We have been studying an easy bracket debonding method using heating of an orthodontic adhesive containing thermal expansion microcapsules. However, heating with a high-temperature heater brings obvious risks of burns around the oral cavity. Thus, we examined safer and more effective bracket debonding methods. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the reduction in debonding strength and the time taken using a bracket bonded with an orthodontic adhesive containing thermal expansion microcapsules and a CO2 laser as the heating method while maintaining safety. Ceramic brackets were bonded to bovine permanent mandibular incisors using bonding materials containing various microcapsule contents (0, 30, and 40 wt%), and the bond strengths were measured after laser irradiation for 4, 5, and 6 s and compared with nonlaser-treated groups. Subsequently, the temperature in the pulp chamber during laser irradiation was measured. After laser irradiation for 5 or 6 s, the bond strengths of the adhesive containing 40 wt% microcapsules were significantly decreased to ∼0.40 - 0.48-fold (4.6-5.5 MPa) compared with the nonlaser groups. The mean temperature rise of the pulp chamber was 4.3 °C with laser irradiation for 6 s, which was less than that required to induce pulp damage. Based on these results, we conclude that the combined use of a CO2 laser and an orthodontic adhesive containing thermal expansion microcapsules can be effective and safe for debonding ceramic brackets with less enamel damage or tooth pain.

Although orthodontic treatment improves dentoalveolar problems, the facial profile seldom changes because the perioral muscles do not easily adapt to the new morphological circumstances. We employed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), which is training with added resisted movement to motions such as lifting the upper lip, lowering the lower lip, and sticking out the tongue, to adapt the perioral muscles to the new morphological circumstances. The subjects were 40 adults with an average age of 29.6 years. A series of PNF exercises was performed three times per day for 1 month. Lateral facial photographs were taken using a digital camera before training (T(0)), after training (T(1)), and 1 month after the end of training (T(2)). The nasolabial (NL), mentolabial (ML), and mentocervical (MC) angles were measured, and linear measurements were taken to verify the change of each measurement point. In the test group, the NL and ML angles significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the MC angle significantly decreased after the PNF exercise. From T(1) to T(2), the NL and ML angles decreased significantly, while the MC angle increased significantly. No significant differences were observed in these angles when the values measured at T(0) and T(2) were compared. Although the training appeared to be effective for sharpening the mouth and submandibular region, continued training is necessary to avoid relapse.

We produced experimentally a new bonding material that consisted of a mixture of a base resin (4-META/MMA-TBB resin adhesive) and thermoexpandable microcapsules for safe, easy debonding. Microcapsules in the base resin would start expansion at 80℃, leading to a remarkable decrease in bond strength. Stainless steel brackets were bonded to bovine permanent mandibular incisors using bonding materials containing the microcapsules at different contents. After thermal cycling or heating, the shear bond strength of the brackets was measured. Shear bond strength of the bonding materials containing 30-40 wt％ microcapsules decreased to about one-third or one-fifth that of the base resin on heating. Heating the brackets for eight seconds increased the temperature in the pulp chamber by 2℃, which should not induce pulp damage.Results obtained suggested that the new bonding material should prove useful for removing brackets easily at the time of bracket debonding without any pain or enamel cracks, while maintaining the bonding strength during active orthodontic treatment.

The relationship between orthodontic force and friction produced from an archwire and brackets affects the sliding of the wire in the leveling stage.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between force and friction in a small esthetic nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) wire. Material and MethodsFive esthetic wires (three coated and two plated) and two small, plain Ni-Ti wires (0.012 and 0.014 inches) were used. We performed a three-point bending test according to ISO 15841 and the drawing test with a dental arch model designed with upper linguoversion of the lateral incisor in the arch (displacements of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm), and evaluated the relationship between them. ResultsUnloading bending forces of all wires at displacements of less than 1.0 mm were larger than friction forces, but all friction forces at displacements exceeding 2.0 mm were larger than unloading bending forces. The arch likely expands when displacement from the proximal brackets exceeds 1.0 mm. The friction force of a martensite 0.014-inch Ni-Ti wire was significantly greater than those of the other esthetic and austenitic wires. ConclusionsA wire with the smallest possible friction force should be used in cases with more than 1.0 mm displacement.

The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of orthodontic anchor screws (OASs) in the mid-palatal area according to pre-drilling diameter. Methods: The success rate of 161 OASs (83 patients, φ2.0 mm, 6.0 mm in length) placed in a corresponding area to the mesial and distal borders of the first molar (mesial zone and distal zone) was assessed according to placement location and pre-drilling diameter (1.2 and 1.5 mm). Placement torque values from 73 OASs with a pre-drilling diameter of 1.2 mm were compared between success and failure groups. Results: The success rates of OASs pre-drilled with φ1.2 and 1.5 mm were 94.5% and 83.0%, respectively (P < 0.05); corresponding rates in the mesial zone were 100.0% and 77.3% (P < 0.005), and those in the distal zone were 89.2% and 88.6%, respectively. Placement torques of OASs predrilled with φ1.2 mm in the success and failure groups were 25.9 and 19.2 N•cm, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion:A smaller pre-drilling diameter was associated with a higher success rate of OASs in the mid-palatal area, especially in the mesial zone. When pre-drilling diameter of 1.2 mm was used for φ2.0 mm OAS, greater placement torque was indicative of greater OAS stability.