BackgroundOptimal positioning of orthodontic mini-implants is essential for a successful treatment with skeletal anchorage. This study aims to compare the accuracy of two-dimensional radiographs with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for mini-implant placement.MethodsAn ideal site for mini-implant placement at the buccal interradicular space between the second premolar and the first molar was determined for 40 sites (in 13 patients aged 14 to 28 years) by using CBCT data. The mini-implant placement procedure was then divided into two groups. In CBCT group, mini-implants were placed at the sites determined from CBCT data. In RVG group, mini-implants were placed with the help of two-dimensional digital radiographs and a custom made guide. Postplacement CBCT scans were obtained to determine the accuracy of the mini-implant placement. The results were statistically analyzed with a Mann-Whitney test.ResultsA statistically significant difference (p value = 0.02) was observed between the two groups for deviation from an ideal height of placement of the mini-implants. Deviations in mesiodistal positioning and angular deviation showed a statistically non-significant difference. Three out of twenty mini-implants in the RVG group showed root contact in the mandibular arch that may be attributed to the narrower interradicular space and reduced accessibility in the mandibular posterior region.ConclusionsAlthough CBCT provides an accurate three-dimensional visualization of the interradicular space, the two-dimensional intraoral radiograph of the interradicular area provides sufficient information for mini-implant placement. Considering the amount of radiation exposure and cost with the two techniques, it is recommended to use two-dimensional radiographs with a surgical guide for a routine mini-implant placement.

Results showed significant improvement in the psychosocial impact of malocclusion with a reduction in the self-perceived needs of patients with orthodontic treatment. The psychometric instrument used may be recommended as an Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessment tool for the population in India for further research.

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Objective:To cephalometrically evaluate and compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue changes after maxillary protraction with skeletally anchored and conventional facemask.Methods:The data for the study were collected from the pre- and post-treatment records of patients of maxillary retrusion treated with skeletally anchored and conventional facemask therapy. Twenty subjects were included in the study and were categorized into two groups, namely skeletal anchored maxillary protraction (SAMP) group with the mean age of 10.10 ± 1.1 years and conventional facemask maxillary protraction (CFMP) group with the mean age of 9.90 ± 1.1 years. Pre and post-treatment lateral cephalograms were assessed.Results:The data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The mean duration of treatment in SAMP group and CFMP group was 5.8 months and 10 months, respectively. The mean forward displacement of the maxilla (vertical point A) was 3.40 ± 1.07 mm in SAMP group and 2.80 ± 0.79 mm in CFMP group. The mandible showed downward and backward rotation in both the groups with more rotation in CFMP group. A significant increase in maxillary incisor inclination was seen in CFMP group as compared to SAMP group. A significant decrease was found in mandibular incisor inclination in both the treatment groups. The soft tissue changes corresponded to underlying skeletal tissue.Conclusions:SAMP is proven to be a better treatment modality as compared to CFMP for achieving true skeletal changes and minimal dental changes in cases with developing skeletal Class III with maxillary retrusion.

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External apical root resorption is one of the most deleterious complications after orthodontic treatment. Studies to explain the causal relationship between orthodontic tooth movement and external apical root resorption have been inconclusive till date. Individual variations in external apical root resorption sometimes overshadow the treatment related factors which indicate genetic predisposition and/or multifactorial etiology. Mechanism of root resorption is not completely understood. Inflammatory root resorption induced by orthodontic treatment is a part of process of elimination of hyaline zone. An imbalance between bone resorption and deposition may contribute to root resorption by the cementoclasts/osteoclasts. This narrative review article explains the molecular pathway involved in external apical root resorption and also role of various genes involved at different level. It also reviews the literature published during the past 20 years concerning the association studies linking EARR to genetic polymorphisms. This literature review provides an insight into genetic predisposition of external apical root resorption that can be used in orthodontic practice to enable 'high-risk' subjects to be identified on the basis of their genetic information before orthodontic treatment is initiated.

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Objective: To analyze the effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) in newborns with cleft lip and palate and evaluate its postsurgical stability at 1-year follow-up using a nasal stent. Design: Prospective clinical trial. Setting: Department of Orthodontics, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi. Patients: Patients with cleft lip and palate of 0 to 6 months. Sample size 25 recruited, 16 satisfactorily completed the procedure. Interventions: Presurgical nasoalveolar molding done as indicated in all the patients. Postsurgical external nasal stents were given for 1 year to maintain the nasal correction. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in cleft defect and maxillary arch were recorded pre- and post-PNAM. Changes in nasal morphological parameters assessed pre- and post-PNAM and 1 year after surgical repair following the use of nasal stent. Results: There was a significant reduction in cleft defect assessed both intraorally ( 4.16 mm) and extra orally ( 4.42 mm) at the end of PNAM therapy (average treatment time 4 months). The nasal morphology improved with an increase in columella height (1.5 mm) and reduction in columella width. Bialar width reduced (2.90 mm) with an increase in nostril height ( 2.10 mm). Better symmetry was achieved in all cases as the nostril height and width difference changed significantly pre- and post-nasoalveolar molding. The percentage increase in columella height was greater for infants less than 6 weeks. Conclusions: Presurgical nasoalveolar molding considerably reduces the cleft gap and improves arch form making surgical union easier along with improved nasal morphology which can be maintained at 1-year postsurgery by use of a postsurgical external nasal stent.