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Objectives This study aimed to assess the success rate and the amount of suture separation after the miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) procedure in relation to the chronological age and sex of the patients. Materials and methods The periapical radiographs of 215 subjects (95 male; 120 female; range, 6–60 years) who had undergone MARPE treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The success of suture separation was determined and, in suture-separated subjects, the amount of suture separation was evaluated by suture separation ratio calculated from the periapical radiograph obtained after active expansion. Association tests were performed using linear-by-linear association, the Jonckheere-Terpstra test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Mann–Whitney U test, and linear regression models were also developed. Results The success rate of suture separation was 61.05% in male, 94.17% in female, and 79.53% in both sexes. There was a statistically significant association between older age and suture nonseparation in male (p p = 0.221). In suture-separated subjects, there was a statistically significant trend toward a low amount of suture separation with older age subgroups in both sexes (p Conclusions Older patients treated with MARPE, particularly in male, may have a reduced likelihood of both success in suture separation and sufficient basal bone expansion. Clinical relevance This study demonstrates that clinicians should consider that the success rate of MARPE and the amount of suture separation may depend on chronological age and sex.

Objective To quantitatively analyze the effect of nicotine on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone remodeling in rats using micro-computed tomography and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase immunostaining. Methods Thirty-nine adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: group A, 0.5 mL normal saline (n = 9, 3 per 3, 7, and 14 days); group B, 0.83 mg/kg nicotine (n = 15, 5 per 3, 7, and 14 days); and group C, 1.67 mg/kg nicotine (n = 15, 5 per 3, 7, and 14 days). Each animal received daily intraperitoneal injections of nicotine/saline from the day of insertion of identical 30-g orthodontic force delivery systems. A 5-mm nickel-titanium closed-coil spring was applied between the left maxillary first molar (M1) and the two splinted incisors. The rate of OTM and volumetric bone changes were measured using micro-computed tomography. Osteoclasts were counted on the mesial alveolar bone surface of the distobuccal root of M1. Six dependent outcome variables, including the intermolar distance, bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, trabecular volume, and osteoclast number, were summarized using simple descriptive statistics. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate differences among groups at 3, 7, and 14 days of OTM. Results All six dependent outcome variables showed no statistically significant among group-differences at 3, 7, and 14 days. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that nicotine does not affect OTM and bone remodeling, although fluctuations during the different stages of OTM in the nicotine groups should be elucidated in further prospective studies.

Amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have shown significant potential for application in transparent and flexible electronic devices. However, the source and drain (S/D) electrodes of IGZO TFTs with indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films can cause Schottky-like behavior in the output characteristics owing to the formation of a potential barrier between the IGZO and ITO thin films. In this study, we designed and fabricated TFTs by applying a novel ITO S/D electrode layer (375 nm) with co-sputtered IGZO and ITO thin films (125 nm) deposited at room temperature. The proposed TFT exhibits superior electric characteristics ( $\mu _{\text {sat}} =35.4$ cm2/Vs) compared to those of TFTs with conventional ITO electrodes ( $\mu _{\text {sat}} =9.1$ cm2/Vs) owing to its lower contact and channel resistance and the generation of a surface reaction between S/D and channel layers, creating additional oxygen vacancies at the IGZO channel region. The proposed S/D electrode could be fabricated on a glass substrate at low temperatures (below 200 °C). The excellent electrical properties of the proposed IGZO TFT are expected to promote the application of TFTs in advanced displays.

Previously, in the case of malocclusion owing to skeletal discrepancy in adults, the amount of tooth movement was limited since there was no reliable skeletal anchorage device. The only way to treat this case was by repositioning the maxilla and mandible via orthognathic surgery, but most patients are reluctant to undergo surgery owing to the risk and expenses incurred. However, with the current introduction and use of miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices, the entire dental arch can be relocated to a target position without surgery, thus broadening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment compared to the past. For a non-surgical approach to improve skeletal discrepancy, anteroposterior, vertical and transverse displacements of the dental arch are necessary. In this case, the localization of the centre of resistance of the whole arch must precede the appliance design with an appropriate biomechanical design. Especially, in the transverse dimension, the envelope of discrepancy is reportedly narrow, and the tooth movement must accompany the orthopaedic correction involving the midpalatal suture expansion. Recently, in adults with transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) can be performed. Moreover, compared to surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion, MARPE reduces the cost to the patient and achieves clinically acceptable stable maxillary expansion. In this article, we will discuss the role of total arch movement and MARPE in widening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment, despite the inherent limitations of miniscrews' mechanical aspects.

Objective Increased gingival elasticity has been implicated as the cause of relapse following orthodontic rotational tooth movement and approaches to reduce relapse are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN), an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, on gene expression in gingival fibroblasts and relapse after rotational tooth movement in beagle dogs. Methods The lower lateral incisors of five beagle dogs were rotated. SFN or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were injected into the supra-alveolar gingiva of the experimental and control group, respectively, and the effect of SFN on relapse tendency was evaluated. Changes in mRNA expression of extracellular matrix components associated with gingival elasticity in beagles were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Morphology and arrangement of collagen fibers were observed on Masson’s trichrome staining of buccal gingival tissues of experimental and control teeth. Results SFN reduced the amount and percentage of relapse of orthodontic rotation. It also decreased the gene expression of lysyl oxidase and increased the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP 12, compared with DMSO control subjects. Histologically, collagen fiber bundles were arranged irregularly and were not well connected in the SFN-treated group, whereas the fibers extended in parallel and perpendicular directions toward the gingiva and alveolar bone in a more regular and well-ordered arrangement in the DMSO-treated group. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that SFN treatment may be a promising pharmacologic approach to prevent orthodontic rotational relapse caused by increased gingival elasticity of rotated teeth in beagle dogs.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of bimaxillary surgery involving bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy performed with or without presurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Methods A total of 40 adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were retrospectively divided into two groups (n = 20 each) according to the use of MARPE for the correction of transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy during presurgical orthodontic treatment. Serial lateral cephalograms and dental casts were analyzed until 6 months after surgery. Results Before presurgical orthodontic treatment, there was no significant differences in terms of sex and age between groups. However, the difference of approximately 3.1 mm in the maxillomandibular intermolar width was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Two days after surgery, the mandible had moved backward and upward without any significant intergroup difference. Six months after surgery, the maxillary intercanine (2.7 ± 2.1 mm), interpremolar (3.6 ± 2.4 mm), and intermolar (2.0 ± 1.3 mm) arch widths were significantly increased (p < 0.001) relative to the values before presurgical orthodontic treatment in the MARPE group; these widths were maintained or decreased in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in surgical changes and the postsurgical stability between the two groups. No significant correlations existed between the amount of maxillary expansion and postsurgical mandibular movement. Conclusions MARPE is useful for stable and nonsurgical expansion of the maxilla in adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who are scheduled for bimaxillary surgery.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the differences in cephalometric characteristics and skeletal maturation in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) via lateral and hand-wrist radiographs. We also aimed to identify the indicators that are most effective for determining skeletal maturity in these patients. Methods The study included 70 Korean girls (mean age, 8.5 ± 0.5 years) diagnosed with CPP at the Department of Pediatrics, and 48 normal healthy age-matched girls who visited the Department of Orthodontics and had no history of hormone treatment or growth problems. Skeletal maturation was evaluated using lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs using cervical vertebrae maturation indicators (CVMI) and skeletal maturity indicators (SMI). Results The mean mandibular plane angle was smaller in the CPP group than in the control group (35.8° ± 4.9° vs. 39.0° ± 6.5°), resulting in greater posterior facial height (p = 0.003). SMI was significantly greater in the CPP group (3.5 ± 1.4 vs. 2.0 ± 1.0) than in the control group (p = 0.001) and was significantly associated with CPP (r = 0.492; p = 0.001), whereas CVMI was not. Conclusions In comparison with the control group, the CPP group exhibited a smaller mandibular plane angle, greater posterior facial height, and greater skeletal maturation. SMI may be more suitable than CVMI for determining skeletal maturation in CPP. Hand-wrist radiography is recommended in addition to lateral cephalogram for predicting growth in girls with CPP.

To elucidate genetic factors affecting orthodontic treatment duration, we employed targeted next-generation sequencing on DNA from the saliva of 117 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment after premolar extraction. The clinical characteristics of patients were summarized, and the association of clinical variables with treatment duration was assessed. Patients whose treatment duration deviated from the average were classified into an extreme long group or an extreme short group. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly enriched in the two groups via targeted sequencing. Nine SNPs (six genes) were significantly enriched in both groups. In the extreme long group, the frequency of the CC genotypes of WNT3A, SPP1 (rs4754, rs9138), and TNFSF11, the TT genotype of SPP1 (rs1126616), as well as the GG genotype of SFRP2 was significantly higher than in the short group. In the extreme short group, the TC genotype of SPP1, the AA genotype of P2RX7, the CT genotype of TNFSF11, and the AG genotype of TNFRSF11A tended to exhibit higher frequency than in the long group. Taken together, we identified genetic polymorphisms related to treatment duration in Korean orthodontic patients undergoing premolar extraction. Accurate prediction of the treatment period through further research will be of great aid to patients as well as orthodontists.

Adult cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) patients with a maxillomandibular skeletal discrepancy and missing teeth require an interdisciplinary approach for esthetic satisfaction. The prosthetic and orthodontic treatments for two unilateral CL/P patients with 2 different prostheses and orthodontic interventions are described. A 20-year-old woman with a skeletal Class II, anterior open bite, and the missing teeth was treated with zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses after orthodontic treatment with the intrusion of the maxillary molars using miniscrews. A 34-year-old man with a skeletal Class III, anterior crossbite, chronic generalized moderate periodontitis, and the defected area was treated with a dental implant, and zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses after periodontal treatment and bimaxillary surgery. These clinical reports demonstrate that prosthetic treatment combined with nonsurgical or surgical orthodontic treatment can be effective for adult patients with unilateral CL/P and missing teeth. The therapeutic approaches resulted in improvements in the patients’ facial appearances and satisfaction.

Objectives: To determine whether the success rate and primary stability of surface-treated miniscrews differ from those of nontreated miniscrews. Materials and Methods: Patients who required one or more miniscrews for the same reason in each quadrant were recruited into a single-blinded, split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Self-drilling miniscrews with two surface types were used: those with no surface treatment, and those with an acid-etched surface treatment. The cumulative success rate and primary stability of each type of miniscrew were examined, and factors potentially affecting the success and failure of miniscrews were investigated. Results: Forty patients were included in the study, with a total of 98 orthodontic miniscrews. The overall success rate was 88.8%, and the respective success rates for acid-etched and machined surface miniscrews were 91.8% and 85.7%. The respective mean insertion torques were 13.62 ± 5.95 N·cm and 13.38 ± 4 N·cm, and periotest values measured immediately after insertion were −0.50 ± 2.77 for acid-etched miniscrews and −0.28 ± 3.36 for machined surface miniscrews. There was no significant difference in the mean insertion torques and periotest values according to surface treatment and jaw. Conclusions: Neither the success rate nor the primary stability of acid-etched surface miniscrews and machined surface miniscrews differed significantly. There is a high possibility that miniscrews will fall out in patients who have an open bite or those who require total distalization.

This study investigated the association of changes in cementum protein-1 (CEMP-1), dentine phosphoprotein (DPP), and c-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) levels in human gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) under constant load with external root resorption volume and amount of tooth movement. In total, 11 healthy adult patients (mean age, 23.5 years [range, 18.3–37.7]; four men and seven women) were enrolled. GCF samples were obtained from premolars at T0, T1 (1 day), T2 (1 week), T3 (2 weeks), T4 (4 weeks), and T5 (8 weeks) under constant 100-gm buccal tipping force. Opposite premolars were used as controls. Teeth were extracted at T5, followed by quantification of external root resorption volume and histological analysis. In the test group, T5/T0 ratios of CEMP-1 and DPP levels, differential CEMP-1 levels between T5 and T0, and differential DPP levels between T2 and T0 correlated positively with root resorption volume (r = 0.734, 0.730, 0.627, and 0.612, respectively, all p < 0.05). CEMP-1 levels at T0 and T3 correlated negatively with root resorption volume (r = −0.603 and −0.706; all p < 0.05). CTX-I levels at T5 correlated positively with the amount of tooth movement (r = 0.848, p < 0.01). Alterations in CEMP-1 and DPP levels in human GCF at specific timepoints during orthodontic treatment may be associated with different degrees of external root resorption. This study demonstrates that changes in the levels of tissue-specific biomarkers in GCF may facilitate early detection of external root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Becker’s nevus is a relatively common skin lesion with brown hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. It may be expressed simultaneously with other cutaneous, muscular, or skeletal defects, such as hypoplasia of the breast or scoliosis, for which the term “Becker’s nevus syndrome” has been proposed. An 8-year-old boy presented with a Becker’s nevus on the right cheek, chin, and upper neck with alveolar bone hypertrophy in the anterior mandible, which led to an anterior crossbite and severe canting of the mandibular anterior teeth. Through orthopedic treatment using a face mask, the anteroposterior jaw relationship was improved. In phase 2 treatment, we corrected the canting of the mandibular anterior teeth with a segmental intrusion of the mandibular anterior right teeth into the hypertrophic alveolar bone area. The facial profile was improved along with acceptable occlusion, and the treatment result was stable at 1 year after the end of the treatment, without any periodontal attachment loss, root resorption of mandibular anterior teeth, or increase in the size of the hypertrophic region. This case report describes the successful comprehensive treatment of a growing patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion and multiple characteristics of Becker’s nevus syndrome.

Objectives To date, the clinical stability of dual-thread orthodontic miniscrews has not been studied. This study aimed to compare the primary stability and long-term clinical success rate of dual-thread and cylindrical orthodontic miniscrews and to examine the association between various clinical factors and the success rate of miniscrews. Materials and Methods A total of 145 cylindrical and 135 dual-thread miniscrews were inserted in the maxillary and mandibular buccal alveolar areas of 142 patients. The torque and Periotest (Siemens, Bensheim, Germany) values were recorded during insertion and removal. The effect of clinical variables such as sex, age, screw design, jaw, side of placement, root proximity, and site of placement on the success rate was examined using logistic regression analysis. Results There was no statistically significant difference (P = .595) in the overall clinical success rate between the two designs, with an overall success rate of 82.1% and 84.4% for the cylindrical and dual-thread miniscrews, respectively. Age and screw-root proximity were significantly associated with failure (P < .05). Conclusions The dual-thread miniscrews did not show superior long-term stability and clinical success rate as compared with the cylindrical miniscrews. The results of this study suggest that patient age and screw-root proximity influence the clinical success rate of miniscrews.

The plane formed by the intersection of bilateral porions (PoR and PoL) and left orbitale (OrL) is conventionally defined as the Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane. We aim to test the influence of the FH plane definition on a 3D cephalometric assessment. We selected 38 adult patients (20 males, 18 females, average age: 22.87 &plusmn, 5.17 years) without any gross asymmetry from retrospective records and traced and analyzed their cone-beam computed tomographic images. The findings were categorized into the following four groups: FH1: conventional, FH2: PoR, PoL, right orbitale (OrR), FH3: OrR, OrL, PoL, FH4: OrR, OrL, PoR. The average menton (Me) deviation from the MSP was statistically significant for the FH1 group (0.56 &plusmn, 0.27 mm, p &lt, 0.001), compared to the FH3 (1.37 &plusmn, 1.23 mm) and FH4 (1.33 &plusmn, 1.16 mm) groups. The spatial orientation level (SOL) of the FH plane showed a marked difference (p &lt, 0.05) between the FH2 (0.602&deg, &plusmn, 0.503&deg, ) and FH4 (0.944&deg, 0.778&deg, ) groups. The SOL of the MSP was comparatively small (p &lt, 0.001) for FH2 (0.015&deg, 0.023&deg, ) in comparison to both FH 3 (0.644&deg, 0.546&deg, ) and FH 4 (0.627&deg, 0.516&deg, ). Therefore, the FH plane definition can significantly influence the interpretation of cephalometric findings. Future studies should focus on standardization to improve the reliability and reproducibility of 3D cephalometry.

Purpose The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term stability of bimaxillary surgery using an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods The present retrospective study included 31 consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions who had undergone bimaxillary surgery (Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral IVRO). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on treatment type: pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS; n = 17) and conventional surgery with presurgical orthodontic treatment (CS; n = 14). Lateral cephalograms were obtained before surgery, 1 day after surgery, 1 month after surgery, 1 year after surgery, and 2 years after surgery to evaluate skeletal and soft tissue changes between the 2 groups. Data were analyzed using χ2 tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, repeated-measures analyses of variance, and independent t tests. Results There was no significant difference in skeletal or soft tissue measurements—with the exception of the angle between the sella-and-nasion plane and the occlusal plane (SN-OP; P Conclusions These findings suggest that POGS and CS have similar long-term stability in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution and displacement of various craniofacial structures after nonsurgical rapid palatal expansion (RPE) with conventional (C-RPE), bone-borne (B-RPE), and miniscrew-assisted (MARPE) expanders for young adults using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). Methods Conventional, bone-borne, and miniscrew-assisted palatal expanders were designed to simulate expansion in a 3D FE model created from a 20-year-old human dry skull. Stress distribution and the displacement pattern for each circumaxillary suture and anchor tooth were calculated. Results The results showed that C-RPE induced the greatest stress along the frontal process of the maxilla and around the anchor teeth, followed by the suture area, whereas B-RPE generated the greatest stress around the miniscrew, although the area was limited within the suture. Compared with the other appliances, MARPE caused relatively even stress distribution, decreased the stress on the buccal plate of the anchor teeth, and reduced tipping of the anchor teeth. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the incorporation of miniscrews in RPE devices may contribute to force delivery to the sutures and a decrease in excessive stress on the buccal plate. Thus, MARPE may serve as an effective modality for the nonsurgical treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency in young adults.

This retrospective observational study aimed to examine the correlation and correspondence between skeletal maturation indicators (SMI), cervical vertebral maturation indicators (CVMI), and radius-ulna-short bones (RUS) skeletal maturity scores in Korean adolescents, and to determine whether easily obtainable SMI or CVMI can replace the RUS skeletal maturity score. A total of 1017 participants were included with both hand-wrist radiograph and lateral cephalogram acquired concurrently. From the lateral cephalogram, CVMI was determined, through the hand-wrist radiograph, SMI was categorized, and the RUS skeletal maturity score was evaluated as well. Associations were examined using the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s rank-order correlation analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in chronological age between males and females, however, the SMI, CVMI, and RUS skeletal maturity scores were significantly higher in females. The SMI, CVMI, and RUS skeletal maturity scores showed a statistically significant strong degree of both positive correlation and correspondence. However, a precisely corresponding RUS skeletal maturity score was difficult to obtain for a specific CVMI and SMI stage, implying the absence of a quantitative correlation. In conclusion, detailed evaluation should be conducted using the RUS skeletal maturity score, preferably in cases that require bone age determination or residual growth estimation.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the changes induced in the pharyngeal airway space by orthodontic treatment with bodily retraction of the mandibular incisors and mandibular setback surgery without extraction. METHODS This retrospective study included 63 adult patients (32 men and 31 women). Thirty-three patients who had been treated via four-bicuspid extraction and bodily retraction of the mandibular incisors (incisor retraction, IR group) were compared with 30 patients who had been treated via mandibular setback surgery (MS group) without extraction. Lateral cephalograms were acquired and analyzed before (T1) and after treatment (T2). RESULTS The superior pharyngeal airway space did not change significantly in either group during treatment. The middle pharyngeal airway space decreased by 1.15 ± 1.17 mm and 1.25 ± 1.35 mm after treatment in the IR and MS groups, respectively, and the decrease was comparable between the two groups. In the MS group, the inferior pharyngeal airway space (E-IPW) decreased by 0.88 ± 1.67 mm after treatment (p < 0.01). The E-IPW was larger in the MS group than in IR group at T1, but it did not differ significantly between the two groups at T2. No significant correlation was observed between changes in the pharyngeal airway space and the skeletal and dental variables in each group. CONCLUSIONS The middle pharyngeal airway space decreased because of the posterior displacement of the mandibular incisors and/or the mandibular body. The E-IPW decreased only in the MS group because of the posterior displacement of only the mandibular body.

Purpose Few studies have evaluated the relapse pattern of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) for the correction of mandibular prognathism with a high angle. The aim of this study was to measure the association between vertical facial types (high and normal mandibular plane angle) and relapse after IVRO for the management of mandibular prognathism. Materials and Methods The retrospective cohort study sample (skeletal Class III patients) was divided into 2 groups according to the angle of the sella-nasion plane relative to the mandibular plane (SN-MP) at the initial examination. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed for the predictor (facial type) and outcome (cephalometric changes over time) variables before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. The 2 groups were matched for sample size (n = 20 in each). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Results The normal-angle group (group N, SN-MP from 27° to 37°) and high-angle group (group H, SN-MP >37°) were not significantly different in terms of gender and age at the initial examination. Seven days after surgery, the mandibles in group H moved 2.5 mm more superiorly than those in group N (P = .013); consequently, the amount of overbite correction in group H was approximately 2 mm greater than that in group N (P = .002). Nevertheless, 12 months after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in relapse of the maxilla and mandible between the 2 groups. In the 2 groups, the mandible moved approximately 0.7 mm superiorly during retention. Conclusions These findings suggest that IVRO is a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for mandibular prognathism with a high angle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the maxillary sinus floor levels between adults with an anterior open bite and those without.This retrospective study included 30 subjects: 15 adults with an anterior open bite (mean age, 21.5 ± 4.3 years) and 15 control subjects with normal occlusion (mean age, 21.7 ± 3.1 years). Cone-beam computed tomography and lateral cephalograms were analyzed before treatment.The open-bite group exhibited a significantly greater maxillary posterior alveolar height (P 0.05). The craniocaudal heights of the maxillary sinus in the region between the first and second molars and between the second premolar and first molar were significantly greater in the open bite group (40.5 and 39.0 mm, respectively) than in the control group (36.7 and 34.7 mm, respectively; P 0.05 for both). The basal bone heights in the regions between the first and second molars, the second premolar and first molar, and the first and second premolars were significantly smaller in the open-bite group than in the control group (P 0.001 for all).Vertical pneumatization of the maxillary sinus floor in the region between the first and second molars and between the second premolar and first molar is greater in adults with an anterior open bite than in those without, whereas basal bone height in the maxillary posterior region is lower in the open-bite patients.

The few studies on craniofacial complex changes in adults have reported contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate changes in the craniofacial complex and alveolar bone height of young adults over a 4-year period. This prospective study included 82 young adults (62 men; mean age, 19.0 ± 0.8 years; 20 women; mean age, 18.8 ± 0.9 years). Three radiographic examinations were performed longitudinally: the first (T0) was conducted at the start of the study, the second (T1) was conducted 2 years later, and the third (T2) was conducted at the end of the study period. As part of these examinations, lateral cephalograms, maxillary and mandibular anterior periapical radiographs, and bilateral posterior bitewing radiographs were obtained. During the 4-year follow-up period, all linear cephalometric measurements were significantly greater in men than in women. The amount of increase in the anterior facial height between T1 and T2 was lower in women than in men (P = 0.029). The rate of uprighting of the upper incisors was lower in men than in women over time (P = 0.020). The apex of the nose moved inferiorly between T0 and T2 (P = 0.006). The average overall change in the alveolar bone height was 0.27 mm and the yearly change was 0.07 mm over the 4-year period (P< 0.001). Significant changes in the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue, as well as, natural changes in alveolar bone, occur in young adults over time. Clin. Anat. 29:1011-1017, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the optimal loading conditions for pure intrusion of the six maxillary anterior teeth with miniscrews according to alveolar bone loss. Methods A three-dimensional finite element model was created for a segment of the six anterior teeth, and the positions of the miniscrews and hooks were varied after setting the alveolar bone loss to 0, 2, or 4 mm. Under 100 g of intrusive force, initial displacement of the individual teeth in three directions and the degree of labial tilting were measured. Results The degree of labial tilting increased with reduced alveolar bone height under the same load. When a miniscrew was inserted between the two central incisors, the amounts of medial-lateral and anterior-posterior displacement of the central incisor were significantly greater than in the other conditions. When the miniscrews were inserted distally to the canines and an intrusion force was applied distal to the lateral incisors, the degree of labial tilting and the amounts of displacement of the six anterior teeth were the lowest, and the maximum von Mises stress was distributed evenly across all the teeth, regardless of the bone loss. Conclusions Initial tooth displacement similar to pure intrusion of the six maxillary anterior teeth was induced when miniscrews were inserted distal to the maxillary canines and an intrusion force was applied distal to the lateral incisors. In this condition, the maximum von Mises stresses were relatively evenly distributed across all the teeth, regardless of the bone loss.

The aim of this research was to verify that ultraviolet light (UV)-photofunctionalization improves the success rate and biomechanical stability of miniscrews regardless of length, and to evaluate the comparability of biomechanical stability between UV-photofunctionalized miniscrews with short lengths and untreated miniscrews with conventional lengths.Eight male beagles (age, 12-15 months; weight, 10-13 kg) received a total of 64 miniscrews, including 7-mm and 4-mm untreated and UV-photofunctionalized, acid-etched miniscrews with the use of a random block design. The cumulative success rates were examined in all studied groups. The insertion and removal torques and screw mobility were measured. Microcomputed tomographic scans and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 8 weeks postoperatively.The success rates of 7-mm UV-untreated and UV-photofunctionalized miniscrews were 87.5% and 100%, respectively, vs 43.8% for the 4-mm UV-untreated and 4-mm UV-photofunctionalized miniscrews. The rates were significantly different in accordance with the length (P 0.001). There were no differences in the insertion and removal torque and screw mobility between groups according to the length or UV treatment. However, the 4-mm UV-untreated miniscrews yielded a mean bone area ratio of 6.35 ± 7.43%, whereas the 7-mm UV-photofunctionalized miniscrew yielded a mean ratio of 32.17 ± 8.34% (P = 0.037).The UV-photofunctionalization significantly increased the biomechanical stability and led to increased bone and miniscrew contact area in dogs with miniscrews of the same length. However, the most important factor that affected the success rate of the miniscrew was the length.

Introduction We evaluated soft-tissue thickness changes after bimaxillary surgery according to vertical facial patterns in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular prognathism. Methods Forty-three Korean patients (16 men and 27 women; mean age, 22.6 ± 4.1 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery were divided into 2 groups: normal-angle group (N group) and high-angle group (H group), on the basis of the presurgical angle of the mandibular plane relative to the sella-nasion plane (SN-MP). Changes in hard-tissue landmarks and soft-tissue thickness before and after surgery were analyzed from reconstructed 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images. Postoperative soft-tissue thickness in both groups was compared with that in 40 patients with normal skeletal Class I malocclusion in the reference group. Results Group N (27°-37°) and group H (>37°) did not differ significantly in terms of sex and age before surgery. Preoperative pogonion (Pog) thickness was significantly less in group H (9.7 ± 1.6 mm) than in group N (10.8 ± 1.9 mm) (P = 0.042). Adjusted multiple linear regression analysis showed a weak positive linear relationship between the SN-MP before surgery and soft-tissue Pog thickness change (R2 of 0.361; P = 0.001) after surgery, but the area below the lower lips was not completely normalized despite surgery. Conclusions The thickness of the soft-tissue Pog may increase slightly after surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with a higher preoperative mandibular plane angle, but normalization in the area cannot be completely achieved despite surgery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distributions in the roots, periodontal ligaments (PDLs), and bones around cylindrical and tapered miniscrews inserted at different angles using a finite element analysis. Methods: We created a three-dimensional (3D) maxilla model of a dentition with extracted first premolars and used 2 types of miniscrews (tapered and cylindrical) with 1.45-mm diameters and 8-mm lengths. The miniscrews were inserted at 30°, 60°, and 90° angles with respect to the bone surface. A simulated horizontal orthodontic force of 2 N was applied to the miniscrew heads. Then, the stress distributions, magnitudes during miniscrew placement, and force applications were analyzed with a 3D finite element analysis. Results: Stresses were primarily absorbed by cortical bone. Moreover, very little stress was transmitted to the roots, PDLs, and cancellous bone. During cylindrical miniscrew insertion, the maximum von Mises stress increased as insertion angle decreased. Tapered miniscrews exhibited greater maximum von Mises stress than cylindrical miniscrews. During force application, maximum von Mises stresses increased in both groups as insertion angles decreased. Conclusions: For both cylindrical and tapered miniscrew designs, placement as perpendicular to the bone surface as possible is recommended to reduce stress in the surrounding bone.

Objective: To evaluate the stability of nonsurgical miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARME) in young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency. Materials and Methods: From a total of 69 adult patients who underwent MARME followed by orthodontic treatment with a straight-wire appliance, 20 patients (mean age, 20.9 ± 2.9 years) with follow-up records (mean, 30.2 ± 13.2 months) after debonding were selected. Posteroanterior cephalometric records and dental casts were obtained at the initial examination (T0), immediately after MARME removal (T1), immediately after debonding (T2), and at posttreatment follow-up (T3). Results: Suture separation was observed in 86.96% of subjects (60/69). An increase in the maxillary width (J-J; 1.92 mm) accounted for 43.34% of the total expansion with regard to the intermolar width (IMW) increase (4.43 mm; P < .001) at T2. The amounts of J-J and IMW posttreatment changes were −0.07 mm (P > .05) and −0.42 mm (P = .01), respectively, during retention. The postexpansion change in middle alveolus width increased with age (P < .05). The postexpansion change of interpremolar width (IPMW) was positively correlated with the amount of IPMW expansion (P < .05) but not with IMW. The changes of the clinical crown heights in the maxillary canines, first premolars, and first molars were not significant at each time point. Conclusions: Nonsurgical MARME can be a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the direction and degree of lip-line cant in Korean adult orthodontic patients and to identify the effects of sex and age on changes in the cant severity. Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, lip-line cant was measured in the frontal photographs of 585 Korean patients (92 men and 493 women) aged 18−48 years. The outcome variables (direction and degree of lip-line cant) were assessed in terms of predictor variables (sex, age, sagittal skeletal relationship, and menton deviation angle). Results: The direction of lip-line cant did not differ according to sex, age, or skeletal classification. Patients had 1.6 o of lip-line cant on average before orthodontic treatment. Middle-aged adults displayed a significant trend toward a lower degree of lip-line cant compared to younger adults (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the degree of lip-line cant was weakly negatively correlated with age (p < 0.001). Conclusions: While the direction of lip-line cant did not differ according to the parameters explored here, the degree of cant was correlated with age in adults, independent of menton deviation. Specifically, middle-aged adults tended to display significantly lower degrees of lip-line cant than did younger adults. [Korean J Orthod 2016;46(2):81-86]

Postoperative skeletal and dental changes were evaluated in patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent mandibular setback surgery using an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment.This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions who underwent IVRO. Patients treated with pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS) were compared with patients treated with conventional surgery (CS) with presurgical orthodontics (control) using lateral cephalograms (taken preoperatively, 7 days postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively). Predictor (group and timing), outcome (cephalometric measurements over time), and other (ie, baseline characteristics) variables were evaluated to determine the differences in postoperative horizontal and vertical positional changes of the mandible, such as point B. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups (N = 37; CS group, n = 17; POGS group, n = 20). The data were analyzed with an independent t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Fisher exact t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis.The mean setback of the mandible at point B was similar, but the mandible of the POGS group, particularly the distal segment, moved superiorly during the postoperative period in conjunction with the removal of premature occlusal contacts (P.001). In the CS group, the mandible had significantly more backward movement 12 months after surgery compared with the POGS group (P.01). In the POGS group, horizontal and vertical postsurgical changes were linearly correlated with the amount of setback and vertical movement of the mandible.Mandibular setback surgery using IVRO without presurgical orthodontics leads to considerably different postoperative skeletal and dental changes compared with conventional treatment, with more superior movement being observed at point B during the 1-year postoperative period.

In this study, we aimed to assess the surface characteristics and the biomechanical stability of miniscrews with an anodic oxidized surface compared with machined surface miniscrews in beagle dogs.Self-drilled, titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy miniscrews with an anodic oxidized surface (n = 48) or a machined surface (n = 48) were placed into the mandibles of 12 beagle dogs. The surface characteristics of both types of miniscrews were analyzed before implantation with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Insertion torque was measured during placement of all 96 miniscrews. Half of the implants in each group (24 specimens per subgroup) received 200 to 250 g of tensile force for 3-week or 12-week loading periods. Removal torque was measured in 12 specimens of each subgroup, and bone-implant contact and bone volume were quantified in the other 12 specimens of each subgroup.Atomic force microscopy measurements demonstrated that the anodic oxidized surface miniscrews had significantly higher roughness parameters than did the machined surface miniscrews (P 0.001). The 2 types of miniscrews were not significantly different in insertion and removal torque values or in bone-implant contacts and bone volumes, regardless of the loading period.Anodic oxidized miniscrews have different surface roughness profiles but no clinically significant superiority in biomechanical stability compared with machined surface miniscrews.

A cultural and art performance is a domain of the service from which consumers want to get a value through the experience, and a comprehensive study of the service quality the consumers judge to be important is necessary. Also, there are active studies of service quality in various service industries and fields, but there are not many studies related to service quality in the performance business. In the performance industry, the service quality of the theater has a great influence in order to express the distinct theme, and yet, there has been no study of theinfluences of the choice factors of performing arts, the quality of the physical environment, in other words, the qualityof interaction and the quality of the outcome of their selection of a performance of each type of use by the audienceof performing arts. Thus, this study aims to understand the quality of physical environment considered by the audience of a choir performance in the selection of the performance according to the type of use of the choir performanceand analyze the influences of these factors on the quality of interaction, the quality of outcome and behavioral intention to provide suggestions for the establishment of marketing strategies in the future.

The authors hypothesized that an audiovisual slide presentation that provided treatment information regarding the removal of an impacted mandibular third molar could improve patient knowledge of postoperative complications and decrease anxiety in young adults before and after surgery. A group that received an audiovisual description was compared with a group that received the conventional written description of the procedure.This randomized clinical trial included young adult patients who required surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar and fulfilled the predetermined criteria. The predictor variable was the presentation of an audiovisual slideshow. The audiovisual informed group provided informed consent after viewing an audiovisual slideshow. The control group provided informed consent after reading a written description of the procedure. The outcome variables were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Dental Anxiety Scale, a self-reported anxiety questionnaire, completed immediately before and 1 week after surgery, and a postoperative questionnaire about the level of understanding of potential postoperative complications. The data were analyzed with χ(2) tests, independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman rank correlation coefficients.Fifty-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The audiovisual informed group was comprised of 20 men and 5 women; the written informed group was comprised of 21 men and 5 women. The audiovisual informed group remembered significantly more information than the control group about a potential allergic reaction to local anesthesia or medication and potential trismus (P.05). The audiovisual informed group had lower self-reported anxiety scores than the control group 1 week after surgery (P .05).These results suggested that informing patients of the treatment with an audiovisual slide presentation could improve patient knowledge about postoperative complications and aid in alleviating anxiety after the surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar.

In this study, we carry out environmental and economic loss analyses of the oil discharge from the shipwreck Jeh Hun. By performing 500 simulations of hypothetical oil spill cases, we obtain the minimum and worst damage cases. In the minimum damage case, there is just marine pollution without coastal pollution or aquaculture farm pollution. On the other hand, in the worst damage case, there is serious marine pollution, coastal pollution, and aquaculture pollution. The main purpose of the environmental and economic loss analyses is to support salvage planning for the shipwreck, because we have to consider the oil discharge from the shipwreck during oil removal and salvage. The results of this study show that the best salvage time is early morning in winter, when the northwest wind and maximum flood tide are dominant resulting in the spilt oil going forward into the open sea without coastal pollution and aquaculture pollution.

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are one of the most aggressive cysts in the oral and maxillofacial area because of their high recurrence rate and infiltrative behavior. In growing patients with OKCs, a radical treatment approach might cause numerous complications, including the disturbance of jaw growth and loss of the involved tooth. This case report describes successful comprehensive orthodontic treatment combined with marsupialization of the cyst in a young girl who exhibited an OKC with impacted teeth. The 10-year-old girl presented with an OKC extending from the mandibular symphysis through the left mandibular body, with ectopic impaction of the mandibular left canine and first premolar, as well as congenitally missing bilateral mandibular second premolars. Interestingly, spontaneous improvement of the positions of the ectopic impacted teeth, along with a reduction in the size of the cyst, occurred during marsupialization. The sequential use of removable and fixed appliances enabled orthodontic traction of the impacted teeth. The treatment outcome was stable at 2.5 years after the end of the treatment. We speculate that comprehensive orthodontic treatment combined with marsupialization can be an effective treatment strategy for patients with OKCs, especially when they are encountered in young, growing patients with impacted teeth.

Important aspects of orthognathic surgery are the effects of skeletal movement and changes in the position of the hyoid bone, tongue, soft palate, and dimensions of the pharyngeal airway. Our aims were to evaluate the 3-dimensional changes in the pharyngeal airway and in the position of the hyoid bone after mandibular setback in 30 patients who were diagnosed with mandibular prognathism and were treated by intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO). Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained preoperatively, one month postoperatively, and one year postoperatively. The total pharyngeal volume decreased between the preoperative state and one month and one year afterwards. The hyoid bone had moved 2.0 mm posteriorly and 3.15 mm superiorly by one month postoperatively. The position of the hyoid bone was affected by changes in posterior and superior movement of the B point at one month (r = 0.44, p = 0.015 and R = 0.63, p = 0.000, respectively) and also by superior movement of the B point at one year (r = 0.57, p = −0.001). There was an advantageous relation between posterior positional changes in the B point (mandibular setback), and volumetric changes in the hypopharyngeal and total pharyngeal airway, so maxillofacial surgeons should consider the reduction in airway when planning excessive mandibular setback.

Objectives: To identify unique characteristics of the craniofacial complex and dental maturity in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Materials and Methods: This study included 34 Korean girls with idiopathic CPP (mean age, 8.6 ± .5 years) and 28 normal healthy girls of the same chronological age. An initial evaluation of the growth pattern of the craniofacial complex and dental maturity was conducted by analyzing lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs. Results: The mandibular ramus height (44.4 ± 4.1 mm) and total mandibular length (10.8 ± 4.3 mm) (P = .004 and .021, respectively) were greater and the lower anterior facial height was lesser (63.2 ± 2.4 mm) (P = .040) in the CPP group than in the reference group. In addition, the gonial angle (12.9 ± 6.1°; P = .045) and the mandibular plane angle (34.9 ± 4.8°; P = .012) were smaller in girls with CPP than in normal healthy girls. All the mandibular teeth were more mature in girls with CPP (P < .001). A strong positive correlation was observed between the mandibular tooth formation stages and the presence of CPP in girls (r = .756 to .957; P < .001). Conclusions: CPP had an effect on the anteroposterior growth of the mandible in the craniofacial complex and the rotation of the mandibular plane angle. Early maturation of the mandibular teeth was observed in girls with CPP.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the palatal rugae in Korean subjects to determine whether the palatal rugae can be used as an appropriate reference area for three-dimensional digital model superimpositions. Materials and Methods. In total, 343 patients (110 men, 233 women; mean age, 25.6±8.2 years) who had a digital model taken at their initial visit were included, and the numbers and types of right and left palatal rugae were investigated according to the primary, secondary, and fragmentary rugae. Finally, the differences in the positions of the third primary ruga were investigated according to the presence of additional rugae posterior to the third primary ruga. Results. The number of primary palatal rugae ranged from one to six, with 43.5% of the subjects having three primary rugae and 36.1% having four primary rugae; there were no significant differences between sexes. Except for the fragment rugae, the numbers of primary and secondary rugae were not significantly different between the left and right sides. The third primary ruga was located more significantly anteriorly when there was an additional ruga posterior to the third primary ruga (P < 0.001). Conclusions. The numbers of the palatal rugae vary greatly among individuals, and this affects the anteroposterior position of the third primary ruga. When the third primary ruga is located anteriorly, care should be taken when using it as a reference area for superimposition with a digital model before and after orthodontic treatment.

The gas-liquid two-phase ejector is a device without moving parts, in which a liquid is used to drive a gas of a low-pressure source. In this study, the effect of the direction of installation on hydrodynamic characteristics was examined using the same air/water ejector loop. The entrained air flow rates and local void fraction profiles were also measured at various water flow rates for three types of installation: horizontal, vertical-upward, and vertical-downward, and were compared. From the study, the vertical-downward installation was found to be the best in terms of air entrainment ratio and homogeneity of bubbles.

An 83-year-old woman was scheduled for a second transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. The preoperative electrocardiogram evaluation revealed atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response (ventricular rate: 59 /min). After intravenous injection of 1% lidocaine 40 mg and propofol 60 mg, the ventricular rate increased to 113 beats/min and then fell rapidly to 27 beats/min. Blood pressure was 70/40 mmHg. Later an atrial fibrillation rhythm, with a ventricular rate of 100-130 beats/min, was observed together with a sinus pause and sinus rhythm with a ventricular rate of 40-50 beats/min. An external pacemaker was applied and set at 60 mA, 40 counts. After the patient regained consciousness, she presented an alert mental state and had no chest symptoms. She was discharged 2 weeks later without complications after insertion of a permanent pacemaker.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between malocclusion and oral health-related quality of life in young adults without orthodontic treatment, controlling for sociodemographic factors and common oral diseases.The sample consisted of 429 Korean patients (328 men, 101 women) 18 to 32 years of age. They completed the Korean version of the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire and had a clinical examination, including an assessment with the index of orthodontic treatment need-dental health component. We collected sociodemographic information (age, sex, and education level) and evaluated other common oral diseases (decayed, missing, and filled teeth; periodontal health status; temporomandibular disorder; and oral soft tissue diseases).Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients requiring extensive orthodontic treatment were more than 2.7 times as likely to have poor oral health-related quality of life as the corresponding "no treatment needed" reference group (odds ratio, 2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-4.59; P0.001). Severe malocclusion is significantly associated with functional limitations, physical pain, and social disability in young adults.Malocclusion is a key factor associated with poor quality of life caused by limited oral function, pain, and social disability in young adults.

The heart characteristic length, the inverse of conduction velocity (CV), and the inverse of the refractory period are known to determine vulnerability to cardiac fibrillation (fibrillation number, FibN) in in silico or ex vivo models. The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of FibN through in silico atrial modeling and to evaluate its clinical application in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation. We compared the maintenance duration of AF at various FibNAF values using in silico bidomain atrial modeling. Among 60 patients (72% male, $54\pm 13$ years old, 82% with paroxysmal AF) who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) for AF rhythm control, we examined the relationship between FibN AF and postprocedural AF inducibility or induction pacing cycle length (iPCL). Clinical FibNAF was calculated using left atrium (LA) dimension (echocardiogram), the inverse of CV, and the inverse of the atrial effective refractory periods measured at proximal and distal coronary sinus. In silico simulation found a positive correlation between AF maintenance duration and FibNAF ( $R = 0.90$ , $p ). After clinical CPVI, FibNAF ( $0.296\pm 0.038$ versus $0.192\pm 0.028$ , $p ) was significantly higher in patients with postprocedural AF inducibility ( $n = 41$ ) than in those without ( $n = 19$ ). Among 41 patients with postprocedural AF inducibility, FibNAF ( $P = 0.935$ , $p ) had excellent correlations with induction pacing cycle length. FibNAF, based on LA mass and wavelength, correlates well with AF maintenance in computational modeling and clinical AF inducibility after CPVI.

ObjectiveTo investigate emergence times with different fresh gas flow rates, following desflurane anaesthesia.MethodsPatients undergoing surgery with desflurane anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive fresh gas flow rates of 100% oxygen during emergence of 2 l/min (group D2), 4 l/min (group D4) or 6 l/min (group D6). Time to eye opening, spontaneous movement and extubation (emergence time) were assessed after desflurane discontinuation. The end-tidal concentration of desflurane and bispectral index were recorded at each of these timepoints.ResultsA total of 105 patients were included in the study, with 35 in each of the three groups. Mean times to extubation were 17.6 min, 9.9 min and 9.1 min in groups D2, D4 and D6, respectively. Times to eye opening, spontaneous movement and extubation in group D2 were significantly longer than in groups D4 and D6.ConclusionsThese results suggest that there is the potential to predict emergence time based on fresh gas flow rate following desflurane anaesthesia. It should therefore be possible to use a low-flow technique during the emergence period, in addition to the maintenance period, without delaying recovery if the inhaled anaesthetic is stopped at the predicted time before the end of surgery.

In this work, we investigate the influence of grain boundaries on the performance of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) for high resolution active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays using Voronoi diagram. The novel 2-D Voronoi polycrystalline grain structure can show a more realistic electrical parameter variability when the channel dimension is scaled down for high-resolution display. Using a proposed method, the impact of polycrystalline granular structure controlled by crystallization process is identified. Further, we predict the effect of grain boundary-induced variations under different laser annealing process, such as Excimer Laser Annealing (ELA).

Objective: To compare soft and hard tissue responses based on the degree of maxillary incisor retraction using maximum anchorage in patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study sample was divided into moderate retraction ( Results: There were 2.3 mm and 3.0 mm of upper and lower lip retraction, respectively, in the moderate group; and 4.0 mm and 5.3 mm, respectively, in the maximum group. In the moderate group, the upper lip was most influenced by posterior movement of the cervical point of the maxillary incisor (β = 0.94). The lower lip was most influenced by posterior movement of B-point (β = 0.84) and the cervical point of the mandibular incisor (β = 0.83). Prediction was difficult in the maximum group; no variable showed a significant influence on upper lip changes. The lower lip was highly influenced by posterior movement of the cervical point of the maxillary incisor (β = 0.50), but this correlation was weak in the maximum group. Conclusions: Posterior movement of the cervical point of the anterior teeth is necessary for increased lip retraction. However, periodic evaluation of the lip profile is needed during maximum retraction of the anterior teeth because of limitations in predicting soft tissue responses.