Resin Infiltration Versus Acid Micro-Abrasion In The Treatment Of White Spot Lesions In Fixed Orthodontic Patients

Background: White spot lesions (WSls) are frequently occurring side effects of fixed orthodontic treatment. The lesions may progress to cavities. Their treatment is costly and time-consuming. Icon infiltrant and Opalustre are painless micro-invasive procedures that improve the color of the WSLs. Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare resin infiltration and acid micro-abrasion. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients, with ninety post-orthodontic white spot lesions, were randomly divided into two groups. Icon resin infiltrant was applied in one group and Opalustre acid micro-abrasion in the other. The caries score was measured with ICDAS-II. The patients recorded their satisfaction on a VAS scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the two groups and the Friedman test compared the outcomes over time. Results: Compared to the pre-treatment, the ICDAS-II scores statistically decreased immediately after treatment, after 3 months, and after 6 months, in both groups. Compared to pre-treatment, the patient satisfaction increased immediately after treatment, after 3 months, and after 6 months, in both groups. Conclusion: Icon and Opalustre improve the color of WSLs. Color is stable over time. Patients are satisfied with the treatment results

Comparison of palatal volume and surface changes between bone-borne and tooth-tissue-borne maxillary expansion on cone beam computed tomography digital cast models

Objectives: To compare the changes of palatal volume and area in patients treated with tooth-tissue-borne palatal expanders (conventional Haas) and miniscrew-supported palatal expanders (modified Haas). Materials and methods: The sample included casts of 22 patients treated as part of a clinical study at the Department of Orthodontics, Al-Azhar University, to correct their crossbite malocclusion. Patients were divided equally into two groups upon arrival. The first group, with a mean age of 12 years and 6 months, received the miniscrew-supported palatal expander. The second group, with a mean age of 12 years and 2 months, received the Haas design-palatal expansion appliance. Pre- and post-expansion dental casts were cone beam computed tomography scanned and the slices were constructed into 3D volumes. Fully automated superimposition was done for pre- and post-expansion 3D models. Palatal volume and area were determined, and all measurements were carried out blindly. Paired t-test was used to assess the mean differences within each group and Welch's t-test was applied to assess the mean changes between the two groups. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test for the normality of the data. Results: There were no statistical differences in volume changes either within each group or between the groups. Although area changes were statistically significant within each group, the difference between the groups was not significant. Conclusions: Changes that result from the use of either method to expand the upper arch occur primarily in the shape of the palate, but not in its size

Malocclusion and Temporomandibular Disorders: Verification of the Controversy

Aims: To investigate the dental and skeletal aspects of malocclusion in the anteroposterior and vertical dimensions in a sample of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients and to correlate these aspects with the signs and symptoms of TMD. Methods: A total of 150 TMD patients were divided into five groups according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD: Group 1 = myalgia (M); Group 2 = disc displacement with reduction (DDWR); Group 3 = disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR); Group 4 = degenerative disorders (D); and Group 5 = subluxation (S). Molar and canine relations, overjet, overbite, occlusal guidance, occlusal interferences, and centric slides were recorded for each patient, and the skeletal craniofacial patterns were analyzed for each patient using cone beam computed tomography. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the variable means of the different groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations of quantitative continuous variables. Significance level was considered at P < .05. Results: No significant difference was found among the groups regarding any aspects of dental occlusion except for mediotrusive interferences, which were significantly higher in Group 3 (DDWOR) (P = .02). Regarding skeletal craniofacial pattern, Group 4 (D) had significantly smaller mean ± standard deviation sella-nasion-B (SNB) point angle (74.31 ± 3.04 degrees) than Group 3 (DDWOR) (78.04 ± 4.88 degrees), and Group 1 (M) showed the greatest SNB angle (79.87 ± 3.73 degrees) (P = .03). Group 3 (DDWOR) showed significantly greater mean mandibular plane/SN angle (39.56 ± 6.19 degrees) than Group 1 (M) (34.73 ± 5.65 degrees) (P = .04). Relations between occlusal variables and TMD parameters were nonsignificant. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence to diminish the TMD-malocclusion association, especially in myogenic types of TMD. © 2019 by Quintessence Publishing Co Inc