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Abstract Background This single-centered randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in accelerating the orthodontic retraction of maxillary incisors. Methods Forty-two patients aged 16–40 were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, one which underwent MOPs (MOPG) in the buccal and palatal region of all maxillary incisors immediately before the start of retraction and one which did not (CG). Eligibility criteria included the orthodontic need for maxillary first premolars extraction and space closure in two phases. The primary outcome of the study consisted of measuring the rate of space closure and, consequently, the rate of incisors’ retraction using digital model superimposition 14 days later and monthly thereafter for the next 4 months. The secondary outcomes included measuring anchorage loss, central incisors’ inclination, and root length shortening, analyzed using cone beam computed tomography scans acquired before retraction and 4 months after retraction. Randomization was performed using QuickCalcs software. While clinical blinding was not possible, the image’s examinator was blinded. Results Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned to each group. However, due to various reasons, a total of 37 patients (17 male and 20 female) were analyzed (mean age: 24.3 ± 8.1 years in the MOPG; 22.2 ± 4.2 years in the CG) during the trial. No statistically significant difference was found between the MOPG and the CG regarding the incisors’ retraction measured at different time points at the incisal border (14 days, 0.4 mm vs. 0.5 mm; 1 month, 0.79 mm vs. 0.77 mm; 2 months, 1.47 mm vs. 1.41 mm; 3 months, 2.09 mm vs. 1.88 mm; 4 months, 2.62 mm vs. 2.29 mm) and at the cervical level (14 days, 0.28 mm vs. 0.30 mm; 1 month, 0.41 mm vs. 0.32 mm; 2 months, 0.89 mm vs. 0.61 mm; 3 months, 1.36 mm vs. 1.10 mm; 4 months, 1.73 mm vs. 1.39 mm). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were detected in the space closure, anchorage loss, central incisors’ inclination, and radicular length between groups. No adverse effect was observed during the trial. Conclusions MOPs did not accelerate the retraction of the maxillary incisors, nor were they associated with greater incisor inclination or root resorption. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03089996. Registered 24 March 2017— https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03089996 .

Objective: To evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-implants (MIs) manufactured from stainless steel and compare them with conventional titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs. Material and Methods: The following groups were formed: G1 (n=24), 8×1.5 mm steel MIs; G2 (n=24), 12×2.0 mm steel MIs; and G3 (n=24), 10×1.5 mm titanium MIs. The 72 MIs were inserted in the infra zygomatic crest region of the maxilla and retromolar trigone in the jaw of 10 pigs. Pull-out, insertion torque, fracture and percussion tests were performed in order to measure the tensile strength, primary stability and fracture strength of MIs. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion and fracture torque, a universal mechanical testing machine was used for pull-out testing and a periotest device was used to measure the micromovement of MIs. For morphological and MI component evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. D'Agostino & Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-hoc and normality tests were used. Results:G2 insertion and fracture torques were significantly higher than G1 and G3 insertion and fracture torques (p

Abstract Background The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of alveolar corticotomy (AC) and piezocision (PZ) in accelerating maxillary canine retraction, and their effects on multiple bone remodeling expression in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). A split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial was performed at the Department of Orthodontics of Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Eligibility criteria included orthodontic need for first maxillary premolars extractions, followed by canine retraction. Fifty-one adult patients were recruited and randomly assigned to 3 groups (allocation ratio 1:1:1). Random allocation of surgical or control interventions to each side of the maxillary arch was also conducted: G1 − AC × Control, G2 − PZ × Control, and G3 − AC × PZ. Both the definition of the group and the decision of the experimental or control sides were randomized by the software. Intraoral digital scans were performed before, 7 and 14 days after the beginning of canine retraction, and subsequently, at every 14 days until a maximum period of 6 months. GCF samples were collected before, and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome consisted in the cumulative distal movement of the canines and was measured by digital model superimposition. The secondary outcome consisted in GCF bone remodeling samples that were quantified in a multiplex immunoassay. The measurements examinator was properly blinded. Results Forty-seven patients, 19 males and 28 females, were analyzed (mean age 20.72, SD = 6.66, range 15 to 38). Statistically significant differences in canine distal movement between AC and control in G1 were not observed (p > 0.05). In G2, PZ showed lower cumulative incisal and cervical measurements than control from the 2nd to the 24th week (p < 0.05). In G3, PZ showed a lower cumulative incisal and cervical measurements than AC from the16th to the 24th week (p < 0.05). In all groups, differences on biomarkers expression occurred at specific timepoints (p < 0.05), but a distinct pattern was not observed. Conclusions AC and PZ were not effective to accelerate maxillary canine retraction and did not induce a distinct pattern of biomarker expression. Trial registration NCT03089996 . Registered 24 March 2017 - Registered.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the dental effects, impact on quality of life, and pain perception of adolescents wearing Mini Hyrax and Hyrax expanders in rapid palatal expansion. Methods Thirty-four adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, with maxillary transverse deficiency (unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite), were randomly allocated into two groups, Mini Hyrax group and Hyrax group (1:1 ratio). Dental effects were evaluated by digitally superimposed pretreatment and postretention three-dimensional intraoral scans on the palatal rugaes using the software 3DSlicer. Impact on quality of life was assessed with the OHIP-14 questionnaire applied in the pretreatment, posttreatment and postretention. Visual analog scale was applied 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after the first activation of the expander. Results Thirty of the 34 adolescents recruited completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in dentoalveolar effects between groups. OHIP-14 scores across time among Mini Hyrax wearers were similar to those of the Hyrax wearers. The inter-group comparisons showed no difference between groups with respect to the OHIP-14 scores in posttreatment and postretention (p > 0.05). There were no differences in pain perception between groups. Considering intra-group comparison, the reduction in pain perception among adolescents in the Mini Hyrax group was gradual. Among adolescents in the Hyrax group, a statistically significant reduction between 48 and 72 h was observed. Conclusion There were no significant differences in dental effects, impact on quality of life and pain perception between adolescents wearing Mini Hyrax and Hyrax expanders in rapid palatal expansion.

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and make available, at no cost to the user, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools for Dentistry, providing dental information and advice geared toward patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Material and Methods: A Dentistry-based content that contemplated information and advice concerning orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was elaborated. The materials, which included instructions on oral hygiene and treatment strategies when faced with possible complications, were evaluated and validated by specialists, whose assessments reached a 85% approval. From the validated content, products using four distinct ICT tools were formulated. Results: The following technological products were developed: a program for community radios, three blog posts, four educational and informative videos, and a smartphone application - using texts, as well as images and videos. These ICT tools, geared toward patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances, were made available by internet at no cost to the user, and the number of accesses is already expressive. Conclusion: These technological-scientific tools, developed and provided freely to the population, can aid patients during their treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances, contributing to the dissemination of reliable information, and clarifying doubts that may arise during orthodontic therapy. These free ICT tools serve to facilitate access to scientific knowledge, thereby favoring social inclusion, bearing in mind that this educational and informative material was offered in a simple and accessible manner to the general population.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gums containing CPP-ACP in remineralisation of demineralised enamel around orthodontic brackets. Material and Methods: Enamel blocks from 120 bovine incisors were used. The blocks were flattened and polished, followed by the development of incipient subsurface caries. The blocks have been subjected to a baseline microhardness analysis. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the exposed area of the blocks, reserving an area for hardness analysis. An in situ crossover (three-way crossover phases of 21 days with an interval of one week between them), controlled, randomised and blind experimental model was used, with the participation of 12 volunteers divided into groups: G1 – negative control group, without chewing gum; G2 – conventional sugar-free chewing gum, without CPP-ACP (placebo); and G3 – sugar-free chewing gum with CPP-ACP. The following parameters were analysed: superficial linear (Ra), volumetric roughness (Sa), and superficial structural loss, which was indicated by Gap measurement (difference between the healthy and treated area). Statistical tests used were the Friedman, Wilcoxon and Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal Wallis' nonparametric tests and ANOVA. Results: There was a significant reduction in enamel microhardness after demineralisation in all the groups (p

ABSTRACT Introduction: An increasing percentage of the world’s population has had access to orthodontic treatment within the last few decades. Consequently, a larger number of patients seeking for correction of their malocclusions, nowadays, present with a history of previous orthodontic therapy. Orthodontists performing retreatments in their practice may have to face additional difficulties, and one of them is treating individuals that may be even more demanding for excellent results and efficient treatments. Objectives: This manuscript discusses the challenges faced when performing orthodontic retreatments. It illustrates a two-phase retreatment of a pre-adolescent and the ortho-surgical retreatment of a young adult with high demands for fast and exceptional results. Finally, this paper elaborates on the positive impacts that these retreatments had on the patients’ self-esteem and quality of life.

A geração de conhecimento obtida por meio da pesquisa científica materializa-se no anúncio dos resultados à sociedade. Este se faz basicamente de 2 formas: com apresentações em congressos e publicação de artigos científicos, ou por meio da solicitação de patentes. Se há intenção em auferir ganhos financeiros e materiais com as descobertas, ideias e inventos resultantes da pesquisa, a solicitação de uma patente se faz necessária. O objetivo deste artigo foi contribuir com a divulgação das informações pertinentes às patentes para o profissional da Odontologia brasileira. Uma descrição sucinta das etapas necessárias para a sua solicitação foi realizada. Deve-se reconhecer o esforço do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI) em disponibilizar no seu sítio eletrônico todas as informações necessárias aos interessados em fazer um pedido de patente, de maneira inteligível e didática, possibilitando a estes realizar seus próprios pedidos de patente de maneira autônoma.

ABSTRACT Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is known as Leopard syndrome, which is a mnemonic rule for multiple lentigines (L), electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities (E), ocular hypertelorism (O), pulmonary stenosis (P), abnormalities of genitalia (A), retardation of growth (R), and deafness (D). We report the case of a 12-year-old patient with some of the abovementioned characteristics: hypertelorism, macroglossia, lentigines, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, subaortic stenosis, growth retardation, and hearing impairment. Due to this set of symptoms, we diagnosed Leopard syndrome.

Abstract Objective: This article aimed to evaluate in vitro the efficiency of Pro Seal fluoride sealant application in the prevention of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets. Material and Methods: Brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of bovine incisors, and five groups were formed (n = 15) according to the exposure of teeth to oral hygiene substances and the application of enamel sealant: G1 (control), only brushing was performed with 1.450 ppm fluoride; G2 (control) brushing associated with the use of mouthwash with 225 ppm fluoride; G3, only Pro Seal sealant application was performed with 1.000 ppm fluoride; G4 Pro Seal associated with brushing; G5 Pro Seal associated with brushing and mouthwash. Experimental groups alternated between pH cycling and the procedures described. All specimens were kept at a temperature of 37 °C throughout the entire experiment. Both brushing and immersion in solutions were performed within a time interval of one minute, followed by washing in deionized water three times a day for 28 days. Afterwards, an evaluation by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the spectral type was performed. In each group, a scanning exam of the white spot lesion area (around the sites where brackets were bonded) and depth measurement of carious lesions were performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine whether there were significant differences among groups. For post hoc analysis, Tukey test was used. Results: There was statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.003), 1 and 3 (p = 0.008), 1 and 4 (p = 0.000) and 1 and 5 (p = 0.000). The group in which only brushing was performed (Group 1) showed deeper enamel lesion. Conclusion: Pro Seal sealant alone or combined with brushing and/or brushing and the use of a mouthwash with fluoride was more effective in protecting enamel, in comparison to brushing alone.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the color stability of five types of ceramic brackets after immersion in potentially staining solutions.METHODS: Ninety brackets were divided into 5 groups (n = 18) according to brackets commercial brands and the solutions in which they were immersed (coffee, red wine, coke and artificial saliva). The brackets assessed were Transcend (3M/Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), Radiance (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA), Mystique (GAC International Inc., Bohemia, NY, USA) and Luxi II (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Denver, CO, USA). Chromatic changes were analyzed with the aid of a reflectance spectrophotometer and by visual inspection at five specific time intervals. Assessment periods were as received from the manufacturer (T0), 24 hours (T1), 72 hours (T2), as well as 7 days (T3) and 14 days (T4) of immersion in the aforementioned solutions. Results were submitted to statistical analysis with ANOVA and Bonferroni correction, as well as to a multivariate profile analysis for independent and paired samples with significance level set at 5%.RESULTS: The duration of the immersion period influenced color alteration of all tested brackets, even though these changes could not always be visually observed. Different behaviors were observed for each immersion solution; however, brackets immersed in one solution progressed similarly despite minor variations.CONCLUSIONS: Staining became more intense over time and all brackets underwent color alterations when immersed in the aforementioned solutions.

Aim: To test the hypothesis that there is no relationship between the amount of vestibular inclination of mandibular incisors and the appearance of gingival recession in this region. Methods: This study included 20 patients selected in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: 1. adult patients without gingival recession in the mandibular incisors before treatment (T0), 2. no previous orthodontic treatment, 3. treated without tooth extraction in the mandibular arch, 4. bonded mandibular splinting from one canine to another after the active stage of orthodontic treatment (T1), 5. no visible wear of the incisal edge of the mandibular incisors, 6. Pre- and post-treatment teleradiography and plaster casts, and plaster casts 3 years post-treatment (T2). Depending on the amount of inclination of the mandibular incisors after treatment, the sample was divided into two groups: Group 1- 10 individuals (IMPA T1-T0 ≤ 5˚) and Group 2- 10 individuals (IMPA T1-T0 > 5˚). The measurement of length of the clinical crown (LCC) of the four mandibular incisors, distance between the incisal edge and vestibular marginal gingiva were made in plaster casts at T0, T1 and T2. Results: In spite of Group 1 presenting a reduction in LCC at T2, there was no statistically significant difference in LCC in the 3 time intervals evaluated in the two groups. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was accepted. The variation in the amount of vestibular inclination of the mandibular incisors during orthodontic treatment and 3 years after conclusion of treatment did not promote the appearance of gingival recessions in this group of patients.

Objective: The aim of this article was to assess how intraoral biodegradation influenced the surface characteristics and friction levels of metallic brackets used during 12 and 24 months of orthodontic treatment and also to compare the static friction generated in these brackets with four different methods of the ligation of orthodontic wires. Material and Methods: Seventy premolar brackets as received from the manufacturer and 224 brackets that were used in previous orthodontic treatments were evaluated in this experiment. The surface morphology and the composition of the deposits found in the brackets were evaluated with rugosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Friction was analyzed by applying tensile tests simulating sliding mechanics with a 0.019x0.025" steel wire. The static friction levels produced by the following ligation methods were evaluated: loosely attached steel ligature around all four bracket wings, steel ligature attached to only two wings, conventional elastomeric ligation around all 4 bracket wings, and non-conventional Slide® elastomeric ligature. Results: The results demonstrated the presence of biodegradation effects such as corrosion pits, plastic deformation, cracks, and material deposits. The main chemical elements found on these deposits were Carbon and Oxygen. The maximum friction produced by each ligation method changed according to the time of intraoral use. The steel ligature loosely attached to all four bracket wings produced the lowest friction levels in the new brackets. The conventional elastic ligatures generated the highest friction levels. The metallic brackets underwent significant degradation during orthodontic treatment, showing an increase in surface roughness and the deposit of chemical elements on the surface. Conclusion: The levels of static friction decreased with use. The non-conventional elastic ligatures were the best alternative to reduce friction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of deproteinization with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) prior to enamel conditioning with 10% polyacrylic acid (PAA) and 35% phosphoric acid (PA) on the bond strength (BS) of brackets bonded with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). One hundred human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into 5 groups (n = 20 in each group): G1 (control), enamel conditioning with PA, application of adhesive and bonding of brackets with TransbondTM XT composite resin (3M/Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA); G2, enamel conditioning with PAA and bonding with RMGIC (Fuji OrthoTM LC, GC America, Alsip, IL, USA); G3, NaOCl-treated enamel, conditioning with PAA and bonding with RMGIC; G4, enamel conditioning with PA and bonding with RMGIC; and G5, NaOCl-treated enamel, conditioning with PA and bonding with RMGIC. Once the brackets were bonded, the teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at room temperature and pressure until being subjected to shear stress in a Universal Mechanical Testing Machine (EMIC® DL 500, São José dos Pinhais, PR, Brazil). The BS value was higher in G1 (17.08 ± 6.39) than in any of the experimental groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were noted between groups using RMGIC (p > 0.05), except between G3 (9.86 ± 2.90) and G5 (5.00 ± 2.49). No statistically significant differences were noted between the mean Adhesive Remnant Index values among the evaluated groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of NaOCl combined with PAA increased the BS of brackets bonded with RMGIC. The deproteinization of the group treated with PA reduced the shear bond strength of the brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the static frictional forces generated at the bracket/wire interface of stainless steel brackets with different geometries and angulations, combined with orthodontic wires of different diameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The frictional forces were evaluated with three different types of metal brackets: a passive self-ligating (SmartClipTM, 3M/Unitek, Monrovia, USA), with a modified slot design (Mini Uni TwinTM, 3M/Unitek, Monrovia, USA) and conventional (Kirium, Abzil, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil). The samples were mounted in a testing device with three different angulations and tested with 0.014" and 0.018" stainless steel wires (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, USA). The static frictional force was measured using a universal testing machine (DL 500, EMIC®, São José dos Pinhais, Brazil) with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p

To evaluate the cumulative enamel loss during bonding and debonding procedures of orthodontic metallic brackets and to analyze the enamel superficial roughness. Forty-seven maxillary first premolars were obtained for quantitative and qualitative analysis. For quantitative analysis, forty premolars were weighed at each stage of treatment and the equivalent thickness of enamel loss was measured. The amount of tooth mass loss in each stage was divided by the density value to obtain the corresponding enamel volume lost. Subsequently, these volumes were divided by a circular area with a diameter of 7 mm, thus obtaining the equivalent thickness of enamel loss. They were assessed under the following conditions: as sound enamel, after acid conditioning, following the removal of residual resin composite, after final polishing with high or low-speed, and with or without water refrigeration. A rugosimeter was used to obtain a graphic registration of the enamel superficial roughness before and after acid conditioning. The data were analyzed with the Quantikov software and the Shapiro Wilk's and Wilcoxon statistical tests were used to evaluate enamel superficial roughness. The one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni Post-Hoc tests were used to analyze the amount of enamel loss. For qualitative analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the enamel surfaces was performed on seven premolars, one in each step. Acid conditioning significantly increased enamel surface roughness (p

INTRODUCTION: Sliding mechanics is widely used during orthodontic treatment. One of the disadvantages of this mechanics is the friction generated at the bracket/archwire interface, which may reduce the amount of desired orthodontic movement obtained. Due to the application and great acceptance of this type of mechanics, the role of friction in Orthodontics has been of interest for both clinicians and scientists. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, this article discussed how friction affects orthodontic tooth movement, with an approach to its clinical implications as well as the evolution of dental materials and its properties regarding resistance to sliding.

INTRODUÇÃO: o atrito gerado na interface braquete/fio durante a mecânica de deslizamento pode reduzir a eficiência da movimentação ortodôntica. O método de ligação do fio ao braquete exerce importante papel na determinação desse atrito. MÉTODOS: o presente estudo comparou a força de atrito gerada por quatro tipos de braquetes autoligáveis (Time®; Damon 2®; In-Ovation R® e Smart Clip®) com um grupo de braquetes ortodônticos convencionais (Dynalock®) associados a ligaduras elásticas tradicionais (Dispens-A-Stix®), que serviu como grupo controle. A força de atrito estático foi mensurada através da máquina universal de ensaios EMIC® DL 500 com dois fios de aço inoxidável com secção transversal 0,018" e 0,017" x 0,025". RESULTADOS: a análise de variância ANOVA e o teste de Tukey mostraram baixos níveis de atrito nos quatro braquetes autoligáveis associados ao fio 0,018" (PINTRODUCTION: Friction generated at the bracket/archwire interface during sliding mechanics can reduce the efficiency of orthodontic movement. The ligation method employed to tie the archwire to the bracket plays an important role in determining this friction. METHODS: This study compared the frictional force generated by four different types of self-ligating brackets (Time™, Damon 2™, In-Ovation R™ and Smart Clip™) with a group of conventional orthodontic brackets (Dynalock™) that require the use of traditional elastomeric ligatures (ExDispens-A-Stix™), which served as the control group. Static friction force was measured using an EMIC DL™ 500 universal testing machine using stainless steel round 0.018-in and rectangular 0.017x0.025-in archwires. RESULTS: ANOVA and Tukey's test showed low levels of friction in the four self-ligating brackets in tests with the 0.018-in wire (P

INTRODUÇÃO: a busca pelo aumento na eficiência dos tratamentos ortodônticos é uma constante em diversas áreas da Ortodontia atual. A realização de corticotomias alveolares pouco antes da aplicação de forças ortodônticas vem sendo sugerida como uma forma de potencializar a movimentação dentária e, consequentemente, o tratamento ortodôntico como um todo. OBJETIVO: o presente artigo revê a perspectiva histórica dessa abordagem terapêutica, apresenta e ilustra com casos clínicos suas principais indicações e, por fim, discute os fundamentos biológicos que justificam sua utilização.INTRODUCTION: The systematic search for increased efficiency in orthodontic treatment is shared by several areas of orthodontics. Performing alveolar corticotomies shortly before the application of orthodontic forces has been suggested as a method to enhance tooth movement and, consequently, orthodontic treatment as a whole. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the historical perspective of this therapeutic approach, presents and illustrates with clinical cases its main indications and finally discusses the biological reasons underlying its use.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of different enamel conditionings on the shear bond strength (SBS) and bond failure patterns of a resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) used to bond ceramic brackets. Methods: 105 human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into 7 groups according to the enamel surface treatments: conditioners (35% phosphoric acid and 10% polyacrylic acid), type of adhesive (Transbond® and Fuji Ortho LC Capsule®), washing time and drying of the surface. Results: A significant p0.05) to the group that had brackets bonded with composite resin. The two groups that had enamel prepared with polyacrylic acid and brackets bonded with GIC on a wet surface showed significantly lower shear bond strength than the control group (p

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess, during rapid maxillary expansion, the plaque index (PI) and the gingival index (GI) of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate(UCLP) using Hyrax (HX) or inverted mini-Hyrax (IMHX) rapid maxillary expanders (RME) considering patients’ sex and age. Methods: PI (Quigley Index modified by Turesky et al) and GI (Löe and Silness) of 28 UCLP (11 females; 17 males: aged 8 to 15 years) submitted to daily RME activation were assessed before (T0) and 7 (T1), 28 (T2) and 90 (T3) days after activation. Log-linear models and Bonferroni correction were performed to analyze possible differences in PI and GI between RME, sexes or age groups over time. Results: Intra-group comparison revealed significant increases in PI of patients using HX (T0 < T2), IMHX (T0 < T3; T1< T3), males (T0 < T1; T0 < T2; T0 < T3) or aged 12-15 years (T0 < T1; T0 < T2; T0 < T3), and in GI of patients using IMHX (T0 < T3; T1 < T3), females (T1 < T3; T2 < T3) or aged 12-15 years (T0 < T3; T2 < T3). One inter-group difference in GI according to patients’ age (8-11 < 12-15; T1) was observed. Conclusions: Since a single difference between groups was encountered, the results of this study indicated that PI and GI during maxillary expansion were similar between HX and IMHX, sexes and the analyzed age groups. Therefore, orthodontists can use these RME in UCLP patients according to the patient’s necessity or their preferences.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dental effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in cleft patients using two types of expanders. Methods: Twenty unilateral cleft lip and palate patients were randomly divided into two groups, according to the type of expander used: (I) modified Hyrax and (II) inverted Mini-Hyrax. A pretreatment cone-beam computed tomographic image (T0) was taken as part of the initial orthodontic records and three months after RME as need for bone graft planning (T1). Results: In general, there was no significant difference among groups (p > 0.05). Both showed significant transverse maxillary expansion (p < 0.05) and non-significant forward and/or downward movement of the maxilla (p > 0.05). There was greater crown than apical expansion. Maxillary posterior expansion tended to be larger than anterior opening (p < 0.05). Cleft and non-cleft sides were symmetrically expanded and there was no difference in dental tipping between both sides (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The appliances tested are effective for transverse expansion of the maxilla. However, these appliances should be better indicated to cleft cases also presenting posterior transverse discrepancy, since there was greater expansion in the posterior maxillary region than in the anterior one.