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Background: Soft tissue normal values represent useful guidelines for proper diagnosis and evaluation of orthodontic patients. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to determine the normal values of the vertical facial soft tissue of Egyptian female adolescents. Methodology: Thirty female Participants 11-15 years of age with balanced facial proportions, full permanent dentition and Angle Class I molar and canine relationship were included in this study. Three-dimensional surface data was acquired using Planmeca ProMax 3D ProFace unit. The participant’s data was admitted to the Planmeca Romexis 4.5.0.R software in the associated computer unit prior to the imaging procedure. For all processed images five standard anthropometric landmarks were identified to perform our measurements: Trichion (Tr`), Gnathion (Gn`), Nasion(N`), Subnasale (Sn`) and Sublabiale (Sl`). Results: The mean anterior face height (Tr-Gn’) for the total sample was found 172.6mm±7.99mm. While, the mean height of the forehead (Tr-N’) for total sample was 63.6mm ±7.5mm. The mean morphological height of the face (N’-Gn) was 112.6mm +6.4mm The mean lower face height (Sn-Gn’) was 64.2mm ±5.3mm. The chin height (Sl-Gn’) for the total sample was 22.9mm±2.6mm. Conclusion: Soft tissue normal values represent useful guidelines for proper diagnosis and evaluation of orthodontic patients. Most of the facial measurements of Egyptian female adolescents were can be different or similar according to different ethnic groups.

Introduction: Digital models showed promising results for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Digital models can be obtained from alginate impressions as well as direct intra-oral scanners. Studies assessing the accuracy of digital models have shown digital models to be valid, clinically acceptable, and more quickly obtainable. With the advent of new scanners with better scanning technology researches are necessary to evaluate their accuracy and reliability. Aim of Study: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D digital models obtained through intraoral and extraoral scanning modalities to the reference gold standard plaster model. Material & Methods: Twenty-four adult male and female subjects were randomly selected for this study. The intraoral scanners evaluated in this study were Sirona (CEREC Omnicam) and 3 shape (TRIOS 3), while the laboratory scanners used were Sirona (inEos X5), and 3 shape (D850). Intra-oral scanning of the subjects and extra-oral scanning of their alginate impressions, plaster models of the alginate impression, rubber base impression, and plaster model of their rubber base impression were done. Linear dental measurements included intermolar width, interpremolar width, intercanine width, mesiodistal width of the 1st permanent molar, 1st premolar, canine and central incisor and arch width. All data were collected, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Small differences between the plaster and digital models were observed. Intra-observer reliability analysis for 14 out of the 16 measurements showed that all variables exhibited good to excellent reliability. Conclusions: There was no difference between the digitization using the intraoral scanner or the laboratory scanner. The most accurate digitization technique was the 3 Shape laboratory scanner of the cast of the alginate impression. The inEos X5 showed the highest error of digitization of the alginate and rubber base impressions.

Aims To investigate the transverse dental and skeletal aspects of malocclusion in a sample of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients and to assess the correlations of these aspects with the signs and symptoms of TMD. Methods A total of 150 TMD patients diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD were divided into five groups: Group 1 (myalgia), Group 2 (disc displacement with reduction [DDWR]), Group 3 (disc displacement without reduction [DDWOR]), Group 4 (degenerative disorders), and Group 5 (subluxation). The transverse occlusion was assessed clinically, and any posterior crossbite present was recorded. Using cone beam computed tomography, several skeletal and dental transverse measurements were evaluated in each patient to diagnose the presence of skeletal posterior crossbite and possible facial and dental asymmetry. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the means of more than two groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations of quantitative continuous variables. Significance level was considered at P Results Posterior crossbite was found in only 18% of the sample, while 28.7% of the subjects showed transverse skeletal crossbite. All skeletal and dental measurements evaluating symmetry showed no statistically significant differences between the groups except for the occlusal plane cant, which was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Dental and skeletal transverse discrepancies showed no correlation with TMD. Conclusions Transverse malocclusion is not correlated with the signs and symptoms of TMD.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) with non-LLLT as an adjunct to mechanical debridement in patients who develop gingival inflammation during fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects undergoing comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly allocated. Split mouth design was applied for each patient, where the four quadrants were randomly allocated to receive full mouth debridement. The test group (quadrant) received three laser sessions (days 1, 3, and 5) besides debridement while the control group (quadrant) received debridement only. Both bleeding index (BI) and plaque index (PI) were measured after 1 and 3 months, while the total colony forming units (CFU) were measured after 2 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: Clinical assessments (BI and PI) showed a statistically significant decrease at the first follow-up (after 1 month) and a slight increase in the second (after 3 months) that did not reach the base line. While, the total CFU showed a significant decrease in both follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Laser showed superior results in the treatment of gingival inflammation induced by fixed orthodontic appliances other than debridement only.

Aims To investigate the dental and skeletal aspects of malocclusion in the anteroposterior and vertical dimensions in a sample of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients and to correlate these aspects with the signs and symptoms of TMD. Methods A total of 150 TMD patients were divided into five groups according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD: Group 1 = myalgia (M); Group 2 = disc displacement with reduction (DDWR); Group 3 = disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR); Group 4 = degenerative disorders (D); and Group 5 = subluxation (S). Molar and canine relations, overjet, overbite, occlusal guidance, occlusal interferences, and centric slides were recorded for each patient, and the skeletal craniofacial patterns were analyzed for each patient using cone beam computed tomography. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the variable means of the different groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations of quantitative continuous variables. Significance level was considered at P Results No significant difference was found among the groups regarding any aspects of dental occlusion except for mediotrusive interferences, which were significantly higher in Group 3 (DDWOR) (P = .02). Regarding skeletal craniofacial pattern, Group 4 (D) had significantly smaller mean ± standard deviation sella-nasion-B (SNB) point angle (74.31 ± 3.04 degrees) than Group 3 (DDWOR) (78.04 ± 4.88 degrees), and Group 1 (M) showed the greatest SNB angle (79.87 ± 3.73 degrees) (P = .03). Group 3 (DDWOR) showed significantly greater mean mandibular plane/SN angle (39.56 ± 6.19 degrees) than Group 1 (M) (34.73 ± 5.65 degrees) (P = .04). Relations between occlusal variables and TMD parameters were nonsignificant. Conclusion This study provides robust evidence to diminish the TMD-malocclusion association, especially in myogenic types of TMD.

Structured AbstractObjectives This study sought to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) changes in anteroposterior, vertical and mediolateral positions and orientations of the mandibular condyle as well as joint space parameters following maxillary first premolar extraction and incisor retraction in skeletal Class II patients. Setting and Sample Population Thirty patients were treated by orthodontic maxillary first premolar extraction at the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. Materials and Methods Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis was performed in patients pre- and post-treatment. Sixty joints were evaluated based on the volumetric images, and the following 3D measurements were evaluated: (i) mandibular condylar position relative to the cranial base and the joint itself, (ii) condylar inclination and (iii) anterior, posterior, superior and medial joint spaces. Results There was a statistically significant (P≤.05) posterior positioning of the condyle relative to the vertical plane. The distance increased significantly from 5.77 to 6.82 mm as this plane is anterior to the mandibular condyle. There was an increased anterior joint space (from 3.10 to 3.90 mm) and decreased posterior joint space (from 2.78 to 2.23 mm) following treatment. No changes were observed in mediolateral and vertical condylar positions. Conclusions Posterior positioning of the condyle after orthodontic extraction and incisor retraction may occur, but its clinical significance requires further assessment in future studies.

Background To investigate three-dimensionally using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) morphological and spatial characteristics of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in different anteroposterior skeletal malocclusions. Materials and Methods Pretreatment CBCT scans of 60 young adult patients (18–25 years) were obtained. Among those patients, 20 were characterized as Skeletal Class I, 20 as Skeletal Class II, and 20 as Skeletal Class III malocclusion. Bilateral TMJs were evaluated on the CBCT images and the following three-dimensional measurements were assessed: (1) mandibular fossa position, inclination, and parameters; (2) mandibular condyle position, inclination, and parameters; and (3) circumferential TMJ space measurements. Results Class II patients showed the lowest condylar width (6.47 ± 1.14 mm), the highest condylar height (11.14 ± 1.99 mm), and the highest anterior joint space (2.73 ± 1.14 mm). Class III patients exhibited the lowest anterior (2 ± 0.57 mm), superior (2.92 ± 0.63 mm), and medial joint spaces (2.18 ± 0.72 mm), and the highest mandibular fossa width (19.12 ± 2.48 mm), as well as the highest anteroposterior condylar dimension (7.43 ± 1.50 mm). The three skeletal malocclusions differed significantly in the vertical condylar position (Class III had the most superior and Class II had the most inferior position). Conclusions There are significant differences in specific TMJ parameters between different skeletal malocclusions that might play a role in development of temporomandibular disorders with or without orthodontic treatment.

Background To investigate three-dimensionally using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging the morphological and spatial characteristics of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in different vertical skeletal facial patterns. Materials and Methods Sixty adult patients with no signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were divided equally into three groups: skeletal normal vertical face, long face, and short face malocclusions. Bilateral TMJs were evaluated on the CBCT images, and the following three-dimensional measurements were assessed: (1) mandibular fossa position, inclination, and parameters, (2) mandibular condyle position, inclination, and parameters, and (3) circumferential TMJ space measurements. Results The average mandibular plane inclination was 32.77 ± 1.17° for average pattern, 48.33 ± 2.76° for long face, and 27.27 ± 2.30° for short face malocclusion. Long face showed the statistically significant highest glenoid fossa width (18.34 ± 2.20 mm), more lateral positioned condyles, and more anterioposterior condylar joint position. The long face pattern showed the highest mean value of medial joint space. The short face pattern showed the highest glenoid fossa surface area (106.40 ± 14.68 mm 2 ), sagittal condylar surface area (48.47 ± 4.54 mm 2 ), and superior and anterior joint spaces, as well as lowest posterior joint spaces. Conclusion The TMJ parameters differ between different vertical facial patterns that should be considered when planning an orthodontic case.

To investigate the effect of low-intensity laser therapy on mini-implant stability using resonance frequency analysis during canine retraction with fixed appliances.A split-mouth randomised clinical trial.Subjects were recruited and treated in the outpatient clinic, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.Fifteen subjects with mean age 20.9 (±3.4) years who required extraction of maxillary first premolar teeth and mini-implant-supported canine retraction.Thirty orthodontic mini-implants were inserted bilaterally in the maxillary arches of recruited subjects following alignment and levelling. Mini-implants were immediately loaded with a force of 150 g using nickel titanium coil springs with split-mouth randomisation to a low-intensity laser-treated side and control side. The experimental sides were exposed to low-intensity laser therapy from a diode laser with a wavelength of 940 nm at (0, 7, 14, 21 days) after mini-implant placement. Mini-implant stability was measured using resonance frequency analysis at (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks) after implant placement.A total sample of 28 mini-implants were investigated with 14 in each group. Clinically, both mini-implant groups had the same overall success rate of 78.5%. There were no significant differences in resonance frequency scores between low-intensity laser and control sides from baseline to week 2. However, from week 3 to 10, the low-intensity laser sides showed significantly increased mean resonance frequency values compared to control (P 0.05).Despite evidence of some significant differences in resonance frequency between mini-implants exposed to low-intensity laser light over a 10 weeks period there were no differences in mini-implant stability. Low-intensity laser light cannot be recommended as a clinically useful adjunct to promoting mini-implant stability during canine retraction.