Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of stainless steel (SS) orthodontic brackets bonded with four different orthodontic adhesives. Materials and Methods: Eighty newly extracted premolars 0 were bonded to 0.022 SS brackets (Ormco, Scafati, Italy) and equally divided into four groups based on adhesive used: (1) Rely-a-Bond (self-cure adhesive, Reliance Orthodontic Product, Inc., Illinois, USA), (2) Transbond XT (light-cure adhesive, 3M Unitek, CA, USA), (3) Transbond Plus (sixth generation self-etch primer, 3M Unitek, CA, USA) with Transbond XT (4) Xeno V (seventh generation self-etch primer, Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) with Xeno Ortho (light-cure adhesive, Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) adhesive. Brackets were debonded with a universal testing machine (Model No. 3382 Instron Corp., Canton, Mass, USA). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was recordedIn addition, the conditioned enamel surfaces were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Transbond XT (15.49 MPa) attained the highest bond strength. Self-etching adhesives (Xeno V, 13.51 MPa; Transbond Plus, 11.57 MPa) showed clinically acceptable SBS values and almost clean enamel surface after debonding. The analysis of variance (F = 11.85, P < 0.0001) and Chi-square (χ² = 18.16, P < 0.05) tests revealed significant differences among groups. The ARI score of 3 (i.e., All adhesives left on the tooth) to be the most prevalent in Transbond XT (40%), followed by Rely-a-Bond (30%), Transbond Plus with Transbond XT (15%), and Xeno V with Xeno Ortho (10%). Under SEM, enamel surfaces after debonding of the brackets appeared porous when an acid-etching process was performed on the surfaces of Rely-a-Bond and Transbond XT, whereas with self-etching primers enamel presented smooth and almost clean surfaces (Transbond Plus and Xeno V group). Conclusion: All adhesives yielded SBS values higher than the recommended bond strength (5.9-7.8 MPa), Seventh generation self-etching primer Xeno V with Xeno Ortho showed clinically acceptable SBS and the least amount of residual adhesive left on the enamel surface after debonding.

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The formation of white spot lesions or enamel demineralization around fixed orthodontic attachments is a common complication during and following fixed orthodontic treatment, which mars the result of a successfully completed case. This article is a contemporary review of the risk factors, preventive methods and fate of these orthodontics scars. The importance of excellent oral hygiene practice during fixed orthodontic treatment must be explained. Preventive programs must be emphasized to all orthodontic patients. Suggestions are offered in the literature for ways to prevent this condition from manifesting itself.

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The disadvantages of having orthodontic interventions both before and after orthognathic surgery include a long treatment time of 7-47 months and temporary worsening of facial appearance. Nowadays, the concept of surgery-first, followed by orthodontic treatment is applied to orthognathic surgery cases in different orthodontic centers in the world. This concept and technique is called "surgery-first-orthognathic-approach" or "surgery-first approach" (SFA) rigid fixation (skeletal anchorage system) of the bony segments and regional acceleratory phenomenon were keys to broad implementation of the SFA. This article is intended to provide an overview of SFA including indications, general and specific guidelines, different protocol variations, success rate and potential problems.

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Aim: To investigate the added-value of using CBCT in the orthodontic treatment method of maxillary impacted canines and treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 118 treated patients. The CBCT group (n = 58) (39 females/19 males with the mean age of 14.3 years) included those with conventional treatment records consisting of panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, intra-and extra-oral photographs, and dental casts and complemented with a CBCT scan for additional diagnostic information. The conventional group (n = 60) (31 females/29 males with mean age 13.1 years) included those with similar conventional treatment records but without CBCT imaging. Results: There were significant differences in the canine-related variables between both groups. The CBCT group had the higher level of difficulty and more severely displaced canines when compared with the conventional group. However, no significant difference was found between groups either in the number of treatment methods used or in the use of interceptive methods combined with other treatment modalities or choice of extraction versus non-extraction. In terms of treatment success and interval duration, no significant differences were found. However, treatment duration was significantly (4 months) shorter in the CBCT group compared with the conventional group (P = 0.023). Conclusion: CBCT has been used in cases with more severe symptoms of maxillary canine impaction. The use of CBCT improved the diagnostic capabilities and improved the chances of success in the more difficult cases to a level similar to that of simpler cases treated on the basis of 2D information.

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Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare craniofacial growth among operated and unoperated unilateral cleft lip and palate non-syndromic subjects. Materials and Methods: A sample of 180 subjects of Indian origin was selected. Of them, 90 were operated, and 90 were unoperated complete unilateral cleft lip and palate individuals. The subjects were divided into three age groups of 3-5, 8-10, and 20-25 years comprised of 30 patients in each group. The following measurements were evaluated: Angle and length of the cranial base; maxillary spatial positioning and length; mandibular spatial positioning; morphology and length; maxillomandibular relationship. Comparative analysis of the means between the groups was performed with Student's t-test at the significance levels of 5%. The ANOVA test has been performed to test the effect of time. Results: No significant differences were observed between the measurements that represented the angle and length of the cranial base of unoperated and the operated patients (P>0.05). There was statistically significant decrease ( P˂0.05) in the maxillary length (Co-A; 69.00 mm in 3-5 years, 68.33 mm in 8-10 years, and 67.17 mm in 20-25 years age group), and SNA angle (74.83Ί in 3-5 years, 74.17 Ί in 8-10 years and 73.17 Ί in 20-25 years age group) in operated group. No significant difference noticed on cephalometric values of the mandible, except Ar-Go-Me angle ( P˂0.05), which showed vertical growth pattern in unoperated patients (132.50 Ί in 3-5 years, 132.00 Ί I 8-10 years and 138.33 Ί in 20-25 years age group). Conclusion: Lip and palate repair has a significant influence on the maxilla and resulting in retarded growth of maxilla, which causes midface deficiency beyond acceptable sagittal limits. The Gonial angle showed vertical growth pattern in unoperated patients, but the cranial base angle and length of unoperated and the operated patients were similar.

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Aim: To assess the effects of adding nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO ₂ ) and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO ₂ ) and their mixture to poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to induce antimicrobial activity in acrylic resins. Materials and Methods: Acrylic specimens in size of 20 mm × 20 mm × 1 mm of 0.5% and 1% of nano-TiO ₂ (21 nm) and nano-SiO ₂ (20 nm) and their mixture (TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ nanoparticles) (1:1 w/w) were prepared from the mixture of acrylic liquid containing nanoparticles and acrylic powder. To obtain 0.5% and 1% concentration, 0.02 g and 0.04 g of the nanoparticles was added to each milliliter of the acrylic monomer, respectively. Antimicrobial properties of six specimens of these preparations, as prepared, were assessed against planktonic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 min follow-up by broth dilution assay. The specimens of each group were divided into three subgroups: Dark, daylight, or ultraviolet A (UVA). The percent of bacterial reduction is found out from the counts taken at each time point. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc analysis. Results: Exposure to PMMA containing the nanoparticles reduced the bacterial count by 3.2-99%, depending on the nanoparticles, bacterial types, and light conditions. Planktonic cultures of S. mutans and L. acidophilus exposed to PMMA containing 1% of TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ nanoparticles showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) (98% and 99%, respectively) in a time-dependent manner under UVA. The S. mutans and L. acidophilus counts did not significantly decrease in PMMA containing 0.5% nano-TiO ₂ and PMMA containing 0.5% nano-SiO ₂ in the dark. No statistically significant reduction (P > 0.05) was observed in the counts of S. mutans and L. acidophilus in PMMA without the nanoparticles exposed to UVA. Conclusions: PMMA resins incorporated with TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ nanoparticles showed strong antimicrobial activity against the cariogenic bacteria.

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Aims: To determine the cephalometric norm among Bangladeshi adults and to investigate the differences in craniofacial morphology compared with Japanese and Caucasian normative data. Materials and Methods: Cephalometric radiographs were obtained from 46 Bangladeshi males (mean age 23.8 years) and 52 Bangladeshi females (mean age 24.6 years). Inclusion criteria were the following: Both parents from the same ethnic group, class-I occlusion with an arch length discrepancy less than 2 mm, overbite and overjet from 2 to 4 mm, balanced face, all teeth present except third molar, no previous orthodontic treatment, and no prosthetic replacement of teeth. Nine angular and five linear measurements were constructed for skeletal hard tissue analysis, four angular and six linear measurements for dental hard tissue analysis, and two angular and seven linear measurements for soft tissue analysis. Mean and standard deviations of measurements were determined for each gender. Polygonal chart and profilogram were made. Independent t-test was used to determine differences. Results: The present Bangladeshi population has a smaller lower face height ( P<0.01) and the antero-posterior position of the maxilla and mandible was found to be significantly ( P<0.01) more protruded compared with the Japanese and the Caucasian norms. Significantly ( P<0.01) more protruded upper incisor, less steep occlusal plane, and thinner soft tissue chin were the characteristics in Bangladeshi adults. Conclusions: Relative to the cranial base (SN), the maxillo-mandibular complex was more anteriorly placed compared with the Japanese and Caucasian adults. Further, the effective length of the maxilla and mandible was shorter compared with the Japanese and Caucasian adults. These findings should be considered carefully during orthodontic treatment planning of Bangladeshi adults.

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In the present report, two techniques of space closure; two-step anterior teeth retraction (TSR) and en masse retraction (ER) were used in two adult patients who had bimaxillary protrusion and were treated with four premolar extractions and fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. Both patients had a Class I dental malocclusion and the same chief complaint, which is protrusive lips. Anterior teeth were retracted by two-step retraction; canine sliding followed by retraction of incisors with T-loop archwire in the first patient and by en masse retraction using Beta titanium alloy T-loop archwire in the second case. At the end of treatment, good balance and harmony of lips was achieved with maintenance of Class I relationships. The outcome of treatment was similar in the two patients with similar anchorage control. ER can be an acceptable alternative to the TSR during space closure since it is esthetically more acceptable. However, it requires accurate bending and positioning of the T-loop.

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Background: A review of literature indicates the Arab cephalometric pattern compared to the Caucasian cephalometric pattern is skeletally bimaxillary retrusive, dentally bimaxillary protrusive, and more divergent palatal and mandibular planes. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the cephalometric features of Emirates adults with Class I malocclusion and pleasing soft tissue profile and to evaluate for gender differences. The null hypothesis tested was no differences in lateral cephalometric measurements as a function of gender. Materials and Methods: The lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult Emirati nationals with Class I malocclusion were analyzed in order to characterize an indigenous Class I malocclusion population in the United Arab Emirates. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 30 males with average age of 24.52±6.09 years and 31 females averaging 23.57±5.52 years were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software. Twenty-two hard and soft tissue measurements comprised the cephalometric analysis. Results: Only one gender difference was demonstrated out of the 22 cephalometric analysis measurements used in the study; SN-PP mean for females (10.74±3.44 degrees) subjects averaged a 2.3 degree higher mean value than the males (8.43±3.95 degrees, P=0.018). The cephalometric study results were compared to published norms from Steiner and Eastman. Conclusions: Based upon the conditions of the present study, it may be concluded that adult Emirati males and females seeking orthodontic treatment with Class I malocclusion present similar cephalometric profiles with the exception that measurement SN-PP may be steeper in females than males. Moreover, Emiratis are likely to present greater incisor proclination and protrusion than Caucasians and may be generally considered as more bimaxillary protrusive.

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Orthodontic force elicits a biological response in the tissues surrounding the teeth, resulting in remodeling of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. The force-induced tissue strain result in reorganization of both cellular and extracellular matrix, besides producing changes in the local vascularity. This in turn leads to the synthesis and release of various neurotransmitters, arachidonic acid, growth factors, metabolites, cytokines, colony-stimulating factors, and enzymes like cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinases, and aspartate aminotransferase. Despite the availability of many studies in the orthodontic and related scientific literature, a concise integration of all data is still lacking. Such a consolidation of the rapidly accumulating scientific information should help in understanding the biological processes that underlie the phenomenon of tooth movement in response to mechanical loading. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the biological processes taking place at the molecular level on application of orthodontic force and to provide an update of the current literature.

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Aims: Objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the treatment effects of the MGBM-System (G.B Maino, A. Giannelly, R. Bernard, P. Mura), a new intraoral device to treat Class II malocclusions with no patient cooperation by unilateral or bilateral molar distalization. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the pre-distalization and post-distalization cephalograms and dental model casts of 30 patients (15 male, 15 female) with Class II malocclusion treated with MGBM-System. Mean age at the beginning of treatment was 13.3 years (standard deviation 3.3). Angular, horizontal and vertical measurements were recorded to monitor skeletal and dental-alveolar changes. Molar movements in horizontal plane were monitored by making dental measurements on dental model casts. Results: The MGBM-System produced a rapid molar distalization and Class II relationship was corrected in 8 months ΁ 2.05, on average. The maxillary first molars were distalized of 4.14 (PTV-6 cemento-enamel junction), associated with a significant distal axis incline of 10. 5° referred to SN and a significant intrusion of 1.3 mm (PP). As for anchorage loss, the first premolar exhibited a significant mesial movement of 0.86 mm, associated with a significant mesial axis incline of 2.46°. No significative changes in either sagittal or vertical skeletal relationship were observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that the MGBM-System is an efficient and reliable device for distalizing the maxillary permanent first and second molars.

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Aim: To determine the efficiency of erbium: Yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser with Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and shear bond strength analysis as a method of recycling stainless steel orthodontic brackets and compare with other methods of recycling. Materials and Methods: Eighty samples of extracted premolar teeth bonded to SS brackets were tested for rebonded shear bond strength after recycling by four methods and compared with a control group of 20 samples. These 80 samples were randomized into four groups which were recycled by four methods, namely, sandblasting, thermal method, adhesive grinding by tungsten carbide bur, and Er: YAG laser method. After recycling, ESEM and shear bond strength analysis were used to analyze the efficiency of the recycling methods Results: Er: YAG laser group was found to be having the greatest bond strength among the recycled brackets (8.33±2.51 followed by the sandblasting at 6.12±1.12 MPa, thermal and electropolishing at 4.44±0.95 MPa, and lastly the adhesive grinding method at 3.08±1.07 MPa. The shear bond strength of Er: YAG laser group was found to be having no statistically significant difference with that of the control group (P>0.05 and had statistical signifance with sandblasting, thermal and electropolishing and adhesive grinding groups at P>0.001. ESEM analysis showed complete removal of adhesive from the brackets recycled with Er: YAG laser which mimicked that of the control group. Conclusion: Er: YAG laser (2940 nm) was found to be the most efficient method for recycling, followed by the sandblasting, thermal, and the tungsten carbide methods, which had the least shear bond strength value and is not fit for clinical usage.

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Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess changes in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances 24 h after insertion. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients aged between 14 and 24 years (29 males and 31 females; mean age, 17.8 years; SD 3.1 years) were recruited from the Postgraduate Clinic, Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured before treatment and 24 h after insertion of the orthodontic appliance. The instrument used to measure OHRQoL was a modified self-administered short version of Malaysian Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-16[M]) questionnaire. The higher the score, the poorer is the OHRQoL. Results: Overall score of OHRQoL increased significantly 24 h after insertion (mean 43.5±10.9) as compared to before insertion (mean 34.1±9.2) ( P<0.001). Significant changes were found for the following items: Difficulties in chewing, bad breath, difficulties in pronunciation, discomfort in eating, ulcer, pain, avoidances of eating certain foods, difficulties in cleaning, embarrassment, avoid smiling, disturbed sleep, concentration affected, difficulty carrying out daily activities, and lack of self-confidence ( P<0.05). Significant changes were also found in the mean difference of OHRQoL for gender ( P<0.001). Conclusion: OHRQoL was found to deteriorate 24 h after insertion of fixed orthodontic appliances in almost all domains, with significant changes in gender. This information can be used as "informed consent," which might increase patient's compliance as they are aware of what to expect from initial orthodontic treatment.

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Objective: To evaluate the position of hyoid bone in the subjects treated with Twin block appliance. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 40 Angle's Class II division 1 subjects treated with Twin block appliance. Lateral radiographs were taken before and after treatment. According to Schudy's facial divergence angle (SN-MP), the subjects were classified in to three groups: group I (hypodivergent, SN-MP: <31° (27°-30°), n=15), group II (normodivergent, SN-MP: 31°-34°, n=15), and group III (hyperdivergent, SN-MP: >34° (35°-38°), n=10). Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed manually. After measurements of variables, Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Results: Post treatment with Twin block therapy, hyoid bone shifted significantly (P<0.01) forward in horizontal dimension in all three groups, although it was highest in group III. However, there was no significant difference amongst the groups. In vertical dimension, hyoid bone shifted in upward direction in all three groups; however, the shift was significant (P<0.01) only in group I and there was a significant difference between group I and rest of the two groups. Width of upper airway significantly (P<0.01) increased and ANB angle significantly (P<0.001) decreased in all three groups with forward movement of mandible. Conclusions: After treatment with Twin block appliance, significant changes occurred in horizontal dimension (anterior displacement), which resulted in significant increase in width of upper pharynx in all three groups.

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Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the differences in facial profile preference among different layers of people in the United Arab Emirates. Facial profile self-awareness among the different groups was also evaluated. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 222 participants (mean [standard deviation] age = 25.71 [8.3] years, almost 80% of the participants were of Arab origin and 55% were males); consisting of 60 laypersons, 60 dental students, 60 general practitioners, 16 oral surgeons, and 26 orthodontists. Facial profile photographs of a male and female adult with straight profiles and a Class I skeletal relationship were used as a baseline template. Computerized photographic image modification was carried out on the templates to obtain seven different facial profile silhouettes for each gender. To assess differences in facial profile perception, participants were asked to rank the profiles of each gender on a scale from most to least attractive (1 [highest score] and 7 [least score]). Awareness and satisfaction with the facial appearance on a profile view was assessed using questionnaires completed by the non-expert groups. Results: The straight facial profile was perceived to be highly attractive by all five groups. The least attractive profiles were the bimaxillary protrusion and the mandibular retrusion for the male and the female profiles, respectively. Lip protrusion was more esthetically acceptable in females. Significant differences in perception existed among groups. The female profile esthetic perception was highly correlated between the expert groups (P > 0.05). Overall agreement between the non-expert group's perceptions of their own profiles and evaluation by the expert orthodontist was 51% (κ = 0.089). Candidates who perceived themselves as having a Class III facial profile were the least satisfied with their profile. Conclusions: Dental professionals, dental students, and laypersons had a similar perception trends in female and male aesthetic preference. Laypersons were more tolerant to profiles with bi-maxillary retrusion. The expert group's esthetic perception was highly correlated only for the female profiles. Most of the non-experts were unable to correctly identify their facial profile.

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Objectives: This in-vitro study aimed at evaluating the effect of three debonding sequences on the shear bond strength (SBS) of new stainless steel (SS) brackets. Materials and Methods: Stainless steel twin brackets (0.022-inch, American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) were bonded with light cure adhesive (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, St. Paul, MN, USA) to 80 newly extracted human premolars after acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid (30 s). Brackets were debonded with a universal testing machine, and new brackets were bonded to teeth using the same adhesive and same manner. This process was repeated twice, and brackets were debonded within 24 h after bonding. The longitudinal changes of average SBS were assessed with the repeated measures ANOVA. Post-hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction were also used to compare the average SBS at three debonding sequences. Result: The mean SBS decreased significantly after each debonding sequence (P < 0.01). The corresponding mean values (standard deviation, 95% CI) after the first, second, and third debonding sequences were 22.88 MPa (4.08, 21.97-22.79), 19.36 MPa (4.54, 18.62-20.64), and 16.67 MPa (4.27, 15.72-17.62), respectively. There was no significant difference among the adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores of three debonding sequences (χ² = 5.067, df = 6, P = 0.53). Conclusion: Average SBS after three debonding sequences was significantly decreased, but was above the recommended 5.9-7.8 MPa. In-vivo studies are required to validate the finding of this study.

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Although amelogenesis imperfecta is not a common dental pathological condition, its etiological, classification, clinical and management aspects have been addressed extensively in the scientific literature. Of special clinical consideration is the frequent co-existence of amelogenesis imperfecta with the anterior open bite. This paper provides an updated review on amelogenesis imperfecta as well as anterior open bite, in general, and documents the association of these two separate entities, in particular. Diagnosis and treatment of amelogenesis imperfecta patients presenting also with anterior open bite require a lengthy, comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, which should aim to successfully address all dental, occlusal, developmental, skeletal and soft tissue problems associated with these two serious clinical conditions.

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare frictional forces between monocrystalline alumina (MA), polycrystalline alumina (PA), and stainless steel (SS) brackets with two SS wires: Rectangular and round. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 60 0.022" brackets [20 PA (0° torque, Forestadent, Germany) and 20 MA (0° torque, Ormco, California, USA)] brackets plus 20 SS brackets (0° torque, Foretadent, Germany) and 60 SS archwires (30 rectangular 0.019" ×0.025" archwires and 30 round 0.018" archwires, Ortho Technology, USA) were used in subgroups of 10 from the combination of all brackets and all archwires. A universal testing machine (Instron, Model STM 250, Germany) was used to investigate the static frictional resistance. The angulation between the bracket and wire was 0°, and the wires were pulled through the slots at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. Two-way and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Mean (SD) static frictional force for each group was as follows: MA + round: 3.47 (0.38); MA + rectangular: 4.05 (0.47); PA + round: 4.14 (0.37); PA + rectangular: 4.45 (0.65); SS + round: 3.28 (0.22); and SS + rectangular: 4.22 (0.61). Significant effects of bracket types (P = 0.001) and archwire types (P = 0.000) on the friction force were detected using ANOVA. Tukey test indicated significant differences between PA brackets with both SS and MA brackets (P < 0.05), but not between SS and MA brackets. The two archwires as well had significantly different effects (Tukey P = 0.000). Conclusions: Based on the present in-vitro study, the PA brackets might create higher frictional forces compared to both SS and MA brackets. The rectangular 0.019" ×0.025" archwire might create greater forces than round 0.018" archwire.

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Background: Rapid palatal expansion is one of the most important orthopedic treatments that correct the dental and palatal constriction. Stability of the changes partly depend on the rapidity of new bone formation in affected sutures after expansion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laser irradiation on the healing of midpalatal suture concurrent to the expansion of midpalatal suture in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 male Sprague rats in seven groups were evaluated: A control group of six rats without any treatments and three experimental groups of 24 which underwent palatal expansion for different time periods (7, 14, and 30 days), and each divided into two groups of with and without laser irradiation. Laser therapy was done by gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser with 810 nm wavelength and 4 J/cm ² irradiation in days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 in 4 points (1 labial and 3 palatal points). After sacrificing, the sections were evaluated by histomorphometric and quantitative analysis and results were statistically investigated by independent samples t-test. Results: The results in 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days show that laser therapy can increase the rate of osteogenesis in palatal suture during rapid palatal expansion but the differences in 7 days groups were not significant (P = 0.117) while in 14 days groups (P = 0.032) and 30 days groups were significant (P = 0.001). Most of effectiveness of low-power laser was seen between 14 and 30 days while the laser therapy was stopped. Conclusion: These findings suggest that low-level laser irradiation can increase and accelerate bone regeneration in the midpalatal suture after rapid palatal expansion, hence, reduce retention time.

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Objectives: To conduct an epidemiological survey of the orthodontic debonding techniques in Italy, and describe the most commonly used methods to remove the brackets and adhesive from the tooth surfaces. Materials and Methods: A survey consisting of 6 questions about bracket debonding methods and instruments used was emailed to 1000 orthodontists, who were members of the Italian Orthodontics Society (SIDO. Clinicians were characterized by different sex, age, origin, and professional experience. Results: Overall, 267 surveys were returned, representing a response rate of 26.7% of the participants interviewed. The 0.2% of the orthodontists responded, via email, confirming that they were not interested, while 3% of the questionnaires were sent back not completed. The 70.1% of the clinicians interviewed did not return any response. Overall, 64% of SIDO members (orthodontists) did not detect any enamel damage after debonding. The brackets used most frequently (89.14%) in clinical practice were the metal ones. The most commonly used pliers for bracket removal were cutters (37.08%) and bracket removal pliers (34.83%). For adhesive removal, low speed tungsten carbide burs under irrigation were the most widely utilized method for adhesive removal (40.08%), followed by high speed carbide burs (14.19%), and diamond burs (14.19%). The most frequently used instruments for polishing after debonding were rubber cups (36.70%) and abrasive discs (21.35%). The 31.21% of the orthodontists found esthetic enamel changes before bonding versus after debonding. Conclusions: This survey showed the high variability of different methods for bracket debonding, adhesive removal, and tooth polishing. The collected answers indicate that most orthodontists have developed their own armamentarium of debonding and polishing, basing their method on trials and errors.

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Objectives: Facial Aesthetics, a major consideration in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, may not be judged correctly and completely by simply analyzing dental occlusion or osseous structures. Despite this importance, there is no index to guarantee availability of treatment or prioritize patients based on their soft tissue treatment needs. Individuals having well-aligned teeth but unaesthetic convex profiles do not get included for treatment as per current malocclusion indices. The aim of this investigation is to develop an aesthetic index based on facial profiles which could be used as an additional tool with malocclusion indices. Materials and Methods: A chart showing typical facial profile changes due to underlying malocclusions was generated by soft tissue manipulations of standardized profile photographs of a well-balanced male and female face. A panel of 62 orthodontists judged the profile photographs of 100 patients with different soft tissue patterns for assessing profile variations and treatment need. The index was later tested in a cross-section of school population. Statistical analysis was done using "irr" package of R environment version 2.15.1. Results: The index exhibited very good reliability in determining profile variations (Fleiss kappa 0.866, P < 0.001), excellent reproducibility (kappa 0.9078), high sensitivity, and specificity (95.7%). Testing in population yielded excellent agreement among orthodontists (kappa 0.9286). Conclusions: A new Facial Aesthetic index, based on patient's soft tissue profile requirements is proposed, which can complement existing indices to ensure treatment to those in need.

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Aims: This study is conducted to determine the amount of distortion of digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of all patients who received dental implants in the years 2012 and 2013 were selected from the records at the faculty of dentistry, King Abdulaziz University. Radiographs were analyzed using the R4 Kodak Software for linear measurements of implants length and width. The measurements were compared to the actual size of the implant, and the amount of distortion was calculated. Results: A total of 169 implants were analyzed. Horizontally, there was a statistically significant increase of 0.4 mm in width in the radiographic measurement compared to the actual size in the incisor region. Vertically, the sample overall exhibited a decrease by 0.4 mm compared to the actual size. Incisors had the highest difference with a decrease of 1.7 mm in the radiographic measurements compared to actual size. The highest distortion was found in the incisor region for both diameter and length (1.1 and 0.86), respectively. Conclusion: Digital panoramic radiographs show minimal to no distortion. The highest distortion is found in the anterior area.

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Background: There is limited data about current utilization of miniscrews in orthodontic practices in India. The purpose of this survey was to obtain information on clinical utilization of miniscrews among orthodontists in India. Materials and Methods: A survey questionnaire was prepared and mailed to 2100 qualified and registered orthodontists in India. Results: A total of 1691 orthodontists responded to the survey, with a response rate of 80.52%. Among them, 952 (56.3%) had never used miniscrews in their clinical practice. Seven hundred and thirty-nine (739) (43.7%) had utilized miniscrews in their treatment, at some point of time. Among the orthodontists who used miniscrews, 463 (62.65%) used a surgical guide for positioning the miniscrews and 276 (37.35%) placed miniscrews without a surgical guide. Six hundred and thirty-four (634) (85.79%) orthodontists placed the miniscrews personally while 105 (14.21%) utilized the help of other specialists for placing the miniscrews. Among the orthodontists who used miniscrews, 76 (10.28%) utilized the help of oral surgeon to place the miniscrews while 29 (3.93%) utilized the help of periodontists to do the procedure. Conclusion: Miniscrews are a useful addition to the orthodontic armamentarium. The major indication for miniscrew was indirect anchorage in critical anchorage cases. The most important factors in determining the clinical utilization of miniscrews as a part of the treatment modality depends upon operator training and skill; fear of complications, patient refusal to accept miniscrews and the clinician's preference for conventional methods without unnecessary invasive procedure.

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Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of malocclusion and its distribution among 12-17 year old Urban Libyan schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A total of 900 subjects were examined, of which 343 fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 169 males and 174 females. Molar relationship, overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), midline deviation, crossbite, and crowding/spacing were recorded. Sexual dimorphism was explored using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square tests. Results: The prevalence of malocclusion was 95.6%. Class I, Class II division 1, Class II division 2 and Class III malocclusions comprised 66.5%, 21.9%, 3.5%, and 3.7% respectively of the total sample. The OJ percentage of 51% (zero-3.5 mm), 48.4% (>3.5 mm), 0.6% (≤−3.5 mm to >zero) was recorded, with no significant sex differences ( P=0.225). A normal overbite, increased and open bites were observed in 39.9%, 55.1%, and 2.3% of the group respectively with no sexual dimorphism ( P=0.970). Crossbite was present in 13.1% of the group, with no significant sex difference ( P=0.469). Crowding in the maxillary and mandibular arches were observed in13.9%, and 12.2% respectively. Spacing occurred in 9.4% and 7.9% of the examined maxillary and mandibular arches respectively, with no significant sex difference regarding the presence of spacing/crowding in the maxillary arch ( P>0.05). Males, however, had significantly more spacing and less crowding in the mandibular arch ( P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of malocclusion in Libyan schoolchildren is among the highest reported in the literature. Crowding is among the least reported manifestations of malocclusion.

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