Although immediate loading of orthodontic mini-implants can be clinically successful, a lack of histological data exists. The present investigation was performed to evaluate, in an animal model, tissue reaction to immediate loading. Fifty orthodontic titanium mini-implants were inserted in four adult male monkeys at four time intervals. Forty-two devices were loaded with 50 cN super-elastic coil springs immediately after insertion while eight were left unloaded and served as the controls. After euthanasia, the following histomorphometric parameters were evaluated: bone volume (BV/TV), bone-to-implant contact (BIC), mineralizing surface (MS/BS), and erosion surface (ES/BS). Statistical analysis was performed by means of non-parametric tests. Four devices were removed because of loss of stability. A wide variation between animals was found for all parameters. BV/TV: slightly higher values were found in the unloaded sample. Although no particular trend was observed, at 3 months higher values were found in the lower jaw. BIC: a trend to a decrease between 1 week and 1 month followed by a significantly progressive increase was observed. Implants that showed some sections with as little as 3 per cent BIC successfully resisted loading. MS/BS: higher values were found in the lower jaw. MS/BS increased significantly between 1 week and 1 month, followed by a progressive decrease. ES/BS: there was a decrease between 1 week and 1 month, followed by a progressive re-increase. BV/TV did not show any particular trend while BIC was a time-dependent factor. MS/BS and ES/BS demonstrated opposite trends during the healing period. Immediate loading with light forces did not negatively affect the bone healing pattern.

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the ‘Nuvola®’ system with ‘Fantasmino®’ system, examine their material properties, and define the indications for use of the aligners.MethodsTwo groups of patients were selected and were respectively treated with Nuvola® aligner and Fantasmino® system.ResultsThe goal of treatment has been achieved with the two systems.ConclusionsThe two types of aligners have shown differences during the treatment. Fantasmino® system has elastic properties of high performance, but its size does not encourage compliance throughout the day. Nuvola® system determines good tooth movement and its size facilitates the patient’s collaboration. In both aligner systems, difficulties were found in the correction of torque information and rotations.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to present the use of a modified Herbst appliance in association with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in order to enhance the correction of skeletal class II malocclusions.MethodsTen consecutive adolescents scheduled for Herbst treatment were assigned to two treatment groups. Five cases were treated with a modified miniscrew-supported Herbst appliance (experimental group (EG)) and five cases with a conventional cast Herbst appliance (control group (CG)). In all cases, the Herbst was kept in place for 9 months and was followed by fixed appliances until class I relationships were achieved. The initial (T1) and final (T2) lower incisor inclination on lateral headfilms were analyzed for each case, and the mean increase for the five EG patients and the five CG patients were compared.ResultsThe mean increase in lower incisor inclination at the end of treatment was 1° (range 0° to 2°) for the EG and 7° (range 4° to 10°) for the CG.ConclusionsThe rational association of TADs with the Herbst appliance can optimize treatment efficiency and skeletal response by reducing the occurrence of excessive lower incisor proclination.

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Les traitements orthodontiques qui ne font pas appel à la coopération des patients connaissent un engouement croissant depuis plusieurs années. Contrairement aux appareils amovibles, l’appareil de Herbst ne requière pas la participation des patients. Ce dernier est largement utilisé comme un appareil fixe fonctionnel, capable de corriger de manière prédictible les décalages squelettiques de classe II. Les appareils de propulsion qui s’appuient sur les dents présentent l’inconvénient majeur de provoquer des déplacements dentaires indésirables, comme la version corono-vestibulaire des incisives mandibulaires. Ces compensations dento-alvéolaires peuvent, quand elles ne sont pas contrôlées, compromettre le résultat final. Cet article décrit le traitement efficace de la classe II squelettique de deux patients, conduit selon un protocole qui associe le port d’un appareil de Herbst modifié et des mini-vis d’ancrage osseux temporaire (TSADs).