Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of the adhesive pre-coated II (APC II) adhesive coated appliance system with that of Transbond XT composite resin. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 sound premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were randomly divided into two equal groups. Each tooth was mounted vertically in a self-cure acrylic block so that the crown was exposed. In both groups, the bonding procedure was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The SBS test was performed with a universal testing machine. Results: The SBS was found to be higher in the Transbond XT group than in the APC II group. Conclusion: Although SBS for APC II was found to be higher than that of Transbond XT, the APC II system has been proven to be efficient for clinical use.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of tooth material and arch length discrepancies of children in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, South India, in an age range of 13-15 years. Materials and Methods: Children aged 13-15 years who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for a sample of 200 children. A digital caliper was used for measuring the tooth and arch widths. Results: Significant tooth size differences were found between males and females and among different malocclusion groups. In the Class I malocclusion group, the mandibular canines were significantly smaller in females than that in males (P < 0.01). Class II div 1 group showed relatively narrower intercanine width compared with other groups. Class III occlusal pattern showed relatively larger sized teeth compared with the other occlusal groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the anterior and overall ratio in all the malocclusion groups. Conclusion: The following conclusions are drawn from the study:

• The maxillary central and lateral incisors presented significant variability.
• No significant sex differences were shown for Bolton's overall ratio and anterior ratio.
• Treatment planning should always take into consideration the discrepancy of the tooth size ratios and should include compensating esthetic procedures such as composite bonding, prosthetic reconstruction or reproximation.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess, (1) the relationship between cervical vertebrae maturation and mandibular canine calcification stages; and (2) whether the mandibular canine calcification stages can be used as indicators to determine skeletal maturity. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was designed. A null hypothesis was proposed that there was no relationship between cervical vertebrae maturation and the mandibular canine calcification stages. Pre-treatment orthopantomograms (OPGs) and lateral cephalograms of 99 males and 110 females of Rwanda ethnicity were selected. The cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) proposed by Hassel and Farman was used to evaluate the skeletal maturation level, and the mandibular canine calcification stages were assessed with the Demirjian Index (DI). Results: A significant association was found between the CVMI and DI stages, as evaluated by the Pearson contingency coefficient values (0.599 for males and 0.719 for females). Canine stage F in males and canine stage E in females could represent the CVMI 2 stage and indicate the onset of a period of accelerating growth. Conclusions: The mandibular canine calcification stages might be clinically used as maturity indicators of the pubertal growth period, but only during the onset and accelerating phases.

Objective: To evaluate the force required to cause debanding when Ultraband-Lok (polyacid-modified composite resin, Reliance Orthodontic Products Inc, Itasca, IL), Optiband (resin-modified glass ionomer, Ormco, West Collins Orange, CA), Meron (glass ionomer, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany), Ketac-Cem (glass ionomer, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN), 3M Multi-cure (resin-modified glass ionomer, 3M Unitek, Monrovia CA), and Transbond Plus (polyacid-modified composite resin, 3M Unitek, Monrovia CA) are used as the luting agents. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 216 intact, caries-free third molars collected from patients attending third molar surgery. To assess the shear bond strength, 216 teeth were randomly divided into six groups of 36 teeth. Stainless steel microetched molar bands were cemented with different cement in each group. To assess shear bond strength, a universal testing machine was used at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Shear bond strength data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Chi-square analysis was used to compare the mode of band failure. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with regard to shear bond strength (P = 0.919). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to mode of failure (P = 0.004). Conclusion: All evaluated cements yielded comparable shear bond strengths, whereas their mode of failure differed significantly.

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed imaging allows localization of impacted canines, using spatial relationships with excellent tissue contrast. The aim of this study was to compare different views to assess exact localization of impacted maxillary canine using Kodak 9000 (France). Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 consecutive subjects with seven bilateral (considered as two samples) and 17 unilateral impacted maxillary canines were selected and subjected to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); axial and sagittal views were captured to localize the exact position of the impacted canine to the occlusal plane and its relation with adjacent incisors. Results: Mean angulation of 37.57° and 40.27° for axial (horizontal) and sagittal (vertical) views, respectively. A correlation was found between the proximity of the impacted canine to the incisors and their resorption (c²: 19.584). Cuspal tip distance was higher in sagittal view than in the axial view (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Depending upon the type of impaction both sagittal and axial views showed significant variation with axial view having predominant values. Therefore, CBCT images can allow the operator to assess the direction of impacted canine, amount of surrounding alveolus bone, local anatomic considerations, resorption, and condition of adjacent teeth; thereby, improving quality of orthodontic treatment planning and as well as surgical approach.

Background: The aim of this study was the evaluation of treatment outcomes after using mini-screw-assisted memory screw-facemask combination in early permanent dentition Class III malocclusion. Materials and Methods: Treatment of six subjects (mean age 11.5 ± 1.1 years) was investigated clinically and by using pre- and post-treatment cephalograms. An anchorage unit was prepared by placing two mini-screws just behind a line connecting the first premolars at the mesial contact point. With the memory expansion screw (500 g), two mini-screws were placed parallel to the occlusal plane to provide stable, four-point support for the appliance. Wire segments were added along the palatal surfaces of the buccal teeth, annealing the terminal ends and then bending the ends into hooks for attachment of reverse-pull facemask elastics. The memory screw was activated twice a day and the facemask was prescribed for 16 h wear, using ¼ inch, 400 g elastics (in total 800 g) extending crosswise from the lingual arms on the expander. Pre- and post-treatment differences were tested for statistical significance using paired t-test. Results: All appliances remained stable during treatment. Mean treatment was for 4.8 ± 1.5 months. There was a significant improvement in skeletal sagittal values: SNA, +2.6°; SNB, −1.4°; ANB, +4.0°; WITS appraisal, +4.6 mm; and overjet, +2.9 mm. In relation to A point, the upper first molars moved mesially about 0.9 mm. Conclusions: The mini-screw-assisted memory screw-facemask combination seems to be effective for skeletal Class III treatment in early permanent dentition.

Introduction: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of four different orthodontic cement materials using the real-time xCELLigence system. Materials and Methods: Four orthodontic glass ionomer cements (GICs) were selected for this study, namely: GC Fuji (GC Cooperation), Ultra Band Lok (Reliance), Multi Cure (3M Unitek), and Meron (Voco). Ten test cylinders (measuring 5 Χ 2 mm) of each material were fabricated, making a total of 40 cylinders. The samples were incubated in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM) culture medium for 72 hours. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were maintained with DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum. A real-time cell analyzer (RT-CES, xCELLigence) was used to evaluate cell survival. After seeding 200 μL of the cell suspensions into the wells (10,000 cells/well), gingival fibroblasts were treated with bioactive components released from cement materials and were monitored every 15 minutes for a period of 88 hours. For proliferation experiments, the statistical analyses used were one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons tests. Results: When the data were evaluated at 24 and 48 hrs, all tested materials showed statistically significant decreases in HGF cell index compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, all tested cements were found to have cytotoxic effects to the HGFs.

Developing skeletal Class III malocclusion is one of the most challenging problems for the practicing orthodontists. Whether to start early treatment or wait for growth to be over is an ongoing debate. Interception of mild to moderate cases should be carried out as early as possible before it becomes severe. The protraction facemask has been widely used in the interception of developing Class III malocclusion with maxillary deficiencies. We present a patient with a developing skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency for whom a protraction facemask was given and there was successful interception of the skeletal malocclusion.

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars is a common procedure with the potential of causing side-effects such as inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury and damaging of adjacent tissues. Orthodontic extrusion of such molars is an alternative treatment modality that reduces unwelcome risks. This case report presents the orthodontic extrusion and consequent surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar intersecting the IAN canal and the 6-month follow-up status. A 41-year-old female with facial pain on the left side as the main complaint was diagnosed with a severely impacted mandibular third molar that required extraction. Radiographic evaluation revealed the critical proximity of the tooth to the IAN. The impacted third molar was surgically exposed and closed orthodontic extrusion protocol with light forces was administered. The third molar was surgically extracted following a 9-month traction period and bone healing was monitored for 6 months. The facial pain reduced gradually following the extrusion of the impacted molar. No neurological complications were observed immediately after and during the long-term follow-up the surgical extraction. Clinically and radiographically, significant healing distal to the second molar was obtained at the end of follow-up period. Orthodontic extrusion and surgical extraction of severely impacted third molars may be an alternative treatment modality that facilitates easier surgical procedures with lower neurological risks.

A 12-year old female patient presented with her unesthetic appearance while smiling. The patient had a vestibule positioned upper-left canine, beside mesofacial face type, flat profile, Class II molar and canine relationships clinically. Dental crowding was 7.8 mm in the upper arch and 4.1 mm in the lower. Treatment plan included to obtain space for the upper-left canine using a modified fan type expansion appliance, followed by comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment. The aim of this case report is to present a non-extraction treatment of a patient using asymmetric fan type expansion appliance.

Class III skeletal malocclusion, which is one of the most complainable anomaly by patients can be the result of mandibular prognathism and/or maxillary deficiency. With the advancements in surgical techniques and knowledge, today bimaxillary surgical procedures are frequently used to correct this anomaly so that only mandibular set back operations had been performed in the past. Distraction osteogenesis or callus distraction, which is a process of bone regeneration between the surfaces of vascularized bone segments separated by gradual distraction is a method of bone generation without using bone or soft-tissue grafts. The purpose of this report is to present the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment of a patient with severe Class III skeletal malocclusion having ankylosing spondylitis with the use of a rigid external distraction and mandibular set back technique.