Treatment effects of “PowerScope” fixed functional appliance – a clinical study

Aim: To study the skeletal, dental effects and evaluate the soft tissue changes with PowerScope-fixed functional appliance in class II malocclusion.Materials and methods: This clinical study was carried out where a total of 10 growing (CVMS 3 and 4) Class II Division 1 malocclusion patients, indicated for treatment with fixed functional appliance were allocated based on specific inclusion criteria. PowerScope (American Orthodontics) was used as the fixed functional appliance. Skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects of the appliance with various angular and linear parameters on a digital lateral cephalogram were evaluated for all 10 participants. Records were collected before the insertion of PowerScope appliance (T0) and after 5 months, during the appliance removal (T1). All participants were treated with 0.018ʺ×0.025ʺ MBT (3M Unitek) prescription. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test to compare individual mean changes for each treatment category. Results: Statistically significant changes were seen in skeletal parameters such as forward positioning of the mandible with an increase in SNB angle and N perpendicular-Pogonion distance, the class II jaw base relationship improved with reduction in ANB angle and Wits appraisal. Significant changes were observed in dental parameters such as forward positioning of mandibular incisors, maxillary molar distalization and intrusion with reduction in overbite and overjet respectively. In the soft tissue, a significant improvement in facial profile was seen due to an increase in labiomental angle.Conclusions: The results of this study have shown that statistically significant changes in skeletal, dental and soft tissue parameter

Comparative evaluation of interrupted and intermittent forces on canine retraction: an in vivo study

Introduction: Various force systems are used in orthodontics to move teeth, such as continuous, intermittent and interrupted. Teeth responds differently to these orthodontic forces.Aims: The aim of the study is to compare the rate of canine retraction with intermittent and interrupted forces.Materials and Methods: A split mouth study was carried among eighteen participants. One side of maxillary arch randomly received interrupted force with elastomeric powerchain while other received intermittent force with elastics with magnitude of 150-170g for canine retraction on each side. For 15 weeks, participants were asked to wear the elastics 8 hours a day whereas the elastomeric powerchains were replaced by operator every 5 weeks. The outcomes were assessed using scanned images of study models collected at the beginning (T0) and 15 weeks later (T3) as well on OPG. Linear and angular measurements were used to measure the distal movement, rotation as well tipping of canines and the results were statistically analysed using Independent t-test.Results: The distal movement of canine on the interrupted force side was 0.98mm/5weeks and on the intermittent force side was 1.06mm/5weeks. The distopalatal rotation on interrupted and intermittent force side was 8.38° and 5.72°. Tipping measured on OPG was 5.72° and 5.27° for interrupted and intermittent force. No statistically significant differences were found.Conclusion: The rate of canine retraction with interrupted force and intermittent force showed no statistically significant differences. Less canine rotation and tipping with intermittent force compared to interrupted force though not statistically significant

Comparison of Volumetric Dimensions of Pharyngeal Airway for Different Dentofacial Skeletal Patterns Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: After a century of controversies, we are still not certain on the relationship between airway volume and facial morphology.Objective: To measure nasopharyngeal airway volume and compare it among different skeletal patterns.Materials and methods: Forty five CBCT scans of patients between sixteen to twenty five years were used in the study. The nasopharyngeal airway was divided into upper, middle and lower segments. CBCT images were grouped into skeletal class I, class II and class III.Results: There was highly significant difference in upper (p=0.001) and middle pharyngeal airway volume (p<0.001) among 3 skeletal groups. Lower pharyngeal airway volume was also statistically significant (p=0.051) among 3 groups. Total pharyngeal airway volume did not show any significant correlation.Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal airway volume seems to play a role in different skeletal patterns

Idiopathic Condylar Resorption: How to Diagnose and When to Treat it?

Idiopathic Condylar Resorption (ICR) has been frequently reported in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment especially in young adolescent females, so as dentists we could be the first ones to diagnose this condition. This condition represents an aggressive and fast-moving form of degenerative disease of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and the pathognomonic features of this condition include a deficit of condylar volume, furthermore reducing the ramus height and length of mandible and causing a clockwise rotation of the mandible leading to absence of anterior bite. The accurate cause of this condition is not known, however, there are multiple aetiological factors that could be contributing to this disease. ICR is a poorly understood disease and it could be a very difficult condition to treat because of its various expression and the large number of treatment options that are available. Over the past years a number of cases with ICR have been reported in the orthodontic literature. The aim of this review article is to present a compiled data to better understand the pathophysiology and aetiological factors contributing to ICR and provide an insight about the various clinical features and radiographic findings of this condition which will help us diagnose this condition better in our day-to-day practice. Various treatment modalities like splint therapy, orthognathic surgery, joint replacement have also been mentioned and discussed. A case of ICR that reported to our department with a chief complaint of progressive opening of the bite has also been included in this review article