Infant Molds For Cleft Deformities, Hannah Brunow, Drew Reinbolt, Rhonda Troyer, Christian Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Cleft lip and palate are very common birth defects where the roof of a baby's mouth and lip do not form properly while in the womb. Babies born with cleft lip or palate can undergo surgery after going through a process to make the initial gap smaller through incrementally smaller, retainer-like appliances. We will be trying to find a way to improve the pre-surgery process by implementing 3D printing. We will be performing this research for a craniofacial orthodontist at Akron Children's Hospital. We hope that our success will lead to a decrease in the amount of time spent making …

Validation Study On The Differentiation Of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In The Presence Of Cementum Protein 1 And Periostin, Deborah A. O'Reilly

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Existing research alludes to the fact that human periodontal ligament cells differentiate into an ossifying phenotype in response to differential gene expression during orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this research was to validate the differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells of young individuals in the presence of specific proteins and stimuli (cementum protein, periostin and osteogenic media), which mimic the environment of the periodontal ligament. Another objective was to assess the differential gene expression within these cells under the same conditions. A protocol was developed to provide a collagen-protein scaffold on which human periodontal ligament cells were maintained for …

The Effects Of E-Cigarette Aerosol On The Force Degradation Of Elastomeric Chain: An In Vitro Pilot Study, Nicholas David Palmer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives

An ideal orthodontic force system should exert continuous light force. An orthodontist has the option to utilize different systems for closing orthodontic extraction space. A commonly used method when closing extraction space is to utilize orthodontic elastomeric chain. Energy Chain® (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Franklin, IN) allows for less deformation of shape following the initial stretch, more consistent force, and less force degradation over time. The mouth is a harsh environment that experiences daily changes in pH and temperature. These changes cause elastomeric chain to experience increased force degradation. The creation of the JUUL® (JUUL Labs, San Francisco, …

A Comparison Of The Failure Rate Of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review, Ian Montgomery Weaver

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A Comparison of the Failure Rate of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review

Ian Montgomery Weaver, D.D.S.

Background and Objectives: The overhead costs of running a private orthodontic practice are infamously high, thus there is a notable benefit to finding the most cost effective methods of treating patients while still maintaining high quality care. A relatively new light-cure orthodontic adhesive BracePaste®^® (American Orthodontics™, Sheboygan, WI), introduced to the market in 2017, can fluoresce under UV light to assist in identifying the difference between the enamel of the tooth and the adhesive material itself, an ability which can aid …

Correlation Between Intraoral Markers And The Risk Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children, Linda K. Powers

Theses and Dissertations

Specific aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between various intraoral markers and the risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children. Specifically, nine intraoral clinical characteristics were analyzed: ankyloglossia, palatal vault height, presence and level of dental wear, tonsillar grade, Friedman's classification, skeletal and dental classification, and posterior crossbite. The correlation between these features and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and Pediatric Symptoms Checklist (PSC) scores were assessed.

Methods: Orthodontic patients aged 8-17 were recruited at the VCU Graduate Clinic. Intraoral measurements were collected from patients (n=100) by treating doctors. At this time, the PSQ …

Utilization Of Intraoral Scanners For Fabrication Of Obturators For Patients Born With Cleft Lip/ Palate (Clp), Swara Fadnis

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of providers regarding incorporating a digital scanner for impression taking in children born with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). Methods: A survey was sent out to members of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The survey included questions regarding the providers’ perception of incorporating digital intraoral scanners for impressions for fabrication of obturators. The survey also included questions about the providers’ reservations in using this technology in practice, what their experience has been with the incorporation of this technology into practice, and what is …

A Six-Month Comparison Of Orthodontic Pain Associated With Fixed Edgewise Appliances And Clear Aligners, Victor Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Title: A Six-Month Comparison of Orthodontic Pain Associated with Clear Aligners and Fixed Edgewise Appliances

Objective: To document and compare pain perception, intensity, and analgesic use over a sixmonth period between patients treated with fixed appliances (FA) and clear aligners (CA).

Methods: A prospective, parallel, two-arm, multi-center, longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 87 adults treated with CA (n=59) or FA (n=28). Subjects were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A seven-item, digital survey was sent at three timepoints (preappointment, 2-days post-appointment, and 7-days post-appointment) at each adjustment over a six-month period. The variables measured included pain experience, pain …

Motivations Of Adult Patients Seeking Orthodontic Retreatment, Scott V. Philips

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to compare the reasons adult patients seek orthodontic first-time treatment to the reasons adult patients seek orthodontic retreatment, and (2) to compare the concerns, motivations, and satisfaction levels of adult patients seeking orthodontic retreatment across the different previous treatment provider types of orthodontist, general dentist, and Direct-to-Consumer company.

Methods: At their initial orthodontic visit, adult patients (N=108) were invited to participate in the digital survey (REDCap) study. Subjects were recruited from the graduate orthodontics clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University and seven private orthodontic practices across the United States. Visual Analogue Scales were …

Treatment Access And Outcomes For Craniofacial Care: Patient And Parent Perspectives, Benjamin F. Lowe Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate whether craniofacial patients and their parents have adequate access to care, perceive this care as high quality, and believe that the incorporation of telehealth visits would benefit their current system of craniofacial care. Methods: An original survey was developed and sent to families in treatment with the Virginia Commonwealth University craniofacial team. The tool was used to gather demographic information and assess opinions toward access to, outcomes of, and telehealth services for craniofacial care. Patients 18 years and older took the survey for themselves, while patients under 18 years old had a parent/guardian take …

Force Comparison Of Rotational Tooth Movements For Loop-Design And Traditional Aligners, Robert Olsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the force (F) and torque (Tq) exerted on a rotated canine and molar tooth by two different aligner systems. An ArchForm loop clear aligner (AFL) was compared to a traditional clear aligner (T) with the force (F) and torque (Tq) compared. A reduction in F and Tq with AFL aligners could possibly decrease the incidence of Orthodontic Root Resorption (ORR), while also creating more effective forces for tooth movement.

Materials and Methods

Two types of T aligners varying by material thickness were compared to two types of AFL aligners varying by loop width. All …

Maxillary Central Incisor Rr In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Patients With Rme, Madison Healy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Apical root resorption is one of the most common adverse effects of orthodontic treatment. Forces used during orthodontic tooth movement can cause permanent loss of apical surfaces of teeth and although most reported cases of root resorption are asymptomatic, the process is irreversible and often unpredictable. Thus, it is of clinical interest to investigate which patients may be at greatest risk.

Purpose: This study utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in Hispanic patients increased the severity of orthodontically induced apical root resorption.

Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment …

The Effect Of Modifications To Intermaxillary Orthodontic Elastics On Force Levels And Degradation Over Time, Steven Dent

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Introduction: Orthodontic elastics are frequently used in orthodontic treatment but there is little research into how to modify their prescription to improve their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential wear modifications to a standard Class II intermaxillary elastic prescription on force levels and force degradation over time.

Methods: For this in vitro study, Ormco (OR) and American Orthodontic (AO) latex elastics had five modifications made to a standard 1/4”/4.5oz control elastic (Group 1). These included an increase of force level by one unit to 6 or 6.5oz (Group 2); a decrease in lumen size to 3/16” …

Torque Expression Of Active And Passive Self-Ligating Orthodontic Brackets With Different Stainless Steel Wire Sizes, Jennifer L. Boogaards

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This investigation aimed to compare engagement angles and torquing moments generated by stainless steel (SS) wires in three active self-ligating (ASL), one passive self-ligating (PSL), and a conventional twin orthodontic bracket system control. Brackets were tested in simulations of buccal and palatal root torque using four sizes of SS wires (16x22, 17x25, 19x25, 20x20 mil). A custom 3D printed testing apparatus was developed to measure torque. After initial engagement within bracket slots, torquing moments increased with progressive rotation of brackets around wires. In general, the PSL and conventionally ligated systems generated significantly larger torquing moments than ASL systems, especially with …

Clear Aligner Therapy In The Mixed Dentition: Indications And Practitioner Perspectives, Nicholas M. Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This study evaluated current trends and perspectives among orthodontists regarding clear aligner therapy in the mixed dentition (CAMD), including insights into perceived indications, compliance, oral hygiene, and other factors.

Methods: An original, 22-item survey was mailed to both a randomized, nationally representative sample of practicing orthodontic specialists (n = 800) and to a specific, randomized sub-sample of high-aligner-prescribing orthodontists (n = 200). Questions assessed respondents’ demographic information, experience with clear aligner therapy, and perceived advantages/disadvantages of CAMD compared to fixed appliance therapy (FA). Responses were compared using McNemar’s chi-squared and paired t-tests to assess CAMD versus FA. …

Expression Of Superoxide Dismutase 3 (Sod3) During Orthodontic Tooth Movement In Rats, Phanchanit Jindarojanakul

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Hypoxia induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in periodontal tissues. Superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) is an enzyme protecting cells from ROS. This study investigated SOD3 expression and function during rat orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and in hypoxia-exposed rat PDL cells. OTM of right maxillary first molars were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats for 1 and 14 days (n = 6 per group). SOD3 and HIF-1α expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. SOD3 effects on cell viability and proliferation, ROS production, and mRNA expression of Hif-1α, Rankl, and Opg in PDL cells and osteoclast differentiation were investigated under normoxia and hypoxia. SOD3 expression …

Passive Self-Ligating Brackets Vs. Conventional Brackets: Is There A Difference In The Transverse Dimension? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Justin Scott Tenbrook

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives:

Self-ligating brackets have risen in popularity in clinical orthodontics, but many claims made by their manufacturers have been made without substantial evidence. Any differences among the bracket types are very small when consulting new peer reviewed literature testing their differences. Nevertheless, self-ligating brackets are still purported to be able to increase the dental transverse dimension more effectively than conventional brackets. In 2018, Yang et al. performed a systematic review on the transversal changes, space closure, and efficiency of conventional and self-ligating appliances. Since then, there were several clinical trials published in the literature comparing the mandibular arch …

The Effect Of Crowding On The Accuracy Of 3d Printed Aligners, Tonya Spangler

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensionally (3D) printed aligners compared to conventional vacuum-formed thermoplastic aligners with varying levels of dental crowding.

Methods: Digital intraoral scans of 10 different cases were assigned to their respective groups (n=10, each, 30 total) as follows: no crowding (control), moderate crowding, and severe crowding. Using 3Shape software, digital aligner samples were created in standard tessellation language (STL) file format and randomly 3D printed. The same STL files of each case were also sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of vacuum-formed samples, which is the current technology used for manufacturing aligners. The intaglio …

Cbct Use In Orthodontic Residency Programs In Usa, Su Min Han

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in dentistry have been up and coming forms of x-ray technology that allows cross-sectional images to form a comprehensive 3-dimensional representation of the mouth. While the typical use for CBCT imaging is reported to be for implant dentistry, there are many contexts in which it is indicated in orthodontics. There are various schools of thought regarding when CBCT is indicated for specific diagnosis of problems or general use in the collection of initial, progress and post-treatment orthodontic records. There are programs that follow the Radiology guidelines for taking CBCT scans10 and …

Adaptations In Orthodontics For Current And Future Covid-19 Best Practices, Jordan Lamb

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine what adaptations orthodontists made in their practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to safety recommendations and to determine which of these adaptations orthodontists plan to continue to implement after resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An original 34-question survey was sent by mail to a randomized and geographically proportionate selection of actively practicing orthodontic specialists (N = 1000). Questions asked orthodontists about the changes they made during the pandemic in four overarching categories (infection control, social distancing, appliance use, and tele-orthodontics) and whether they anticipated keeping those changes post-pandemic. The data were compared between categorical responses …

Medicaid In The Orthodontic Community: Provider Trends And Perceptions, Miranda L. Fabrega

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background and Objectives: Medicaid is a federal and state insurance program aimed at helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families with gaining access to health care. Lack of provider participation in the Medicaid program leaves many Medicaid-eligible individuals with the inability to obtain certain medical services, such as orthodontic care. The objective of this study was to use an electronic survey to better understand the beliefs and behaviors of orthodontists in regard to participation in the Medicaid program, and to determine if differences exist between Medicaid providers and non-Medicaid providers. Experimental Design and Methods: Survey: Requests to participate in an electronic …

Effects Of The Orthodontic Miniscrew Geometric Design On The Bone Microdamage And Primary Stability, Panida Methawit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study investigated the effects of the pitch (P) and thread shape on orthodontic miniscrew cortical bone microdamage. The relationship between microdamage and primary stability was examined. Ti6Al4V orthodontic miniscrews had custom-made thread heights (H) and pitch sizes and were classified into the following groups: HCPC (control); HCPN (with a narrower pitch); and HTPC (with a taller thread height) (HC = 0.12 mm; HT = 0.36 mm; PC = 0.60 mm; PN = 0.30 mm). The orthodontic miniscrews were inserted in the pilot hole of prepared 1.0-mm-thick tibia cortical bone, and the maximum insertion torque (MIT) and Periotest value (PTV) …

Alignment Of Cervical Vertebrae And Reliability Of Cephalometric Measurements, Ece Agirgol

Theses & Dissertations

Cervical vertebrae are in close relationship with dentofacial structures due to their anatomical position. In previous studies, the inclination of cervical vertebrae was measured by mostly Nasion-Sella line as the reference plane to evaluate the relationship with dentofacial structures.

The aim of this study is to observe the correlation between cervical vertebrae inclination and lateral cephalometric measurements. 124 lateral cephalograms taken in Natural Head Position of subjects over 18 years of age were traced with Dolphin Imaging Software 11.95 Premium. Cervical vertebrae inclination was measured by using the lines passing from landmarks on second, third and forth cervical vertebrae. Correlation …

The Effect Of Orthodontic Treatment With Extraction On The Upper Airway Dimensions And Three-Dimensional Morphology: A Retrospective Study Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Technique, Ehsan Mostaghni

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of orthodontic treatment with and without extractions of teeth on the upper airway dimension and morphology. Records of 40 consecutively treated patients who received orthodontic treatment with or without dental extractions were evaluated. Pre-and post-treatment volumes, minimum cross-sectional areas, and linear dimensions of oropharyngeal airways were quantified using InVivo Dental 6.0 (Anatomage, San Jose, CA). Additionally, pre and post CBCT images of the upper airways were superimposed on each other using voxel-based registration and fixed coordinate system using 3D Slicer 4.1.1 (www.Slicer.org) and ITK-SNAP (http://www.itksnap.org). While the …

Validation Of The Flexcell®Fx-5000 Tension System To Evaluate The Expression Of Cementum Protein-1 In Human Periodontal Ligament Cells While Under Cyclical Orthodontic Tensile Force, Allison Nicholls

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The pressure-tension theory of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) states that there are differences in microenvironment between the tension and compressions side within the periodontal ligament, leading to differential gene expression within those zones. Cementum protein 1 (CEMP-1) is a human-specific protein localized to the root of a tooth and may play a role in OTM. The first objective was to develop a protocol to apply tensile force to human PDL cells similar to that within the tension zone during OTM. For this, the FlexCell®FX-5000 Tension system was used and fluorescent microscopy was used to confirm validity of the protocol. The …

The Influence Of Cbct-Derived 3d-Printed Models On Endodontic Microsurgical Treatment Planning And Confidence Of The Operator, Shreyas Oza, Johnah C. Galicia

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Aims Use of 3D printed models in Endodontics has been gaining popularity since the technology to create them became more affordable. Currently, there are no studies that evaluate the influence of 3D models on endodontic surgical treatment planning and on operator confidence. Therefore, aims of this study were to: (i) Determine whether the availability of a 3D printed analogue can influence treatment-planning and operator confidence; and, (ii) Assess which factors of operator confidence are influenced, if any.

Materials and Methods Endodontists were asked to analyze a pre-selected CBCT scan of an endodontic surgical case and to answer a questionnaire that …

Variants Of Facial Shape Genes In Patients With Class Ii Or Class I Malocclusion, Mahsa Mortazavi, Marie M. Tolarová Md, Phd, Drsc, Mirek Tolar

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Background and purpose: In recent years, questions regarding the genetic and environmental factors affecting variation in human craniofacial morphology have received increasing attention. Medical and clinical genetic research using family studies has proven foundational for our understanding of which genes affect craniofacial variation. On the other hand, cephalometricbased studies showed a relationship between the cranial base and midface characteristics among individuals with different skeletal pattern of malocclusion. The purpose of our pilot study was to analyze specific variants of facial genes that were suggested to be associated with cranial base width and depth in Class II and Class I malocclusions. …

Variants Of Pax Gene Family In Patients With Class Ii Or Class I Malocclusion, Mana Naeim, Marie M. Tolarová Md, Phd, Drsc, Mirek Tolar

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Background and Purpose. Orthodontic treatment helps to ensure proper function of teeth and to create healthy smiles. To this aim, the orthodontist’s goal is establishment of an esthetic harmony between soft and hard tissues of the face. Dimensions of facial width and height are crucial for accurate diagnosis and formulation of an efficient treatment plan. A knowledge of genetic determinants of these dimensions in Class II patients will deepen our understanding of etiology of skeletal Class II malocclusions and would make it possible to personalize a patient’s treatment plan. The purpose of our pilot study was to analyze, if specific …

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Debt And Stress Amongst Orthodontic Residents, Timothy Renison

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: The cost of education to become an orthodontist has increased significantly over recent years which has led to an increase in debt of graduating orthodontists.

Aim: This paper aims to assess whether debt amongst orthodontic residents in North America is associated with their stress levels, attitudes towards debt, financial literacy and mathematics anxiety.

Materials and Methods: Web-based software was used to fabricate a questionnaire, based on previously validated scales, in which respondents were asked questions regarding their debt levels, stress levels, attitudes towards debt, financial literacy and math anxiety.

Results: A total of 101 orthodontic residents completed the online …

The Role Of Gsk3 Alpha And Beta In Embryonic Craniofacial Development, Harman Jassar

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: The GSK-3 genes (Gsk3a and Gsk3b) have been known to affect many cellular processes and signaling pathways some of which are implicated in the growth and development of the craniofacial skeleton.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of chondrocyte-specific deletion of Gsk3a and Gsk3b on the size of the mandible and craniofacial skeleton in embryonic mice.

Materials & Methods: Mice were bred to generate cartilage-specific Gsk3a and Gsk3b KO mice. On embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) the offspring were gathered by caesarian section. Whole mount skeletal staining was completed on the specimens using …