Does the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic impact on oral hygiene habits, oral conditions, reasons to seek dental care and esthetic concerns?

To evaluate the impact of the use of face masks on oral hygiene habits; oral conditions self-perception; reasons to seek dental treatment; and esthetic concerns. 1346 participants answered a web-based survey with questions related to the aims of the stu

Craniofacial characteristics of Caucasian and Afro-Caucasian Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the skeletal, dental and soft tissue characteristics of Caucasian and Afro-Caucasian Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion and to evaluate sexual dimorphism within the groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised lateral cephalograms of untreated normal occlusion subjects, divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 40 Caucasian subjects (20 of each sex), with a mean age of 13.02 years; group 2 included 40 Afro-Caucasian subjects (20 of each sex), with a mean age of 13.02 years. Groups 1 and 2 and males and females within each group were compared with t tests. RESULTS: Afro-Caucasian subjects presented greater maxillary protrusion, smaller upper anterior face height and lower posterior face height, larger upper posterior face height, greater maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar protrusion as well as soft tissue protrusion than Caucasian subjects. The Afro-Caucasian female subjects had less mandibular protrusion and smaller total posterior facial height and upper posterior facial height than males. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian Afro-Caucasian subjects have greater dentoalveolar and soft tissue protrusion than Brazilian Caucasian subjects, with slight sexual dimorphism in some variables

Incisors’ bone height and inclination changes after orthodontic treatment with a self-ligating passive system

This study aimed to evaluate changes in the alveolar buccal bone height of maxillary and mandibular incisors after orthodontic treatment with a self-ligating passive system and to assess the correlation between bone height and incisor inclination.Pre (T1) and post-treatment (T2) cone-beam computed tomography images of patients treated with the Damon 3MX appliance system were measured to quantify the alveolar buccal bone height of the maxillary incisors. The incisor’s inclination was measured in digital models. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the changes between T1 and T2, and Pearson’s coefficient was used to test the correlation.All teeth presented statistically significant alveolar buccal bone loss at T2. A statistically significant buccal inclination was observed only for the lower left lateral incisors. There was no correlation between bone height changes and incisor inclination.Orthodontic treatment with a self-ligating passive system showed changes in alveolar height, but these changes were not correlated with incisor inclination

Análise retrospectiva dos resultados dos tratamentos ortodônticos e sua relação com a estabilidade pós-contenção

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to retrospectively evaluate Class I malocclusion cases treated with extraction of the four first premolars, aiming to establish the relationship between the quality of orthodontic treatment outcomes and the long-term occlusal stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 94 patients of both genders, presenting Class I malocclusion, treated with extractions of the four first premolars and Edgewise mechanics. All the patients selected were whites, being 50 males and 44 females. The mean pretreatment age was 13.46 years (s.d. 1.8). The mean treatment time was 2.09 years (s.d. 0.58), the mean retention time was 1.63 years (s.d. 0.73) and the mean time of postretention evaluation was 5.31 years (s.d. 1.61). The dental casts were measured at pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2) and postretention (T3), by the PAR index and by the Little irregularity index, and the correction due to treatment (T1-2) and the change at the postretention period (T3-2) were calculated. The descriptive statistics was performed and the Pearson correlation coefficient was applied for the PAR and the Little indices in the total sample, among the times evaluated. RESULTS: The mean PAR reduction due to treatment was 78.54%, and 66.6%, at the postretention stage related to pretreatment stage. Significant correlations were found for the PAR index at the times evaluated, except between T1 and T2 and between T1-2 and T3. In other words, the higher the treatment correction (T1-2), the lower the posttreatment PAR index (PAR T2) will be, and the higher will be the PAR change at the postretention period (PAR T3-2). Also, the higher the posttreatment PAR score (PAR T2), the higher will be the postretention PAR score (PAR T3). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the quality of orthodontic treatment outcomes is not related to the long-term occlusal stability.OBJETIVO: O presente estudo objetivou analisar retrospectivamente casos com má oclusão de Classe I tratados com extrações dos quatro primeiros pré-molares, visando estabelecer a relação da qualidade dos resultados dos tratamentos ortodônticos e a estabilidade em longo prazo. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: A amostra consistiu de 94 pacientes de ambos os gêneros, apresentando má oclusão de Classe I, tratados com extrações dos quatro primeiros pré-molares e mecânica Edgewise. Todos os pacientes selecionados eram leucodermas, sendo 50 do gênero masculino e 44 do feminino. A idade inicial média foi de 13.46 anos (d.p. 1.8). O tempo de tratamento médio foi 2.09 anos (d.p. 0.58), o tempo médio de contenção foi 1.63 anos (d.p. 0.73) e o tempo médio de avaliação pós-contenção, 5.31 anos (d.p.1.61). Foram medidos, nos modelos de estudo, o índice PAR e o índice de irregularidade de Little, nas fases pré (T1), pós-tratamento (T2) e pós-contenção (T3), e calculou-se a quantidade de correção com o tratamento (T1-2) e de alteração no período pós-contenção (T3-2). Realizou-se a estatística descritiva e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi aplicado entre os índices estudados e os tempos avaliados. RESULTADOS: A média de redução do índice PAR da amostra total com o tratamento foi de 78.54%, e na fase pós-contenção, de 66.6%, com relação ao inicial. Houve correlação significante para o índice PAR nos tempos estudados, exceto entre T1 e T2 e entre T1-2 e T3. Ou seja, quanto maior a correção do tratamento (T1-2), menor será o índice PAR final (PAR T2), e maior a alteração no período pós-contenção (PAR T3-2). E quanto maior o índice PAR pós-tratamento (PAR T2), maior o índice PAR pós-contenção (PAR T3). CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a qualidade dos resultados dos tratamentos ortodônticos não está relacionada à estabilidade oclusal em longo prazo

Assessment of temporomandibular disorder and occlusion in treated class III malocclusion patients

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in individuals submitted to either orthodontic or ortho-surgical Class III malocclusion treatment and to assess the influence of occlusal aspects on TMD severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 individuals divided into two groups, according to the type of treatment (orthodontic or orthodontic with orthognathic surgery). The presence of signs and symptoms of TMD was evaluated by an anamnestic questionnaire and a clinical examination, including TMJ and muscle palpation, active mandibular range of motion, joint noises and occlusal examination. RESULTS: Based on the anamnestic questionnaire, 48% had no TMD, 42% had mild TMD and 10% had moderate TMD. The presence and severity of TMD did not show any relationship with the type of orthodontic treatment (p>;0.05). The chi-square test showed a positive association (

A comparison of skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue characteristics in white and black Brazilian subjects

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue characteristics in white and black Brazilian subjects presenting normal occlusions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised the lateral cephalograms of 106 untreated Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion, divided into two groups: Group 1- 50 white subjects (25 of each gender), at a mean age of 13.17 years (standard deviation 1.07); and Group 2- 56 black subjects (28 of each gender), at a mean age of 13.24 years (standard deviation 0.56). Variables studied were obtained from several cephalometric analyses. Independent t tests were used for intergroup comparison and to determine sexual dimorphism. RESULTS: black subjects presented a more protruded maxilla and mandible, a smaller chin prominence and a greater maxillomandibular discrepancy than white subjects. Blacks presented a more horizontal craniofacial growth pattern than whites. Maxillary and mandibular incisors presented more protruded and proclined in black subjects. The nasolabial angle was larger in whites. Upper and lower lips were more protruded in blacks than in whites. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found a bimaxillary skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue protrusion in black Brazilian subjects compared to white Brazilian subjects, both groups with normal occlusion. Upper and lower lips showed to be more protruded in blacks, but lip thickness was similar in both groups

Orthodontic brackets friction changes after clinical use : a systematic review

To evaluate the bracket-wire friction force after clinical use. A systematic search of several electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs and Google Scholar) without limitations regarding publication year or language, was performed. In-vitro studies analyzing the changes in friction force of orthodontic brackets before/after their clinical use were considered. Risk of Bias was assessed with Downs and Black checklist. All methodological features that could interfere in the results were specifically described. Seven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All 7 studies reported at least two groups (before and after clinical use). Friction force increased after intraoral aging in most of the studies. However, there is lack of good quality evidence in this research area. Brackets present increased surface roughness after clinical use, and consequently increased coefficient of friction (COF) and Friction Force. Further studies are necessary to obtain more reliable results

Management of the Class III malocclusion treated with maxillary expansion, facemask therapy and corrective orthodontic. A 15-year follow-up

The facial growth of Class III malocclusion worsens with age, in this case, the early orthopedic treatment, providing facial balance, modifying the maxillofacial growth and development. A 7.6-year old boy presented with Class III malocclusion associated with anterior crossbite; the mandible was shifted to the right and the maxilla had a transversal deficiency. Rapid maxillary expansion followed by facemask therapy was performed, to correct the anteroposterior relationship and improve the facial profile. The patient was followed for a 15-year period, after completion of the treatment, and stability was observed. Growing patients should be monitored following their treatment, so as to prevent malocclusion relapse

Influence of treatment with and without extractions on the growth pattern of dolichofacial patients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare, by means of lateral cephalograms, the facial growth pattern changes due to the treatment with and without extractions of four first premolars in dolichofacial individuals. METHODS: Groups 1 and 2 were constituted of 23 dolichofacial patients each, with Class II malocclusion, division 1 and initial age average of 12.36 and 12.29 years, respectively. Patients from Group 1 were treated without extractions and Group 2 was treated with extraction of the four first premolars, given that both used occipital headgear. Groups were compatibilized according to age, treatment period, gender and malocclusion severity. The t test was applied for intergroups comparison. RESULTS: Most variables (SN.PP, SN.Ocl and FMA) did not present statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Although the treatment with extractions tend to reduce the mandibular plane angle (SN.GoGn) and the facial axis (NS.Gn), the analyzed treatment protocols did not affect in a clinically relevant way the facial growth pattern

Low-Level Laser Action on Orthodontically Induced Root Resorption: Histological and Histomorphometric Evaluation

Introduction: Studies have been conducted to develop a means of preventing, controlling or reducing orthodontically induced root resorption. Phototherapy has demonstrated effectiveness as an anti-inlammatory and, considering the inlammatory origin of this pathology, this study evaluated the effects of laser on root resorption.Methods: The research was conducted among 54 80-day-old male Wistar rats, with weights of 280 ± 40 g. Phototherapy consisted of a diode laser (Ga-Al-As), calibrated with a wavelength of 808 nm, an output power of 100 mW, 2.1 J or 96 J of energy and area of 0.0028 cm2. The application was continuous, punctual and with contact. The left irst maxillary molar was moved by a super-elastic closed spring with a pre-calibrated and constant force of 25 g. The specimens were irradiated every 48 hours, totaling three or six times, depending on the group to which they belonged. Euthanasia was made in the 7th or 10th day after the onset of movement. The histological and histomorphometric examination was performed with sections of 6 μm stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).Results: Considering the dosimetry studied, when compared the subgroups with the same time of movement, 7 or 10 days, the low-level laser (LLL) has no statistically signiicant effect on the root resorption. As expected, differences were found between groups with different time of movement.Conclusion: Based on the result, this dosimetry does not seem to be clinically recommended to avoid or reduce inlammatory root resorption, but it also does not induce any root surface alteration