Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Condyle-Glenoid Fossa Complex Following Treatment with Herbst Appliance

The purpose of the present retrospective observational study was to compare the effects of treatment with Herbst appliance and fixed therapy with elastics on the condyle and glenoid fossa complex. Thirty patients aged between twelve and sixteen years with skeletal Class II malocclusion who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study: fifteen patients treated with Herbst appliance (Group 1), and fifteen patients treated with orthodontic camouflage using MBT prescription (MBTTM Versatile+ Appliance System) (Group 2). For Group 2, patients had CBCT scans taken before treatment either after Herbst appliance removal or at the end of treatment. CBCT scans were evaluated for changes in condyle-glenoid fossa complex using the In Vivo Dental 5.1 software. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. On inter-group comparison, the Herbst group showed statistically significant increases in the condylar height of 1.35 mm (p ≤ 0.001) on the right and 1.21 mm (p ≤ 0.01) on the left side, and a condylar volume of 111.03 mm3 (p ≤ 0.01) on the right and 127.80 mm3 (p ≤ 0.001) on the left side. The Herbst group showed anterior remodelling on the postero-superior aspect of glenoid fossa. Herbst appliance treatment induced growth at the condylar head and anterior remodelling of glenoid fossa, thereby improving the maxilla-mandibular relationship in growing Skeletal Class II patients

Comparing two cordless impression techniques for dimensional accuracy: An in vitro study

Introduction: For a successful fixed partial prosthodontics, obtaining an accurate impression for making an accurate cast is of prime importance. Aim: The study emphasizes on using modified impression techniques for fixed prosthodontics without using retraction cord. Various mechanical and chemical methods have been used for achieving gingival retraction. Most of them are expensive, time consuming and uncomfortable for the patient. Cordless impression procedures using conventional impression materials are alternative to these methods. Methodology: In the present study, two cordless fixed prosthodontic impression procedures, matrix impression system and prefabricated crown shell technique; have been described and compared in terms of dimensional accuracy.An articulated acrylic resin typodont prepared with reference points was used as a master model. Addition silicon impression materials in various consistencies were used for making impressions. The coordinate measurement machine (Llyod,Germany) was used for three dimensional measurement of master model and stone casts with an accuracy of 0.0001mm. Observations: When comparing the accuracy of casts as per statistical analysis Group B (prefabricated crown shell technique) casts were less accurate in relation to inter abutment distance whereas all other distances produced statistically insignificant mean deviation from the master model. Conclusion: It can be concluded that prefabricated crown shell technique is not recommended for a long span bridge framework but is well indicated while making cordless impressions for fabrication of single crown

Evaluation of TMJ morphology in various growth patterns in North Indian population: A CBCT study

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint plays an important role in maintaining a balance between structures of oral-facial complex. And morphology of Condyle is an essential part of temporomandibular joint that response to functional load, masticatory muscle activity constantly even after completion of the growth. Therefore, its morphology directs the adaptations to these functional forces. Aim: To evaluate the TMJ morphology characteristics in various growth patterns using CBCT.  Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare morphology of TMJ in different vertical growth pattern individuals in North Indian population using CBCT. Pretreatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 10 Hypodivergent, 10 Normodivergent and 9 Hyperdivergent subjects were analyzed using SN- mandibular plane angle. Morphological parameters of TMJ  such as anterior, superior, posterior  joint space, condylar axial angle, mandibular fossa depth, intercondylar distance, medio-lateral and anterio-posterior width were measured and statistical analysis were done using One Way ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey test. Results: A  statistically significant difference was noted in the superior joint space among Group I(4.04±0.10), Group II(3.73±0.36) and Group III(3.06±0.22)with p=0.00 and significantly correlated to facial morphology. Conclusion: TMJ morphology varies according to different growth patterns

Orthodontic Practice in the Times of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is not the first one which the globe has faced but never came across a health crisis that moved so quickly across continents. COVID-19 outbreak presently posed a very serious threat to the existence of mankind on earth. The massive impact of COVID-19 pandemic was evident in all aspects of life-personal, social as well as professional. The field of dentistry including orthodontics was no exception to this. Aim: To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic practice, exploring the basic sterilisation protocols being followed during COVID-19 pandemic and to predict the future of orthodontics in post-COVID era. Materials and Methods: The Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, conducted this questionnaire based cross-sectional survey in May 2020 over a time span of 20 days. A web-based questionnaire of 15 multiple choice questions in English was created as a Google Form in Google Documents. The link to this form was shared online with the orthodontists and postgraduate students (Orthodontics) of dental colleges situated in the National Capital Region (NCR) through WhatsApp groups and e-mails. A total of 254 responses were received. Results: A 97.6% of respondents agreed that COVID-19 affected their orthodontic practice. The odds ratio between those not likely to resume practice and those likely to resume practice taking educational qualification as the significant predictor was calculated to be 8.976 at 95% confidence intervals. There was wide variation in the selection of the safety protocols by the orthodontists in the present study (p<0.01). Increased digitalisation in orthodontics (45.7%) followed by less demand of orthodontic treatment (18.5%) were opted as the future in post-COVID era (p<0.01). Conclusion: The present survey found that orthodontic community as a whole was affected greatly by COVID-19 pandemic and is quite apprehensive. The future of orthodontics in the post-COVID era is unpredictable presently. Digitalisation in orthodontics is the key option to have minimum physical contact with the patients. The study suggested the need and importance of basic sterilisation protocols and a training program for dental settings during COVID-19 for patient’s as well as clinician’s safety