal changes and alterations of mandibular condyle-disc-fossa relationships in subjects at the peak and the end of the pubertal growth period treated with the Forsus fatigue resistant device (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). METHODS The sample consisted of 29 subjects with Class II Division 1 malocclusions who were classified according to their hand-wrist radiographs. Fifteen patients were at or just before the peak phase of pubertal growth (peak pubertal group). Fourteen patients were near the end of the pubertal growth period (late pubertal group). The study was conducted by using lateral cephalometric radiographs and magnetic resonance images obtained at the beginning and at the end of the application of the Forsus fatigue resistant device. The treatment period was 9 months. RESULTS The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate differences within groups. The changes observed in both groups were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test. There were statistically significant group differences in mandibular length and ramus length, with significant increases of these parameters in the peak pubertal group (P <0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups concerning dental parameters (P >0.05), with the exception of mandibular molar vertical movements, which were significantly greater in the peak pubertal group (P <0.05). Analysis of the magnetic resonance images showed no positional changes of the mandibular condyle in relation to the glenoid fossa in either group (P >0.05). Although the articular disc was positioned more anteriorly in the peak pubertal group compared with its pretreatment position (P <0.05), the position of the disc was still within the physiologic range. No significant intergroup difference was observed for disc-condyle relationship (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS The Forsus fatigue resistant device did not appear to cause significant increases in mandibular dimensions in subjects in late puberty. According to the magnetic resonance image findings, Forsus treatment is not a risk factor for the development of temporomandibular dysfunction in subjects with no signs and clinical symptoms of dysfunction.

Transpalatal Distraction Using Bone-Borne Distractor: Clinical Observations and Dental and Skeletal Changes

PURPOSE The aim of this clinical study was to analyze the outcome, complications, and long-term results of transpalatal distraction for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) and assess skeletal and dental changes in the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes through cephalograms and dental casts. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten adult patients with MTD were treated with a Transpalatal Distractor (Surgi-Tec, Bruges, Belgium). Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric films and dental casts were taken before surgery and at the end of the consolidation period. The statistical analysis of cephalometric film and dental cast measurements was undertaken with paired t tests. RESULTS The intraoperative and postoperative problems encountered were damage to the central incisive teeth as a result of vertical osteotomy, wound dehiscence after the latent period, pain during the distraction period, and loosening of the distractor and buccal displacement of the left alveolar segment during the consolidation period. Model analysis showed that the greatest amount of transverse increase was in the premolar region (7.07 mm for first premolar and 7.10 mm for second premolar). Frontal cephalometric analysis indicated that transverse distances increased more at the alveolar level (7.75 mm) than in the maxillary base (5.25 mm) and nasal region (4.3 mm). The asymmetries between the left and right sides in both dental and skeletal expansions were statistically nonsignificant. The changes in the Sella-nasion-point A, Sella-nasion-point B, Sella-nasion and gonion-gnasion angles were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, transpalatal distraction was found to be a clinically effective technique for palatal expansion in adult patients with MTD. However, treatment planning and regular clinical follow-up visits are necessary for long-term clinical success.

Dimensional Changes of the Nasal Cavity After Transpalatal Distraction Using Bone-Borne Distractor: An Acoustic Rhinometry and Computed Tomography Evaluation

PURPOSE The aims of this study were as follows: 1) evaluation of the effects of transpalatal distraction (TPD) on nasal minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume, and assessment of long-term stability of TPD outcomes on the nasal cavity, using acoustic rhinometry (AR); 2) quantifying the alveolar, basal, and nasal components of the maxillary expansion at both canine and molar levels by computed tomography (CT); 3) investigation of the relationship between CT transverse measurements and AR measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS The sample was comprised of 11 adult patients with maxillary transverse deficiency and partial/near total nasal obstruction. Standard corticotomies were carried out and bone-borne transpalatal distractors were used in all cases. AR recordings were used to determine nasal minimum cross-sectional area of the anterior (MCA1) and posterior (MCA2) and the volume of the nasal cavity in these regions (Volume1, Volume2) before surgery (T1), when the distractor was removed (T2), and at least 1 year after the expander was removed (T3). CT images were taken at T1 and T2. CT measurements included maxillary base, alveolar, and nasal cavity widths at both canine and first molar slices. RESULTS There were significant increases in MCAs and volumes of nasal cavity between T1 and T2 and between T1 and T3 with the exception of the right MCA2 and right Volume2 at the latter time (P < .05). All maxillary transverse dimensions in canine and molar CT slices displayed significant increases (P < .05). The change in binasal width at the canine level showed significant correlations with the changes in total MCA1 and total Volume1 (P < .05). CONCLUSION TPD provided great increases in MCA and volume of the nasal cavity, and these changes generally remained stable long term. The use of TPD in adult patients granted the opportunity of efficient maxillary expansion concurrent with increases in the nasal dimensions.

Comparison of stepwise vs single-step advancement with the Functional Mandibular Advancer in Class II Division 1 treatment.

OBJECTIVE To compare two groups of subjects at the peak of the pubertal growth period treated with the Functional Mandibular Advancer (FMA; Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany) appliance using either single-step or stepwise mandibular advancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 34 Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects at or just before the peak phase of pubertal growth as assessed by hand-wrist radiographs. Subjects were assigned to two groups of mandibular advancement, using matched randomization. Both groups were treated with the FMA. While the mandible was advanced to a super Class I molar relation in the single-step advancement group (SSG), patients in the stepwise mandibular advancement group (SWG) had a 4-mm initial bite advancement and subsequent 2-mm advancements at bimonthly intervals. The material consisted of lateral cephalograms taken before treatment and after 10 months of FMA treatment. Data were analyzed by means paired t-tests and an independent t-test. RESULTS There were statistically significant changes in SNB, Pg horizontal, ANB, Co-Gn, and Co-Go measurements in both groups (P < .001); these changes were greater in the SWG with the exception of Co-Go (P < .05). While significant differences were found in U1-SN, IMPA, L6 horizontal, overjet, and overbite appraisals in each group (P < .001), these changes were comparable (P > .05). CONCLUSION Because of the higher rates of sagittal mandibular skeletal changes, FMA using stepwise advancement of the mandible might be the appliance of choice for treating Class II division 1 malocclusions.

Does Transpalatal Distraction Affect Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions and Related Soft Tissues

PURPOSE Previous studies of transpalatal distraction (TPD) have been based on dentoskeletal alterations of the jaws and nasal airway changes. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of TPD on soft palate and pharyngeal airway dimensions and tongue posture. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. The sample was comprised of 16 patients with skeletal maxillary deficiency who had bilateral crossbite combined with a high palatal vault and partial or near total nasal obstruction treated with TPD using bone-borne distractors (Transpalatal Distractor, SurgiTec NV, Bruges, Belgium). This research was carried out on lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before distraction and after a distraction period of 6.75 ± 1.61 months. The primary predictor variable was pharyngeal airway dimensions and tongue posture. Other variables were demographic and lateral cephalometric parameters. Changes in the length, angle, and thickness of the soft palate; nasopharyngeal, retropalatal, retroglossal, and lower pharyngeal airway dimensions; and tongue length and height were evaluated. Data were analyzed by paired t test. RESULTS The sample included 16 adult patients (mean age, 25.13 ± 6.13 yr; 7 women, 9 men). The desired amount of distraction was achieved in all patients within 7 to 10 days. The total activation average was 8.38 ± 0.96. TPD caused statistically significant changes in sagittal nasopharyngeal airway dimensions (1.19 mm), the minimal oropharyngeal distance behind the tongue base (1.81 mm), and tongue height (2.12 mm). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that, in adult patients with nasal obstruction, TPD has the potential to increase sagittal nasopharyngeal airway dimensions and the minimal oropharyngeal distance behind the tongue, with an elevation in tongue posture. Further studies using cone-beam computed tomography that focus on how the bone-borne expander alters pharyngeal airway volume will make valuable contributions to the literature.

Treatment of lateral open bite with vertical dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis.

The aim of this article is to describe the surgical, orthodontic, and periodontal treatment of an adult patient with a lateral open bite, anterior crowding, and gingival recession on the mandibular right lateral incisor. The lateral open bite, which resisted conventional mechanics, was successfully corrected by the combination of dento-osseous osteotomies and vertical alveolar distraction using orthodontic multibracket appliances in conjunction with nickel-titanium archwires and intermaxillary elastics. After the orthodontic treatment, the denuded root surface of the mandibular right lateral incisor was closed using a coronally advanced flap technique with platelet-rich fibrin. The results at the 2-year posttreatment follow-up were satisfactory from both the occlusal and the periodontal standpoints.

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). Investigated lateral cephalometric parameters consisted of Holdaway soft tissue measurements with some supplementary soft tissue, skeletal and dental assessments. Results: The acquisition of T2 cephalograms which conforms to the initiation of further orthodontic treatment corresponded to 83.25±3.51 days for SARME and 85.68±4.37 days for RME after the expansion was completed. The only significant change in soft tissue profile of the SARME group was a decrease in upper lip thickness (p<0.05), whereas in the RME group, decrease in soft tissue facial profile angle and increase in H angle were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05 for each). For the RME group, the changes in soft tissue facial profile angle and H angle correlated only with the changes in SNB angle (p<0.05). Conclusion: While bone-borne SARME did not seem to possess the potential to alter soft tissue profile, tooth-borne RME caused a more convex soft tissue profile related to a reduction in SNB.