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OBJECTIVE: development of a new device to be coupled to light-curing units for bonding orthodontic brackets and accessories, and test its efficacy in an in vitro mechanical trial. The inner surface of the device is mirrored and is based on physical concepts of light refraction and reflection. The main advantage of such device is the reduced clinical time needed for bonding and the low possibility of contamination during the process. METHODS: One hundred and twenty specimens were used for testing the shear bond strength of brackets bonded with the device. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was also determined. The sample was divided into 2 groups. In group 1 a halogen light-curing unit was used while in group 2 a led light-curing unit was used. Each group was then subdivided. In subgroups H1 and L1, a conventional light guide rod was used while in subgroups H2 and L2 bonding was performed with the mirrored device coupled to the tip of the guide light rod. RESULTS: The values obtained for the shear bond strength and the ARI in the subgroups were compared. Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference for the shear strength (p > 0.05) and the ARI (p > 0.05) between the subgroups. CONCLUSION: The tests of mechanical trials and the ARI analysis showed that the new device fulfilled the requirements for bonding orthodontic accessories, and that the time for bonding was reduced to half, being necessary only one light exposure.

No presente trabalho teve-se como objetivo comparar as medidas da densidade mineral óssea das regiões específicas de estruturas maxilomandibulares obtidas pelos programas I-CATVision e ImplantViewer em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, a fim de determinar se diferentes programas de aquisição e manipulação de imagens podem interferir nas medidas de densidade mineral óssea. A amostra foi constituída de seis maxilas e cinco mandíbulas humanas secas que apresentaram máxima conservação e integridade das estruturas ósseas, estas foram preparadas e os exames realizados. As medidas obtidas pelos dois programas foram comparadas pelo teste t de Student para observações pareadas e o teste de correlação intraclasse de Pearson. Os resultados evidenciaram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as medidas, havendo correlação entre elas. Portanto, ambos os programas podem ser utilizados para determinar os valores de densidade mineral óssea.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of arch models is essential in diagnosis and planning in orthodontics. The demand for digital and printed models has increased among professionals. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the agreement of horizontal and vertical linear measurements obtained from digital models, printed models, and direct measurements. Materials and Methods: Intraoral scans of 30 individuals were obtained. Digital measurements were performed using the STL files. From printed models, the measurements were done using a digital caliper, and the real measurements were done directly to the mouth of respective patients. Results: The one-sample t test showed no discrepancy between the paired sets of measurements, with the value of 0 (p>0.05). The evaluation of the measurements was done using Bland-Altman analysis in pairs. The three methods showed agreement in horizontal and vertical measurements. Linear regression analyses showed no proportional bias in the data (p>0.05). Conclusion: The horizontal and vertical measurements evaluated showed agreement when measured on digital models, printed models and directly in the individuals’ mouths.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The removal of residual resins is a routine procedure in orthodontic clinics and of great importance to the final result of the treatment. Objective: To evaluate the main methods of residual resin removal used by orthodontists, and the main reasons for choosing these methods. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 21 questions: 6 relating to demographic data and the other 15 relating to two methods used to remove residual resins (drills or pliers) was sent by e-mail to orthodontists registered with the Regional Councils of Dentistry of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) within April and June, 2023. Questionnaires were sent back by 153 professionals. Results: Residual resin removal is always carried out with high speed drill for 44.7% of the sample, and with low speed drill for 28.7%; 61.3% use irrigation. The multi-laminate carbide bur is used by 82.5% of orthodontists. Pliers are always used by 12.4%. Resin-removing pliers with Widia are used in 39% of cases. The use of high speed was justified by the shorter working time, and the choice of pliers was justified by the smaller damage to the tooth enamel. Conclusion: The most used residual resin removal method was the multi-laminate carbide bur at high speed with irrigation, justified the by shorter working time.

Introduction: Retrospective studies have found conflicting results regarding the relationship between lower incisor inclination and the development of gingival recession (GR) after orthodontic treatment. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lower incisor inclination and alveolar process (AP) and mandibular symphysis (MS) thickness in the development of GR. Materials and Methods: Frontal intraoral photography and cephalometric radiography were conducted before (T0) and after (T1) orthodontic treatment of 62 subjects. The presence of GR was considered when the cementoenamel junction was visible in the lower incisor on the frontal intraoral photograph. The circumstances for improvement, stability, and worsening of the gingival situation were based on the reduction, maintenance, and increase in the number of lower incisors with GR before and after treatment. To measure the incisor-mandibular plane angle (IMPA) and the thickness of the AP and the MS were used the cephalometric radiographs. Results: Men had a significantly thicker MS than women at T0 and T1 (p

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of clear aligners as an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances has become popular due to the aesthetic demands of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. However, orthodontists’ lack of knowledge about the legal consequences of their activities, and the lack of solid scientific evidence raise concerns regarding civil liability in this type of treatment. Marketing campaigns of manufacturing companies often exaggerate promises of results, and ignore the lack of scientific evidence. Patients, as consumers, are protected by the Consumer Protection Code, whereas orthodontists are considered treatment providers. Therefore, they can be held liable for damage caused to patients, whether by subjective or objective fault. Objective: This article aims to identify the civil responsibilities of orthodontists and aligner manufacturing companies, by means of a literature review, providing basic legal guidance to help professionals protect themselves from possible lawsuits related to treatment with orthodontic aligners. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of knowledge of legal notions in treatments with orthodontic aligners by orthodontists, who should legally safeguard themselves through individual written contracts, avoiding obligation of results. In addition, in cases of legal claims, it is possible that the manufacturing companies are jointly and severally liable for possible damages claimed by the patient.

Abstract The social isolation measures adopted during the critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic led children to spend most of their time at home. Isolation may alter the pattern of traumatic dental injury occurrences, inasmuch as studies point out that most traumatic accidents occur at home. Considering this scenario and the influence of emergency management on the prognosis of the injury, the aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of traumatic dental injuries in children before and during the pandemic, and the knowledge of this topic by the children’s guardians. This cross-sectional study was conducted with guardians of children aged 0 to 6 years, residing in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. The guardians answered an online questionnaire addressing personal information, traumatic dental injury experience before and during the pandemic, and knowledge of this topic. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The total sample consisted of 343 volunteers. A total of 95 and 92 injuries were reported before and during the pandemic, respectively; the home was the place of greatest occurrence. Most volunteers (88.1%) agreed that traumatic dental injuries are emergency situations, and were aware that the tooth/fragment had to be taken to the dentist after a fracture or avulsion (97.4%). This study revealed that the traumatic dental injury experience was similar before and during the pandemic, and that the volunteers had satisfactory knowledge, especially in recognizing the importance of immediate attention for a more favorable prognosis of these injuries.

Objective: To assess dentists' knowledge from Minas Gerais, Brazil, about dentoalveolar trauma (DT) and their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: An online questionnaire with 34 questions was applied to collect personal data, professional training, self-assessment of experience/knowledge about DT, experience in care provided during the social distancing, and knowledge/conduct. The specific responses were evaluated based on the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Descriptive analysis and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Most professionals (97.7%) had received information on DT, and only 4.6% of the participants considered their knowledge poor or very poor. However, 92.7% felt the need for more information on the subject. Regarding experiences during the pandemic, 55.7% provided trauma care during that period. Forty percent of the consultations were performed in person, and 33.3% of the professionals noted an increase in cases during the pandemic; 56.6% reported that the frequency did not change. The overall mean number of correct answers about DT was 5.29±2.11, indicating an acceptable level of knowledge. The mean percentage of hits for the specific questions was 44.1%. Conclusion: Although the level of knowledge of the dentists evaluated was acceptable, some aspects were deficient, with the need for more information about the IADT guidelines.

Abstract The consequences of traumatic dental injuries can be even more serious when their emergency management procedures are inadequate. Since traumatic accidents frequently occur at school, it is crucial that teachers be knowledgeable enough to assist an injured child. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the elementary school teachers of a Brazilian city toward dental trauma in permanent teeth, and its emergency practices. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods was used. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media, consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics and professional information; previous experiences and attitudes toward dental trauma; teachers’ knowledge of this subject. Descriptive and statistical analyses were carried out. Pearson chi-squared test (p < 0.05) was used. A total of 217 teachers participated in the study. The power of the sample was 95%. Half of the teachers had already witnessed a dental trauma incident involving students, and 70.5% never received any information on the subject. The teachers who were provided previous information were the ones who opted to search for the tooth fragment (p=0.036) in cases of crown fracture, and for the lost tooth (p = 0.025) in cases of avulsion. They were also the ones who chose to wash the tooth in running water (p = 0.018), and look for a dentist in the first 30 or 60 minutes after the trauma (p = 0.026). Most of the teachers assessed did not have adequate knowledge of dental trauma. Having previous information was associated with more assertive practices in trauma management.

Objective: To compare the surface properties of self-ligating metallic (SLM), ceramic esthetic, and conventional metallic (CM) brackets, and evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans biofilms to their surface, attempting to interpret the correlation between bracket type and enamel demineralization from a microbiological perspective. Materials and methods: Twenty-two brackets of each group were used. The brackets’ surface roughness was defined and the bacterial adhesion was performed using the strain S. mutans ATCC25175 with 8 h or 24 h of incubation time. The total bacterial adhesion (TBA) of biofilms was assessed using optical density (OD) methodology. To quantify bacteria viability (BV), the colony forming units (CFU) were counted. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of biofilms was also performed. Results: Ceramic brackets exhibited significantly higher roughness (0.304) compared to CM (0.090) and SLM (0.067) ones (C > CM = SLM). The data obtained with the TBA and BV tests showed that S. mutans biofilm formed on bracket groups exhibited similar results for both incubation periods. From the SEM images it is possible to observe that biofilm structure formed for 24 h was denser than that for 8 h of incubation with significantly more aggregates and cells for three groups. Conclusion: This in vitro study suggests that despite the higher surface roughness of ceramic brackets, this alone does not influence the adhesion of the S. mutans biofilms. Clinical relevance: From a microbiological perspective, the bracket's design may be more relevant than its surface roughness with respect to the adhesion of cariogenic bacteria biofilm with potential risk to dental enamel integrity.

Objective: To develop and validate a questionnaire to measure the vulnerability of orthodontists, measuring the risks of being involved in civil liability lawsuits. Material and Methods: In-depth interviews were performed with three groups: G1- law professionals, G2 – orthodontists, and G3 – orthodontic patients. From the analysis of the content of Bardin, domains for the construction of the first version of the 53-question questionnaire were identified. The questionnaire was submitted to experts for validation, inclusion and exclusion of questions, but maintaining the 53-question format. It was submitted to the test-retest phases and verification of internal consistency. Results: 247 professionals answered the final version of the questionnaire. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 88.8%. Cronbach's alpha was 0.946, with high internal consistency. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett’s tests confirmed internal consistency showing the values of 0.909 and significance of

Introduction: The opening of the contact point can happen after orthodontic closure of the site of dental extraction and opened interproximal contacts are considered potential factors for periodontal diseases. Objective: To evaluate the condition of the alveolar bone crest of the interdental site between canines and upper premolars with or without contact points in individuals submitted to orthodontics associated with the extraction of the first premolars. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study selected upper canines and premolars of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment without extractions (12 hemiarches – control group), or with extraction of the upper first premolars and whose canines and second premolars had interproximal contact (11 hemiarches – group 1) or diastema (15 hemiarches – group 2). The height and the presence of lamina dura in the interproximal bone crest of the distal surfaces of canines and mesial surfaces of premolars were evaluated. Results: Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated the higher and smallest prevailing of the presence of lamina dura, respectively. The control group presented the bone crest positioned more crownly in relation to the others groups. Experimental groups did not present significant differences to the height of bone crest. Conclusion: The orthodontic allocation of teeth to extraction sites was associated with the significant reduction of the height of the marginal bone crest, regardless of the presence or absence of contact point between the teeth. The lack of contact point resulted in a minor prevalence of the continuity of the lamina dura of the alveolar bone crest in these regions.

Introdução: A qualidade óssea pode ser avaliada pela análise de textura nos exames de imagem, por meio da mensuração da dimensão fractal (DF) e lacunaridade (Lac). A DF está relacionada com a complexidade da organização estrutural óssea e a Lac representa a distribuição e o tamanho dos espaços vazios. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade óssea trabecular em região posterior da mandíbula por meio da DF e Lac e analisar o volume ósseo no exame de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), em indivíduos saudáveis, e, ainda, comparando homens e mulheres. Material e Métodos: 21 exames de TCFC foram utilizados. Utilizou-se o software ImageJ com dez cortes axiais sequenciais de cada paciente, delimitando a região de interesse (ROI) entre canino e primeiro molar inferiores, de ambos os lados. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: a) Bone Volume (BV), Tissue Volume (TV) e BV/TV, pelo processo de binarização; b) DF e Lac pelo método de Box-couting, em escala de cinza, sem binarização. Resultados: Na comparação entre os lados, BV e TV apresentaram diferença significativa (p=0,02 e 0,01, respectivamente), com maiores valores para o lado direito. Na comparação entre os sexos não houve diferença significativa. Os valores de DF apresentaram média de 0,87 para mulheres e 0,86 para homens. Valores de Lac foram em média 0,17 para mulheres e 0,15 para homens. A idade apresentou correlação negativa significativa com o volume ósseo. Conclusão: DF e Lac são parâmetros viáveis para serem analisados quando se trata de acessar a qualidade óssea trabecular em mandíbula. Foram encontrados valores menores que 1 para DF, e abaixo de 0,17 para Lac, em indivíduos saudáveis. Tanto DF quanto Lac não mostraram diferenças entre homens e mulheres. O osso trabecular na região posterior da mandíbula apresentou maior volume no lado direito em comparação ao esquerdo, e não houve diferença entre os sexos.

Introduction: The use of mini-implants has become common in orthodontic practice as it has increased the possibility of skeletal anchorage. The palate constitutes a site of choice for the insertion of miniscrews purposes because it is a site with relatively safety with appropriate bone thickness and less suitability for inflammation. Aim: To quantitatively evaluate the thickness of the palatal bone for miniscrews insertion. Material and Methods: Forty-seven sets of cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images were selected. The sample consisted of cone beam computed tomography from 47 patients (20 male, 27 female; mean age 22.4 years old/± 3.01 years). Palatal bone thickness (PBT) was measured in millimeters (mm) with 5 regions of interest (ROIs) which were determined used the coronal reconstructions of the patatal area: 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm posterior to the incisive foramen were evaluated. A total of 940 ROIs were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for PBT between various palatal sections (p

Introduction: Periodic control of root resorption during orthodontic treatment is frequently made by two-dimensional radiographic examinations, in which irregular resorptions are not detected buccolingually. Aim: Quantifying the resorbed root area of incisors with irregular apical root resorption underestimated by two-dimensional radiographic methods. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography images of 18 patients whose incisors presented irregular apical root resorption underestimated by two-dimensional radiographic methods and their contralateral correspondents without resorption were evaluated. In sound incisors, a regular apical root resorption was simulated at the same height as that of the irregularly resorbed incisors. The apical and total root surface areas of the incisors with irregular root resorption and simulated regular root resorption were measured and compared. The Student´s t test for paired samples was used at a level of significance of 0.05. Results: The apical area of the incisors with irregular root resorption was significantly smaller than that of the incisors with simulated regular resorption (p

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior region of the maxilla and mandible in subjects with different patterns of mastication, comparing both sides of the arches according to the performance of the masticatory function. Methods: 39 subjects not orthodontically treated, with normal occlusion or symmetrical malocclusion, and normal periodontal condition were selected. Twenty-one subjects (54%) were identified as having preferential unilateral mastication, 11 subjects (28%) had bilateral mastication and 7 (18%) had exclusive unilateral mastication. All participants were submitted to CBCT and the buccolingual dimension of the posterior regions was evaluated at a height of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm from the alveolar crest. Results and Conclusion: Subjects with bilateral mastication showed statistically significant difference between the right and left sides at the heights of 6 (p=0.030) and 8mm (p=0.023) between the first and second maxillary premolars. There was no difference in the transverse dimension of the alveolar bone in the posterior regions of maxilla and mandible between preferred and non-preferred sides in subjects with preferred unilateral mastication and between right and left sides in subjects with bilateral mastication.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in vitro, the shear bond strength presented by three brands of polycrystalline ceramic brackets and one brand of metallic bracket; verify the adhesive remnant index (ARI) after the tests, and analyze, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the enamel surface topography after debonding, detecting the release of mineral particles. METHODS: Sixty bovine lower incisors were used. Three ceramic brackets (Allure(r), InVu(r), and Clarity(r)) and one metallic bracket (Geneus(r)) were bonded with Transbond XT(r). Kruskal-Wallis's test (significance level set at 5%) was applied to the results of share bond and ARI. Mann Whitney's test was performed to compare the pairs of brackets in relation to their ARI. Brown-Forsythe's test (significance level set at 5%) was applied to the results of enamel chemical composition. Comparisons between groups were made with Games-Howell's and the Post-hoc tests. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in relation to the shear bond strength loads. Clarity(r) brackets were the most affected in relation to the surface topography and to the release of mineral particles of enamel (calcium ions). CONCLUSION: With regard to the ARI, there was a prevalence of score 4 (40.4%). As for enamel surface topography, the Geneus(r) bracket was the only one which did not show superficial tissue loss. The InVu(r) and Clarity(r) ones showed cohesive fractures in 33.3% and the Allure(r) in 50%, the latter being the one that presented most fractures during removal.

INTRODUCTION: A wide variety of orthodontic wires made of different alloys is available to be used in orthodontic practice and may produce different clinical responses during tooth movement. OBJECTIVE: This research evaluated the alignment and leveling of lower dental arches after the use of three types of orthodontic wires. METHODS: A sample of 36 patients was randomly divided into 3 groups: stainless steel, multistranded steel and superelastic nickel-titanium, according to the first leveling arches used. In order to observe differences in tooth position and axial inclination of the lower incisors, all patients had lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before the insertion of the first arches and 2 months later. The irregularity index and the curve of Spee were measured, compared between groups and considered influential on the proclination of incisors during the initial phase of alignment and leveling. The Reflex microscope was used to measure the irregularity index, whereas the ANOVA analysis of variance was used to verify differences between groups with regard to the degree of dental alignment and leveling. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups only at T2 for the irregularity index. CONCLUSION: The NiTi and multistranded steel wires showed greater aligning capacity when compared with stainless steel wires.

INTRODUCTION: Ninety five percent of orthodontic patients routinely report pain, due to alterations in the periodontal ligament and surrounding soft tissues, with intensity and prevalence varying according to age. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess toothache and buccal mucosal pain in adults and children during two initial phases of the orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The intensity of toothache and buccal mucosal pain reported by 20 patients, 10 children (11-13 years) and 10 adults (18-37 years) was recorded with the aid of a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), during 14 days - 7 days with bonded brackets only and 7 days with the initial archwire inserted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pain intensity among adults and children. After bracket bonding, 50% of the children and 70% of the adults reported pain. 70% of both groups reported pain after initial archwire insertion. While adults reported constant, low intensity, buccal mucosal pain, the children showed great variation of pain intensity, but with a trend towards decreasing pain during the assessment period. After initial archwire insertion the peaks of toothache intensity and prevalence occurred 24 hours in children and 48 hours in adults. CONCLUSIONS: In general, children reported pain less frequently than adults did, though with greater intensity.

INTRODUCTION: Patients usually experience pain during orthodontic treatment. This fact can affect cooperation and the development of treatment. Reporting pain during treatment seems to be influenced by emotional aspects such as the patient's motivation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between patient's motivation and the intensity of reported pain during two stages of treatment. METHODS: Twenty males (11-37 years old) answered a questionnaire divided into five categories regarding their motivation towards treatment. The subjects were studied for 14 days (7 days with bonded brackets and 7 days with the initial arch inserted) and the intensity of pain was evaluated on a daily basis. All the issues, including the intensity of pain, were measured through the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The VAS-associated questionnaire proved to have good temporal reliability and reasonable internal consistency, being that the "perceived severity" domain had the greatest, although not significant (p = 0.196) correlation with pain intensity. Only the question asking the patients if they thought that their teeth were too uneven showed a positive correlation with pain intensity (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The results seem to indicate that the five categories related to treatment motivation cannot be used to predict discomfort during treatment. In addition, patients who think their teeth are too uneven may experience more severe pain due to greater force application after insertion of the initial arch.

Resumo Introdução Mini-implantes ortodônticos são dispositivos de ancoragem confeccionados à base de titânio, possuindo uma camada de óxido de titânio, que desempenha função importante na resistência à corrosão. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência à corrosão e a microestrutura superficial de mini-implantes novos, utilizados que foram perdidos precocemente e os que obtiveram sucesso de estabilidade, analisando se o processo de corrosão influencia a falha ou a perda de estabilidade, a fim de se comparar com as principais causas de sucesso e insucesso clínico. Material e método A amostra foi composta por 3 grupos de 7 mini-implantes divididos da seguinte maneira: Grupo C: mini-implantes na sua forma original, como são recebidos do fabricante (controle); Grupo PE: mini-implantes utilizados em pacientes e que apresentaram perda de estabilidade precoce em até 2 meses (média de 33,5 dias); Grupo E: mini-implantes utilizados em pacientes com sucesso de estabilidade (média de 230 dias). A análise visual da superfície da rosca dos mini-implantes foi feita através de microscópio eletrônico de varredura e todos foram submetidos a ensaio de polarização cíclica potenciodinâmica em potenciostato. Resultado A microestrutura superficial não foi significativamente alterada pela permanência e perda precoce de estabilidade em seus sítios ósseos. Conclusão Os dados sugeriram que a corrosão não foi fator associado à falha do dispositivo ou perda de sua estabilidade, sendo outros fatores, como o tipo do mini-implante, o seu comprimento e o local de implantação, considerados mais preponderantes com influência no seu insucesso.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purposes of this study were to present a prototype of a bracket-positioning gauge, which makes vertical inclination of the instrument difficult, allowing a reduction of vertical bracket positioning error, and to test its accuracy in bracket positioning by groups of individuals with different clinical experience and in specific groups of teeth. Methods: For the testing of the prototype, four groups of six participants each were used: Group 1 was composed of undergraduate students in the dental school, who had no previous experience in bonding orthodontic attachments; Group 2 was composed of orthodontic graduate students in the dental school; Group 3 consisted of orthodontists with a maximum of 5 years of clinical experience; Group 4 comprised orthodontists with more than 5 years of clinical experience. A typodont was simulated with a Class I crowded malocclusion, which reproduced the same occlusal characteristics for all groups to be bonded. All participants were instructed to bond 0.022×0.028-in Edgewise brackets on the labial surfaces of the upper and lower incisors, canines, and premolars at a height of 4 mm from the incisal edge or the labial cusp tip. Results: Only the mean value of Group 1 showed statistically significant difference in the comparison with the standard measurement. In the groups of teeth, the difference was significant for the premolar and incisor groups. Conclusion: Clinical experience interfered with the accuracy of vertical positioning of orthodontic attachments. As for the groups of teeth, premolars, followed by canines and incisors had the closest mean values to the standard measurement.

ABSTRACT Objective: the present study aimed at evaluating the risks and vulnerability of orthodontists to legal compensation actions and verifying the hypothesis of these health care professionals having little knowledge concerning their rights and obligations as service providers. Methods: Three groups were formed to participate in a semi-structured interview. The first group had thirteen law professionals, the second group was composed of eleven orthodontists and the third group was made up of nine randomly selected orthodontic patients. Results: Relevant aspects related to the exercise of the professional activity of orthodontists that influence on the vulnerability of orthodontists in lawsuits were identified. After transcription, reading, and comparing the answers of the interviews, items capable of influencing judicial decisions, from the standpoint of Brazilian Justice Courts, were evaluated. Conclusion: It was verified that Brazilian orthodontists do not have adequate formation concerning the legal consequences of the exercise of their professional activity. Orthodontists also failed to establish proper contractual relationship, organize orthodontic records, and, most importantly, failed in communicating the risks and the therapeutic processes to patients during all phases of treatment.