At T2, the animals in the group A had greater sagittal and vertical mandibular growth compared with the other three groups. TMJ arthritis caused diminished mandibular growth. However, relative mandibular growth was significantly less in group D. The findings of this study do not indicate a positive long-term effect in the use of IACI in the TMJ as an early treatment intervention against TMJ inflammation in growing individuals.

In general, the control group exhibited only minor or no changes during the period of observation, whereas treatment with the IHA resulted in statistically significant and favourable changes of the recorded variables. In the IHA patients, ANB angle was reduced on average by 2.1 degrees. However, a skeletal post-normality (ANB = 3.9 degrees) remained even though a Class I dental relationship had been obtained. In comparison with treatment effects achieved with other designs of Herbst appliances, some minor differences in the changes of the variables SNA and ML/NSL were noted in the present study. These differences could probably be attributed to the particular treatment protocol which was applied in the IHA treatments.

Treatment changes in both appliance groups differed significantly (P ≤ 0.001) from those in the control group, except for Ss–y, Ls–y, Li–E, and A–y measurements in the TB group and Ls–y, Li–E, nasolabial angle, and A–y measurements in the activator group. When the effects of the two appliances were compared, significant differences were observed only for SS–y (P ≤ 0.05), Ss–E (P ≤ 0.05), Si–E (P ≤ 0.05), and nasolabial angle (P ≤ 0.01). The effects of the activator and TB appliances on the soft tissue profile were similar; both significantly changed the soft tissue profile.

There were distinct gender differences. All angles were larger in females: nasofrontal (G–N–Nd, females = 139.11 degrees; males 136.38 degrees; P = 0.030), nasolabial (Cm–Sn–Ls, females = 109.39 degrees; males = 105.42 degrees; P = 0.018), mentolabial (Li–Sm–Pg, females = 134.5 degrees; males = 129.26 degrees; P = 0.019), and nasal tip angle (N–Prn–Cm, female = 84.12 degrees; male = 79.85; P = 0.001). The greatest variability was found for mentolabial angle.

The findings demonstrate a distinct profile trait for female Croatian patients compared with male subjects.

A panel of 74 adult laymen (35 males and 39 females) and a panel of 87 orthodontists (37 males and 50 females) evaluated sets of three post-treatment standardized photographs (one frontal, one three-quarter smiling, and one lateral) of 64 adolescent orthodontic patients in relation to the pre-treatment sets of the same patient on a five-point scale. The main effects of professional background, age, gender, and geographic region of the panel members on the aesthetic scores, as well as their first order interactions were evaluated by multilevel models.

Professional background, age, gender, and geographical region of panel members have an influence on the evaluation of the change of facial aesthetics following orthodontic treatment. The effect of gender and Angle Class of the patients on the scores was evaluated by two-way analysis of variance. There was no difference in the mean scores for boys and girls. Improvement of facial aesthetics by orthodontic treatment was significant for Class I, Class II division 1, and Class II division 2 patients, but not for Class III patients.

Based on the intraclass correlation coefficient, a panel of nine randomly selected orthodontists, a panel of 14 randomly selected laymen, or a mixed panel of 13 individuals is sufficient to obtain reliable results in the aesthetic evaluation of adolescent faces, using photographs and a five-point scale.

A statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in headgear wear was observed in the control group from the first to the sixth month; however, the difference in the hypnosis group was not significant. This result indicates that conscious hypnosis is an effective method for improving orthodontic patient cooperation. There was a low correlation between actual headgear wear indicated by the patient and that recorded by the timing modules, which showed that, timetables are not consistent tools for measuring patient cooperation.

Supplementation during Phase I in the early group produced significant treatment effects in cranial and cranial base, midface, posterior corpus, and limb lengths which varied inversely with relative maturity (percentage growth completed at the start of the study). During Phase II, GH supplementation in the early and late groups showed treatment effects as above and additional viscerocranial and mandibular measurements, but these effects were unrelated to the relative maturity of the variables. These latter results are at variance with earlier findings in GH-deficient rats, raising the possibility that that GH-normal rats may not respond to GH supplementation in a similar fashion to GH-deficient rats.

The subjects were 71 TS individuals and their female family members (n = 50). Tongue position was evaluated on lateral cephalograms, the palatal height and width measurements and observation of the presence of lateral palatine ridges on dental casts. Differences in tongue position and the palatal index were assessed by an independent sample's t-test, and the relationship between the presence of lateral palatine ridges, tongue position, and palatal dimensions by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparison test. Partial correlation analysis was used to determine the association of palatal dimensions between TS daughters and their mothers.

The distance of the tongue from the palate was significantly longer in the TS subjects compared with the controls [10.9 mm (standard deviation, SD, 4.0) versus 7.6 mm (SD 3.4), respectively, P < 0.001] indicating a low tongue position in TS. The TS subjects with prominent lateral palatine ridges had significantly narrower posterior palates compared with the TS subjects without lateral palatine ridges [29.5 mm (SD 3.1) versus 31.5 mm (SD 2.2), respectively, P < 0.05]. There was a trend for an association between mothers and their TS daughters in palatal width measurements at the level of the upper first premolars (r = 0.78, P = 0.07).

The tongue position in TS females is low. The presence of prominent lateral palatine ridges is associated with a reduced palatal width.

No disease-associated IRF6 mutation could be determined in the families analyzed. One new and seven known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. The A allele of SNP rs861019 in exon 2 and the G allele of SNP rs7552506 in intron 3 showed association with cleft lip and palate (CLP; odds ratios of 3.1 and 5.45, respectively). Hypodontia was observed more commonly in individuals affected with CL/P as compared with family members without a cleft (P < 0.01). The hypodontia most often affected the cleft area, possibly representing a secondary effect. The distribution of cleft phenotypes in 15 of the 17 families with NSCL/P differed from the mixed cleft types seen in Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), in that CLP did not occur together with an isolated cleft palate within the same family. It was concluded that mutations of the IRF6 gene are not a common cause for cleft predisposition in Swedish NSCL/P families.

Silanized and non-silanized ceramic and polycarbonate brackets (N = 48, n = 24 per bracket type) were bonded to extracted caries-free human maxillary central incisors using an alignment apparatus under a weight of 750 g. All bonded specimens were thermocycled 1000 times (5–55°C). Half of the specimens from each group were debonded with a universal testing machine (1 mm/minute) to determine the SBS and the other half by an operator using orthodontic debonding pliers. Failure types of the enamel surface and the bracket base were identified both from visual inspection and digital photographs using the adhesive remnant index (ARI) and base remnant index (BRI).

As-received ceramic brackets showed significantly higher bond strength values (11.5 ± 4.1 MPa) than polycarbonate brackets [6.3 ± 2.7 MPa; (P = 0.0077; analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. Interaction between bracket types and silanization was not significant (P = 0.4408). Silanization did not significantly improve the mean SBS results either for the ceramic or polycarbonate brackets (12.9 ± 3.7 and 6.3 ± 2.7 MPa, respectively; P = 0.4044; two-way ANOVA, Tukey-Kramer adjustment). There was a significant difference between groups in ARI scores for ceramic (P = 0.0991) but not polycarbonate (P = 0.3916; Kruskall-Wallis) brackets. BRI values did not vary significantly for ceramic (P = 0.1476) or polycarbonate (P = 0.0227) brackets. Failure type was not significantly different when brackets were debonded with a universal testing machine or with orthodontic debonding pliers. No enamel damage was observed in any of the groups.

Acid-etched, 1-, 1.5-, and 2-W laser irradiation groups demonstrated a clinically acceptable mean SBS (7.65 ± 1.38, 6.69 ± 1.27, 7.13 ± 1.67, 7.17 ± 1.69 MPa, respectively). Irradiation with an output of 0.5 and 0.75 W and sandblasting of the enamel showed a lower SBS than the other groups (2.94 ± 1.98, 4.16 ± 2.87, 2.01 ± 0.64 MPa, respectively). SEM evaluation of 1, 1.5, and 2 W laser irradiation revealed similar etching patterns to acid etching. Sandblasting and 0.5, and 0.75 W laser etching were not able to etch enamel in preferential patterns. Laser irradiation at 1.5 and 2 W was able to etch enamel. More adhesive was left on the enamel surface with low-power laser irradiation.

Sandblasting and low-power laser irradiation (0.5, 0.75, and 1 W) are not capable of etching enamel suitable for orthodontic molar tube bonding, but 1.5- and 2-W laser irradiation may be an alternative to conventional acid etching.

The results suggest that the load due to buckling depends on material composition, wire length, the amount of activation, temperature, and deformation rate. The results can be considered as the lower bound for the loads experienced by teeth as far as a buckled wire is concerned. At a temperature higher than the austenite finish transition temperature, superelastic wires were strongly dependent on temperature and deformation rate. The effect due to an increase of deformation rate was similar to that of a decrease of temperature. Load variations due to temperature of a superelastic wire with a length of 20 mm were estimated to be approximately 4 g/°C. The high performance of an applied superelastic wire may be related to the high dynamics of the load in relation to temperature.

The study group comprised of 277 patients [162 females: median age 14.8 years, interquartile range (IQR) 13.6–16.5 years and 115 males: median age 15.3 years, IQR 14.2–16.7 years]. After acid etching the lingual surfaces of each tooth, an adhesive resin was applied and retainers were bonded using a flowable resin composite. Data concerning, failures, gender, age of the patient, and operator experience were retrieved from the patient files that were updated by chart entries every 6 months or when failure was reported by the patient. The maximum follow-up period was 41.7 months. All 277 patients received flexible, braided, bonded mandibular canine-to-canine retainers. Eighteen failures were observed in the maxilla. A failure was recorded when there was debonding, fracture, or both, occurring in one arch. Only first failures were used for statistical analysis. When failures occurred in both jaws, these were considered as two separate incidences.

Ninety-nine debonding (35.7 per cent), two fractures (0.7 per cent), and four debonding and fracture (1.4 per cent) events were observed. No significant effect (P > 0.05) of gender (females: 41 per cent, males: 32 per cent) or patient age (<16 years: 37 per cent, ≥16 years 38.7 per cent) was observed. The failure rate did not differ due to operator experience (n = 15; less experienced: 38.0 per cent; moderately experienced: 28.9 per cent, professional: 46.7 per cent; P > 0.05; chi-square test). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a 63 per cent success rate for the bonded lingual retainers over a 41.7 month period.

The range for CIE L* (lightness) was 36.2–50.3, for a* (red–green parameter) –1.3–3.8 and for b* (yellow–blue parameter) –2.9–11.2. All these colour co-ordinates were influenced by bracket brand (P < 0.05). Diffuse light transmittance was also influenced by bracket brand and ranged from 44.9 to 75.9 per cent (P < 0.05).

Colour and transmittance varied by bracket brand. Variations in optical properties influenced the aesthetic performance of the brackets and the degree of cure of the adhesive that is possible through the brackets. Further studies on the clinical implications of colour matching of tooth-coloured brackets with teeth should now be performed.

Thirty-seven patients (14 males and 23 females) with a mean age of 16 years 5 months were included in the study. Six hundred and seventy-two brackets were bonded by one operator using a split-mouth design, with either SEP (Transbond Plus) or CM (Transbond XT). Bracket failure rates were estimated with respect to bonding procedure, dental arch, type of tooth (incisor, canine, and premolar), and gender. The results were evaluated using the chi-square test. The survival rate of the brackets was estimated with Kaplan–Meier analysis. Bracket survival distributions with respect to bonding procedure, dental arch, type of tooth, and patient gender were compared with a log-rank test. Bond failure interface was determined with the adhesive remnant index (ARI).

The failure rates were 0.6 per cent for both bonding procedures. The failure and survival rates did not show significant differences between the bonding procedures, upper and lower dental arches, or gender. However, premolar brackets displayed a higher bond failure rate and a lower survival rate than incisor and canine brackets (P < 0.05). The mean bracket bonding time per tooth with SEP was significantly shorter than with CM (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for the ARI scores (P > 0.05).

The results of this in vivo, randomized, cross-mouth clinical trial demonstrated a high survival rate with Transbond Plus. This finding indicates that SEP can be effectively used for bonding of orthodontic brackets.

Biopsies were taken from 20 subjects (10 with vertical facial deformity and 10 with normal vertical facial form to act as a control group). The sample group consisted of 15 females and 5 males and the average age of the donors ± standard deviation (SD) was 26.04 ± 6.16 years (range: 17.67–31.25 years). Biopsy samples were then subjected to zymography and reverse zymography to assess MMP and TIMP expression, respectively. Lateral skull cephalograms were analysed for each subject using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients and Mann–Whitney U-tests.

TIMP-1 activity was consistently expressed in human masseter muscle. MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 activity, when detected, was at a low level. These data indicate that in most individuals, an excess of TIMP-1, compared with MMP-2 and MMP-9, limits ECM turnover in human masseter muscle. There was a demonstrable variation in proteinase expression between different individuals. These preliminary findings, however, do not confirm that indices of ECM turnover are a reflection of an individual's vertical facial form.

The results demonstrated that all cultured substitutes possessed a multilayered epithelium, closely resembling normal palatal epithelium. After implantation, however, the epithelium was lost and an inflammatory response was observed in the first week. After 3 and 12 weeks, the implanted substitutes had completely disappeared and epithelial migration occurred from the wound margins.

It is possible to culture an autologous epithelium on a skin-derived substrate and implant it as an oral mucosal substitute in palatal wounds. However, these substitutes do not improve the healing of palatal wounds. It is suggested that the revascularization of the wound area is too slow to allow survival and integration of the substitutes.

Compared with the IA, the discrepancy in the amount of tooth displacement was less and individual tooth movement with the MEAW was more uniform and balanced. There was minimal vertical displacement or rotation of the teeth with the MEAW when compared with the IA. The MEAW seems to have advantages for distal en masse movement of the mandibular dentition.

Sixteen consecutive patients (12 females and 4 males, mean age 21.4 years) were available for re-examination 12.7 years (T5) after surgery. The preceding follow-ups were before (T1), and 5 days (T2), 7.3 months (T3), and 13.9 months (T4) after surgery. Lateral cephalograms were traced by hand, digitized, and evaluated with the Dentofacial Planner® program. The x-axis for the system of co-ordinates ran through sella (point zero) and the line NSL –7 degrees. Thus, the program determined the x- and y-values of each variable and the usual angles and distances. Statistical analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon's matched-pair signed-ranks test with Bonferroni adjustments. The relationships between the examined variables were analysed by Spearman rank correlation coefficients.

The backward relapse at point B (T5) was 2.42 mm, or 50 per cent, and at pogonion 3.21 mm, or 60 per cent of the initial advancement. The mean net effect at T5 on the labial fold (soft tissue point B) was 94 per cent of the advancement at point B. For the soft tissue chin (soft tissue pogonion), it was 119 per cent of the advancement at pogonion. The net effect on the lower lip (labrale inferior) was 55 per cent of the advancement at incision inferior. The amount of the surgical advancement of the mandible was correlated with the long-term relapse in point B. Among possible reasons for this relapse are the initial soft tissue profile, the initial growth direction, and the remodelling processes of the hard tissue.

Data were obtained during a pre-planned 3-year follow-up clinical examination which included the administration of patient questionnaires. Of 583 subjects (281 females, 235 males; mean age 27.2 years) who underwent surgery during the period 1994–2002, 516 attended (89 per cent). Differences between subgroups and associations between variables were analysed by chi-square or Fisher's exact test.

The most frequent motives for treatment were improvement of dental appearance and chewing ability, indicated by 83 and 81 per cent of the patients, respectively. The expectations were fulfilled for most patients, and satisfaction with the treatment result was reported by 92 per cent. Dissatisfaction was significantly related to gender, skeletal malocclusion, and surgical procedure (P = 0.001). Of all patients, 36.8 per cent reported impaired sensory function, the most frequent side effect. Sensory impairment and concern due to disturbed sensation were significantly related to age at surgery (P = 0.001 and P = 0.041, respectively).

The treatment outcome as perceived by the patients was generally favourable. Even if sensory disturbance was frequently observed, most patients, especially in the younger age groups, seemed to adapt. Certain patient characteristics and surgical procedures were associated with an increased risk of dissatisfaction. These observations are relevant in the guidance of prospective orthognathic patients.

The average total treatment cost for the tax year from 6 April 2000 to 5 April 2001 was 6360.19, with costs ranging from 3835.90 to 12 150.55. The average operating theatre cost was 2189.54 and the average inpatient care (including the cost of the intensive care unit and ward stay) was 1455.20. Joint clinic costs comprised, on average, 10 per cent of the total cost, whereas appointments in other specialities, apart from orthodontics, comprised 2 per cent of the total costs.

Differences in the observed costings between the units were unexplained but may reflect surgical difficulties, differences in clinical practice, or efficiency of patient care. These indicators need to be considered in future outcome studies for orthognathic patients.

Baseline data were collected: patient age, gender, socio-economic status, Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and type of appliance. Quality of life information, including orthodontic utility values and oral aesthetic subjective impact score (OASIS), were also collected at the start of treatment. The main outcome measure was whether a patient completed treatment. Compliance was assessed by recording the number of failed appointments and appliance breakages. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the association between independent and dependent variables.

None of the baseline variables, including quality of life measures, were associated with a patient completing treatment, or their compliance with treatment (P > 0.05). Thus, quality of life measures (utility values or OASIS) do not add to our knowledge of who may complete, or co-operate with, orthodontic treatment. In addition, neither age, gender, socio-economic status nor clinical treatment need (IOTN) were useful in helping a clinician to choose potentially co-operative patients.

Most orthodontists recommended that the first assessment of occlusion should be carried out before 7 years of age. A crossbite was mentioned as the most frequent indication for treatment in the primary and early mixed dentition, and a severe Class II division I malocclusion with an increased overjet as the most frequent indication in the late mixed dentition. Most respondents preferred early treatment, but there was a wide variation in the choice of appliances and in the timing of treatment of malocclusions other than crossbite and Class II malocclusions. A quadhelix, headgear, and the eruption guidance appliance were the most frequently used appliances in early treatment, with fixed appliances being most frequently used during the late mixed and permanent dentition phase.

Orthodontists working full time in municipal health centres tended to prefer early treatment more often than those working part-time or outside health centres. There was no statistically significant association between an orthodontist's experience and timing of Class II division I and Class III treatment (P = 0.142 and P = 0.296, respectively). The preference for an early start in Class II division I treatment might be related to differing professional decisions, but no explaining factors could be found in the regression analysis.

A metal cap was inserted between the upper and lower incisors of 40 male Wistar rats (aged 6 weeks) to prevent the molars from biting. The rats were divided into two equal groups: ‘hypofunction’ and ‘recovery’ animals. In addition, there was a third group comprising 20 control animals. The recovery animals were anaesthetized at 4 weeks in order to remove the metal cap using pliers. The rats were killed under deep anaesthesia, after which the mandibles were immediately removed and fixed in 10 per cent neutral formalin. After 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, BMD was measured in the cancellous and cortical bone in the first molar region. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance.

At 6 and 8 weeks, in the hypofunction group, cancellous bone density decreased on the buccal and lingual sides, at the bifurcation of the root and at the root apex. In the recovery group, the density on the buccal and lingual sides had recovered to the normal levels, compared with the control group. However, density of the bifurcation of the root and the root apex recovered by only 30 and 50 per cent, respectively. At 6 and 8 weeks, cortical bone density in the hypofunction group had reduced in the lingual basal and lingual middle cortical bone areas. Cortical bone density in the lingual basal and lingual areas recovered to control group levels at 6 weeks.

Recovery of occlusal hypofunction may restore decreased BMD of both cancellous and cortical bone.

Positive dental and skeletal effects induced by the therapy were observed at T₂. The width of the upper dental arch and that of the skeletal maxillary transverse dimension were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the treatment group when compared with the controls.

A significant increase occurred in the maxillary forward position. Mandibular forward movement and downward and backward rotation were inhibited. In addition, the upper incisors were proclined (P < 0.001), and the lower incisors were significantly retroclined (P < 0.05). When the treatment and control groups were compared, the upper airway linear measurements (pns-ad¹, pns-ad², APW-PPW, APW'-PPW') and the nasopharyngeal area had increased in the treatment group.

These results demonstrated that maxillary expansion together with protraction of the maxilla improved naso- and oropharyngeal airway dimensions in the short term.

Both RME appliances produced significant (P < 0.001) dentoalveolar tipping during RME, but this was greater in the Hyrax group (P < 0.05).

The total amount of distalization for the 3D-BMDA and MBIDS groups was similar (3.55 and 3.27 mm, respectively). However, there were statistically significant differences in the length of the distalization period (3.4 and 6.5 months, respectively) and the amount monthly of distalization (1.11 and 0.54 mm, respectively). The most significant differences were observed in the mandibular dental arches and vertical facial dimensions. Anchorage loss in the mandible was greater in the 3D-BMDA group, whereas increases in facial dimensions were greater in the MBIDS group. Both 3D-BMDA and MBIDS techniques were found to be effective to obtain distal movement of the maxillary molars. In order to achieve successful results, the side-effects of each treatment modality on dentofacial structures need to be taken into consideration.

A Class I molar relationship was achieved in an average period of 5.11 months in group 1 and 10.57 months in group 2. From lateral cephalometric tracings, beside the angular and linear parameters, eight parameters that determined the ratio of the skeletal and dental effects of RMCC were measured and statistically evaluated. A paired comparison t-test was used to assess the differences in each group and a Student's t text to evaluate the differences between the groups. In both groups, no effect of RMCC was found on either the maxilla and/or the sagittal position of the mandible. In group 1, lower anterior face height was increased more compared with group 2; the mandibular plane angle increased and the mandible developed mostly in the vertical dimension. While a Class I molar relationship and correction of the overbite and overjet were achieved in both groups, a greater correction of overjet was found in group 1. Retrusion of the upper incisors without extrusion, protrusion, or proclination of the lower incisors, distalization of the upper molars, mesialization and extrusion of the lower molars and mesialization of the mandibular dentoalveolar structures were observed in both groups. Contributions to the correction of overjet and molar relationship were mostly dentoalveolar in both groups.

Four different adhesives were exposed in a Suntest CPS+ ageing device to a xenon lamp to simulate natural daylight (Transbond XT, Enlight, RelyX Unicem, and Meron Plus AC). Tomato ketchup, Coca Cola©, and tea were chosen as the food colourants. After 72 hours of exposure, colour measurements were performed by means of a spectrophotometer according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* system and colour changes (E*) were computed. Statistical differences were investigated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Friedman test.

Unsatisfactory colour stability after in vitro exposure to food colourants and ultraviolet light was observed for the conventional adhesive systems, Transbond XT and Enlight. RelyX Unicem showed the least colour change and the resin-reinforced glass-ionomer cement (GIC), Meron Plus AC, the greatest colour change.

The investigated adhesives seem to be susceptible to both internal and external discolouration. These in vitro findings indicate that the tested conventional adhesive systems reveal unsatisfactory colour stability which should be improved to avoid enamel discolouration.

The failure rates of the self-etch and conventional adhesives were 15.6 and 17.6 per cent, respectively. No significant differences in the survival rate were observed between the materials (P > 0.05). Most of the failures were cohesive and at the adhesive–enamel interface. There was no difference in the fracture debonding mode. These findings indicate that Transbond Plus SEP can be safely used for orthodontic brackets since the survival rates are similar to the conventional Transbond XT.

SBS using indirect and direct bonding, with the same experimental arrangement and the same adhesives (Concise and Transbond), showed no significant differences. For direct bonding, using only one adhesive (Transbond), lower values were observed, but they were only statistically significant for the premolar teeth. The clinically required minimum bond strength of 6 MPa was achieved in all groups.

Superimposition of the photographs of the indirectly bonded upper labial segment brackets showed no deviations. The results of the 3D measurement of the positions of the brackets on the working and plaster models only yielded small deviations (0.15 mm along the X-axis in the centre, 0.17 mm along the Y-axis, and 0.19 mm along the Z-axis). The ABD is a useful adjunct to bond placement and does not compromise bond strength.

Vertical displacement of unopposed molars [0.8 mm, standard deviation (SD) 0.65 mm] and controls (0.4 mm, SD 0.2 mm) was noted. The unopposed teeth overerupted more than the controls (P ≤ 0.06); periodontally affected molars erupted more than periodontally healthy molars (P ≤ 0.01). There was significant mesial displacement of unopposed molars without mesially adjacent teeth when compared with their respective controls (P ≤ 0.04). Palatal movement was observed in the unopposed teeth (0.9 mm, SD 0.6 mm) and was significantly greater than that in the controls (0.5 mm, SD 0.3 mm; P ≤ 0.02).

There is displacement of unopposed teeth in the three dimensions in the long term, although this is clinically insignificant in periodontally healthy adults. The observed changes are either the result of late growth remodelling or a consequence of altered dental equilibrium following antagonist tooth loss.

During the first 2 weeks, the resin group, with the addition of 38 per cent sodium fluoride added, released significantly more free fluoride (P < 0.05), but after 2 weeks the fluoride release markedly decreased. After 5 weeks, the RMGIC group, with 15 per cent added sodium fluoride, had significantly higher (P < 0.05) daily fluoride release than the other groups. The findings demonstrated that an appropriate fluoridated material can be used as a fluoride-releasing reservoir in a modified orthodontic bracket to enable it to release fluoride over the period of fixed appliance treatment.

The results did not show any difference in nickel concentration between the study and control gingiva tissue samples, but histological analysis demonstrated an increase in epithelial thickness and a significant increase (P = 0.031, 0.02, 0.02) in epithelial cell proliferation in response to low-dose nickel concentrations, with a toxic response to a higher dose. In the limitations of this study, it is plausible that the effect of a continuing low-dose nickel release to epithelium is the initiating factor of gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment.

After etching of extracted human third molars (n = 80), a conventional primer (Transbond XT) and a moisture-insensitive primer (Transbond MIP) were evaluated using the adhesive, Transbond XT, under dry conditions and after contamination with saliva, blood and etching gel remnants. To simulate temperature changes and the moisture of saliva in the oral cavity, all samples were thermocycled (6000x 5°C/55°C) in a mastication device before SBS testing. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to determine statistical differences.

Under dry conditions Transbond XT and Transbond MIP showed no significant difference in SBS. However, clinically unacceptable (P = 0.005) bond strength was observed using Transbond XT after saliva and blood contamination. In wet conditions only Transbond MIP showed sufficient bond strength.

If contamination during bonding is expected, a hydrophilic primer should be used. Under dry conditions hydrophilic or hydrophobic primers could be applied. Blood contamination seems to be a more serious problem for bond strength than saliva or etching gel contamination.

The device was developed using polypropylene pliers (3M Unitek). The basic principle consisted of measuring the applied force to debond, using two strain gauges (Kyowa) bonded to the region of major deformation of the plier handles. The crowns of 75 bovine incisors were embedded in acrylic resin and orthodontic brackets were bonded to the facial surface with Transbond XT (3M Unitek). In group A (n = 25) debonding was carried out with the device, while tensile bond strength testing was performed in group B (n = 25) and SBS testing in group C (n = 25). A universal testing machine (EMIC-DL-2000) was used for these last two groups.

According to analysis of variance and Tukey's test ( = 0.05), the mean bond strength for group C (7.71 MPa) was statistically higher than for groups A (2.98 MPa) and B (2.69 MPa). Groups A and B were not statistically different.

The device was shown to be feasible to obtain in vivo bond strength values for orthodontic brackets, and that the bond strength values were dependent on the method and direction of debonding.

Each adhesive material used showed a statistical difference in tensile failure. The difference between shear and torsion failure loads was statistically significant only for the Fuji GC sample (P < 0.01). The shear test was the most damaging to the enamel surface.

Transbond luting resulted in greater adhesion than the Concise or Fuji Ortho systems. Fuji Ortho was more prone to accidental debonding, while Transbond tended to cause enamel lesions, since high loads were required to debond the bracket. Of the three modes examined, torsional debonding stress resulted in the least enamel damage.

The load values of the ligation groups were two to three times greater than the NBL group at a deflection of 1500 µm during unloading: 4.37 N for EL, 3.90 N for SSL, 3.02 N for SL, and 1.49 N for NBL (P < 0.01). For the EL, a plateau region disappeared in the unloading curve. SL showed the smallest load. The ligation of the bracket wire may make NiTi wire exhibit a significantly heavier load than that traditionally expected. NiTi wire exhibited the majority of its true superelasticity with SL, whereas EL may act as a restraint on its superelasticity.

Root shortening at T3 was observed for 70 per cent of the central and 76 per cent of the lateral incisors. At T2, ARR was 48 and 53 per cent, respectively. Compared with T2, 38 per cent of the central incisors and 55 per cent of the lateral incisors showed ARR during the application of torque. At T3, the finding for both was 22 per cent. The mean ARR ratio for the central and lateral incisors was the same after the non-torquing stage of treatment but was significantly different from a tooth with no root resorption. After the torquing stage, the ARR ratio for the central incisors was 0.96 and for lateral incisors 0.92. At the end of treatment, the ratio was 0.89 and 0.85, respectively.

This study revealed that both the central and the lateral incisors showed comparable amounts of ARR during the torquing and non-torquing stage of Tip-Edge® treatment.

Ten patients (6 females and 4 males, mean age 23 years 7 months) were selected. Maxillary canine retraction using light continuous forces of two different magnitudes (0.5 and 1 N) was used to retract the right and left maxillary canines in subjects who required maximum posterior anchorage. The findings were compared based on midpalatal implants that provided a fixed reference for measurement. The significance of the difference between the results with the two different force magnitudes was determined using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test.

With both the XYZ and the FHA system, no significant differences in the amount of distal movement of the canines over 2 months were found between the two force magnitudes. However, the results showed that the canine was likely to incline distally during tooth retraction with a force of 1 N compared with a force of 0.5 N (P < 0.05). With the FHA system, the result indicated that the canine was likely to incline palatally during tooth retraction with a force of 0.5 N compared with a force of 1 N (P < 0.05).

In this study, the combination of these two different approaches for describing tooth movement clearly showed a difference between light continuous forces of 0.5 and 1 N.

Twenty-eight Wistar male rats (3 months old) divided into four experimental groups were studied: (1) Five rats underwent a 50 g coil spring implantation and received three injections of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) of Rofecoxib in the maxillary gingiva, close to the first molar, on the day of implantation and after 3 and 5 days. Similar procedures were carried out (2) on six animals receiving 8 mg/kg bw of Celecoxib and (3) on five animals receiving 25 mg/kg bw of Parecoxib. (4) For the controls, 12 rats received the same OT but only equivolumetric 0.9 per cent saline solution injections. Tooth movement was measured on lateral cranial teleradiographs after 10 days of treatment. Non-parametric standard techniques (Wilcoxon, H, and Mann–Whitney, U) were used for statistical analysis.

Mesial tooth displacement in the control animals was 0.33 ± 0.07 mm. While no movement was found in rats treated with Rofecoxib, the Celecoxib- and Parecoxib-treated rats showed tooth movement of 0.42 ± 0.09 mm and 0.22 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (H = 13.07; P < 0.004).

Celecoxib and Parecoxib, but not Rofecoxib, seem appropriate for discomfort and pain relief while avoiding interference during tooth movement.

The abc area, which comprised the palatal, Ar-Gn, and A-B planes, was shown to be significantly larger in the open bite than in the deep bite group for both Class II and Class III malocclusion types (P < 0.01). There was no difference in the abc area between the Class II and Class III open bite groups or between the Class II and Class III deep bite groups.

These findings suggest that the centroid method of occlusion is a versatile diagnostic technique that can accurately differentiate between vertical occlusal patterns of Class II and III types of malocclusion limited to Japanese adult females. The analytical method is also unaffected by gnathostatic differences according to Angle classification.

Thirty male Wistar rats, 11–12 weeks of age, divided into three equal groups. In group I, a closed-coil spring was used and they were treated daily with 15 mg/kg body weight of TBC3214, a highly selective ET_A antagonist. A closed-coil spring was also used in group II and the animals were treated daily with a placebo. Group III were treated daily with a placebo. The coil spring delivered a force of 25 cN and was attached between the upper left first molar and upper left incisor. The distance between the teeth was measured with a digital calliper (accuracy ± 0.01 mm) on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 24, 32, 37, and 40. The differences in the distance between the teeth were calculated to determine the amount of tooth movement. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni's correction, and paired t-tests.

The distance between the upper left first molar and the upper left incisor decreased in groups I and II. In group I, tooth movement was significantly less on days 32 and 37 (P < 0.01) and on day 40 (P < 0.001) compared with group II. In group III, the distance between the teeth increased during the study (P < 0.001). In animals treated daily with TBC3214, tooth movement was significantly less compared with the animals treated with a placebo. It is concluded that ET-1, which is the predominant form of endothelin isopeptides, is involved in orthodontic tooth movement in rats, probably by enhancing bone resorption via ET_A receptors.

The lower incisors proclined more in the RMS (11.8 degrees) than in the TMS (9.3 degrees) group. However, the amount of incisal edge advancement was less in the RMS (2.9 mm) than in the TMS (3.7 mm) group. The occlusal plane tilted insignificantly less in the RMS (5.7 degrees) than in the TMS (6.3 degrees) group. Reduced and total mandibular casted splint anchorage seemed to be similarly effective. Anchorage loss, measured by mandibular incisor proclination, was greater in the reduced anchorage group, whereas measured by lower incisor edge advancement, it was larger in the total anchorage group. Therefore, RMS can be recommended for Herbst treatment since they are less expensive than total splints.

The success rate was 64 per cent in Giessen and 66 per cent in Berne. The only factor that significantly (P < 0.001) influenced treatment success was the level of co-operation. In approximately 27 per cent of the patients at both centres, the post-treatment occlusion was an ‘ideal’ Class I. In an additional 38 per cent of the patients, marked improvements in occlusal relationships were found.

In subjects with Class II division 1 malocclusions, in which orthodontic treatment is performed by means of activators, a marked improvement of the Class II dental arch relationships can be expected in approximately 65 per cent of subjects. Activator treatment is more efficient in the late than in the early mixed dentition.