Search

To assess the effect of intra-oral aging on the shear bond strength of a composite resin orthodontic adhesive (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) after 6 months in the oral cavity and to compare it with control specimens not subjected to intra-oral aging.

Dental agenesis is one of the most common developmental anomalies in humans. It occurs as part of a genetic syndrome or as an isolated sporadic or familial finding. Third molars, second mandibular premolars and maxillary lateral incisors are the most frequently targeted teeth of the permanent dentition. Clinically, patients with congenitally missing permanent teeth seeking treatment present with unesthetic diastemas, midline deviation and tilting of adjacent teeth in the edentulous areas. The impact of tooth agenesis reflects on esthetics, function, psychological and social well-being of the individuals affected. Orthodontics can contribute to the treatment plan selected by rearranging the present teeth so as to open spaces for prosthetic restorations or close spaces by reshaping teeth if needed. Following orthodontic space opening/maintaining, the usual alternatives involve single implants, two-(cantilever) or full coverage-(cantilever) prostheses. Less frequently, the treatment modality of autotransplantation is proposed with a good esthetic result but feasible only in young patients where the roots of the premolars are still developing. In orthodontic space closure, treatment is accomplished sooner without waiting for the completion of growth of the patient. Depending on various factors such as the malocclusion, the dento-skeletal profile, the smile line, the space requirements, the teeth missing, the periodontal issues, the age of the patient and any financial issues, the clinician will determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The final esthetic and functional result should resemble an intact natural dentition.

Background/Aim: Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder, caused by mutations on genes located on the long arm of chromosome 12. The condition has no sex or race predilection and its incidence is 1 per 1,000 – 2,500 live births. Individuals affected with Noonan syndrome have distinctive facial features, hypertelorism, short stature, congenital heart disease; mainly pulmonary stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, chest deformities, variable learning disabilities and mental retardation. Orofacial findings in Noonan syndrome may be high-arched palate, micrognathia, dental malocclusion and articulation difficulties.

Nickel is the most common contact allergen. Nickel-containing orthodontic appliances are implicated in allergic reactions, which represent a type IV delayed hypersensitivity immune response. Nickel hypersensitivity is diagnosed through the patient's history, clinical findings, and biocompatibility testing (patch skin tests). While testing the level of nickel in mucosa and blood does not have diagnostic value, the in vitro cell proliferation assays could be an important diagnostic tool. Allergic hypersensitivity reactions may involve intra- and extraoral clinical signs, comprising diffuse erythema, edema, eczema, fissuring, desquamation, and symptoms such as itching and soreness. Caution and close monitoring should be exercised when placing nickel-containing orthodontic appliances in patients with known histories of nickel contact dermatitis, as the original treatment approach might need modification. The aim of this article is to provide orthodontists with the necessary knowledge about the biologic mechanisms, diagnostic tools, and clinical signs, as well as the treatment alternatives to nickel-induced allergic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumas to the mandible in children, due to falls or traffic accidents, can involve fractures in the condylar area. Without timely and proper diagnosis, such fractures may give rise to serious problems, such as growth disturbances of the face and disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Orthodontists are often involved in the diagnosis of condylar fractures but, more importantly, they should be involved in the successful conservative management of the fracture. The aim of this article is to present 5 cases of isolated condylar fractures in children (2 boys, 3 girls; age range 4.5 to 10 years) who were diagnosed and treated solely by a conservative orthopedic approach, involving the use of a functional appliance (activator). After a follow-up period of 1 year, clinical and radiologic examination indicated, due to the growth potential of the condyles during childhood, successful healing and remodeling had occurred in all 5 cases and no discomfort or complications were reported. A conservative treatment approach for an isolated condylar fracture, using a functional appliance during the growth period, can lead to complete restoration of the fractured area and re-establishment of physiologic function of the stomatognathic system with no signs of disturbance in dentofacial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]