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Theses and Dissertations

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Full-Text Articles in Dentistry

Parental Understanding Of Anesthesia Risk For Dental Treatment, Andrew Zale Apr 2012

Parental Understanding Of Anesthesia Risk For Dental Treatment, Andrew Zale

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine which method of anesthesia risk presentation parents understand and prefer across their demographic variables Methods: As a cross-sectional study, questionnaires were distributed to 50 parents of patients (<7 years of age) in the VCU Pediatric Dental Clinic. Parents were asked of their own and their children’s demographics, previous dental and anesthesia experiences, and anesthesia understanding. Parents were then asked to rate the level of risk of several risk presentations and finally asked which method of risk presentation they most understood or preferred. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, likelihood chi square tests, and repeated measures logistic regression. Results: There was no evidence of a differential preference due to gender (P = 0.28), age (P > .9), education (P = 0.39) or whether they incorrectly answered any risk question (P > 0.7). There was some evidence that the three types were not equally preferred (likelihood ratio chi- square = 5.31, df =2, P-value = 0.0703). The best estimate is that 60% prefer charts, 34% prefer numbers, and 36% prefer activity comparisons. There was a relationship between the average relative risk of general anesthesia and age (r …


The Effectiveness Of Visual Aids In Motivational Counseling On Oral Health Literacy, Christian Peck Apr 2012

The Effectiveness Of Visual Aids In Motivational Counseling On Oral Health Literacy, Christian Peck

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if motivational interviewing with written/illustrated infant oral health education provided to caregivers of pediatric dental patients increases caregivers’ oral health literacy compared to verbal only motivational instruction. Methods: This is a cohort study of caregivers and their child receiving oral health anticipatory guidance utilizing motivational interviewing with and without visual aids. Caregivers (N=20) of pediatric dental patients age 0-4 that presented to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry for a new patient exam were recruited for the study. Caregivers were randomly assigned into 2 groups: the intervention group (IG), and …


The Fluoride Recharging Capability Of Orthodontic Materials: An In-Vitro Study, Christine Farah Apr 2012

The Fluoride Recharging Capability Of Orthodontic Materials: An In-Vitro Study, Christine Farah

Theses and Dissertations

Enamel demineralization in the form of white spot lesions (WSLs) around fixed orthodontic appliances is a persistent problem in patients with poor oral hygiene.These lesions can form rapidly within 4 weeks of bracket placement.The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the fluoride recharging capability ofa commercially available orthodontic primer used to minimize the development of WSLs in patients. The three groups tested were: OpalSeal (n=20, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT), ProSeal (n=20, Reliance, Itasca, IL) and Transbond XT (control, n=10, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA). The samples(5mmin diameter x 1mm in thickness) weresuspended individually in vials filled with 10mL of …


The Effect Of Esthetic Crown Lengthening On Perceptions Of A Patient’S Attractiveness, Friendliness, Trustworthiness, Intelligence, And Self-Confidence, Samuel Lyon Malkinson Apr 2012

The Effect Of Esthetic Crown Lengthening On Perceptions Of A Patient’S Attractiveness, Friendliness, Trustworthiness, Intelligence, And Self-Confidence, Samuel Lyon Malkinson

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Smile esthetics play a major role in the perception of a person’s attractiveness, as well as other social parameters. The study aim was to see if altering the gingival display of patients would affect perceptions of the aforementioned social parameters. METHODS: Smiling photographs were taken and then digitally altered so as to lengthen the teeth and reduce the amount of gingiva. These photographs were shown to a group of senior dental students, and a group of evaluators with no formal dental training. Groups were asked to rate each picture’s attractiveness, friendliness, trustworthiness, intelligence, and self-confidence. RESULTS: The digitally altered …


Accuracy Of Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography In Determining The Thickness Of The Palatal Masticatory Mucosa, Justin Hardison Apr 2012

Accuracy Of Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography In Determining The Thickness Of The Palatal Masticatory Mucosa, Justin Hardison

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa as determined on a cone-beam computerized (CBCT) scan versus thickness determined via bone-sounding. METHODS: A total of twenty patients requiring palatal surgery participated. Thickness of the palatal tissue was measured at various points radiographically and clinically. The two techniques were compared to determine the agreement of the two measurement modalities. RESULTS: Analysis of variance determined that there was no significant difference between the two methods. A small bias of the radiographic measurement being larger was found to be statistically significant (0.09 ± 0.69mm; p <0.0001). Moreover, the tissue thickness was shown to increase as the distance from the gingival margin increased and the tissue over the molars was thinner than the tissue over the premolars. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT can be used to accurately determine the soft tissue thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa with minimal bias.


Retentive Cement Strengths With Passive Fit Primary Anterior Esthetic Crowns, Charles Davis Jr. Apr 2012

Retentive Cement Strengths With Passive Fit Primary Anterior Esthetic Crowns, Charles Davis Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: to assess the retentive strengths of passive fit esthetic anterior restorations using three commercially available cements. Methods: Three resin dies were fabricated from the intaglio surface of each restoration type. Each die was prepared following the current accepted guidelines on primary anterior tooth crown preparation. The three prepared teeth were replicated to produce 30 dies for each of the three restoration types. The prepared teeth were further separated into nine groups of 10 teeth each. Thirty EZ Pedo Crowns, 30 NuSmile Primary Crowns and 30 Unitek crowns were cemented using hand pressure employing the luting cement assigned to the …


Effect Of Local Anesthesia On Postoperative Pain With General Anesthesia, Belinda Campbell Apr 2012

Effect Of Local Anesthesia On Postoperative Pain With General Anesthesia, Belinda Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if the use of local anesthesia with general anesthesia results in less postoperative pain. The alternative hypothesis is that children will experience less postoperative discomfort when utilizing intraligamental local anesthetic during the intra-operative time period. Methods: Patients were recruited for this single blind, randomized, prospective cohort study with the following inclusion criteria: English speaking children age 3-6 years, ASA I/II requiring general anesthesia for dental treatment. Randomization was done to place patients in groups of no local anesthetic vs. local anesthetic administration. A Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale was utilized to evaluate …


Comparison Of Steriplex™ Hc And Sodium Hypochlorite Cytotoxicity On Primary Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Jesse Harris Feb 2012

Comparison Of Steriplex™ Hc And Sodium Hypochlorite Cytotoxicity On Primary Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Jesse Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the cytotoxic effects of STERIPLEX™ HC (sBioMed, Orem, UT) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on human fibroblast cells in vitro. Fibroblasts exposed to various concentrations of NaOCl or STERIPLEX™ HC were visualized via light microscopy. Dilutions of either NaOCl or STERIPLEX™ HC that did not appear to disrupt the integrity of the cells were recorded for further analysis. Cells were then cultured and grown to confluence in five separate plates. A void was created down the middle of each plate. If the cells were viable, cellular confluence was seen. If nonviable, confluence of the cells did not occur. …


The Antimicrobial Effect Of Steriplex Hc In Comparison With Sodium Hypochlorite On Enterococcus Faecalis, Jonathan Coudron Feb 2012

The Antimicrobial Effect Of Steriplex Hc In Comparison With Sodium Hypochlorite On Enterococcus Faecalis, Jonathan Coudron

Theses and Dissertations

The study objective was to compare the antimicrobial activity of STERIPLEX™ HC with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at different dilutions (50%, 25%, 10%, 1%, 0.1%) and different time intervals (1, 3, 5 minutes) on Enterococcus faecalis. All data was analyzed using an ANOVA. The 50%, 25%, and 10% dilutions of both disinfectants reduced the colony forming unit (CFU) count to below the limit of detection (50 CFU/ml) after one minute. The 1% dilutions at each of the time intervals show NaOCl was significantly more effective than STERIPLEX™ HC (all Ps < .0001) in reducing the CFU/ml count. The 0.1% dilutions of NaOCl and STERIPLEX™ HC at 1 minute, were not different (P = 0.7808), while at 3 minutes and 5 minutes NaOCl was significantly more effective (P = 0.0098 and P < .0001, respectively).


Three-Dimensional Photographic Evaluation Of Immediate Soft Tissue Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion, Nathan Granillo Jun 2011

Three-Dimensional Photographic Evaluation Of Immediate Soft Tissue Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion, Nathan Granillo

Theses and Dissertations

The skeletal and dental changes associated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) are well documented. Effects on the soft tissues and the potential impact on facial esthetics have not been well researched. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate changes in facial soft tissues as a result of RME by comparing threedimensional digital photogrammetric images before and after RME treatment. The 3dMDface System was used to obtain photographic images of 21 patients (mean age = 11.8 years) before and after RME treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency. A control group of 13 patients (mean age = 12.7 years) also had …


Self-Perception Of Smile Aesthetics And Self-Esteem, Larry Scarborough Jun 2011

Self-Perception Of Smile Aesthetics And Self-Esteem, Larry Scarborough

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Self-perception of smile aesthetics has been suggested as the most common reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. A recent study concluded that an improvement of dental attractiveness at the end of orthodontic treatment had positive effects on self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between one’s self-perceived smile aesthetics and their self-esteem. Methods: A survey was conducted where each subject completed an evaluation of their smile aesthetics and a Rosenberg Self-esteem Test (RST). A smiling photograph of each subject was evaluated by dental professionals for dental aesthetics and straightness. Results: Female students rated their …


Comparison Of Adhesion Of Gutta Percha/Ah Plus® And Resilon/Epiphany® Se™ After A Final Rinse With Different Concentrations Of Ethanol, Suren Paravyan May 2011

Comparison Of Adhesion Of Gutta Percha/Ah Plus® And Resilon/Epiphany® Se™ After A Final Rinse With Different Concentrations Of Ethanol, Suren Paravyan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of final rinse of ethanol on bond strength in teeth obturated with Gutta Percha (GP)/AH Plus® or Resilon/Epiphany®SE™. Thirty-two extracted human anterior teeth were shaped to size 30, 0.06 taper and subjected to an identical irrigation protocol. Specimens were randomly divided into eight groups according to final irrigating solution (saline, 70%, 95%, 100% ethanol) and obturation material. Two millimeter thick slices were obtained by sectioning each obturated root. Bond strength was determined using micropush-out assay. Data was analyzed using Student’s t-test. Obturation with GP/AH Plus® formed a statistically significant stronger bond …


The Effect Of Insulating K-Type Files On Accuracy And Reliability As Used In Two Electronic Apex Locators, Timothy Finkler May 2011

The Effect Of Insulating K-Type Files On Accuracy And Reliability As Used In Two Electronic Apex Locators, Timothy Finkler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this in-vitro study is to compare the accuracy and reliability of a 3rd and 4th generation electronic apex locator (EAL) in locating the apical foramen when using insulated and non-insulated K files. Forty extracted human adult single-rooted teeth were coronally sectioned and placed in agar. EAL determined tooth length measurements were compared to actual tooth measurements. Comparisons to the standard measures used correlation and paired t-test. Preliminary comparisons of the groups used ANOVA to compare the means and the Brown-Forsythe test to compare variance. In the final analyses, the measurements were compared using a repeated-measures mixed-model multiway …


Comparison Of Epiphany® And Ah-Plus® Root Canal Sealer Penetration Of Dentinal Tubules: A Sem Study, Kalisha Jordan May 2011

Comparison Of Epiphany® And Ah-Plus® Root Canal Sealer Penetration Of Dentinal Tubules: A Sem Study, Kalisha Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a final rinse of ethanol on depth of sealer penetration in teeth obturated with Gutta Percha (GP)/AH-Plus® (Dentsply, De Trey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) or Resilon/Epiphany® SE™ (Pentron Clinical Technologies, LLC, Wallingford, CT). Extracted human anterior teeth (n= 32) were shaped to size 30, 0.06 taper using nickel-titanium rotary files and subjected to an identical irrigation protocol. Specimens were randomly divided into eight groups according to final irrigating solution (saline, 70%, 95%, or 100% ethanol) and obturation material (GP/AH-Plus® or Resilon/EpiphanyÒ SE™). A 2mm thick slice was obtained by sectioning …


The Effects Of A Fluoride Releasing Orthodontic Primer On Demineralization Around Brackets: An In-Vivo Study., Daniel Pennella May 2011

The Effects Of A Fluoride Releasing Orthodontic Primer On Demineralization Around Brackets: An In-Vivo Study., Daniel Pennella

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a fluoride releasing orthodontic primer on demineralization adjacent to brackets. Twenty-two patients were recruited for this study. One premolar was randomly chosen as the experimental tooth, the contralateral tooth was the control. Teeth were visually analyzed for white spot lesions (WSLs). Knoop microhardness was used to determine hardness. Visual examination results showed no significant difference in the number of WSLs observed between Opal Seal and Transbond XT over the duration of this study. Solid conclusions could not be drawn from the results of microhardness testing. Therefore, it cannot be …


A Novel Bioactive Glass-Enhanced Orthodontic Bonding Resin: A Shear Bond Strength Study, Cole Johnson May 2011

A Novel Bioactive Glass-Enhanced Orthodontic Bonding Resin: A Shear Bond Strength Study, Cole Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Enamel decalcification caused by poor oral hygiene is a significant problem in orthodontics. Bioactive glass-containing resins have been shown to release Ca2+ ions into surrounding solution. The purpose of this study was to determine the shear bond strength of four different compositions of orthodontic resin prepared with bioactive glass (N=20). Premolars were bonded using one of four BAG-BOND compositions. Brackets were debonded and ARI scores were given. The mean shear bond strength was 7.23 ± 2.47 MPa (62 BAG-BOND), 8.25 ± 2.87 MPa (65 BAG-BOND), 8.78 ± 3.08 MPa (81BAG-BOND) and 5.80 ± 2.27 MPa (85 BAG-BOND). 65 and 81 …


Patient Satisfaction With Sedation For Periodontal Surgery: A Randomized, Cross-Over Clinical Study, Jason Streem May 2011

Patient Satisfaction With Sedation For Periodontal Surgery: A Randomized, Cross-Over Clinical Study, Jason Streem

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To create a study designed to assess patient satisfaction and preference for oral versus intravenous sedation in conjunction with periodontal surgical procedures. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who required at least two periodontal surgery procedures and requested sedation for treatment, participated in our study at VCU Department of Periodontics. This was a randomized, cross-over design with groups which received an intravenous sedative regimen with or without oral sedation premedication for one surgery and oral sedation medication alone for the other surgery. The primary outcome measurement was the type of sedation preferred by the subject. RESULTS: 14/26 (53.8%) subjects indicated a preference …


Defining The Bacterial Flora Of Periodontal Pockets In Chronic Periodontitis Patients, Rafael Rodriguez May 2011

Defining The Bacterial Flora Of Periodontal Pockets In Chronic Periodontitis Patients, Rafael Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the subgingival bacterial biodiversity in untreated chronic periodontitis patients through the use of next generation 16S rRNA molecular analysis, and to determine similarities or differences between deep and shallow pockets within the same patients. METHODS: The analysis involved paired subgingival plaque samples from 24 subjects diagnosed with Generalized Moderate to Severe Chronic Periodontitis. One sample was selected from a single site having a probing depth >5 mm (i.e. Deep Site), and the other from a site with a probing depth <3mm (i.e. Shallow Site) within each subject. Bacterial DNA amplification of the V4-V6 region of the 16S rRNA was performed. The amplicons were sequenced via 454 Roche Genome Sequencer FLX System. The identified sequences were evaluated, and then compared to calculated false discovery rates. RESULTS: A total of 119 independent microbial genera were identified within the samples analyzed. Seven genera were identified to be statistically significant (p<0.05) in their association to deep or shallow sites following t-test and boot strap randomization: Actinomyces (p=0.004), Methylobacterium (p=0.028), Veillonella (p=0.028), and Rothia (p=0.038), and Streptococcus (p=0.033) in Shallow sites; while Mycoplasma (p=0.007) and Fusobacterium (p=0.016) were associated with deep sites. However, taking into account the calculated false discovery rates, it is suggested that none of the 119 microbial genera identified in this study were significantly associated with either deep nor shallow sites. CONCLUSION: The microbial genera identified within this study to be associated with deep and shallow sites follows the traditional pattern anticipated from the literature. However, the calculated false discovery rates suggest that these results may have occurred by chance and not due to a true difference.


Trends In Dental Care For Individuals With Ectodermal Dysplasia, Justin Edwards Apr 2011

Trends In Dental Care For Individuals With Ectodermal Dysplasia, Justin Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The specific aim of this study is to evaluate the trends in dental health care for individuals with ectodermal dysplasia. Methods: This was a cross sectional analysis of subjects recruited through the National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasia (NFED). From 1997 to 2000, individuals with ectodermal dysplasia or their caregiver (if the individuals were too young to selfreport) voluntarily completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 37 items consisting of demographics, ectodermal dysplasia diagnosis, access to dental care, level of dental utilization, and type of dental services received. Descriptive statistics were used in addition to ANOVA analyses to evaluate the changing …


Maternal Influences On The Development Of Infant Oral Biofilm, James Dibelka Apr 2011

Maternal Influences On The Development Of Infant Oral Biofilm, James Dibelka

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose was to examine the maternal influences on the development of infant oral biofim and dominant bacterial strains of at risk populations. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to examine factors influencing biofilm colonization and the identification of bacterial strains transmitted from mother to child. Participants were enrolled in Children’s Health Involving Parents of Greater Richmond (CHIP). Plaque and saliva samples were collected from mothers and their children ages 6-36 months. The colonized oral bacteria strains of the mother infant dyads were then compared. Oral bacterial strain identification was completed using the HOMIM Forsythe microbe identification array. …


Dental Plan Performance With Medicaid Reform In Virginia, James Reed Apr 2011

Dental Plan Performance With Medicaid Reform In Virginia, James Reed

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess the effect of dental Medicaid reforms in the state of Virginia on dental plan performance. Methods: This project is a retrospective cohort study of 825,000 dental claims obtained from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. This cohort includes dental claims for children enrolled in Virginia’s Medicaid program from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2008. The independent variable was enrollment pre or post policy reform with July 1, 2005 as the period dividing date. The dependent variable was dental benefit utilization measured as the average number of restorative, preventative, and total procedures. Statistical methods include Welch’s …


Evaluating Dental Surgery Post-Operative Pain In Children Following Treatment Under General Anesthesia, Malinda Husson Apr 2011

Evaluating Dental Surgery Post-Operative Pain In Children Following Treatment Under General Anesthesia, Malinda Husson

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if there is a difference in post-operative pain experience for children following dental restorations and/or extractions under general anesthesia (GA), with and without local anesthetic (LA). The alternative hypothesis is that children will experience less post-operative discomfort and soft tissue trauma when using intra-ligamental local anesthetic during the intra-operative time period. Methods: Patients were recruited for this single blind, randomized, prospective cohort study with the following inclusion criteria, children age 2-6 years requiring general anesthesia for dental treatment. Patients were randomized into categories of either receiving a standardized local anesthetic …


A Comparative Study Of Rotary Instrumentation Of The Maxillary First Premolar Buccal Root Utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Stephan Zigo Apr 2011

A Comparative Study Of Rotary Instrumentation Of The Maxillary First Premolar Buccal Root Utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Stephan Zigo

Theses and Dissertations

The study objective was to determine cementum-dentin wall thickness along the furcation groove in maxillary bifurcated first premolars after preparation with three successively larger, 0.04 tapered, nickel titanium rotary files. Pre-instrumentation and post-instrumentation imaging was accomplished utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography. All data was analyzed using an ANOVA. Instrumentation resulted in a significant reduction in dentin-cementum wall thickness (p < .001). At mid-groove, predicted dentin-cementum wall thickness (95% CI) was equal to or less than the proposed standard (0.50 mm) for apical file sizes 30, 35, and 40 respectively. Instrumentation of the mid-groove in maxillary first premolars reduces dentin-cementum wall thickness to levels that may be insufficient to ensure tooth integrity.


An In Vitro Comparison Of Cyclic Fatigue Of Profile® Vortex™ And Endosequence™ Rotary Nickel-Titanium Files, Fawaz Al-Foraih Apr 2011

An In Vitro Comparison Of Cyclic Fatigue Of Profile® Vortex™ And Endosequence™ Rotary Nickel-Titanium Files, Fawaz Al-Foraih

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of rotations to fracture (cyclic fatigue) of the Profile® Vortex™ files (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) compared to the EndoSequence™ files (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) using an in-vitro apparatus simulating a curved canal. Two hundred Profile® Vortex™ files of 25mm length were divided equally into ten groups, one for each of the Profile® Vortex™ files 20/0.04, 20/0.06, 25/0.04, 25/0.06, 30/0.04, 30/0.06, 35/0.04, 35/0.06, 40/0.04, and 40/0.06. Two hundred EndoSequence™ files of 25mm length were divided equally into ten groups of the same tip and taper sizes analogous to the …


Factors Affecting Gingival Excess, Altered Passive Eruption And Recession In The Mandibular Anterior And Premolar Sites, William Bohlen Aug 2010

Factors Affecting Gingival Excess, Altered Passive Eruption And Recession In The Mandibular Anterior And Premolar Sites, William Bohlen

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract FACTORS AFFECTING GINGIVAL EXCESS, ALTERED PASSIVE ERUPTION AND RECESSION IN THE MANDIBULAR ANTERIOR AND PREMOLAR SITES By William F Bohlen, D.M.D. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Thomas Waldrop, DDS, MS Program director, Department of Periodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting gingival excess, altered passive eruption and recession. METHODS: 100 subjects were examined clinically and models of their mandible were fabricated. Demographic, periodontal and cast measurements were …


The Prevalence Of Maxillary Altered Passive Eruption In A Dental School Population., Francisco Carlos Jun 2010

The Prevalence Of Maxillary Altered Passive Eruption In A Dental School Population., Francisco Carlos

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: The aim of this investigation is to determine the prevalence of maxillary altered passive eruption in a dental school population. METHODS: 100 subjects were examined clinically and had models fabricated of their maxilla. Demographic, periodontal, cast measurements were recorded for each subject. Demographic variables recorded included age, gender, and ethnicity, history of orthodontic treatment, presence of incisal /occlusal wear, appearance of gingival excess, and presence of gingival asymmetry. Measurements made on cast included clinical crown length, clinical crown width, papillary height, and distance from the lateral gingival zenith to the gingival aesthetic line. Clinical crown width-to-length ratio was calculated. …


Perception Of Soft Tissue Laser Use In Orthodontic Practice: A Survey Of Orthodontists, Periodontists, And General Dentists, Brandon Burke Jun 2010

Perception Of Soft Tissue Laser Use In Orthodontic Practice: A Survey Of Orthodontists, Periodontists, And General Dentists, Brandon Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, soft tissue lasers have been introduced into orthodontic practice to perform procedures that were traditionally referred to other dental professionals. The purpose of this study was to compare the attitudes of orthodontists, periodontists, and general dentists regarding the use of soft tissue lasers by orthodontists. The ultimate goal was to facilitate communication among dental professionals and improve the care of orthodontic patients requiring management of soft tissues. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontists (n=330), periodontists (n=171), and general dentists (n=77) regarding orthodontists’ use of soft tissue lasers. When compared to orthodontists and …


Efficacy Of Orthodontic Bonding Agents In Preventing Demineralization Around Brackets, Morris Poole May 2010

Efficacy Of Orthodontic Bonding Agents In Preventing Demineralization Around Brackets, Morris Poole

Theses and Dissertations

Enamel demineralization is a concern in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. To curtail this problem, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing adhesives have been developed. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cariostatic potential of an ACP containing orthodontic bonding agent adjacent to brackets. Sixty human molars were randomly distributed into: ACP adhesive, resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and conventional composite resin groups (N=20 each). Brackets were bonded following the manufacturer’s instructions. Tooth enamel through a 2mm window around the brackets was cycled in demineralization (6 hrs) and remineralization (18 hrs) solutions. After 14 days, …


Self-Ligating Vs. Conventional Brackets As Perceived By Orthodontists, Chase Prettyman May 2010

Self-Ligating Vs. Conventional Brackets As Perceived By Orthodontists, Chase Prettyman

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Within the past decade, significant developments, new designs, and numerous proposed advantages of self-ligating (SL) brackets have caused them to gain great popularity among practicing orthodontists. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are significant clinical differences between SL and conventional brackets on orthodontic treatment as perceived by practicing orthodontists, and more specifically, if the proposed advantages of SL brackets are evident in clinical practice. Methods: A survey was developed to evaluate how SL brackets compare to conventional brackets when perceived by practicing orthodontists (n=430). The initial series of questions focused on individual practitioner characteristics and …


Lip Profile Preferences Of Asian Americans, Hung Quoc Lu May 2010

Lip Profile Preferences Of Asian Americans, Hung Quoc Lu

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to evaluate how Asians, non-Asians, and orthodontists in America view esthetic soft tissue Asian lip profiles. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the perception of lip profile esthetics of Asian patients between Asian laypersons, non-Asians laypersons, and orthodontists. A survey was constructed using the profile photographs of one adult male and one adult female Asian American patient taken from the VCU Orthodontics Clinic records. Using Dolphin Imaging 3D, the original photographs were digitally altered. The lips in each photograph were moved in increments forward and backwards to produce 5 images …