Gender assessment through three-dimensional analysis of maxillary sinuses by means of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE: The availability of a low dose radiation technology such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dental practice has increased the number of scans available for forensic purposes. Moreover, specific software allows for three-dimensional (3D) characterization of the maxillary sinuses. This study was performed to determine whether sinus maxillary volumes can be useful to identify gender after validating the use of the Dolphin software as a tool for volumetric estimation of maxillary sinus volumes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The validation was performed by four different operators measuring the volume of six phantoms, where the real volume was already known. The maxillary sinus volumes of 52 patients (26 males and 26 females) mean age 24.3 were calculated and compared between genders and sagittal skeletal class subdivision. The measurements for patients and phantoms were based on CBCT scans (ILUMA™) processed by Dolphin 3D software. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the real volume and the volume measurements performed by the operators. No statistical difference was found in patient's maxillary sinus volumes between gender. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, it is not possible to support the use of maxillary sinuses to discern sexual difference in corpse identification

Second Class Resolver: a retrospective analysis. D'Attilio M, Rodolfino D, Filippakos A, Saccucci M, Festa F, Tripodi D.

Abstract AIM: To evaluate the use of Second Class Resolver (SCR), a new fixed orthopaedic appliance, for the treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion in growing subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Design Retrospective analysis. Forty subjects were treated with Second Class Resolver (SCR). The mean age was 8 years at the beginning of treatment and 10 years at the end of treatment. Digital cephalometric superimpositions on lateral radiographs taken at start and end of treatment were assessed. The cephalometric values were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis of changes during treatment shows reduction of ANB angle (mean 2°); reduction of Witts Index (mean 3 mm); reduction of Maxillo-Mandibular angle (MM) (mean 1°); reduction of SNA (angle mean 3°); reduction of gonial angle (mean 1.8°); increase of the mandibular branch length (mean 5 mm); increase of mandibular body (mean 2.9°). CONCLUSION: The Second Class Resolver can be beneficially used for the treatment of Class II malocclusion

Effects of bisphosphonates in orthodontic therapy:systematic review

Currently, the use of oral and systemic bisphosphonates, in the form of anti-osteoporosis medications or as a part of a chemotherapeutic regimen for several malignant diseases, is increasing dramatically in a large group of orthodontic patients. Animal studies have reported adverse dental effects from bisphosphonates, including decreased tooth movement, impaired bone healing, and osteonecrosis in the mandible and the maxilla

POSTURE-STABILOMETRIC VALUATION IN RUGBY PLAYERS AFTER MANDIBULAR REPOSITIONING

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the mandibular repositioning on the sport performance of rugby players, after posture-stabilometric screening. Twenty healthy rugby players (25 years on the average), with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), were included in the study. Posture–stabilometric valuation was performed with a combination of different visual conditions (eyes open/closed) and mandibular positions (Rest Position (RP) /Maximum Intercuspidation /mandibular repositioning with a wax non centric, centric and with an increase of the vertical dimension). Twelve players, which improved their posture-stabilometric arrangement after mandibular repositioning, were treated with Positioner, and underwent strength and speed testing before (T0) and after (T1) the use of the Positioner. For all tests there was a statistically significant improvement of the performance (P<0.05). The mandibular repositioning can produce an increase of the levels of strength, postural stability, resistance to fadigue, and a reduction of the muscolar traum

POSTUROSTABILOMETRIC EVALUATION OF PLANTAR VARIATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPORO-MANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

The aim of this experimental study was to find out if temporo-mandibular dysfunctions (TMD) can influence two of the parameters defining body posture, intersolar distance and plantar lay. Test group (TG) was made of 52 subjects (14 males and 38 females aging from 12 to 64 years, average 34.25 ± 12.96. ) all affected by temporo-mandibular dysfunctions. Control Group (CG) was made of 52 subjects (21 males and 31 females aging from 16 to 56 years average 34.19 ± 13.40 ) completely negative for temporo-mandibular or occlusal dysfunctions. The posturo-stabilometric measurements were made using a stabilometric platform and the following conditions were investigated: mandibular rest position (rest) and intercuspidal position (icp) with both eyes open/closed. For both conditions the following parameters were recorded: sway area, sway velocity, sway length, sway velocity variation, weight distribution, right foot angle, left foot angle, the sum of feet angles, bar torsion angle and intersolar distance. The results of our study show that there is a dectable difference between Test and Control group in intercuspidal positio