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Objective: The reliability of posttreatment canine-to-canine retention with resin composite retainers reinforced with plasma-treated woven polyethylene ribbons was compared to the reliability of directly bonded, multistranded wire retainers. Method and materials: This prospective study was based on an assessment of 20 consecutive patients (eight women and 12 men with a mean age of 22.4 years) who required a fixed canine-to-canine retainer after undergoing orthodontic treatment. The type of retainer used was randomized for each patient. A follow-up examination was carried out once every 3 months. The length of time the retainers stayed in place without resin fracture or loosening from the teeth at one or more points was evaluated. The study's endpoint was 24 months after the retainer had been bonded. Results: The ribbon-reinforced retainer remained in place for an average of 11.5 months, and the multistranded wire for a mean of 23.6 months. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: In terms of reliability for permanently fixed orthodontic retention from canine to canine, the direct-bonded multistranded wire is superior to the plasma-treated polyethylene woven ribbon and resin retainer. (Quintessence Int 2002;33:579-583) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this retrospective study were to assess the effect of a Karwetzky mandibular protrusion appliance for treating patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Eighty‐one of 116 patients (69.8%) suffering from obstructive sleep apnea were treated with an activator model according to Karwetzky. After 4 months (SD 4.0 months) treatment outcome was controlled by polysomnography. Therapeutic outcome depended on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. The median apnea‐hypopnea index decreased from 10.6 events/h (range 2.0–14.9) to 5.8 events/h (range 0.2–17.3, P<0.01) in the mild group, from 21.7 events/h (range 17.3–28.4) to 7.7 events/h (range 1.0–30.1, P<0.001) in the moderate group, and from 42.1 events/h (range 33.2–64.9) to 18.1 events/h (range 2.4–48.8, P<0.001) in the severe group. Sleep variables did not show consistent improvement except for a trend towards more REM sleep and slow‐wave sleep. The numbers of retentive teeth did not statistically influence treatment efficacy. Comparing the pre‐ and post‐treatment polysomnographic variables, it was found that the respiratory events rather than sleep stages were significantly reduced by the Karwetzky appliance investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular advancement appliances (MAA) have been established as an alternative treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although the therapeutic effect of these devices has been proven both clinically and polysomnographically through various studies, there are very few follow-up examinations in existence concerning possible dental side effects caused by the MAA. However, if lifelong treatment of OSA is considered, these follow-up examinations are of utmost importance. This article presents 2 cases with unexpected dental side effects and occlusal alterations caused by MAA therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]