The Latham Technique

The Latham technique is the initial interventional procedure used to treat the facial orthopedic problems found in unilateral (UCLP) or bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients. In cleft lip and palate patients, the soft tissue and basal abnormalities may have a recognizable pattern of deformity defined by excess or deficiency in anatomic form, position or direction within the craniofacial milieu. The Latham appliance applies controlled directional forces to reposition the displaced basal segments and realign soft tissue margins before corrective surgery is performed. In UCLP and BCLP patients, the Latham technique induces profound and complex orthodontic changes and it does not harm facial skeletal growth

Treatment Effects and Posttreatment Follow-up of Miniscrew Anchorage-Supported Forsus FRD Appliance: Report of 2 Severe Class II Cases

This case report presents the treatment and posttreatment follow-up of 2 boys with severe skeletal Class II malocclusion with miniscrew anchorage-supported Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device (FRDMS). Miniscrews were inserted between the mandibular canine and first premolar root area bilaterally. The FRDMS treatment duration was 13 months in the first case and 11 months in the second case. The patients were treated with fixed orthodontic treatment afterward. The first patient was followed up for 1 year and 6 months and the second patient for 2 years and 8 months after fixed orthodontic treatment Essix retainers were worn fulltime for a period of 6 months and only at nighttime for the following 6 months in both cases after the fixed appliances. Lower incisor proclination was observed in both cases, although lower dentition anchorage was reinforced with miniscrews during Forsus FRD treatment. Favorable sagittal movement of the mandible was achieved in only 1 case. Overjet and molar correction were mainly at the dentoalveolar level in the other case. Occlusion was stable in the long-term

Evaluation of Soft Tissue Adaptation During Retention Period

The aim of this study was to evaluate skeletal and dental stability and the adaptation of tongue and perioral soft tissue during retention treatment period. The sample included 22 Angle class I and/or class II, skeletal class I (15 females, 7 males, mean chronologic age 17.56±1.2) cases who had 4 premolar extracted. 18 measurements on lateral cephalometric and anteroposterior films, 4 measurements on dental casts, 16 measurements of the soft tissue were carried out at the end of active orthodontic treatment (T0), at the sixth (T1) and the ninth months (T2) of retention treatment period and evaluated statistically using ‘Wilcoxon test'. U6s(V) measurement showed a significant increase during T0-T1 (p<0.05) and L1s(V) measurement increased significantly during T1-T2 and T0-T2 (p<0.05). The total lingual pressures at rest and during swallowing were found significantly more than the total vestibule pressures in all retention treatment periods (T0,T1,T2) (p<0.01). Teeth positions were stable during retention although lingual pressure was more than lip and cheek pressures. Skeletal, dental measurements and soft tissue adaptation at rest were stable at the end of retention

Current Approaches in Orthodontics

This book provides information on the current technological developments and new concepts in orthodontic treatment procedures. The main concepts of the book are scope innovations in accelerated tooth movement, new developments such as corticotomy, microperforations (MOP), piezosicion, photobiostimulation, laser in orthodontics, chemical agents, as well as complications and risks. The book contains interdisciplinary managements involving surgery first, cleft lip and palate therapy, orthognathic surgery, and obstructive sleep apnea. This internationally-recognized specialty is continuing to experience advancements in technology, instrumentation, and treatment methods

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis applications in cleft lip and palate patients: a literature review

Distraction osteogenesis technique has been successfully applied in the craniofacial area for long time, and it is being applied increasingly more in cleft lip and palate patients also. Especially in large cleft palate cases, bone grafting or surgical procedures such as distraction osteogenesis can be applied in order to ensure a smooth alveolar arc. In this literature review, alveolar (segmental) distraction osteogenesis applications in patients with cleft lip and palate, indications of the technique, advantages and disadvantages, application methods and types of appliances used for this purpose have been evaluated. As conclusion, especially with the application of alveolar (segmental) distraction osteogenesis, successful outcome can be achieved in cleft lip and palate patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency, maxillary hypoplasia and maxillary crowding, and this technique may be an alternative to conventional osteotomies and extraoral distractions