Along the many years dealing with topics in the frontiers of orthodontic possibilities, I have often answered questions about treatment risks. It started with the first lectures about skeletal anchorage about fifteen years ago, when concerned eyes paid — and still pay — attention to new treatment forms. Such concern should be expected, as responsible professionals fear that expected results may not be achieved when new treatments are used. This is especially true when dealing with...

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) have been studied and treated for a long time in adults, but little attention has been given to children, for whom SBD may be as serious as for adults. Parents, guardians and healthcare personnel should pay close attention to these problems, which may be treated during childhood. Their effects on everyday life, such as hyperactivity and poor school achievement, may have a severe impact on the development of an individual and may clearly affect health.

Tooth movement induced by orthodontic appliances is one of the most frequent therapeutic procedures in clinical dental practice. The search for esthetics and functionality, both oral and dental, demands orthodontic treatments, which are often associated with root resorptions that may, in extreme cases, lead to tooth loss, periodontal damage, or both.

I met James A. McNamara Jr. in the late 70’s when we both became full members of the Edward H. Angle Society ofOrthodontists - Midwest. Jim is one of the most active members, always looking on to break boundaries with new works.During over 30 years, I saw him being presented with all the existing awards and honors in the field of orthodontics.Knowing his ability and persistence, I’m sure that if in the future other awards are instituted, Jim will be there to, with allmerits, conquer...

Introduction: The evolution of imaging in dentistry has provided several advantages for the diagnosis and development of treatment plans in various dental specialties. Examinations as nuclear magnetic resonance, computed tomography and cone beam volumetric tomography, as well as 3D reconstruction methods, have enabled a precise analysis of orofacial structures. Allied to this fact, the effects of orthodontic treatment on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could be evaluated with the accomplishment...

Objective: The welding process involves metal ions capable of causing cell lysis. In viewof this fact, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cytotoxicity is present indifferent types of alloys (CrNi, TMA, NiTi) commonly used in orthodontic practice whenthese alloys are subjected to electric spot welding. Methods: Three types of alloys wereevaluated in this study. Thirty-six test specimens were fabricated, 6 for each wire combination,and divided into 6 groups: Group SS...

Objective: Although direct bonding takes up less clinical time and ensures increased preservation of gingival health, the banding of molar teeth is still widespread nowadays. It would therefore be convenient to devise methods capable of increasing the efficiency of this procedure, notably for teeth subjected to substantial masticatory impact, such as molars. This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating whether direct bonding would benefit from the application of an additional layer...

Objective: This study evaluated bone age using the Greulich & Pyle method (1959) andpubertal growth according to the study conducted by Martins (1979). Methods: Hand andwrist radiographs of 201 children (103 boys) aged 9 to 12 years living in the state of Amazonas(Brazil) were analyzed. A chi-square test was used for statistical analysis at a level ofsignificance of 5% (p<0.05). Results and Conclusions: Girls were at more advanced stagesin all phases of skeletal growth than boys for...

Objective: This study investigated vertical control and the effects of orthodontic treatmenton dolicofacial patients, using cervical headgear (CHG) and lower utility arch. Methods:Cephalometric assessment of 26 dolicofacial patients with Class II, division 1, and meanage of 114 months. Orthodontic treatment involved the use of cervical headgear (CHG) inthe maxillary arch, lower utility arch in the mandibular arch until normal occlusion of themolars was obtained and finished in accordance...

Objective: To assess the degree of correlation between canine angulation and incisorinclination. Methods: Mesiodistal angulation of canines and labiolingual inclination ofincisors were obtained by means of digital graphics software (ImageTool®) from standardizedphotographs of the casts of 60 patients. Incisor inclination was also assessed by lateralcephalometric radiographs. Results: Random error showed a variation of around 2° inmeasurements made on the casts (1.8-2.5), while systematic...

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear strength of lingual metalbrackets (American Orthodontics) bonded to ceramic veneers. Methods: A total of 40specimens were divided into four groups of 10, according to bonding material and ceramicspreparation: Group I - Sondhi Rapid-Set resin and hydrofluoric acid, Group II - SondhiRapid-Set resin and aluminum oxide, Group III - Transbond XT resin and hydrofluoricacid, and Group IV - Transbond XT resin and aluminum oxide. Prior to...

Introduction: It is incumbent upon dentists to prevent disease, minimize risks and promotehealth. Patients also need to be made aware of their role in oral health care. Patientsundergoing orthodontic treatment find it particularly difficult to maintain satisfactoryoral hygiene owing to the presence of bands, wires and ligatures. It is therefore crucialto establish preventive motivation and guidance methods to ensure mechanical controlof dental plaque. Objectives: This study investigated the...

Objective: To evaluate bacterial contamination of orthodontic pliers used in an academicsetting. Methods: Thirty-four pliers were selected — 17 band remover pliersand 17 bird beak pliers. The control group was composed of 3 previously autoclavedpliers of each model. After use, the pliers in the experimental group were immersed in10 ml of brain-heart infusion (BHI) culture medium for 2 minutes, incubated at 37ºC for 24 to 48 h and seeded in duplicates in different agar-based solid culture...

Objective: This study aimed to perform a cephalometric evaluation of the skeletal responsestriggered by the joint use of a mandibular protraction appliance (MPA) and a fixedorthodontic appliance for correction of Class II, division 1 malocclusion in young Brazilianpatients. Methods: The sample consisted of 56 lateral cephalograms of 28 patients (16women and 12 men). The initial mean age was 13.06 years and mean duration of therapywith MPA was 14.43 months. The lateral radiographs were...

This study describes the orthodontic treatment of a woman with Angle Class II, division 2malocclusion, impacted maxillary third molars, periodontal pocket, gingival recession andtooth wear. Treatment consisted of extraction of maxillary second premolars and anchoragecontrol. This case was presented to the Committee of the Brazilian Board of Orthodonticsand Facial Orthopedics (BBO) in the Free Case category as part of the requisites to obtainthe BBO Diploma

Introduction: Anterior open bite is considered a malocclusion that still defies correction, especially in terms of stability. The literature reports numerous studies on the subject but with controversial and conflicting information. Disagreement revolves around the definition of open bite, its etiological factors and available treatments. It is probably due to a lack of consensus over the etiology of anterior open bite that a wide range of treatments has emerged, which may explain the high rate...