Matilde da Cunha Gonçalves Nojima

Is miniscrew primary stability influenced by bone density

Primary stability is absence of mobility in the bone bed after mini-implant placement and depends on bone quality among other factors. Bone quality is a subjective term frequently considered as bone density. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate bone density in two bovine pelvic regions and verify the primary stability of miniscrews inserted into them. Forty bone blocks were extracted from bovine pelvic bones, 20 from iliac and 20 from pubic bone, all of them containing cortical bone about 1 mm thick. Half of the sections extracted from each bone were designated for histological evaluation of bone density (trabecular bone area - TBA) and the other half for bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation by means of central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Then, twenty self-drilling miniscrews (INP®, São Paulo, Brazil) 1.4 mm in diameter and 6 mm long were inserted into the bone blocks used for BMD evaluation. Peak implant insertion torque (IT) and pull-out strength (PS) were used for primary stability evaluation. It was found that iliac and pubic bones present different bone densities, iliac bone being less dense considering BMD and TBA values (P > 0.05). However, the miniscrew primary stability was not different when varying the bone type (P < 0.05). IT and PS were not influenced by these differences in bone density when cortical thickness was about 1 mm thick.

Colonization of Streptococcus mutans on esthetic brackets: self-ligating vs conventional.

INTRODUCTION Self-ligating orthodontic brackets rely on clips, rather than ligatures, to hold the archwire in place. It is unknown whether replacing ligatures with clips affects the adherence of Streptococcus mutans. The aim of this research was to evaluate whether self-ligating brackets have an advantage over conventional brackets as determined by the adherence of S mutans. METHODS The sample consisted of 50 esthetic brackets, divided into 3 experimental groups and 2 control groups of 10 brackets each. Two experimental groups were active self-ligating brackets (QuicKlear; Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany; and In-Ovation C; Dentsply GAC, Bohemia, NY); the other was a passive self-ligating bracket (Damon 3; Ormco, Glendora, Calif). The 2 control groups were conventional brackets (Mystique; Dentsply GAC; and Clarity; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). The brackets were randomly bonded to the canines, first and second premolars, and first and second molars in the mandibular left hemiarch of 10 male participants. Biofilm was collected from the tooth surfaces before bonding and from the brackets on day 21 and placed in Petri dishes containing Mitis salivarius agar. The brackets were removed on day 28 and examined by using scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and the Tukey correction with a P value of 0.05 were used. RESULTS The greatest numbers of colonies were found in an active self-ligating bracket group (In-Ovation C), and the fewest colonies were in a conventional bracket group (Clarity). The largest colonies formed on active self-ligating brackets. In the slot, the greatest formation was in a control group (Mystique). CONCLUSIONS Self-ligating esthetic brackets do not promote greater or lesser S mutans colonization when compared with conventional brackets. Differences were found to be related to the material composition of the bracket.

Three-dimensional assessment of pharyngeal airway in nasal- and mouth-breathing children

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) in nasal and mouth-breathing children using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS Volume, area, minimum axial area and linear measurements (PAS-NL, PAS-UP, PAS-OccL, PAS-UT, PAS-Bgo, PAS-ML, PAS-TP) of the pharyngeal airway of 50 children (mean age 9.16 years) were obtained from the CBCT images. The means and standard deviations were compared according to sexes (28 male and 22 female) and breathers patterns (25 nasal breathers and 25 mouth breathers). RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between all variables when compared by sexes. Comparisons between nasal and mouth breathers showed significant differences only in two linear measurements: PAS-OccL (p<0.001) and PAS-UP (P<0.05). Airway volume (p<0.001), area (p<0.001) and minimum axial area (p<0.01) had significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The CBCT evaluation showed that pharyngeal airway dimensions were significantly greater in nasal-breathers than in mouth-breathers.

Efeitos transversais da expansão rápida da maxila em pacientes com má oclusão de Classe II: avaliação por Tomografia Computadorizada Cone-Beam

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) transversal responses, immediately and after the retention period, to rapid maxillary expansion (RME), in Class II malocclusion patients. METHODS: Seventeen children (mean initial age of 10.36 years), with Class II malocclusion and skeletal constricted maxilla, underwent Haas´ protocol for RME. CBCT scans were taken before treatment (T1), at the end of the active expansion phase (T2) and after the retention period of six months (T3). The scans were managed in Dolphin software, where landmarks were marked and measured, on a coronal slice passing through the upper first molar. The paired Student´s t-test was used to identify significant differences (p<0.05) between T2 and T1, T3 and T2, and T3 and T1. RESULTS: Immediately after RME, the mean increase in maxillary basal, alveolar and dental width was 1.95 mm, 4.30 mm and 6.89 mm, respectively. This was accompanied by buccal inclination of the right (7.31°) and left (6.46°) first molars. At the end of the retention period, the entire transverse dimension increased was maintained and the dentoalveolar inclination resumed. CONCLUSIONS: The RME therapy was an effective procedure to increase transverse maxillary dimensions, at both skeletal and dentoalveolar levels, without causing inclination on anchorage molars in Class II malocclusion patients with skeletal constricted maxilla.

Preventive effect of fluoridated orthodontic resins subjected to high cariogenic challenges.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro caries preventive effect of fluoridated orthodontic resins under pH cycling with two types of acid demineralizing saliva. Brackets were bonded to 60 bovine incisors, using either Transbond Plus Color Change (n=30) or Orthodontic Fill Magic (n=30) orthodontic resins. Each group of resin was divided into 3 subgroups (n=10): immersion in remineralizing artificial saliva for 14 days, pH cycling with high cariogenic challenge in acid saliva with pH 5.5, and acid saliva with pH 4.5. After 14 days of pH cycling, the caries preventive effect on the development of white spot lesion was evaluated considering the presence of inhibition zones to white spot lesions using two scores: 0= absence and 1= presence. Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (a=0.05) were used. Formation of white spot lesions was observed only under pH cycling using acid saliva with pH 4.5; with Transbond Plus Color Change being significantly more effective (p<0.05) in preventing the appearance of white spot lesions effect than Orthodontic Fill Magic. The acidity of the demineralizing solution influenced the formation of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets under highly cariogenic conditions. Transbond Plus Color Change resin presented higher caries preventive effect than Orthodontic Fill Magic.

Mechanical properties of one and two-step fluoridated orthodontic resins submitted to different pH cycling regimes

The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of one and two-step fluoridated orthodontic resins under conditions that simulate high cariogenic challenge. Edgewise brackets for maxillary central incisors were randomly bonded to 80 bovine incisors, using either Transbond Plus Color Change orthodontic resin and a self-etching primer adhesive (G1; n = 40) or Orthodontic Fill Magic with a conventional acid-etch technique (G2; n = 40). Each group of resin (n = 10) was divided into: immediate shear (A- pre-cycling control), immersion in artificial remineralizing saliva (neutral saliva) for 14 days (B- post-cycling control) and pH cycling with high cariogenic challenge (C- acid saliva with pH 5.5 and D- acid saliva with pH 4.5). After 14 days of pH cycling, the shear bond strength and ARI were evaluated. Considering the shear bond strength, Transbond Plus Color Change resin was stronger than Orthodontic Fill Magic when it was submitted to high cariogenic challenge (p < 0.05). Also Transbond Plus Color Change resin showed better adhesion to enamel than Orthodontic Fill Magic, in all situations evaluated (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that Transbond Plus Color Change resin presented better shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index when submitted to high cariogenic challenge, in comparison with Orthodontic Fill Magic.

Primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants inserted into maxilla and mandible of swine

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the primary stability of different orthodontic mini-implants inserted into different maxillary and mandibular regions of swine. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred eighty orthodontic mini-implants produced by 5 different manufacturers, all presenting several shapes, were divided into 5 groups: Mondeal (M), Neodent (N), SIN (S), INP, and Titanium Fix (T). Fifteen pigs (Sus scrofa piau) were used for study and 12 mini-implants were inserted into 3 mandibular and maxillary regions. After insertion, the animals were killed and osseous blocks containing the mini-implants were obtained for mechanical pullout tests to be performed by a universal test machine at cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/s. Maximum force values (N/cm) for insertion were recorded and submitted to both analysis of variance and Tukeys test. RESULTS The primary stability provided by cylindrical mini-implants (groups M and I) was statistically significantly superior to that of conical mini-implants (groups N and S). On the other hand, screw-type mini-implants were shown to be statistically inferior compared with the others (P < .05). Statistical differences between pullout forces at different oral cavity regions were also found (P < .05). The mini-implants inserted into palatal suture had lesser stability, whereas those inserted into upper molar and premolar regions were shown to be more stable. CONCLUSIONS The shape of mini-implants, in association with location of insertion, is directly related to primary stability.

Surgical Prediction of Skeletal and Soft Tissue Changes in Class III Treatment

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to study the treatment outcomes and accuracy of the digital prediction using Dolphin Imaging Software and the actual postoperative outcome in subjects presenting Class III malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maxillary advancement surgery was performed in group 1, and maxillary advancement was combined with mandibular setback surgery in group 2. Predictive cephalometric tracings were made using Dolphin Imaging Software. RESULTS Before surgery, the maxillary deficiency was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2, and the mandibular length was significantly greater in group 2. Surgical reductions in mandibular length and angle were significantly greater 12 months after surgery than indicated by the predictive cephalometric tracings. CONCLUSION In groups 1 and 2, maxillary advancement surgery was performed in accordance with the Dolphin Imaging Software. The mandibular setback surgery performed was beyond the established plan, but without clinical implications. Mandibular dentoskeletal measurements showed a greater correlation with the profile than the maxillary measurements.

Antimicrobial and fluoride release capacity of orthodontic bonding materials

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and fluoride releasing capacity of 3 bonding materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty nine specimens with standardized surface smoothness and dimensions were prepared. The antimicrobial capacity of the materials against S. mutans, L. casei and C. albicans was evaluated by determining the percentage of growth inhibition of these microorganisms in an inoculated medium, obtained by optical density readouts on a spectrophotometer. The potential to interfere in microbial growth on the surface of the studied materials was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fluoride release capacity in ultrapure water for 14 days was analyzed by means of ion chromatography. RESULTS The PLUS group presented the highest percentage of microbial inhibition and the most contamination-free surface. The FUJI group presented the best fluoride release capacity. CONCLUSIONS The TransbondTM Plus Color Change was the one that presented the best general behavior considering the evaluated aspects.

Tomographic mapping of the hard palate and overlying mucosa

The aim of this study was to measure the thickness of the hard palate and its overlying mucosa using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), for purposes of miniscrew placement. The sample comprised 36 CBCT scans of patients aged 12 to 52 years from a database of the Orthodontics Department of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Paracoronal views of the palatal region were reconstructed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 mm posterior to the incisive foramen. In each reconstruction measurements were taken at the suture, 3 mm and 6 mm bilaterally to it. Wilcoxons test verified the differences between the selected regions. Total bone height decreased from the anterior to the posterior region. In cross sections 4, 16 and 24, bone height decreased from the suture laterally to the 3 mm region and then increased in the 6 mm region. The cortical thickness does not seem to be a concern because it presented a mean thickness of at least 1 mm at all sites evaluated. The measurements of the mucosa thickness decreased from lateral to median and from anterior to posterior regions. The most suitable areas for miniscrew placement in the palate are located 4 mm posterior to the incisive foramen, in the median or paramedian regions 3 mm adjacent to the suture.