Light-curing process for clear aligners’ attachment reproduction: comparison between two nanocomposites cured by the auxiliary of a new tool

BACKGROUND: Attachments’ configuration play an important role during Clear Aligner Treatment (CAT) for aligner retention and control of movements planned. The aims were to compare the macroscopic morphology of attachments reproduced with flowable (FNC) and conventional (CNC) composites and the effects on them of two light-guide tips with different dimensions. METHODS: 4 resin casts derived from the initial scan of the same patient were obtained. 10 vestibular attachments were replaced on both upper and lower arches of each model with CNC (Models A, B) and FNC (Models C, D). Each composite was cured by means of the same LED lamp with both regular light-guide (Models A, B) and push and light tool® (Models C, D). The 80 attachments were qualitative analyzed by means of a digital stereo microscope. Surface roughness and waviness measurements were assessed by contact probe surface profiler (TalySurf CLI 2000; Taylor Hobson, Leicester, United Kingdom). Statistical analysis was performed with independent samples t-tests. Significance was established at the P < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Model A showed lower values of surface roughness (Ra − 1.41 µm, Rt − 3.46 µm) and waviness (Wa − 2.36 µm, Wt − 10.95 µm) when compared with Model C. Significant reduction of waviness (Wa − 3.85 µm, Wt − 4.90 µm) was observed on Model B when compared with Model D. Significant increase of roughness and waviness parameters (Ra 3.88 µm, Rt 21.07, Wa 2.89 µm, Wt 14.74 µm) was found when CNC sample (Model A) was cured with regular light-guide tip. Higher values (Ra 2.33 µm, Rt 24.07 µm, Wa 1.67 µm, Wt 20.79 µm) were observed after regular light-guide tips curing on FNC sample (Model C). CONCLUSIONS: CNC resins determine more regular surfaces of attachments profiles. The additional use of a smaller light- guide of the LED push and light tool® allows to improve the macroscopic morphology of the attachments and to maximize light irradiance delivering by enhancing the polymerization process and the integrity of the features during the treatment

3D Comparison of Mandibular Response to Functional Appliances: Balters Bionator versus Sander Bite Jumping

Aim. To assess the three-dimensional (3D) maxillomandibular and dental response to Balters Bionator (BB) and the Sander Bite Jumping Appliance (SBJA) in growing patients. Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven Class II division 1 patients (13 males, 14 females), consecutively treated with either the BB (9 females, 7 males; 10.1±1.6 years) or SBJA (5 females, 6 males; 11±1.9 years), were collected from a single orthodontic practice. All patients presented overjet ≥5 mm, full Class II or end-to-end molar relationship, mandibular retrusion. CBCT scans were available at T1 and after removal of the functional appliances (T2) with a mean interval of 18 months. The 3D location and direction of skeletal and dental changes with growth and treatment were quantitatively assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Mann–Whitney U test (p<0.05). Results. Patients treated with the SBJA and BB orthopedic appliances presented, respectively, 4.7 mm and 4.5 mm of 3D displacement of the chin, with marked ramus growth of, respectively, 3.7 mm and 2.3 mm. While the mandible and maxilla grew downward and forward, no opening of the mandible plane was observed. Both appliances adequately controlled labial inclination of lower incisors (1.3° and 0.3°, for the SBJA and BB groups, resp.). No significant between-group differences were found for the T2−T1 changes for any of the variables, with the exception of molar displacements (significantly greater in the SBJA group than in the BB group, 1.2 mm and 0.9 mm, resp.). Conclusions. The maxillomandibular and dental growth responses to BB and SBJA therapies are characterized by vertical ramus growth and elongation of mandible that improve the maxillomandibular relationship with adequate control of lower incisor position

Stress on facial skin of class III subjects during maxillary protraction: a finite element analysis

Abstract Background Maxillary protraction with facemask (FM) is an orthopedic approach for treatment of Class III growing patients. Aim of the present investigation was to analyze tension loads produced by two different facial mask (FM) designs on facial skin of subject with skeletal Class III. Methods A three-dimensional (3D) geometry of Delaire and Petit FM models were reconstructed from the original Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D prototype using software package (ANSYS 5.7). A traction load of 9.8 N inclined of 30° to the occlusal plane was applied combining analytical FM models with a 3D facial model. Resulting stresses and deformations on the skin layer were tested through the von Mises yield criterion. Results Overall tensions were mostly developed on the chin area, while lower stresses were observed on forehead area for both FM designs. When Delaire FM model was tested, maximum stresses were observed on the upper border of the chin cup corresponding to the inferior lip and to marginal gingiva of lower incisors. After Petit FM application, maximum stresses were more extensively localized at the level of both upper border and central area of the chin. Stresses measured on the chin area were significantly higher with Petit FM when compared with Delaire FM (44 KPa versus 29 KPa, respectively). Conclusions Delaire FM determined lower stresses and tensile tensions than Petit FM model. Highest tensions were observed at the level of chin cup area for both Delaire and Petit FM. Stresses following Delaire FM application were mostly observed on the upper border of the chin cup, while Petit FM determined stresses more extensively distributed to the central area of the chin

Severe Crowding Associated with Lower Canine Premature Resorption: Interceptive Treatment with Clear Aligners—A Pilot Study

Background: Early mixed dentition represents a critical phase since crowding conditions can occur. The interceptive resolution of dental crowding allows favorable arch and occlusal development. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate dentoalveolar changes of clear aligner treatment planned to manage lower incisor crowding, loss of arch length, and midline deviation in early mixed dentition. Methods: A total of 13 patients (7 females, 6 males, 9.4 ± 1.2 age) treated with clear aligners were selected. Arch dimensions and incisor inclinations were evaluated before (T0) and at the end of interceptive treatment (T1). A paired t-test was chosen to compare T1–T0 changes. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The greatest significant increase in mandibular width was observed at the level of the first deciduous molars (+2.44 ± 1.4 mm), followed by the second permanent molars (+2.16 ± 1.4 mm). Lower arch length and arch depth showed a statistically relevant increase (2 ± 0.6 mm and 4.5 ± 1.6 mm, respectively). The mean lower dental midline changes were statistically significant (1.42 ± 0.73 mm). Conclusions: Early treatment with clear aligners, including the combination of transversal arch development, maintenance of leeway space, and guidance of eruption, represents a valid treatment strategy in early mixed dentition to manage arch crowding and occlusion development

Facemask performance during maxillary protraction: a finite element analysis (FEA) evaluation of load and stress distribution on Delaire facemask

Abstract Background To evaluate load and stress distribution on Delaire facemask (FM) during maxillary protraction in class III growing patients by means of finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional geometry of a Delaire FM was reconstructed from the original CAD 3D prototype, using software package (ANSYS 5.7). FM presented forehead and chin supports and stainless steel framework characterized by two lateral vertical bars connected to a crossbar with two pawls for elastic attachment. Two traction intensities (7.8 and 9.8 N) were applied on the FM pawls along three different downward inclined directions with respect to the occlusal plane (0°, 30°, or 50°, respectively). Resulting stresses and deformations were then tested through the von Mises yield criterion in order to underline the FM wear performance. Results The analysis showed that higher stresses and deformations are mostly related to axial forces of 9.8 N rather than 7.8 N. Stresses also progressively increased with increasing downward force inclinations (0°, 30°, and 50° with respect to the occlusal plane). The overall tensions were inferior to the limit of the elastic behavior (yield point) characterizing the material they are applied on. Thus, the FM structure absorbed the load applied with an elastic deformation of the lateral and horizontal bars. Conclusions Resulting stresses and deformations were directly proportional to protraction load amounts and to increasing downward inclination of forces. In all tested conditions, protraction forces were not able to determine plastic deformation on FM structure compromising its performance and efficiency

Soft tissue facial profile in Class III malocclusion: long-term post-pubertal effects produced by the Face Mask Protocol

Objectives The objective of this study was to analyze soft tissue changes produced by rapid maxillary expansion and facial mask therapy in growing Class III patients. Materials The treated group consisted of 32 Caucasian patients (15 females and 17 males) with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion treated with the Face Mask Protocol (FMP, rapid maxillary expander, facial mask, and removable lower bite-block). All patients were evaluated before treatment (T1; mean age, 8.4 years), at the end of active treatment (T2; mean age, 10.7 years), and at a post-pubertal follow-up observation (T3; mean age, 15.8 years). The treated group was compared with a matched control group of 20 untreated subjects (10 females and 10 males) with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion. Statistical comparisons between two groups were performed with the independent samples t-test (P &lt; 0.05). Results Significant improvements were found during the long-term T1–T3 interval for profile facial angle (–5.8°), nasolabial angle (–4.4°), mandibular sulcus (–10.3°), upper lip protrusion (+0.7 mm), and lower lip protrusion (–1.1 mm) in the treated group. No significant post-pubertal effects were found in terms of lower face percentage between two groups

Evaluation of the Upper Arch Morphological Changes after Two Different Protocols of Expansion in Early Mixed Dentition: Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Invisalign&reg; First System

Background: The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the morphological changes of the upper arch after two protocols of expansion, the Invisalign&reg; First system and rapid maxillary expansion (RME), in mixed dentition by means of geometric morphometric analysis (GMM). Methods: Digital dental casts of 32 children treated either with RME (RME group: 17 subjects; mean age 8.1 years) or the First system (First group: subjects; mean age 8.4 years) were collected. For both the RG and FG, pre-(T1) and post-treatment(T2) digital models were created. A total of 14 landmarks were digitized and GMM was applied. Procrustes analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Results: The PC1 resulting from the T2&ndash;T1 comparison in the RG g showed statistically significant morphological changes in the posterior region of the upper arch shape, without significant variations in the anterior region. The comparison of the T2&ndash;T1 changes in the FG showed an increase in the transverse dimension at the level of the canine and the first deciduous molar widths, with morphological variation in the anterior region due to frontal teeth alignment. Conclusions: The First system induced shape modifications of the upper arch during expansion in contrast to RME. The FG presented an improvement in the maxillary arch shape, while the RG maintained the initial triangular shape

Gingival Margins’ Modifications during Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign First^®: A Preliminary Study

The aim of the study was to assess modifications of gingival morphology at the end of Phase I treatment with Invisalign First. Eighteen subjects (ten females, eight males, mean age nine years) treated with Invisalign First were selected. The following parameters were measured on intraoral photographs before treatment (T0) and after the first set of aligners (T1) at level of permanent incisors, deciduous canines and molars: gingival margin height (GMH) and deciduous canine inclination (DCI). A paired t-test was used to evaluate T1-T0 changes. The level of significance was established at 5%. Deciduous canines’ GMH showed a major reduction between T1 and T0 accounting for 0.87 mm and 0.86 mm, respectively on the right and left sides. DCI increased for all patients in the interval T0–T1 on both sides, +7.11° on the right and +7.5° on the left. Tooth movement during Invisalign First induced significant modifications of gingival contour resulting in a more harmonious smile