Clinical Evaluation of Bond Failures and Survival of Mandibular Canine-to-canine Bonded Retainers during a 12-year Time Span

Comparison of multistranded wire and fiber-reinforced composite retainers effects on periodontium: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Fixed orthodontic retainers are very important for treatment stability; however, adverse effects on the health of periodontium can be caused as a result of deposition of plaque and calculus.

OBJECTIVES

To compare and determine the effects of two mandibular fixed lingual retainers on the periodontal status, and to test the null hypothesis that there would be no significant difference on the periodontium health between the patients using fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) or multistranded wire (MSW) fixed retainers.

METHODS

A total of 60 subjects were recruited, out of which 6 were excluded and 2 dropped out during the study. Hence, 52 subjects with mean age of 21.5 ± 3.6 years were included in the study. The sample was composed by 8 males (15.4%) and 44 females (84.6%). The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 received fiber-reinforced composite retainer, while Group 2 received multistranded wire retainer. After insertion, plaque index, calculus index, gingival index and bleeding on probing were compared, after three months (T1), six months (T2), nine months (T3) and twelve months (T4), using Mann-Whitney test with p-value ≤ 0.05 as significant.

RESULTS

It could be seen that the health of periodontium deteriorated with the passage of time from T1 to T4 in both group of retainers. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that there was no significant difference on the health of periodontium between the patients with FRC and MSW fixed retainers, hence, the null hypothesis was accepted.

Orthodontist and periodontist's knowledge, attitudes and aspects of clinical practice, regarding fixed lower orthodontic retainers

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and aspects of the clinical practice of orthodontists and periodontists, regarding lower fixed orthodontic retainers.

METHODS

The orthodontists (n=502) and periodontists (n=269) who participated in this cross-sectional observational study received, via e-mail, questions related to the type of lower fixed retainer, dental biofilm accumulation, oral hygiene, and potential periodontal changes. The data were subjected to chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, at 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Both orthodontists (72.3%) and periodontists (58.7%) reported that hygienic retainers accumulate more dental biofilm (p< 0.05), and 64.1% of orthodontists and 58.7% of periodontists considered that modified retainers may lead to periodontal changes (p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between the dental specialties, regarding the type of lower fixed retainer considered the easiest for the patient to perform hygiene (p> 0.05), whereas 48.6% of professionals chose the modified type.

CONCLUSION

The modified retainer accumulates a greater amount of dental biofilm and, in the perception of orthodontists and periodontists, it may cause periodontal changes.

Lingual retainer materials: Comparative evaluation of wear resistance of flowable nanocomposites and universal composite: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

A bonded fixed retainer is used to stabilize the alignment of the teeth. Different composites have been introduced for this purpose. This study aimed to investigate the wear resistance of flowable nanocomposite in comparison with microhybrid composite in an in vitro situation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro study, 46 disk-shaped specimens were divided into two groups: Filtek Ultimate flowable composite and Z250 microhybrid composite. The samples were prepared in 8 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness in an aluminum mold and light cured. They were polished with 600 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Two-body wear test was accomplished by the pin-on-disk device (under 15 N, 20 rpm for 1 h). Analyzing the weight and thickness of specimens before and after the assay demonstrates the wear resistance. Data were analyzed using the t-test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The Filtek Ultimate flowable composite shows no significant difference compared to Z250 microhybrid composite in thickness (P = 0.701) and weight (P = 0.939) of specimens.

CONCLUSION

Due to wear resistance of both materials, flowable composite can be recommended as an alternative material for bonded fixed retainers.

Technique to Stabilize a Lingual Retainer Under Rubber Dam Isolation

Retention is an important phase of orthodontic treatment for prevention of relapse. Over the years, many direct and indirect techniques have been practiced for placing a bonded lingual retainer. The use of rubber dam has become one of the most critical steps during fixed lingual retainer bonding procedure, as it prevents aerosols from spreading in operatory to a greater extent. This article describes a simple method of utilizing rubber dam clamps to assist in the stabilization of lingual retainer wire on teeth. It is easy, simple, reliable, timesaving, and economical as it does not require special equipment or transfer trays.

Dentofacial Effects of Modified Alt-RAMEC Protocol Combined with the Facial Mask for Treatment of Preadolescent Caucasian Class III Patients

Introduction

In this study we analyzed dentoskeletal effects of orthopedic therapy with rapid palatal expander (RME), used according to modified Alt-RAMEC protocol, followed by facial mask in preadolescent patients with class III malocclusion.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 10 patients treated consecutively with the alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions (Alt-RAMEC) protocol and facial mask before the pubertal growth spur the patients were re-evaluated after about one year of treatment. We compared the cephalometric analyses at T0 (before the treatment) and T1 (just after the end of the treatment—about 1 year), evaluating 18 parameters. The normality of each distribution was assessed with D’Agostino-Pearson normality test and significative differences between T0 and T1 were assessed with paired t test (p < 0.05).

Results

Sagittal measurements of the maxilla (SNpSNa distance) showed significant improvements (p < 0.0001) with protraction effect at point A. Significant improvements were recorded also at Wits appraisal and overjet. Measures of the mandibular growth (Co-Gn) showed increased values at T1, as well as vertical dimension (SNpSNa-GoGn). No significant variations were recorded at the dental parameters.

Conclusion

This protocol induces important skeletal effects, like advancement of the maxilla, also in preadolescent patients, while dental changes are minimal. Alt-RAMEC protocol seem to modulate maxillary development in patients near the pubertal growth spurt.

How to cite this article

Rota E, Ferrari M, et al. Dentofacial Effects of Modified Alt-RAMEC Protocol Combined with the Facial Mask for Treatment of Preadolescent Caucasian Class III Patients. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):222–228.