Search

Background. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) occurs in the alveolar bone; therefore, any condition affecting bone quality can alter OTM. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of amitriptyline on OTM in rats. Methods. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: (I) no injection, (II) injection with saline solution, and (III) injection of amitriptyline. Next, a 60-gr force was applied to the maxillary left first molar tooth of all the rats, using a nickel‒titanium closed-coil spring ligated between the maxillary incisors and the left first molar tooth. The rats were sacrificed after 21 days to measure OTM and perform histological analysis to determine the number, width, and depth of resorptive lacunae, osteoclast counts, and periodontal ligament (PDL) width. Results. The highest and the lowest OTM rates were found in the control and amitriptyline groups, respectively; however, there was no significant difference between the study groups in this regard. Histological analysis showed a significantly lower number of resorption lacunae in the amitriptyline group than the saline group. Conclusion. Although no significant difference was noted in OTM after amitriptyline administration, a reduction in the number of resorptive lacunae in rats injected with amitriptyline suggests that amitriptyline affects the bone tissue at the cellular level.

Introduction: Remineralizing agents may be used for the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) prior to bracket bonding. However, some concerns exist regarding their possible interference with the etching and bonding process, negatively affecting the bond strength. This study aimed to assess the effect of two remineralizing agents with/without CO2 laser irradiation on the mechanical properties and shear bond strength (SBS) of demineralized enamel to the orthodontic bracket. Methods: This study evaluated 60 premolar teeth in 6 groups (n=10) as follows: (I) sound enamel, (II) demineralized enamel, (III) Nupro remineralizing agent (N), (IV) Nupro and CO2 laser (N/L), (V) Teethmate remineralizing agent (T), and (VI) Teethmate and CO2 laser (T/L). The remineralizing agents were applied to the enamel surfaces after their immersion in a demineralizing solution for 5 days. In groups IV and VI, the CO2 laser with a 10.6 μm wavelength, 10 ms pulse duration, a 50 Hz repetition rate, 0.3 mm beam diameter and 0.7 W power was irradiated after applying the remineralizing agents. Brackets were bonded to the enamel surfaces and SBS was measured by a universal testing machine. For the assessment of enamel microhardness, 20 sections of molar teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=5; N, N/L, T, T/L) and their microhardness was measured before demineralization, after demineralization and after remineralization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were carried out to assess the formation of hydroxyapatite. The atomic percentages of the C, O, P, Ca, Na, Si, F and Ca/P ratio were determined by EDS analysis. Results: The SBS significantly decreased in group II (PConclusion: Remineralizing agents can significantly improve the microhardness and structural properties of demineralized enamel to a level similar to that of sound enamel with no adverse effect on SBS to orthodontic brackets.

The surgery-first approach (SFA), which proceeds without presurgical orthodontic treatment, is assumed to shorten the treatment course because the direction of post-surgical orthodontic tooth movement conforms to the normal muscular forces. Moreover, the regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP), evoked by surgery, helps in tooth alignment and compensation in a faster way. Although SFA has definite advantages, especially in class III individuals, there is a lack of data about its indications in patients with facial asymmetry. In this article, we reviewed recently published articles on the treatment of asymmetric patients using the SFA. Different aspects, including the three-dimensional assessment of stability in different planes, approaches for fabrication of a surgical splint, predictability of the results, skills needed for bimaxillary surgery, indications as the treatment of choice for condylar hyperplasia, and combination with distraction osteogenesis in candidates with severe asymmetries were found to be the main topics discussed for patients presenting with facial asymmetry

Introduction: Ceramic brackets have gained increasing popularity among dental clinicians and orthodontic patients but friction is a major concern when using them. This study sought to assess the effects of diode and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser irradiation on friction forces between two types of ceramic brackets and rhodium-coated esthetic archwires. Methods: Thirty polycrystalline and 30 poly-sapphire brackets were divided into 6 groups (n=10) as follows: (I) control polycrystalline brackets (no laser irradiation), (II) polycrystalline brackets subjected to diode laser irradiation, (III) polycrystalline brackets subjected to Nd:YAG laser irradiation, (IV) control poly-sapphire brackets (no laser irradiation), (V) poly-sapphire brackets subjected to diode laser irradiation, and (VI) poly-sapphire brackets subjected to Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The bracket slots were laser-irradiated on a custom-made table. Sixty 5-cm pieces of rhodium-coated archwires were used for the friction test in a universal testing machine at a speed of 10 mm/min. Ten brackets from the six groups underwent scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results: The frictional resistance value of polycrystalline brackets was significantly higher than that of poly-sapphire brackets, irrespective of laser type (P0.05). Conclusion: It appears that diode and Nd:YAG laser irradiation cannot significantly decrease the friction. Future studies are warranted on different laser types with variable exposure.