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The objective of nasoalveolar molding is to provide an approximation of lip and palatal segments, to reduce tension in the tissues in a nonsurgical way along with reshaping of gums, lips, and nostrils to give a symmetrical appearance, and help in narrowing the cleft width before surgery. The goal of this case report is to describe the use of a modified MU hook appliance in a case of a bilateral cleft lip and palate. This appliance aids in lengthening the columella and significantly improves the surgical outcome. This report also highlights the benefits, adjustments required, proper training for parents, and clinical management of the appliance.

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of laser-scanned digital models compared to plaster models. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 plaster models were scanned using the 3M ESPE Lava scan ST scanner to construct digital models. Various measurements, encompassing intra-arch and inter-arch from scans and plaster models, were estimated. The plaster models were measured using digital calipers and digital models using MiniMagics 3.0 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the mean difference of the parameters between the two groups was tested by paired t-test. Results: No significant difference was detected between the digital and manual measurements in the majority of the parameters, and the values for the parameters showed significant differences that were not clinically applicable. The digital method showed good reproducibility for all the measurements (r > 0.7). Overbite showed a marked variation between the manual and digital measurements due to overlapping tooth structures in digital models with respect to ideal occlusion. Bolton's analysis did not show a significant difference between the manual and digital methods. Conclusions: Digital models could be compared to the gold standard plaster models.

Background and Objective: The Coronavirus 2 syndrome (SARS CoV 2) or COVID-19 pandemic's rapid and widespread reach has become a major cause of concern to the dental health-care profession. The goal of this study was to assess the knowledge among dental students and professionals about COVID-19 disease and related infection management practices in the region of Delhi-National Capital Region, India. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was created, and it was divided into six sections to assess the awareness with respect to the facts, diagnostic aspects of the disease, and its importance in dental treatment. Convenient sampling method was used for data collection. Comparison was done among the following four groups: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) students, academicians (teaching in a dental college), and academicians + practitioners (teaching/not teaching but working in a private dental clinic) over a total of 500 responses for a period of 10 days. The data were coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 version. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages were used to summarize the data. ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study disciplines among BDS, MDS, practitioners, and academicians and practitioners. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average correct responses among various sections among all groups came out to be 60.64%, with the highest score being 64.91% among academicians + practitioners and the lowest score being 57.45% among BDS students. Among the sections, 72.4% was highest (section 1: what is coronavirus) and 41.2% was lowest (section 5: diagnosis/tests). Comparison of the overall sections among various groups showed a nonsignificant result although some individual questions showed a statistically significant result. Conclusion: Dental health professionals need regular educational activities and training programs on infection prevention practices with respect to COVID-19 infection to serve not just their own practice but also to help the health-care sector in case the demand arises.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of non-aerosol producing restorative self-etching primers (SEPs) as a substitute for conventional orthodontic bonding primers and to analyze the extent of residual composite on the tooth post-debonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four extracted human premolars were randomly divided into seven groups based on the adhesive and the bonding protocol used. The study comprised Prime and Bond one select (Dentsply), G-Premio Bond (GC), which were each divided into three subgroups based on the method used for moisture control and the control group (Transbond XT conventional total etch). The three methods for moisture control in study groups were: without drying, air-drying with the use of a three-way syringe, and with the use of blotting paper. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested using a universal testing machine (UTM), and after debonding, the enamel surface of each tooth was examined under 10× magnification to evaluate adhesive remaining index (ARI) scores. RESULTS: Groups 2A (Prime and Bond; without drying) & 1 (Transbond XT) had the lowest and highest SBS values, respectively (P = 0.001). Comparison of ARI between the control group and group 2b (Prime and Bond; air-drying with 3 in 1) showed a significant difference (P = 0.041). Comparison of ARI between control group and group 2c (Prime and Bond; blotting paper) showed a significant difference (P = 0.017). Rest all other comparisons were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Transbond XT had SBS values higher than the self-etch groups. Among the self-etch groups, G-Premio Bond had higher SBS values when the traditional methods of air-drying were followed. Use of blotting paper for drying that produced variable SBS values can be an effective alternative method. G-Premio Bond with its adequate bond strength under manufacturer's instruction seems promising in this regard.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different intracoronal bleaching methods on the shear bond strength and site of failure of ceramic brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty freshly extracted human maxillary incisors were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15). Endodontic access cavity was prepared and root canals were filled, root fillings were removed 2mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, and a 2-mmthick layer of glass ionomer cement base was applied. Group 1 served as the control. Intracoronal bleaching was performed with 35% carbamide peroxide in group 2, sodium perborate in group 3, and 37.5% hydrogen peroxide in group 4. The teeth were immersed in artificial saliva for 4 weeks before bracket bonding. Ceramic brackets were bonded with composite resin and cured with LED light. After bonding, the shear bond strength of the brackets was tested with a universal testing machine. The site of bond failure was determined by modified ARI (Adhesive Remnant Index). RESULTS: The highest value of shear bond strength was measured in control group (18.67 ± 1.59 MPa), which was statistically significant from groups 2,3, and 4. There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 4. The lowest shear bond strength was measured in group 3. ARI scores were not significant from each other. CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronal bleaching significantly affected the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets even after 4 weeks of bleaching. Bleaching with sodium perborate affects shear bond strength more adversely than does bleaching with other agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Ozonated Olive Oil Gel, Chlorhexidine gel, and Amflor (Fluoridated) mouthwash on reducing the count of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy evaluated at different time intervals. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) based on antimicrobial agents used (Group 1: Ozonated olive oil gel; Group 2: Chlorhexidine gel; Group 3: Fluoridated mouthwash). Elastomeric modules from brackets were collected at T0 (Fresh samples) and T1 (2nd week) and T2 (4th week) for assessment of the microbial growth. These collected modules were cultured and evaluated for the presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli and numbers of colonies were counted at each interval. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Level of significance was kept at 5%. Intra-group and inter-group comparison between pretreatment, 2nd week and 4th week was done for each group using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: There was presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli during orthodontic treatment which progressively increased from To to T1 and then declined from T1 to T2. The colony counts were maximum for Fluoridated mouthwash and least for Chlorhexidine and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All three antimicrobial agents used were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Chlorhexidine proved to be more efficacious whereas Fluoridated mouthwash proved to be least effective against both Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to clinically evaluate and compare 0.016-inch superelastic nickel–titanium (NiTi) and 0.016-inch heat-activated nickel–titanium (NiTi) archwires in terms of alignment efficiency, root resorption, and pain intensity. METHOD: A total of 20 patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment, having Little's irregularity index of 5–8, and requiring first premolar extractions were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive two different archwires (0.016-inch superelastic NiTi or 0.016-inch thermoelastic NiTi). Good-quality impressions were taken of the lower arch before archwire placement (T0) and at every month after that till the alignment was complete. The rate of tooth alignment was measured on casts by determining Little's irregularity index. The pain experienced by the patient was assessed 24 hours and 1 week after the placement of the archwire on a visual analogue scale. Cone beam computed tomographic radiographs of lower anterior teeth were taken before and after alignment to assess root resorption. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS software (version 20.0). The level of significance was kept at 5%. RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference in the aligning efficiency of superelastic and heat-activated NiTi wires. (p = 0.45). The Mann Whitney U test showed that superelastic NiTi wires had statistically significant higher VAS scores than heat-activated NiTi at 24 hours and 1-week interval (p < 0.05). Student's t-test indicated greater root resorption with superelastic NiTi but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both the wires showed similar aligning efficiency and resulting root resorption. Superelastic NiTi was observed to produce more pain compared to heat-activated NiTi in the aligning phase.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demineralization around orthodontic brackets cured by conventional method and transillumination method. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty freshly extracted human premolar teeth were divided into four groups. Group 1: Brackets bonded with conventional method of bonding by curing labially for 40 sec. Group 2: Brackets bonded with transillumination method of bonding for 50 sec. Group 3: Brackets bonded with conventional method of bonding by curing labially for 20 sec followed by 30 sec of transillumination. Group 4: Brackets bonded with transillumination method of bonding for 30 sec followed by labial curing for 20 sec. Ground sections were prepared of each tooth and microleakage was evaluated using a binocular microscope at 40× magnification (Olympus BX53) and an image was taken using a digital camera (Olympus EPL3) connected to the microscope. The images were analyzed using Magnus Pro Image software. Scores were assigned to different degrees of microleakage at the demineralization zone around enamel-adhesive-bracket complex at the occlusal, middle, and gingival margins using linear measurement tool. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Level of significance was kept at 5%. Intragroup comparison was done using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U-tests for pairwise comparison. RESULTS: Group 4 showed least mean demineralization in occlusal, middle, and cervical areas as compared to other groups and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transillumination can be employed as a method synergistically with conventional curing to achieve minimum amount of demineralization during fixed orthodontic treatment.