Assessment of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites in patients at the deciduous dentition phase.
(1/11)
The aim of this study was to clinically assess the results of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites by means of selective grinding in individuals at the deciduous dentition phase over a period of 12 months. From a total of 1,011 children examined in the 2-to-6-year age bracket, 26 with functional posterior cross-bites were selected. The sample was divided into 2 groups of 13 children each, group 1 receiving the treatment proposed and group 2 serving as the control group. Treatment was followed up by exercises designed to alter the children's muscular memory. The results showed that correction of functional posterior cross-bite was achieved for all the children treated, the correction remaining stable 12 months later. No self-correction of malocclusion occurred among the control group. (+info)
The effect of tongue appliance on the nasomaxillary complex in growing cleft lip and palate patients.
(2/11)
Midfacial deficiency is a common feature of cleft lip and palate patients due to scar tissue of the lip and palate closure procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the physiological force of the tongue to move the maxilla in forward position. This research has been done experimentally by, before and after treatment following up in private practice. Ten patients (6 female, 4 male) with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate were selected. All of them had Cl III malocclusion with maxillary deficiency due to scar tissue of lip and palate surgery. Their age ranged from 7.6 to 9.8 years. All the patients were delivered tongue appliance to transfer the force of the tongue to maxillary complex. The mean observation time was 13+/-2 months to achieve positive overjet. Pre- and post-lateral cephalograms were compared to evaluate the skeletal changes with paired t-test. The results showed that after the application of tongue appliance, normal sagittal maxillomandibular relationship was achieved. SN-ANS angle was increased 1.9+/-1.8 - P < 0.03. This study showed that the tongue appliance could transfer considerable force during rest and swallowing period to the maxilla. This method might be considered to improve the deficient maxilla by means of growth modification and redirect concept. (+info)
Treating trismus with dynamic splinting: a case report.
(3/11)
Trismus is a pathological condition of the muscles of mastication which commonly affects patients who have undergone dental procedures, oral surgery, and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of dynamic splinting, a noninvasive modality to reduce trismus which occurred in a patient following multiple dental procedures. A 26 year old man of African descent was referred for severe trismus and pain following three dental procedures on the lower right molars. The patient presented with Maximal Interincisal (opening) Distance (MID) of only 5mm and mastication muscle spasticity. Following physical therapy (massage, ultra sound, NMES, moist heat) three times per week for two months and additional treatment of dynamic splinting for four weeks (TID) the patient increased his MID to 52 mm and returned to normal eating and speaking. (+info)
Effectiveness of circumoral muscle exercises in the developing dentofacial morphology in adenotonsillectomized children: an ultrasonographic evaluation.
(4/11)
Effect of a multi-faceted intervention on gingival health among adults with systemic sclerosis.
(8/11)
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of adaptive oral hygiene devices and orofacial exercise to improve gingival health among adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with SSc were assigned randomly to the multifaceted oral health intervention or usual dental care control group. Participants in the intervention group received a rechargeable, powered Oral-B(R) oscillating-rotating-pulsating toothbrush and a Reach(R) Access Flosser that has a toothbrush-like handle. For those with an oral aperture of less than 40 mm, orofacial exercises were taught. Participants in the control group were each given a manual toothbrush and dental floss. Participants in both groups received instructions and demonstration on the use of the devices, and were requested to perform the respective intervention twice a day for 6 months. Evaluations were at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. The main outcome was gingival index (GI), an indicator of gingival inflammation. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reduction in GI scores at 6 months (ps<0.005). Reduction in GI scores of the intervention group at 6 months was 20.8% which is considered to be clinically significant. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant and larger reduction in GI score by 8% at 6 months (p=0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Results support the use of adaptive devices and orofacial exercise to improve gingival health in adults with SSc when compared to use of manual toothbrushing and finger-held flossing. Recommending and educating patients with SSc to use adaptive devices to clean the tooth surfaces looks promising for long-term oral health improvement. (+info)