Current Advances in Orthodontic Treatment: From Biomaterials to Instrumental Techniques

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2022) | Viewed by 41645

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
Interests: orthodontics; interceptive orthodontics; clear aligners; early childhood caries; paediatric dentistry; digital monitoring; preventive dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Oral Sciences, Section of Orthodontics, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy
Interests: digital dentistry; biomaterials; orthodontics; clear aligners; sleep dentistry; temporomandibular disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are happy to present a new Special Issue with the tentative title "Current Advances in Orthodontic Treatment: From Biomaterials to Digital Techniques".

In the last few years, new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been developed in orthodontics. The change in orthodontics is dictated both by the patient's expectations and by the professional's requests to become more predictable in the planning of orthodontic treatment.

There is increasing interest in artificial intelligence and orthodontics, in digital dentistry, new biomaterials, orthodontics, clear aligners, sleep dentistry and temporomandibular disorders. The innovation of digital dentistry is in its predictability but also in its improvement in terms of communication between patient and doctor. The aim of this Special Issue is to cover all the new approaches and technologies, including technological innovations, orthodontic materials, the management of malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders, the epidemiology and risk factors in orthodontics, the preventive approach to malocclusions and temporomandibular disorders, and the differences between growing and adult patients.

Thus, for the upcoming Special Issue, we are delighted to invite investigators to submit original research articles (trials, cohort studies, and case-control and cross-sectional studies), literature reviews (narrative or systematic reviews and meta-analyses), and high-quality case reports, all focusing on new orthodontic techniques or clinical solutions.

Prof. Dr. Silvia Caruso
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo D'Antò
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • orthodontics
  • clear aligners therapy
  • biomechanics
  • interceptive orthodontics
  • digital dentistry
  • sleep dentistry

Published Papers (13 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

12 pages, 4257 KiB  
Communication
Biomechanical Analysis of Extraction Space Closure with Various Loop Springs Incorporated into an Archwire
by Renpei Harada, Yukiko Yokoi, Aiko Kamoi, Rikou Miyawaki, Takuma Yoshida, Jun Kawamura and Norimasa Okafuji
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2616; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13042616 - 17 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1756
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical efficacies of the various loop springs in the extraction space closure. The long-term movement of the teeth was simulated by the finite element method. It was assumed that the tooth moved in the [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical efficacies of the various loop springs in the extraction space closure. The long-term movement of the teeth was simulated by the finite element method. It was assumed that the tooth moved in the same direction as the initial movement due to elastic deformation of the periodontal ligament. After the spring was activated, the initial movement was calculated, and then the alveolar socket was moved. By repeating this calculation, the teeth moved by accumulating the initial movement. The anterior teeth first tipped lingually and then became upright; thereby, the extraction space was closed for a fixed distance. In all cases, the gable bends were effective in increasing the closing speed. A higher loop increased the closing distance. When the helical loop was replaced with the vertical loop, the closing distance decreased. A spring made of thick wire increased the closing speed but decreased the closing distance. No spring increased both the closing distance and the closing speed at the same time. In clinical settings, an appropriate spring should be selected for each case by giving priority to either the closing distance or speed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 677 KiB  
Communication
Inclination of Mandibular Molars and Alveolar Bone in Untreated Adults and Its Relationship with Facial Type
by Yun Jeong Lee, Hyeran Helen Jeon, Normand Boucher and Chun-Hsi Chung
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9834; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12199834 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1252
Abstract
To date, there is no solid agreement on the relationship between mandibular molars, mandibular alveolar bone, and vertical facial types. Therefore, we aim to assess the buccolingual inclination of mandibular first molars and respective alveolar bones and their relationship with different vertical skeletal [...] Read more.
To date, there is no solid agreement on the relationship between mandibular molars, mandibular alveolar bone, and vertical facial types. Therefore, we aim to assess the buccolingual inclination of mandibular first molars and respective alveolar bones and their relationship with different vertical skeletal patterns. The CBCT data from fifty-four untreated Caucasian adult patients (12 males and 42 females, 18–65 years old) were obtained from a private orthodontic practice. We measured the inclination of the tooth and alveolar bone of the right and left mandibular first molars using CBCT. From the two-dimensional lateral cephalometric radiographic images extracted from CBCT, we assessed FMA, SN-GoGn, and PFH:AFH. All subjects showed lingual inclinations of the mandibular molars and alveolar bones which were significantly correlated with each other. However, there was no significant correlation between the inclination of alveolar bone and vertical facial types. Our study supports the conclusion that a proper curve of Wilson is physiological and should be maintained during orthodontic treatment. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7229 KiB  
Article
Deep Bite Treatment with Aligners: A New Protocol
by Enzo Pasciuti, Giovanni Coloccia, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Assunta Patano, Sabino Ceci, Ioana Roxana Bordea, Filippo Cardarelli, Daniela Di Venere, Francesco Inchingolo and Gianna Dipalma
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6709; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12136709 - 02 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 9198
Abstract
Deep bites can be treated by the intrusion of anterior teeth and the extrusion of the posterior teeth, or both, according to the exposure of the incisors in the smile. The aim of this paper is to propose a protocol to improve the [...] Read more.
Deep bites can be treated by the intrusion of anterior teeth and the extrusion of the posterior teeth, or both, according to the exposure of the incisors in the smile. The aim of this paper is to propose a protocol to improve the effectiveness of deep bite treatments. Orthodontic movements are programmed following the “frog staging” protocol for the anterior teeth, the application of retention attachments and the overengineered final setup. Two case reports described the clinical and radiographic changes with orthodontic treatment using Invisalign clear aligners by applying this protocol. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 483 KiB  
Article
Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Cephalometric Variations in Upper Airway’s Dimension
by Alessandro Nota, Silvia Caruso, Sara Caruso, Fabio Massimo Sciarra, Alessandra Marino, Sam Daher, Laura Pittari, Roberto Gatto and Simona Tecco
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2469; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12052469 - 26 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1821
Abstract
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is considered an effective treatment in the management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and malocclusions in pediatric patients, not only because it is able to correct the transverse maxillary deficiency, but it also widens the floor of the nasal cavities, [...] Read more.
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is considered an effective treatment in the management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and malocclusions in pediatric patients, not only because it is able to correct the transverse maxillary deficiency, but it also widens the floor of the nasal cavities, leading to a drastic and immediate reduction in air resistance and facilitating a normal nasal breathing pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometric changes in the upper airway’s dimensions and facial morphology in pediatric SDB patients treated with RME, comparing data with a no-SDB group treated with RME for malocclusion. In this retrospective study, pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalometric variables were measured on lateral skull radiographs from 20 SDB pediatric patients (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 9 years (mean age 7.61 ± 0.6), treated with a rapid maxillary expander, and 20 control patients without SDB (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 11 years (mean age 8.4 ± 0.5). In both groups, there were statistically significant changes in the variables indicating the airway’s dimensions and mandibular sagittal position in relation to the cranial base, with a skeletal class II correction in SDB children. Rapid maxillary expansion is associated with an increase in upper-airway dimensions in SDB children, as well as in control healthy subjects, with a possible correction of class II relationship. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1533 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Periodontal Pain Using Two Different Orthodontic Techniques, Fixed Multibrackets and Removable Aligners: A Longitudinal Clinical Study with Monthly Follow-Ups for 12 Months
by Silvia Alcón, Adrián Curto, Mario Alvarado, Alberto Albaladejo, Daniele Garcovich and Alfonso Alvarado-Lorenzo
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 12013; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112412013 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of periodontal pain in patients treated with either fixed multibrackets or removable alignment systems with a monthly follow-up over a period of twelve months. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal clinical study comprised a [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of periodontal pain in patients treated with either fixed multibrackets or removable alignment systems with a monthly follow-up over a period of twelve months. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal clinical study comprised a sample of 140 patients (72 women; 68 men) divided into two groups of 70 patients each: the bracket group (BG) with conventional fixed brackets using the MBT technique with a 0.022″ slot and the Invisalign group (IG) with aligners (Invisalign). The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to quantify patient-reported pain. Pain analysis was conducted monthly at 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 24 h (T3) post-follow-up as well as at 2 (T4), 3 (T5), 4 (T6), 5 (T7), 6 (T8), and 7 days (T9) post-follow-up during the first twelve months after starting orthodontic treatment. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between both study groups in the mean pain scores on the visual analog scale (VAS) during the twelve-month follow-up period, except for during the eighth month of treatment. In the first month, the group with conventional brackets reported higher pain scores. From the second month onwards, we observed that patients with aligners described a higher level of pain compared to the group of patients with conventional brackets. In both experimental groups, though at different evaluation periods, we found that the peak of maximum pain occurred between 24 and 48 h (T3–T4) after monthly follow-up appointments; from this point, the pain decreased until reaching minimum values from the fifth day onwards (T7). Conclusions: In the first month of treatment, the patients with conventional fixed multibrackets reported the highest levels of pain compared to those with removable aligners. From the second month on, this trend changed. The patients with removable aligners reported the highest levels of pain. Therefore, the orthodontic system used influenced the perception of pain in patients. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6022 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Loading Condition for Maxillary Molar Intrusion with Midpalatal Miniscrews by Using Finite Element Analysis
by Ornnicha Pooktuantong, Takeshi Ogasawara, Masayoshi Uezono, Pintu-on Chantarawaratit and Keiji Moriyama
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411749 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2942
Abstract
An anterior open bite is one of the most difficult malocclusions in orthodontic treatment. For such malocclusion, orthodontic miniscrew insertion into both buccal and palatal alveolar regions has been indicated for molar intrusion, but it involves a risk of tooth root injury. To [...] Read more.
An anterior open bite is one of the most difficult malocclusions in orthodontic treatment. For such malocclusion, orthodontic miniscrew insertion into both buccal and palatal alveolar regions has been indicated for molar intrusion, but it involves a risk of tooth root injury. To solve the problem, a midpalatal miniscrew-attached extension arm (MMEA) is adopted. However, this method causes palatal tipping of the molar because intrusive loads were applied only from the palatal side. Currently, a transpalatal arch is added to avoi0d tipping movement, but it induces the patient’s discomfort. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the loading conditions for maxillary molar intrusion without tipping movement, only by MMEA through finite element (FE) analysis. FE models of maxillary right first molar and surrounding tissues were created. Three hook positions of MMEA were set at 6.0 mm perpendicular intervals in the occluso-apical direction along the mucosal contour. An intrusive unit load was applied from the palatal side of the molar, and various counter loads were applied from the buccal side. An optimal counter load for molar intrusion without palatal tipping was observed in each hook position. In conclusion, an ideal maxillary molar intrusion can be achieved only by MMEA with an optimal counter load. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3084 KiB  
Article
Tip and Torque Accuracy According to the ISO 27020:2019 Norm in Currently Available Pre-Adjusted Orthodontic Brackets
by Laura Bernes Martinez, Daniele Garcovich, Alfonso Alvarado Lorenzo, Angel Zhou Wu, Riccardo Aiuto and Milagros Adobes Martin
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411657 - 08 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2513
Abstract
Background: The precision of bracket manufacturing is fundamental to ensure the correct expression of the inbuilt information. The objective of this study was to determine the actual tip and torque values of a pool of stainless steel brackets, pre-adjusted according to the MBT [...] Read more.
Background: The precision of bracket manufacturing is fundamental to ensure the correct expression of the inbuilt information. The objective of this study was to determine the actual tip and torque values of a pool of stainless steel brackets, pre-adjusted according to the MBT prescription values, and to compare these actual values with those stated by the manufacturers in order to test their compliance with the tolerance limits reported in the ISO 27020:2019. Methods: A sample of 360 stainless steel brackets, from 12 different providers, were evaluated. All brackets had a nominal slot size of 0.022 in., belonged to the upper right central incisor, and were manufactured with the metal injection molding technique (MIM). For each provider, three different batches of the same bracket series were tested. A single-blind design was used for bracket coding. Results: Only five systems displayed torque mean values that matched the declared values (p > 0.05). Only one system did not respect the tolerance limits established in the ISO 27020:2019 norm. The tip values were different from those declared in seven of the assessed systems; however, none exceeded the tolerance limits. The inter-batch variability in most cases was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In most of the assessed systems, there can be a difference between the actual and the declared torque values, while tip information is usually accurately incorporated into the bracket slot. Lack of precision in the manufacturing process can reduce the efficacy of the appliance and force the clinician to compensate for dimensional inaccuracy through wire bending. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 11954 KiB  
Case Report
Canine Impaction: Digital Orthodontic Planning in Conjunction with TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) and Aligners
by Riccardo Capuozzo, Silvia Caruso, Sara Caruso, Maria Elena De Felice and Roberto Gatto
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 6914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13126914 - 07 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1607
Abstract
This paper aims to represent the orthodontic treatment of two young patients with skeletal Class I relationship and unilateral impacted canines (case 1 with palatally displaced canine and case 2 with buccally displaced canine). Before starting full-mouth alignment, canines are moved away from [...] Read more.
This paper aims to represent the orthodontic treatment of two young patients with skeletal Class I relationship and unilateral impacted canines (case 1 with palatally displaced canine and case 2 with buccally displaced canine). Before starting full-mouth alignment, canines are moved away from the roots of the neighbouring teeth. The protocol involved a surgical phase carried out in order to expose the canine and traction it with TADs (temporary anchorage devices) and an orthodontic phase performed to finalize the alignment. The canines were moved through vertical and distal force vectors by using TADs as well as a cantilever spring. As soon as the crown of the canine was fully visible, digital impressions were taken to start the digital planning of the orthodontic phase. At the end of the treatment, results show a control of the facial aesthetics both from the frontal and lateral perspectives with a harmonious profile. The molar and canine Class I relationship was achieved with the recovery of the impacted canines and the overbite and overjet were normalized. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 89044 KiB  
Case Report
A Modified Hyrax-Type Expander Is Effective for Distal Bodily Movement of the Maxillary First Molar
by Mifumi Takahashi, Masako Tabuchi, Takuma Sato, Rina Hoshino, Ken Miyazawa and Shigemi Goto
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7620; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12157620 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2926
Abstract
Impaction and eruption disturbance of permanent teeth are frequently encountered in orthodontic practice. The canine teeth play an important role both functionally and esthetically. Eruption disturbance of a maxillary canine, if left untreated, can cause not only disturbed jaw movement and esthetic problems, [...] Read more.
Impaction and eruption disturbance of permanent teeth are frequently encountered in orthodontic practice. The canine teeth play an important role both functionally and esthetically. Eruption disturbance of a maxillary canine, if left untreated, can cause not only disturbed jaw movement and esthetic problems, but also root resorption of adjacent permanent teeth, and thus should be diagnosed and treated appropriately. In this report, we present a case of a patient with eruption disturbance of the maxillary left canine in which the maxillary left second molar was extracted and the maxillary left first molar was distally moved with a Hyrax-type expander (Veltri Monolateral Screw®; Leone, Firenze, Italy) designed to enable the distal movement of a unilateral first molar in order to create eruption space for the maxillary left canine, resulting in smooth distal molar movement and alignment of the left maxillary canine in the dental arch. Furthermore, the maxillary third molar was also aligned to achieve a good occlusal relationship without reducing the number of teeth. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1526 KiB  
Systematic Review
Use of Hydrogels to Regulate Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Animal Models: A Systematic Review
by Olin Guadalupe Montero Jiménez, Alejandro Dib Kanán, Farid Alfonso Dipp Velázquez, Juan Fernando Aristizábal Pérez, María de los Ángeles Moyaho Bernal, Marco Felipe Salas Orozco and Miguel Angel Casillas Santana
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6683; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12136683 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1546
Abstract
The objective of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to contrast the existing evidence regarding the use of hydrogels during and after experimental orthodontic treatment in animals. An extensive search was performed through the electronic databases, Medline, Web [...] Read more.
The objective of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to contrast the existing evidence regarding the use of hydrogels during and after experimental orthodontic treatment in animals. An extensive search was performed through the electronic databases, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus, from December 2020 to April 2021 for in vivo animal studies. A total of 282 studies were reviewed. Eight studies were included for final revision; four studies were conducted in rats, two in rabbits, one study in mice and one study in guinea pigs. The quality assessment of the eight included studies was performed according to the ARRIVE guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed using the Center for Systematic Review of Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool; in four of the eight articles evaluated, a high risk-of-bias rating was obtained in 40% of the criteria evaluated. In the studies reviewed, the hydrogel acted as a carrier, and inhibition (post-treatment retention) or acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement was assessed according to the active substance used in each of the articles. The uses of hydrogels for transporting active substances to regulate the rate of orthodontic tooth movement remains debatable. Future studies are suggested to evaluate the feasibility of hydrogel as a transport method in humans. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3589 KiB  
Case Report
Management of Class III Extraction with the Miniscrew-Supported Orthodontic Pseudo-Ankylosis (MSOPA) Using Direct Tads
by Niki Arveda, Maria Elena De Felice, Nicola Derton, Luca Lombardo, Roberto Gatto and Silvia Caruso
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2464; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12052464 - 26 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4152
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to represent the orthodontic treatment of a young patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion(Wits Appraisal −9 mm), in which the extractions of the first lower premolars were performed to obtain a class III camouflage using [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study is to represent the orthodontic treatment of a young patient with a skeletal Class III malocclusion(Wits Appraisal −9 mm), in which the extractions of the first lower premolars were performed to obtain a class III camouflage using direct temporary anchorage devices (TADs). The patient reported a history of three years of orthodontic treatment at another clinic and the radiographic evaluation revealed an important impairment of the upper root incisors. A treatment was performed with a fixed appliance in the upper and lower arches using an archwire sequence of 0.16 CuNiTi, 19 × 25 CuNiTi, 19 × 25 SS and was carried out in 18 months. Post-treatment records of our patient show a control of facial esthetics from the frontal and lateral perspectives, with a harmonious soft-tissue profile. A Class I canine was achieved and her overbite and overjet were normalized by retracting the mandibular anterior teeth and carrying out a bodily mesialization of the posterior sector into the extraction space. In conclusion, the “pseudoankylosis system” used in this case allowed the desired result to be achieved with minimal change to the lower incisal inclination and without overloading the anterior upper and lower sectors, thus reducing the risk of further root resorption and patient compliance. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 8226 KiB  
Case Report
A Simple Technique Using a Modified Nance Appliance as Anchorage for Maxillary Molar Distalization—Two Case Reports
by Chenshuang Li and Chun-Hsi Chung
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 768; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12020768 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5682
Abstract
Maxillary molar distalization to correct a dental Class II molar relationship and to create space to relieve crowding has been a long-lasting subject of debate in orthodontics. Generally, to distalize maxillary molars, an intra-arch distalization appliance is favored over an inter-arch appliance since [...] Read more.
Maxillary molar distalization to correct a dental Class II molar relationship and to create space to relieve crowding has been a long-lasting subject of debate in orthodontics. Generally, to distalize maxillary molars, an intra-arch distalization appliance is favored over an inter-arch appliance since it does not utilize mandibular dentition as an anchorage, so some unwanted side effects on mandibular incisors can be avoided. A variety of intra-arch appliances have been developed to distalize maxillary molars, such as the pendulum, Jones jig, first class appliance, distal jet, and modified C-palatal plate. Although they could achieve efficient molar distalization, the learning curve of proper appliance insertion and activation is relatively long. In addition, the appliances are not comfortable for the patients due to the bulky activation units, especially when the activation units are designed in the palatal area. The current manuscript describes a novel and effective maxillary intra-arch molar distalization appliance—a modified Nance appliance technique, which consists of: (1) palatally, a big acrylic button against the palatal rugae and connected to the premolars with wide mesh pads; (2) buccally, regular brackets on maxillary premolars and first molars with sectional round stainless steel archwires and open coil springs between the second premolar and first molar. Either bilateral or unilateral maxillary molar distalization can be achieved with this appliance, and the Class II elastics are not needed. It is simple to be fabricated, delivered, and activated, and it is comfortable for patients. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 4421 KiB  
Case Report
Orthodontic Treatment for a Child with Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor during Infancy: A Case Report
by Natsuko Hichijo, Tadahide Noguchi, Kenichi Sasaguri and Yoshiyuki Mori
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11541; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112311541 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2195
Abstract
Background: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a very rare tumor, and case reports of orthodontic treatment for patients with MNTI may be previously unreported. This article describes the orthodontic treatment for a 7-year-old girl with MNTI in the mandible. Case: Her [...] Read more.
Background: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a very rare tumor, and case reports of orthodontic treatment for patients with MNTI may be previously unreported. This article describes the orthodontic treatment for a 7-year-old girl with MNTI in the mandible. Case: Her chief complaint was anterior crossbite. Although she had an MNTI diagnosis at the age of 8 months, it remained subclinical. Therefore, she has been regularly followed-up by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging without aggressive treatment. We had worried about the stimulation of MNTI on the mandible by changing her occlusal position with orthodontic treatment. Therefore, we sufficiently explained to her and her family that orthodontic treatment was at risk for worsening MNTI. However, they desired treatment that consisted of maxillary protraction and slow expansion to correct anterior crossbite and encourage the permanent tooth eruption. After 19 months of active orthodontic treatment, the anterior crossbite was improved, and the eruption of permanent teeth made good progress. No evidence of progression and exacerbation of MNTI has been found by both CT and MR imaging. As the observation period is still short, we need a careful and long-term follow-up of her occlusion and MNTI. Furthermore, when we encounter rare cases without previous experience and reports, informed consent was of particular importance. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop