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The present Canadian position paper contains recommendations for the management by dentists of sleep-disordered breathing in adults with the use of oral appliances (OAs) as a treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The recommendations are based on literature reviews and expert panel consensus. OAs offer an effective, first-line treatment option for patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer an OA to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or for severe OSA patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, are inappropriate candidates for CPAP or who have failed CPAP treatment attempts. The purpose of the present position paper is to guide interdisciplinary teamwork (sleep physicians and sleep dentists) and to clarify the role of each professional in the management of OA therapy. The diagnosis of OSA should always be made by a physician, and OAs should be fitted by a qualified dentist who is trained and experienced in dental sleep medicine. Follow-up assessment by the referring physician and polysomnography or sleep studies are required to verify treatment efficacy. The present article emphasizes the need for a team approach to OA therapy and provides treatment guidelines for dentists trained in dental sleep medicine. Many of the dentists and sleep physicians who contributed to the preparation of the present article are members of the Canadian Sleep Society and the authors reached a consensus based on the current literature.

Custom-made mandibular advancement devices are an effective treatment option for snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Evidence-based data indicates their efficacy, and international sleep societies recommend oral appliance (OA) therapy for patients with sleep-related breathing disorders. The following position paper by the German Society of Dental Sleep Medicine (DGZS) is to guide the interdisciplinary team (sleep physician and sleep disorder dentist) in detail when to prescribe oral appliances. This position paper supports the responsible use of OA as an effective treatment option for patients with sleep-related breathing disorders. The paper advises of proper indication regarding OSA severity, body mass index (BMI), and dentition. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach of oral appliance therapy and suggests treatment under the guidance of dentists trained in dental sleep medicine.

SUMMARY The aim was to assess the views and practice of Croatian orthodontists concerning retention protocols. A total of 150 questionnaire copies were distributed, of which 92 were validly completed. The survey included sociodemographic characteristics, practices of informing patients about retention options, commonly used appliances, and reasons for choosing a particular type of retention and treatment duration. Orthodontists informed patients about retention mostly verbally, the retention period was 3-5 years, the choice of method depended on the malocclusion (76%), and the protocol was influenced by clinical experience of the orthodontist (39%). The most commonly used appliance in the maxilla was the vacuum-formed retainer (52%), whereas a combination of fixed and removable retainers was most common in the mandible (34%). Modus of acquiring knowledge, biological reasons (malocclusion type, oral health, treatment outcome, and growth) and the patient’s wishes were not a predictor of retention duration or recall frequency. With an increase in orthodontic experience, the duration of retention decreased and orthodontists were more likely to change the duration of retention (p=0.001), as well as the type of retention appliance (p

The demand for orthodontic treatment in adults has been increasing. However, these patients often require a multidisciplinary approach, due to the lack of posterior teeth, requiring additional anchorage. The skeletal anchorage by endosseous implants is an option, since they may be used later for prosthetic rehabilitation. The application of immediate load on these appliances for orthodontic movement may reduce the costs and total treatment time. This paper discusses the utilization of endosseous dental implants with immediate load for absolute anchorage for orthodontic movement, with later utilization for prosthetic rehabilitation. RESUMO A demanda por tratamento ortodôntico em pacientes adultos tem sido cada vez maior. Entretanto, esses pacientes frequentemente exigem um tratamento multidisciplinar, devido às ausências de dentes posteriores, necessitando de ancoragem adicional. A ancoragem esquelética usando implantes osseointegrados apresenta-se como alternativa, uma vez que eles serão posteriormente utilizados para reabilitação protética. A aplicação de carga imediata sobre esses dispositivos, para movimentação ortodôntica, pode reduzir custos e o tempo total de tratamento. O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir o emprego de implante dentário osseointegrado, com carga imediata, como ancoragem absoluta para movimentação ortodôntica e, posteriormente, utilizado para reabilitação protética.

Early correction of developing class III malocclusions remains a complex challenge. Treatment approaches for these young patients have been directed at growth modification. Encouraging outcomes have been reported with the use of Class III functional appliances including reverse twin block (RTB) appliance. The present paper tries to provide an insight into RTB appliance used for successful interceptive management of developing class III malocclusion in two children. RTBs were fabricated with bite registered in the position of maximum possible retrusion of mandible with interincisal clearance of 2 mm and vertical clearance of 5 mm in the buccal segments. Anterior crossbite was corrected, and there was a marked improvement in facial appearance of the children. RTB can be a viable and effective functional appliance treatment modality for early management of developing class III malocclusion.

Class Ⅱ malocclusion is a common orofacial deformity that could harm the facial esthetics and oral function. Two-stage treatment strategy always applies to functional and skeletal (mild and moderate) class Ⅱ malocclusion with man-dibular retrognathism in teenagers. Traditional functional orthopedic appliances are less comfortable and inconvenient to correct the dental arches, making the treatment duration long. With the rapid progress of digital technology and material science, functional clear aligners that offer comfort have emerged. Functional clear aligners can combine orthopedic and orthodontic treatments to correct the jaw relationship and align the dental arch, thereby shortening the treatment duration. This paper emphasizes the treatment key points, and clinical experience of using functional clear aligners.Ⅱ类错牙合是一种常见的牙颌畸形，对青少年颜貌美观和口颌系统功能有明显的影响。对于青少年以下颌后缩为主的功能性和轻中度骨性Ⅱ类错牙合，建议采用双期矫治。传统的功能矫治器舒适度低，不方便进行牙列的调整，疗程较长；随着数字化技术和材料科学的快速发展，隐形功能矫治器应运而生。隐形功能矫治器佩戴舒适，可以将矫形治疗和矫治治疗有机地结合在一起，在调整颌骨关系的同时对错位牙进行矫正，提高矫治效率，缩短治疗时间。本文结合典型病例，简单介绍使用隐形功能矫治器矫治青少年Ⅱ类错牙合畸形的矫治要点和治疗体会。.

Timing of orthodontic treatment, especially for children with developing class III malocclusions, has always been somewhat controversial, and definitive treatment tends to be delayed for severe class III cases. Developing class III patients with moderate to severe anterior crossbite and deep bite may need early intervention in some selected cases. Class III malocclusion may develop in children as a result of an inherent growth abnormality, i.e. true class III malocclusion, or as a result of premature occlusal contacts causing forward functional shift of the mandible, which is known as pseudo class III malocclusion. These cases, if not treated at the initial stage of development, interfere with normal growth of the jaw bases and may result in severe facial deformities. The treatment should be carried out as early as possible for permitting normal growth of the skeletal bases. This paper deals with the selection of an appropriate appliance from the various current options available for early intervention in developing class III malocclusion through two case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontics, just as any other science, has undergone advances in technology that aim at improving treatment efficacy with a view to reducing treatment time, providing patients with comfort, and achieving the expected, yet hardly attained long-term stability. The current advances in orthodontic technology seem to represent a period of transition between conventional brackets (with elastic ligatures) and self-ligating brackets systems. Scientific evidence does not always confirm the clear clinical advantages of the self-ligating system, particularly with regard to reduced time required for alignment and leveling (a relatively simple protocol), greater comfort for patients, and higher chances of performing treatment without extractions - even though the number of extractions is more closely related to patient's facial morphological pattern, regardless of the technique of choice. Orthodontics has recently and brilliantly used bracket individualization in compensatory treatment with a view to improving treatment efficacy with lower biological costs and reduced treatment time. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims at presenting a well-defined protocol employed to produce a better treatment performance during this period of technological transition. It explores the advantages of each system, particularly with regards to reduced treatment time and increased compensatory tooth movement in adult patients. It particularly addresses compensable Class III malocclusions, comparing the system of self-ligating brackets, with which greater expansive and protrusive tooth movement (maxillary arch) is expected, with conventional brackets Capelozza Prescription III, with which maintaining the original form of the arch (mandibular arch) with as little changes as possible is key to yield the desired results. INTRODUÇÃO: a Ortodontia passa, como toda ciência, por constantes evoluções tecnológicas que buscam aumentar a efetividade da abordagem terapêutica, visando a diminuição do tempo de tratamento, o aumento do conforto para os pacientes, bem como a obtenção da tão almejada, e pouco alcançada, estabilidade em longo prazo. O estágio atual de desenvolvimento tecnológico da Ortodontia representa, ao que tudo indica, uma fase de transição entre os sistemas convencionais de ligação (com módulos elásticos) e os chamados autoligáveis. As evidências científicas nem sempre consubstanciam a clara percepção clínica das vantagens desse sistema, no que diz respeito a um menor tempo de alinhamento e nivelamento, uma relativa simplificação técnica, maior conforto para os pacientes, além do aumento da capacidade de tratamento sem extrações - embora essa indicação esteja mais ligada à avaliação do padrão morfológico facial, e menos a qualquer escolha técnica. Desde um passado recente e não menos brilhante, a Ortodontia vem utilizando a individualização de braquetes para tratamentos compensatórios, buscando aumentar a efetividade da abordagem terapêutica, com menores custos biológicos e menor tempo de tratamento. OBJETIVO: o presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um protocolo bem definido de melhor aproveitamento dessa fase de transição tecnológica, buscando explorar o que cada sistema tem de melhor, principalmente sob a óptica da redução do tempo de tratamento e aumento da capacidade de movimentação dentária compensatória em pacientes adultos. Especificamente, serão abordadas as más oclusões de Classe III compensáveis, usando o sistema de braquetes autoligáveis onde se deseja maior capacidade de movimento expansivo e protrusivo (arcada superior) e braquetes convencionais Prescrição III Capelozza(r) onde a manutenção da forma com mínima mudança (arcada inferior) é imprescindível para a obtenção dos resultados almejados.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the nature of the orthodontic archwires on the friction coefficient and wear rate against materials used commonly as brackets (Ti–6Al–4V and 316L Stainless Steel). The mate- rials selected as orthodontic archwires were ASI304 stainless steel, NiTi, Ti, TiMo and NiTiCu. The array archwire’s materials selected presented very similar roughness but different hardness. Materials were chosen from lower and higher hardness degrees than that of the brackets. Wear tests were carried out at in artificial saliva at 37 C. Results show a linear relationship between the hardness of the materials and the friction coefficients. The material that showed lower wear rate was the ASI304 stainless steel. To prevent wear, the wire and the brackets have high hardness values and in the same order of magnitude.

After exfoliation of the primary incisors and eruption of the permanent incisors, the dentist has the opportunity of observing closely the beginning of occlusal changes. In several cases, alterations, such as lower anterior crowding, can be prevented and treated with proper follow-up. In the mixed dentition, one of the mechanisms for maintaining space and favoring dental alignment is to preserve leeway space before permanent second molar irruption. Among the devices with this function, the Nance lingual arch helps maintaining the position of the permanent mandibular molars and incisors after a premature loss of the primary canines. This paper describes the applicability of Nance lingual arch for preserving leeway space, thus contributing for correction of lower anterior crowding. Após a esfoliação dos incisivos decíduos e a irrupção dos incisivos permanentes, o dentista tem a oportunidade de observar o início das alterações na oclusão. Em muitos casos, realizando o correto acompanhamento, pode-se prevenir e tratar possíveis más oclusões como o apinhamento anteroinferior. Na dentadura mista, um dos mecanismos para manter espaço e favorecer o alinhamento dentário consiste na preservação do espaço disponível de Nance (leeway space), antes da irrupção do segundo molar permanente. Dentre os dispositivos utilizados para esta finalidade, o arco lingual de Nance auxilia a manutenção do posicionamento dos molares permanentes e incisivos inferiores, quando da perda prematura dos caninos decíduos. Este trabalho objetiva descrever a aplicabilidade do arco lingual de Nance para a preservação do leeway space, o que contribuiu para a correção do apinhamento anteroinferior.

Objective: This paper analyzed whether nickel-titanium closed coil springs (NTCCS) have a different superelastic (SE) behavior according to activation and whether their force plateau corresponds to that informed by the manufacturer. Methods: A total of 160 springs were divided into 16 subgroups according to their features and activated proportionally to the length of the extensible part (NiTi) of the spring (Y). The force values measured were analyzed to determine SE rates and force plateaus, which were mathematically calculated. These plateaus were compared to those informed by the manufacturer. Analysis of variance was accomplished followed by Tukey post-hoc test to detect and analyze differences between groups. Results: All subgroups were SE at the activation of 400% of Y length, except for: subgroups 4B and 3A, which were SE at 300%; subgroups 4E and 4G, which were SE at 500%; and subgroup 3C, which was SE at 600%. Subgroup 3B did not show a SE behavior. Force plateaus depended on activation and, in some subgroups and some activations, were similar to the force informed. Conclusions: Most of the springs showed SE behavior at 400% of activation. Force plateaus are difficult to compare due to lack of information provided by manufacturers. resumo Objetivo: o presente artigo analisou se as molas helicoidais fechadas de níquel-titânio apresentam superelasticidade (SE), de acordo com a ativação, e se o platô de força medido corresponde ao informado pelo fabricante. Material e Métodos: 160 molas foram divididas em 16 subgrupos, de acordo com suas características, e foram ativadas proporcionalmente ao comprimento da parte extensível (NiTi) da mola (Y). Os valores de força obtidos foram analisados para determinar as taxas de SE e os platôs de força, os quais foram calculados matematicamente - sendo esses platôs comparados aos informados pelos fabricantes. Uma análise de variância foi realizada, seguida do teste post-hoc de Tukey, para detectar e analisar as diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: todos os subgrupos apresentaram SE em ativação de 400% do comprimento Y, com exceção dos subgrupos 4B e 3A (que apresentaram SE a 300%), dos subgrupos 4E e 4G (com SE a 500%) e do subgrupo 3C (que apresentou SE na ativação de 600%). O subgrupo 3B não apresentou comportamento superelástico. Os platôs de força dependeram da ativação e em alguns subgrupos, em determinadas ativações, foram semelhantes à força informada pelo fabricante. Conclusões: a maioria das molas apresentou comportamento superelástico na ativação de 400%. Os platôs de força são difíceis de ser comparados, devido à falta de informações por parte dos fabricantes.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to determine the amount of deformation in four commercial brands of nickel-titanium closed springs. Methods: A total of 130 springs were divided into 13 subgroups, according to their features and manufacturers (Morelli, Orthometric, Ormco and GAC) and activated from 100% to 1000% of the effective length of the nickel-titanium portion present at the spring, at 37 °C. Deactivation data were plotted and deformation was found graphically. The values were compared by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: Springs manufactured by Morelli had the same amount of deformation when they were activated up to 700% of Y activation; springs by Orthometric had the same amount of deformation up to 600-700% of Y; springs by Ormco had the same amount of deformation up to 700-800% of Y; and finally, the majority of springs by GAC had similar deformation up to 800%-1000% of activation. All springs tested could be activated up to 700% without rupture. Conclusions: Most subgroups were similarly deformed up to 700% of activation, without rupture of springs. Subgroups 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E showed the same amount of deformation up to 1000% of activation without any rupture at all. RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar a deformação em molas fechadas de níquel-titânio de quatro marcas comerciais. Métodos: cento e trinta molas foram divididas em treze subgrupos, de acordo com suas características e fabricantes (Morelli, Orthometric, Ormco e GAC), com ativação entre 100% e 1.000% do comprimento efetivo de níquel-titânio presente na mola (Y), a 37 °C. Dados de desativação foram coletados e a deformação foi obtida de forma gráfica. Os valores foram comparados por meio de análise de variância e teste post-hoc de Tukey. Resultados: as molas da Morelli apresentaram a mesma quantidade de deformação considerando-se 700% de ativação de Y; as molas da Orthometric tiveram a mesma quantidade de deformação até 600-700% de Y; as molas da Ormco tiveram a mesma quantidade de deformação até 700-800% de Y; e, por fim, a maioria das molas da GAC apresentou deformação semelhante até 800-1.000% de ativação. Todas as molas testadas puderam ser ativadas até 700% sem ruptura. Conclusões: a maioria dos subgrupos se deformou de maneira semelhante até 700% de ativação, sem ruptura das molas. Os subgrupos 4B, 4C, 4D e 4E demonstraram a mesma quantidade de deformação até 1.000% de ativação, sem nenhuma ruptura.

Introduction: A canted occlusal plane presents an unesthetic element of the smile. The correction of this asymmetry has been typically considered difficult by orthodontists, as it requires complex mechanics and may sometimes even require orthognathic surgery. Objective: This paper outlines the case of a 29-year-old woman with Class II malocclusion, pronounced midline deviation and accentuated occlusal plane inclination caused by mandibular deciduous molar ankylosis. Methods: The patient was treated with a miniplate used to provide anchorage in order to intrude maxillary teeth and extrude mandibular teeth on one side, thus eliminating asymmetry. Class II was corrected on the left side by means of distalization, anchored in the miniplate as well. On the right side, maxillary first premolar was extracted and molar relationship was kept in Class II, while canines were moved to Class I relationship. The patient received implant-prosthetic rehabilitation for maxillary left lateral incisor and mandibular left second premolar. Results: At the end of treatment, Class II was corrected, midlines were matched and the canted occlusal plane was totally corrected, thereby improving smile function and esthetics. RESUMO Introdução: o plano oclusal inclinado representa um elemento antiestético para o sorriso. A correção dessa assimetria é normalmente considerada difícil pelos ortodontistas, requerendo mecânica complexa e, algumas vezes, até cirurgia ortognática. Objetivo: esse artigo descreve o caso de uma paciente de 29 anos, portadora de má oclusão de Classe II, com considerável desvio das linhas médias e acentuada inclinação do plano oclusal, causada pela anquilose de molar decíduo inferior. Métodos: a paciente foi tratada com ancoragem em miniplaca, para promover a intrusão dos dentes superiores e extrusão dos dentes inferiores em um lado, eliminando a assimetria. A Classe II foi corrigida no lado esquerdo por meio de distalização, também ancorada na miniplaca. No lado direito, o primeiro pré-molar superior foi extraído e a relação de molares de Classe II foi mantida, enquanto os caninos foram movidos para relação de Classe I. A paciente recebeu reabilitação por meio de implante e prótese no incisivo lateral superior esquerdo e no segundo pré-molar inferior esquerdo. Resultados: ao término do tratamento, a Classe II foi corrigida, as linhas médias estavam coincidentes e a inclinação do plano oclusal foi totalmente corrigida, melhorando consideravelmente os aspectos funcionais e estéticos da oclusão.