Perception Of Differences In Lip Profile Between 2-D And 3-D, Andrew Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Past studies evaluating the esthetics of orthodontic treatment have been done using 2-D images. New 3-D imaging offers an improved, real-life representation of a subject. The purpose of this study was to determine how laypeople perceived differences in lip position (flat versus ideal lip fullness) in 2-D compared to 3-D.

3dMD images of 8 Caucasian subjects were adjusted to an ideal and flat lip position in 3-D and then in 2-D from the profile view. 2 surveys were created with paired ideal and flat images on the screen, either in 2-D or 3-D, and evaluators were asked to choose which …

Twitter Analysis Of The Orthodontic Patient Experience With Braces Versus Invisalign, Daniel A. Noll

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the orthodontic patient experience with braces compared to Invisalign^® by means of a large-scale Twitter sentiment analysis. A custom data collection program was created to collect tweets containing the words “braces” or “Invisalign.” A hierarchal Naïve Bayes sentiment classifier was developed to sort the tweets into one of five categories: positive, negative, neutral, advertisement, or not applicable. Among the 419,363 tweets applicable to orthodontics collected, users posted significantly more positive tweets (61%) than negative tweets (39%) (p-value = ^® tweets (p-value=0.4189). In conclusion, Twitter users express more positive than negative sentiment …

Perception Of Profile Appearance As Judged By Peers Using 3d Video Imaging, Megan G. Schuler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the social perceptions of subjects with differing lip position and facial convexity in three dimensions. A 3dMD camera (3dMD, Atlanta, GA) was used to capture 3D images of 9 subjects’ faces. The images were altered to have ideal lip position and ideal convexity, ideal lip position and Class II convexity, Class II lip position and ideal convexity, and Class II lip position and Class II convexity. 400 laypersons rated their perceptions of the subjects’ athletic ability, popularity, leadership, and intelligence on a VAS scale. Subjects with ideal lip position relative to the …

Comparison Of Treatment Management Between Orthodontists And General Practitioners Performing Clear Aligner Therapy, Alexandra D. Best

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in case confidence, treatment management, and Invisalign® expertise between orthodontists and general dentists. A survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected orthodontists and general dentists, respectively, who are Invisalign® providers, and results were analyzed. The results indicated that orthodontists treated significantly more Invisalign® cases and received more Invisalign® training than general dentists (P

Crown Size Comparisons In Patients With Unilateral Palatally Displaced Canines, Joseph Eliason, Steven J. Lindauer

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

CROWN SIZE COMPARISONS IN PATIENTS WITH PALATALLY DISPLACED CANINES

By Joseph L. Eliason, D.D.S.

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, 2015

Thesis Director: Steven J. Lindauer, D.M.D., M.Dent.Sc.

Professor and Chair, Department of Orthodontics

There has been significant debate over the past decades regarding the etiology of palatally displaced canines. Theorized risk factors include agenesis or malformation of the lateral incisors, incisor retroclination, transverse deficiency, or genetic predisposition. The purpose of this study is to compare the linear and volumetric …

Esthetic Preferences Of Maxillary Incisor Labiolingual Inclination Across Races, Elvi M. Barcoma

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

ESTHETIC PREFERENCES FOR MAXILLARY INCISOR LABIOLINGUAL INCLINATION ACROSS RACES

by Elvi Marie Barcoma, D.D.S.

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, 2015

Major Director: Bhavna Shroff, D.M.D., M.Dent.Sc, Program Director, Orthodontics

Objective: To determine if people of different racial backgrounds prefer different amounts of

maxillary incisor labiolingual inclination from a smiling profile view.

Materials and Methods: An electronic survey was created with smiling profile images of an African-American female and a White female with varying degrees of maxillary incisor labiolingual inclination. …

In-Vitro Assessment Of A Novel Bracket's Effect On Resistance To Sliding, James Blackburn

Theses and Dissertations

Friction, binding and notching are the factors that contribute to resistance to sliding during orthodontic tooth movement. However, most attempts at reducing resistance aim only to reduce the archwire/ligature friction. In this study, a novel bracket with a unique design aimed to reduce all three components of resistance to sliding. Four types of brackets (passive and active self-ligating, traditionally ligated and the novel bracket, (n=5, each) were tested at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8ᵒ of tip on a 0.019 x 0.025”archwire. The resistance to sliding values were recorded. At 0ᵒ, the passive self-ligating and novel bracket showed reduced resistance …

Restoring Lateral Incisors And Orthodontic Treatment: Perceptions Among General Dentists And Othodontists, Matthew A. Sandretti, Bhavna Shroff, Steven J. Lindauer, Al M. Best

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare preferences and perceptions of orthodontists and general dentists when restoring peg-shaped lateral incisors. The investigation sought to summarize these preferences with regard to treatment planning, tooth preparation and interdisciplinary communication. A pair of mailed and electronic surveys was distributed to 1,500 general dentists and orthodontists, respectively. The results indicated that general dentists perceived that general dentists held the primary decision-making responsibility, while orthodontists disagreed (P<0.0001). Orthodontists prioritized the treatment goals of Class I canine relationship and overbite/overjet more significantly than general dentists, whom valued tooth proportions more highly (P<0.0001). General dentists reported receiving significantly less input than orthodontists report seeking (P<0.0001).The consensus of both groups showed that the tooth should be positioned centered mesiodistally and guided by the gingival margins incisogingivally. Both groups agree that orthodontists must improve communication to improve treatment results.

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

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

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

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 …

Prevalence Of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment, Julian Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

The reported prevalence of decalcification in orthodontic patients varies from 2 to 96% mainly due to the lack of a standard examination technique. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the prevalence of white spot lesions around brackets using visual examination and the DIAGNOdent; 2) to determine which teeth were the most susceptible to decalcification; and 3) to test the accuracy of the DIAGNOdent by comparing to the visual examination. The presence of white spot lesions was determined in two groups of patients who were 6 and 12 months into orthodontic treatment, respectively. The control group consisted of …

Perceived Responsibility For The Development Of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment, Blake Maxfield

Theses and Dissertations

White spot lesions (WSLs) or decalcifications remain a common complication in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes regarding the development of WSLs among patients, parents, orthodontists and general dentists and improve prevention and treatment protocols through better communication. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontic patients (n=315), parents (n=279), orthodontists (n=305) and general dentists (n=191) regarding the significance, prevention and treatment of WSLs. All four groups indicated that WSLs did detract from the overall appearance of straight teeth. All four groups indicated that patients were …

Leadership And Dental Aesthetics Of Adults As Perceived By Laypersons, E. Britton Montgomery

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if dental aesthetics is perceived by adults to affect an individual’s ability to emerge as a leader. An electronic survey was constructed using facial frontal smiling photographs of 10 patients. Statements were formulated to evaluate four leadership characteristics: intelligence, self-confidence, friendliness, and trustworthiness. Evaluators indicated their level of agreement with each statement for each subject using a 100mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data was obtained from 214 evaluators. Picture ratings were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed-model analyses. Evaluator factors and picture factors were considered when testing for crooked vs. straight teeth differences. There …

Bonding Orthodontic Brackets To Stainless Steel Crowns, Daniel Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare shear bond strengths of brackets bonded to stainless steel crowns using various orthodontic adhesives and surface conditioning techniques. One hundred and twenty mandibular first molar stainless steel crowns were randomly divided into groups: (1): Aluminablasting + Metal Primer + Assure; (2): Aluminablasting + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond; (3): Diamond Bur Abrasion + Metal Primer + Assure; (4): Diamond Bur Abrasion + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond; (5: control): Acid Etching + Metal Primer + Assure; (6: control): Acid Etching + Silane Coupling Agent + Transbond. Bond strength was tested using a …

Orthodontic Bracket Bond Strength Using Self-Etching Primer With Or Without Pumice Or Acid Etch Pretreatment, Ana Paula Decastro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to enamel in four bonding protocols: SEP without prior pumicing (None), Pre-etch and SEP without prior pumicing (Pre-etch), control: SEP with prior pumicing (Pumice), and Pre-etch and SEP with prior pumicing (Both). 80 extracted bovine incisors were randomly divided into 4 groups of 20, and brackets were bonded under the different experimental conditions. Debonding force was measured with an Instron universal testing machine. A two-way ANOVA comparing the four groups indicated that there was a significant difference in debonding force (P = 0.001). The SEP …

Alternative Orthodontic Bonding Protocol Using Self Etching Primer, Rush-Baker Gaines Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to develop a bonding method that can achieve clinically acceptable bond strength values while leaving a minimum amount of adhesive on the tooth surface during the debonding process. One hundred teeth were randomly assigned into groups. Five different enamel surface preparation protocols were tested (N = 20, each): Conventional acid etch, standard SEP, SEP applied with a light brush stroke (altered SEP 1), SEP applied directly to the composite of pre-coated bracket (altered SEP 2), and Primer Only groups. Brackets were debonded using an Instron universal testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA) in shear …

The Psychosocial Influence Of Dental Esthetics In Adolescents As Judged By Peers, Scott Thomas Henson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if dental esthetics affects the perception of adolescents regarding their peer's social aptitude in specific areas such as athletics, popularity, leadership, and academics. Ten patient photographs (4 males, 6 females) from a private orthodontic practice in Richmond, VA were selected for inclusion in this study. The frontal smiling photographs were digitally modified with insertion of either an ideal smile (straight) or a non-ideal smile (crooked) to create an image identical to the original except for an altered dental complex. Laypersons rated the straight and crooked patient photographs for athletic performance, socialization skills …

Treatment Outcomes And Retention In Medicaid And Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients, Ashkan Ghaffari

Theses and Dissertations

Medicaid orthodontic patients have been shown to miss more appointments and break more appliances than self-pay patients, indicating a greater tendency toward non-compliance. Lack of compliance during the post-treatment phase can be detrimental to retention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in PAR score changes between Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients during and after orthodontic treatment. PAR scores were determined using study models of 43 Medicaid and 39 non-Medicaid patients before and at the end of active treatment, and 24 Medicaid and 42 non-Medicaid patients at the end of treatment and at an average …

Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Kevin Erick Kelleher

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to investigate differences in outcomes from two common treatment modalities used to reduce deep overbite: maxillary incisor intrusion using an intrusion arch and posterior tooth eruption using an anterior bite plate. Pre-treatment, post-overbite correction and post-treatment records were gathered from 32 patients who presented with deep overbite malocclusions to the Virginia Commonwealth University orthodontic clinic. Both groups of patients experienced reductions in overbite and maxillary incisor display as well as maxillary and mandibular incisor proclination and mandibular incisor occlusal movement during treatment. In the intrusion arch group, the center of resistance of …

Relationship Between Facial Attractiveness And Occlusal Treatment Outcomes: A Retrospective Study, Chad Eric Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between pretreatment facial attractiveness and posttreatment occlusal outcome in orthodontic patients. A randomized sample of forty-seven patients (26 males, 21 females) was selected for inclusion in this study. Orthodontic evaluators rated pretreatment patient photographs (frontal smile, frontal, profile) using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Occlusal outomes were evaluated using percentage reduction in weighted Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index scores and the American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system (ABO-OGS). Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between pretreatment VAS attractiveness ratings and posttreatment occlusal …

Concurrent Whitening And Orthodontic Treatment, Jason Thomas Gladwell

Theses and Dissertations

The aim was to evaluate whether a whitening system, when used during the final stages of orthodontics, would yield results comparable to whitening alone. Patients were assigned to either the control (n=20) or experimental (n=26) groups. At T1, patients were given a ten day supply of Trèswhite™ by Opalescence®, instructions on use, and initial shade determination was made and photographs were taken. At T2 and T3, shade determination was accomplished and updated photographs were taken. Whitening of the teeth occurred in both groups on average, but significantly more whitening was experienced in the experimental group (p < 0.004). An average of 87% of teeth whitened during orthodontic treatment compared to 97% of control teeth (p < 0.01) were judged to be uniform in appearance. In conclusion, the data do not contraindicate the concurrent accomplishment of teeth whitening during orthodontic treatment.

The Effect Of Pre-Cure Bracket Movement On The Shear Bond Strength Of Metal Brackets, Thomas Luther Roberts Iv

Theses and Dissertations

The effect on shear bond strength of bracket movement after seating the brackets and before light curing has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of linear and rotational pre-cure bracket movement on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. 100 extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into 5 groups of 20 teeth each. The control group was bonded with no pre-cure bracket movement, and test groups were bonded with pre-cure bracket movement of 2 mm, 4 mm, 45¢ª or 180¢ª. Debonding force was measured with an Instron universal testing machine. Results were analyzed …

The Anti-Plaque Efficacy Of Listerine® Used In Combination With Toothbrushing In Orthodontic Patients, Zachary A. Casagrande

Theses and Dissertations

The bactericidal efficacy of Listerine®, the essential oil-containing mouthrinse, has long been recognized. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Listerine® mouthrinse, when added to the standard oral hygiene regimen, had an added benefit in reducing plaque and gingivitis development in orthodontic patients over a six-month period. 50 orthodontic patients from the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Orthodontics were assigned either to the brushing + flossing (N= 25) or brushing + flossing + Listerine® (N = 25) group. At baseline (TI), measurements for the Ramfjord teeth were recorded for the gingival index, plaque index and bleeding index. Subsequent …

Use Of A Synthetic Substrate For Orthodontic Bond Strength Testing, Elijah B. Saikaly

Theses and Dissertations

In vitro bond strength studies are of great importance and interest since they allow the prediction of clinical success of orthodontic adhesives. There are many studies that have investigated bond strength values of bonding systems. However, due to the variation in the materials and methods employed, it is very difficult and often impossible to make comparisons among data. The use of a substrate as an alternate to enamel for mechanical tests would minimize these variables and reduce the challenges faced with in vitro bond strength tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of Macor as a …

The Effect Of Media Advertising On Consumer Perception Of Orthodontic Treatment Quality, Daenya T. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

A survey instrument was designed to evaluate factors influencing consumer selection of an orthodontist and consumer perception of different forms of media advertising (radio, television, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, and billboard) by orthodontic practices. The surveys were distributed by 8 orthodontic offices in and around the Richmond, Virginia area. Out of 676 surveys, 655 (97%) were returned. Respondents most often cited dentist and patient referrals as how they learned of the orthodontic practices they visited (50%- 57%). However, a caring attitude and good practitioner reputation were cited as the top reasons influencing selection of an orthodontist (53% and 49% respectively). …

Treatment Effects Of Incisor Positioning On Anterior Tooth Display, Scott J. Eberle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changes in maxillary incisor position on anterior tooth display (ATD) in adult (n = 21) and adolescent (n = 38) orthodontic patients. The effects of anterior-posterior, vertical, and angular changes of the maxillary central incisor position during orthodontic treatment were evaluated relative to changes in the amount of ATD measured from pretreatment (TI) and posttreatment (T2) lateral cephalometric radiographs of existing patient records.Results showed a significant relationship between starting ATD and ATD change during treatment for both adults (P = ,006) and adolescents (P

Effects Of Unilateral Extraction Treatment On Arch Symmetry And Occlusion, Theodore William Struhs

Theses and Dissertations

Occlusal asymmetries are common in orthodontic patients. A treatment option for correcting moderate asymmetries is asymmetric extractions. This study evaluated post-treatment dental arch symmetry in patients treated with unilateral premolar extractions. Post-treatment casts of 60 patients were divided into four treatment groups based on the history of occlusal asymmetry and the treatment plan. DesignCAD3000 software (Upperspace Corporation, Pryor, OK) was used to evaluate asymmetrically treated arches for symmetry. The four treatment groups were compared to identify differences in arch asymmetry based on treatment. The lateral incisor and canine were found to be more palatal on the extraction side in patients …

A Radiographic Analysis Of Variance In Lower Incisor Enamel Thickness, Nathan E. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to help predict the enamel thickness of mandibular incisors. At least two direct digital periapical radiographs were made for each of the 80 subjects. Radiographs were scaled to control for magnification errors using dental study models and computer software. Mesiodistal incisor width and mesial and distal enamel thicknesses were measured. Lateral incisors were determined to be wider than central incisors and distal enamel thicknesses were larger than mesial enamel thicknesses on average. The African American group demonstrated wider incisors and enamel thicknesses than the Caucasian group on average. Enamel thickness positively correlated with tooth …