Eduardo Martinelli de Lima

Maxillary canine retraction with self-ligating and conventional brackets

OBJECTIVE To measure space closure during the retraction of upper permanent canines with self-ligating and conventional brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients who required maxillary canine retraction into first premolar extraction sites as part of their orthodontic treatment completed this study. In a random split-mouth design, the retraction of upper canines was performed using an elastomeric chain with 150 g of force. The evaluations were performed in dental casts (T0, initial; T1, 4 weeks; T2, 8 weeks; T3, 12 weeks). The amount of movement and the rotation of the canines as well as anchorage loss of the upper first molars were evaluated. RESULTS There was no difference between self-ligating and conventional brackets regarding the distal movement of upper canines and mesial movement of first molars (P > .05). Rotation of the upper canines was minimized with self-ligating brackets (P < .05). CONCLUSION Distal movement of the upper canines and anchorage loss of the first molars were similar with both conventional and self-ligating brackets. Rotation of the upper canines during sliding mechanics was minimized with self-ligating brackets.

Prediction of lower permanent canine and premolars width by correlation methods.

The aim of this study was to determine linear regression equations to estimate the widths of unerupted lower permanent canines and premolars using measurements obtained from 45 degrees oblique teleradiographs. The sample consisted of 30 white Caucasian patients orthodontically treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. The records for each patient included a 45 degrees oblique teleradiograph (left side) in the mixed dentition period and a dental cast of the permanent dentition. Pearsons test was applied between each lower canine, first and second premolars measured on the radiograph, and the sum of their actual widths measured on the dental cast. The strongest correlation occurred for the first premolars for one side (.82) and both sides (.84). One linear regression equation was determined to estimate the widths of un-erupted lower canine and premolars of both sides from a single measurement of the first premolar.

Dentoskeletal effects of maxillary protraction in cleft patients with repetitive weekly protocol of alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions.

Objective: To evaluate the amount of maxillary protraction with face mask in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients submitted to two distinct rapid maxillary expansion (RME) protocols. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 20 individuals (nine boys and 11 girls; mean age of 10.4 ± 2.62 years) with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who had a constricted maxilla in the vertical and transverse dimensions. Ten patients underwent 1 week of RME with screw activation of one complete turn per day, followed by 23 weeks of maxillary protraction (group 1). The other 10 patients underwent 7 weeks of alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction, with one complete turn per day, followed by 17 weeks of maxillary protraction (group 2); both groups underwent a total of 6 months of treatment. Cephalometric measurements were taken at different times: pretreatment (T1), soon after RME (T2), and after 6 months of treatment (T3). Each measurement was analyzed with mixed models for repeated measures, and the covariance structure chosen was compound symmetry. Results: The maxilla displaced slightly forward and downward with a counterclockwise rotation; the mandible rotated downward and backward, resulting in an increase in anterior facial height; the sagittal maxillomandibular relationship was improved; the maxillary molars and incisors were protruded and extruded; and the mandibular incisors were retroclined. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the groups in evaluation time.

Can we add chlorhexidine into glass ionomer cements for band cementation

OBJECTIVE To test if the addition of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHD) might influence the mechanical properties and antibacterial properties of two different conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) used for band cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two commercial brands of conventional GICs were used: Ketac Cem Easymix (3M/ESPE, St Paul, Minn) and Meron (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany). The cements were manipulated in their original composition and also with 10% and 18% CHD in the liquid to create a total of six groups. Diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, microhardness, shear bond strength, and antibacterial effects in 5, 45, and 65 days against Streptococcus mutans were tested in all groups, and the data were submitted to statistical analyses. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups of the same material in diametral tensile, compressive strength, and shear bond strength (P > .05). There was significant improvement in the microhardness to the Ketac Cem Easymix (P < .001). GICs with the addition of CHD showed significant inhibition of S. mutans growth in comparison with the control groups at the three time points evaluated (P < .001). The addition of 18% CHD resulted in higher bacterial inhibition (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The addition of chlorhexidine digluconate to conventional GICs does not negatively modify the mechanical properties and may increase the antibacterial effects around the GICs even for relatively long periods of time.

Natural changes of the maxillary first molars in adolescents with skeletal Class II malocclusion

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to evaluate natural changes in maxillary posterior alveolar height (MPAH) and axial inclination of the maxillary first molars (AIMFM) in subjects with Class II malocclusion to determine the validity of predictive equations. METHODS Longitudinal records of 30 untreated white subjects (13 girls, 17 boys) with skeletal Class II malocclusion were collected at ages 9, 12, 14, and 16 years. They had participated in the Burlington Growth Centre study, and cephalograms were analyzed with Dentofacial Planner Plus software (version 2.0, Dentofacial Planner, Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Serial means were compared with the Bonferroni post-hoc test (P <0.05). Predictive equations were obtained and studied with the analysis of agreement. RESULTS Gradually, means of MPAH had statistical increments with sexual dimorphism from 14 to 16 years of age. A distal mean of AIMFM was found at 9 years of age that decreased significantly during growth, with sexual dimorphism between the ages of 9 and 12 years. Changes in AIMFM varied among subjects in distinct stages. Values of MPAH were predicted with high validity at intervals of 3 years or longer, whereas estimations for AIMFM were unreliable. CONCLUSIONS In this study group, there was significant alveolar growth, with a natural tendency to upright the distal inclination at the maxillary first molars.

Estudo longitudinal da relação entre o crescimento mandibular e o crescimento estatural em indivíduos com Classe II esquelética

The height growth of children and teenagers, as well as its relationship with the rate of craniofacial growth, are of large interest to the orthodontist, since the indication of a therapy to control jaw development is based on the study of the skeletal age of the patient and subsequent somatic maturation. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the correlation between height growth and mandibular growth of 30 subjects presenting with skeletal Class II, with no orthodontic treatment, which were longitudinally followed-up through the Burlington Growth Study of Canada. The serial records were obtained at 6, 9, 12, 14 and 16 years of chronological age and comprised lateral cephalograms, clinical records and personal information. The results indicated that the height growth spurt, as well as the largest mean increase in the mandibular measurements, occurred from 9 to 12 years of age for the females and from 12 to 14 years of age for the males. Moreover, it was also observed that, among all study measurements, the rate of increase of the mandibular length demonstrated the strongest correlation with the mean rate of height growth of these individuals, specially for the males during their growth spurt (r=0,758).

Orthodontic treatment of a mandibular incisor fenestration resulting from a broken retainer.

This article describes the orthodontic relapse with mandibular incisor fenestration in a 36-year-old man who had undergone orthodontic treatment 21 years previously. The patient reported that his mandibular 3 × 3 bonded retainer had been partially debonded and broken 4 years earlier. The mandibular left lateral incisor remained bonded to the retainer and received the entire load of the incisors; consequently, there was extreme labial movement of the root, resulting in dental avulsion. As part of the treatment, the root was repositioned lingually using a titanium-molybdenum segmented archwire for 8 months, followed by endodontic treatment, an apicoectomy, and 4 months of alignment and leveling of both arches. The treatment outcomes were excellent, and the tooth remained stable, with good integrity of the mesial, distal, and lingual alveolar bones and periodontal ligament. The 1-year follow-up showed good stability of the results.

Molar changes with cervical headgear alone or in combination with rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the distal movement of the maxillary first permanent molars when cervical headgear is used alone or in combination with rapid maxillary expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample was composed of 36 subjects (aged 9 to 13 years), treated in the Faculty of Dentistry, Pontifícia Universidade Cat;aaolica, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The individuals were in good health and in their pubertal growth period. All had Class II division 1 malocclusion. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (22 subjects), Class II, with a normal transverse maxilla treated with cervical traction headgear (HG) 400 g 12 h/d, and group 2 (14 subjects), Class II maxillary transverse deficiency treated with rapid maxillary expansion plus cervical traction headgear (RME + HG). An additional group 3 (17 subjects) served as a control group and included individuals with the same characteristics. All subjects had two lateral cephalograms: initial (T1) and progress (T2), taken 6 months later. Differences between T1 and T2 were compared with the Students t-test, and three groups were compared by the analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison test. RESULTS Results showed greater distal tipping and greater distal movement of the first permanent molars in group 1 (HG) than in group 2 (RME + HG), P < .05. No extrusion of first permanent molar occurred in either group (P > .05). CONCLUSION The hypothesis was rejected. Cervical traction headgear alone produced greater distal movement effects in maxillary first permanent molars when compared with rapid maxillary expansion associated with cervical headgear.Abstract Objective: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the distal movement of the maxillary first permanent molars when cervical headgear is used alone or in combination with rapid maxillary expansion. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 36 subjects (aged 9 to 13 years), treated in the Faculty of Dentistry, Pontificia Universidade Cat;aaolica, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The individuals were in good health and in their pubertal growth period. All had Class II division 1 malocclusion. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (22 subjects), Class II, with a normal transverse maxilla treated with cervical traction headgear (HG) 400 g 12 h/d, and group 2 (14 subjects), Class II maxillary transverse deficiency treated with rapid maxillary expansion plus cervical traction headgear (RME + HG). An additional group 3 (17 subjects) served as a control group and included individuals with the same characteristics. All subjects had two lateral cephalograms: initial (T1) and pr...

How to predict the timing of eruption of mandibular second premolars

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between the stages of dental formation and the timing of eruption of mandibular second premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample comprised panoramic radiographs of 25 children, 7 to 12 years old, observed by space supervision during development of dentition. The initial radiograph (T1) was taken in the mixed dentition period and the progress radiograph (T2) close to the eruption of mandibular second premolars. The stages of dental formation were determined by the proportion between crown length and total length (CL/TL) as well by the Simpson and Kunos index. Average values between right and left sides (35, 45) were correlated to the time elapsed until dental eruption (T2-T1). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS The proportion CL/TL presented higher correlation index with time to eruption than the Simpson and Kunos index. The linear regression equation for prediction of timing of eruption showed high coefficient of determination, low deviation, and good accuracy. According to survival analysis, mean deviation at 95% confidence level was between 3.6 and 6.4 months. There was no difference in contralateral measurements, with high intraclass correlation coefficient for both CL/TL proportion and Simpson and Kunos index. CONCLUSIONS More advanced stages of dental formation indicate less time until dental eruption. The strong correlation with crown length/total length proportion (CL/TL) provides a linear regression equation for prediction of the timing of eruption of mandibular second premolars.

Comparative study of linear and angular measures of the cranial base in skeletal Class I and III malocclusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of flexion and linear measures of the cranial base on the anteroposterior position of the jaws in skeletal Class III malocclusion compared with skeletal Class I. METHODS: One hundred-twenty lateral radiographs were divided in two groups: Group 1 - 60 radiographs of individuals with a Class I skeletal pattern; and Group 2 - 60 radiographs of individuals with a skeletal Class III pattern. The radiographs were of adult Caucasian individuals with no previous orthodontic treatment. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the cranial base angle (NSBa) and anterior cranial base length (S-N) between the two groups. Group 2 had the lowest values for NSBa and S-N. The analysis of cranial base complementary angles (NSGn and BaSGn) revealed a significant statistical difference in NSGn: Group 2 had lower NSGn values, which indicates a more anterior position of the gnathion. Variations of the cranial base angle and the Y axis were inversely correlated with variations of SNA and SNB angles, and the differences were statistically significant for the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study supports previous findings that the cranial base flexion contributes to skeletal configuration in Class III skeletal patterns. Therefore, the cranial base should be evaluated for growth predictions and Class III diagnosis. The effect of the cranial base on the positioning of the jaws should be further assessed.