The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of angular and linear cephalometric measurements using a computerized method of direct digital radiographs. This was then compared with the measurements obtained with a computerized method that uses a digitizing pad and hand tracing of printout radiographs. Pre-treatment digital cephalometric radiographs of 125 patients were traced using Vistadent 2.1 AT and Jiffy Orthodontic Evaluation (JOE) software programs and by hand tracing of the printouts. Twenty-six anatomical landmarks were defined on each radiograph by a single investigator and 28 variables were calculated. Statistical analysis was undertaken using one-way analysis of variance and multiple group comparisons using Duncan's test at a significance level of 0.05. Low correlation coefficients indicated poor reproducibility for nasolabial angle for each of the three methods (P > 0.05). Most of the variables showed consistency between the three methods except for nasolabial angle, ANS-Me, APFH, L1-NB, Nperp-Pg, Go-Me, and U1-NA measurements. The findings indicated that most of the cephalometric measurements were highly reproducible with direct digital radiographs using Vistadent 2.1 AT as well as with printouts using both JOE software and hand tracing. Despite the low correlation for some measurements between the Vistadent 2.1 AT, JOE, and hand-tracing methods, most of the commonly used measurements were accurate. The user-friendly and time-saving nature of the computerized method using digital radiographs makes it the preferred option.

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The aim of this study was to investigate if true incisor intrusion can be achieved using miniscrews. Eleven patients (three males and eight females; mean age: 19.8 +/- 4.8 years) with normal vertical dimension showing a pre-treatment deep bite of 5.9 +/- 0.9 mm and a 'gummy' smile were enrolled in the study. After levelling of the maxillary central and lateral incisors with a segmental arch, an intrusive force of 80 g using closed coil springs was applied from two miniscrews placed between the roots of the lateral and canine teeth. The amount of incisor intrusion was evaluated on lateral cephalometric headfilms taken at the end of levelling (T1) and at the end of intrusion (T2). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using a paired t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. A significance level of P < 0.05 was predetermined. The mean upper incisor intrusion was 1.92 mm and the mean overbite decrease 2.25 +/- 1.73 mm in 4.55 months. Upper incisor angulation resulted in a 1.81 +/- 3.84 degree change in U1-PP angle and a 1.22 +/- 3.64 degree change in U1-NA angle. However, these were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). True intrusion can be achieved by application of intrusive forces close to the centre of resistance using miniscrews. However, studies with a larger number of subjects and long-term follow-up are necessary.

Objective: To investigate the color alterations in enamel following the use of different orthodontic bonding resins and adhesive residue-removal burs. Materials and Methods: Metal brackets were bonded to extracted human premolars (n 5 175) by using an etch-and-rinse adhesive system, a self-etch adhesive system (SEP), or a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). After 24 hours of photoaging, the brackets were removed and the adhesive residue on the tooth surfaces was cleaned with either a tungsten carbide bur or a Stainbuster bur. Tooth colors were measured with a spectrophotometer at baseline, after adhesive removal, and after additional photoaging. Color evaluation was made, and color differences induced by photoaging were calculated. Statistical evaluation was made using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U-test, with Bonferroni correction. Results: All specimens showed discoloration at varying levels. The highest color change was observed in the etch-and-rinse adhesive/tungsten carbide bur group. When the etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives were used, adhesive-remnant removal with Stainbuster burs resulted in significantly lower discoloration. The type of bur did not affect the extent of enamel discoloration in the RMGIC group. Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment alters the original color of enamel, and both the adhesive system and the resin-removal methods are responsible for this change. When brackets are bonded with the etch-and-rinse system or the SEP, cleaning the adhesive residuals with Stainbuster burs is recommended for minimal change. RMGIC can be safely cleaned with tungsten carbide burs. (Angle Orthod. 2014;84:634-641.)

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cephalometric measurements using computerized tracing of direct digital radiographs in comparison with hand tracing of digital radiographic printouts. Comparisons were made between methods in terms of accuracy of individual measurements as well as evaluation of treatment outcomes. Pre- (T1) and post- (T2) treatment cephalometric digital radiographs of 30 patients were traced using the Vistadent OC 1.1 computer software program (group 1) and manually (group 2) by the same investigator. A total of 26 anatomical landmarks were located and measured. Measurement reproducibility was evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients, and paired t-tests were used to compare differences in individual measurements and treatment outcomes between methods. Differences greater than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Significant differences were found between the two methods for SNB, Wits appraisal, Cd-A, Cd-Gn, FMA, SN-PP, U1-NA (mm), U1-FH, L1-NB (mm), and Li-E plane. No significant differences were found between the two methods in the measurement of treatment changes. Cephalometric measurements of most parameters were reproducible for both methods. Despite some discrepancies in measured values between hand-tracing and the computerized method, any differences were minimal and clinically acceptable.

MISME can be a better alternative to bonded expansion particularly in patients with vertical growth patterns and lack of anchorage teeth.