14 research outputs found
Clear aligners effects on aesthetics: evaluation of facial wrinkles
No full textBackground: To evaluate the facial aesthetic effects of orthodontic treatment performed with clear aligners and
to compare it to an untreated control group, on lower third facial ageing in adult patients through the use of the
Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the study period.
Material and Methods: A clear aligners treated group (TG) of 68 patients was compared to a control group of 33
untreated patients (UG). Each group was divided in 2 subgroups according to age: subgroup 1 if under 40 years
of age and subgroup 2 if over. Facial aesthetics of the lower third was evaluated at T0 and T1 by a panel of five
aesthetic experts with WSRS.
Results: Statistically significant changes were found in all subgroups comparing WSRS scores at T0 and T1. The
between group comparisons revealed that wearing clear aligners produces a statistically relevant improvement in
lower third facial aesthetics both in younger (p < 0.05) and older (p < 0.001) patients.
Conclusions: The present retrospective cohort study has successfully shown that malocclusion therapy conducted
through the use of clear aligners in a population of adults affected by dental crowding has beneficial effects on
lower third facial ageing
Correlation between transverse and sagittal dimensions in early stage: a retrospective study between patients treated with clear aligners and untreated patients
No full textAbstract Background The interceptive treatment of Class II malocclusion using clear aligners is still debatable. This retrospective study analyzes the short-term occlusal and cephalometric effects in 40 growing patients with Class II malocclusion. Methods The sample was divided into 2 groups: Following the dentoalveolar expansion protocol, the first group was treated with clear aligners (GI). The second group was untreated (GN). Dental arches were scanned before and 1 year after the therapy. Similarly, linear measurements on digital casts and cephalometric ones on lateral X-rays were compared. Maxillary (Lmax), mandibular intermolar length (Lmand), and posterior transverse intermolar discrepancy (DIT) were evaluated. The distance between the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar and the buccal groove of the first lower molar was considered at both sides (Cdx and Csx). The statistical descriptive analysis of T0 and T1 values was performed using a paired t-test, setting a p value < 0.05. Results A greater improvement in molar and skeletal Class II parameters in the GI group compared to the GN group was detected. Specifically, in GI, Lmax improved by 3.3 mm, Lmand by 1.1 mm, and DIT improved from − 2.1 mm to 0.1 mm, while Cdx and Csx decreased by 1.28 mm and 1.13 mm, respectively. In contrast, the GN group showed smaller improvements, with Lmax increasing by 1 mm, Lmand by 0.8 mm, DIT improving from − 2 mm to -1.8 mm, and both Cdx and Csx exhibiting slight increases of 0.04 mm and 0.09 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding divergence or the correlation between skeletal and dental measurements. Conclusions Dentoalveolar expansion using Invisalign First appears effective and predictable with better outcomes than the control group. An improvement of skeletal Class II is detected in the treated group with dental improvements on maxillary arch
Analysis of the Changes in Occlusal Plane Inclination in a Class II Deep Bite “Teen” Patient Treated with Clear Aligners: A Case Report
No full textBackground: Optimal management of hypodivergent growing patients demands a strict control of vertical dimension and to exploit the growth potential. If a deep bite malocclusion causes a traumatic contact between the upper and lower incisors and affects the facial appearance, an early interceptive treatment is recommended. The aim of this case report is to outline the clinical management of the occlusal plane of a growing Class II division 1 deep bite patient treated with aligners and Class II elastics. Methods: The treatment lasted 11 months and was divided into two phases. Treatment goals included improvement of the soft tissue profile and basal bone relationships through an increase in the mandibular third of the face and a sagittal advancement of the mandible. The correction of the curve of Spee involved intrusion of the mandibular incisors and extrusion of the mandibular premolars. Results: The cephalometric analysis at the end of the treatment displayed significant differences in the skeletal and occlusal pattern along with aesthetic improvements. Conclusion: The final cephalogram showed a consistency between the planned tooth movement and the clinical results. Although definitive recommendations must be withheld until longer follow-up is available, the patient presented here shows that the treatment protocol yielded positive mandibular growth
Bioengineering dermo-epidermal skin grafts with blood and lymphatic capillaries
No full textThe first bioengineered, autologous, dermo-epidermal skin grafts are presently undergoing clinical trials; hence, it is reasonable to envisage the next clinical step at the forefront of plastic and burn surgery, which is the generation of autologous skin grafts that contain vascular plexuses, preformed in vitro. As the importance of the blood, and particularly the lymphatic vascular system, is increasingly recognized, it is attractive to engineer both human blood and lymphatic vessels in one tissue or organ graft. We show here that functional lymphatic capillaries can be generated using three-dimensional hydrogels. Like normal lymphatics, these capillaries branch, form lumen, and take up fluid in vitro and in vivo after transplantation onto immunocompromised rodents. Formation of lymphatic capillaries could be modulated by both lymphangiogenic and anti-lymphangiogenic stimuli, demonstrating the potential usefulness of this system for in vitro testing. Blood and lymphatic endothelial cells never intermixed during vessel development, nor did blood and lymphatic capillaries anastomose under the described circumstances. After transplantation of the engineered grafts, the human lymphatic capillaries anastomosed to the nude rat's lymphatic plexus and supported fluid drainage. Successful preclinical results suggest that these skin grafts could be applied on patients suffering from severe skin defects
Long-Term Stability and Histologic Evaluation of Orthodontically Driven Osteogenesis (ODO): A Preliminary Retrospective Study
No full textBackground: Orthodontically driven osteogenesis (ODO) is a surgical tunnel modification of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO), combining selective corticotomy with bone grafting in sequential and/or segmental fashion. This is a minimally invasive approach that enhances periodontal health and allows orthodontic tooth movement beyond the original alveolar envelope. Considering the lack of long-term three-dimensional data on orthodontically driven osteogenesis (ODO), this study aims to quantitatively assess the long-term stability of alveolar bone and buccal cortical thickness following ODO, using CBCT imaging. The null hypothesis is that ODO does not result in significant changes in alveolar bone volume or cortical thickness over a seven-year follow-up period. Methods: Twenty patients (13 females, 7 males; mean age 27.4 ± 5.3 years) who had undergone orthodontically driven osteogenesis (ODO) using a minimally invasive tunnel approach and segmental corticotomy protocol followed by clear aligner therapy were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period after treatment was 7 years (range: 5–15 years). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained at one year postoperatively (T1) and again at the long-term follow-up visit (T2). Buccal bone thickness measurements were taken at standardized levels (3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction) and compared between T1 and T2 to evaluate bone stability over time. In addition, histologic evaluation of the previously grafted area was performed in two patients: one sample was collected during an alveolar ridge augmentation procedure six months after ODO, and the other during orthognathic surgery eight months after ODO. The samples were analyzed to assess new bone formation and integration of graft material. Results: Radiographic analysis showed long term stability of the new bone support. Histologic examination showed newly formed lamellar and reticular bone. Bone marrow showed no inflammatory infiltration, and bone particles were still detectable but incorporated in the newly created bone. Conclusions: Based on these findings, ODO appears to be a promising technique that could induce stable bone osteogenesis. A larger cohort study can enhance the evidence of these promising results to popularize this technique
Analysis of the Changes in Occlusal Plane Inclination in a Class II Deep Bite “Teen” Patient Treated with Clear Aligners: A Case Report
No full textBackground: Optimal management of hypodivergent growing patients demands a strict control of vertical dimension and to exploit the growth potential. If a deep bite malocclusion causes a traumatic contact between the upper and lower incisors and affects the facial appearance, an early interceptive treatment is recommended. The aim of this case report is to outline the clinical management of the occlusal plane of a growing Class II division 1 deep bite patient treated with aligners and Class II elastics. Methods: The treatment lasted 11 months and was divided into two phases. Treatment goals included improvement of the soft tissue profile and basal bone relationships through an increase in the mandibular third of the face and a sagittal advancement of the mandible. The correction of the curve of Spee involved intrusion of the mandibular incisors and extrusion of the mandibular premolars. Results: The cephalometric analysis at the end of the treatment displayed significant differences in the skeletal and occlusal pattern along with aesthetic improvements. Conclusion: The final cephalogram showed a consistency between the planned tooth movement and the clinical results. Although definitive recommendations must be withheld until longer follow-up is available, the patient presented here shows that the treatment protocol yielded positive mandibular growth
User Experience, Satisfaction, and Complications of Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics (DTCO) has gained popularity through social media, offering clear aligner treatments without in-person supervision. However, there is limited research on the related user experiences, satisfaction, and complications, particularly in Spain. This study aimed to evaluate user experiences, satisfaction levels, and complications associated with DTCO in a sample of Spanish consumers. Additionally, differences among major DTCO providers were analyzed. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted over one year. This questionnaire, adapted from previous studies and reviewed by certified orthodontists, assessed user awareness, reasons for treatment selection, communication with providers, discomfort, complications, and satisfaction. A total of 101 valid responses were analyzed using statistical means. Results: The majority of respondents reported that their expectations were not met, and they would not recommend DTCO. Cost was the primary motivation for treatment selection, followed by convenience. Many users experienced complications, leading to dental consultations. While overall satisfaction levels did not significantly differ among providers, variations were observed in discomfort levels, in-person care availability, and the need for additional consultations. Conclusions: DTCO offers affordability and convenience but raises concerns regarding treatment quality and supervision. In most cases, users’ expectations were not met, highlighting the need for greater patient education and regulatory oversight
Shamanism on Slovenian Territory? Dilemmas Concerning the Phenomena of Shamanism, Spirit Possession and Ecstasy
No full textKot reakcija na iskanje in dokazovanje "šamanistične tradicije" v
Evropi (Meuli, Solymossy in nasledniki), so se pojavile nekatere
previdnejše ali celo povsem nasprotujoče reakcije avtorjev, ki
dokazujejo, da je šamanizem treba razlikovati od obsedenosti (spirit
possession). Na podlagi podatkov iz slovenskega ustnega izročila je
mogoče trditi, da takšno ostro razmejevanje ni umestno. Po drugi strani
je spet jasno, da kakršnokoli ekstatično stanje medija še ni zadosten
kriterij za obstoj šamanizma. S tem menimo, da mora obstajati neka
struktura sestavin, ki jih je mogoče umestiti v šamanistični predstavni
svet (mitologijo, magijo, ikonografijo…). Ob analizi slovenskih
primerov se je pokazalo, da obstajajo nekatere pomembne primerjave
z arktičnim območjem Evrazije in z indoiranskim prostorom. Slovenijo
povezuje s sosednjima Madžarsko in Furlanijo ljudska vera v obstoj
"vedomcev" in/ali "kresnikov", katerih duše zapuščajo prostovoljno
ali po "višji sili" telesa in se v oblakih borijo z nasprotniki za dež,
odganjajo točo in prinašajo dobro letino, zdravje in srečo. Po teh
sposobnostih in specifičnih telesnih znakih so bili torej podobni
furlanskim "benandantom" in madžarskim "táltosom", celo galerijo
podobnih likov pa odkrijemo tudi na Balkanu. Ime "kresnik" bi
lahko izviralo iz imena "krst" (kamnito znamenje v Makedoniji in
Srbiji, ki je označevalo meje vaškega zemljišča), ime "vedomec"
pa iz korena "ved-", ki pomeni človeka znanja, "tistega, ki vidi in
vé". V primerjalnem smislu so zanimive so tudi slovenske variante
zgodb o plezanju po deblu "svetovnega drevesa" s pomočjo železnih
"krempljev" ali sekir in slovensko izročilo o svetosti konoplje. Vse to
kaže na prepletanje različnih idejnih prvin, od katerih bi nekatere
lahko bile šamanistične.As a reaction to theories that attempted to find and prove »shamanistic tradition« in Europe (Meuli, Solymossy and their successors) there appeared certain more cautious, or even completely contradictory hypotheses of authors who maintained that shamanism should be distinguished from spirit possession. On the basis of Slovenian oral tradition, it is possible to assert that such a sharp differentiation is inappropriate. It is also clear, on the other hand, that any ecstatic state of a medium is not a sufficient argument that would prove the existence of shamanism. The author argues that there is a structure of elements that could be classified as shamanistic conceptions or notions (mythology, magic, iconographv. etc.). An analysis of examples from Slovenia discovered certain pertinent comparisons with the Arctic area of Eurasia as well as the Indo-Iranian region. Slovenia and neighboring Croatia both share folk belief in the existence of the vedomec and/or the kresnik whose souls, be it voluntarily or because of a »higher power«, leave their bodies. In the clouds they fight their enemies for rain, drive away hail and bring abundant crops, health and happiness. These abilities and specific bodily characteristics make them similar to the benandanti from Friuli, Italy or the Hungarian tdltos. A veritable gallery of similar beings can be found in theBalkans as well. The name kresnik might have originated from the name krst, which in Macedonia and Serbia de-notes a stone sign that used to mark the boundaries of village territory. Vedomec might originate from the root ved-, which signifies a person of learning, the »one who sees and knows.« Equally interesting for comparison are Slovenian variants of stories about climbing the »world tree« with the aid of iron »claws« or axes, or the Slovenian tradition about the sacredness of hemp. All of this indicates an interrelation of different elements some of which could be labelled shamanistic
Etude en IRM des modifications des connectivités cérébrales anatomique et fonctionnelle en fonction de l'âge chez le sujet sain
No full textNotre travail a consisté à analyser les modifications au cours de l'âge des connectivités cérébrales anatomique et fonctionnelle. Pour chaque participant, 47 hommes sains (20-65 ans), plusieurs séquences IRM ont été acquises (IRM Philips 3T) : une image anatomique T1 (calcul de l'épaisseur corticale et évaluation de l'atrophie cérébrale), une image de diffusion 32 directions (extraction de la fraction d'anisotropie et la diffusivité moyenne et réalisation de la tractographie) et trois imageries fonctionnelles, au repos, durant une tâche motrice et une attentionnelle, (permettent l'analyse de la connectivité fonctionnelle grâce à des méthodes d'Analyse en Composantes Indépendantes et des méthodes basées sur l'étude statistique des réseaux : Network Based Statistics). Nous avons utilisé les logiciels SPM8 (Statistical Parametric Mapping), MATLAB (The MathWorks, Inc), FSL (FMRIB Software Library), et Statistica (Statsoft). L'imagerie fonctionnelle a permis de mettre en évidence le rôle joué par le Gyrus Angulaire (dont de nombreuses connexions se modifient), et des modifications intervenant dans le réseau du Default-Mode et celui de la Mémoire de Travail (diminutions dans le lobe frontal). Nous avons également observé une diminution de l'orientation des fibres dans la partie antérieure du Corps Calleux et dans le cervelet. L'étude de la connectivité anatomique a montré un ensemble de sous-réseaux d'aires structurellement liées qui résistent au cours de l'âge. Les retombées de ce projet se trouvent dans les potentialités d'application à diverses maladies neurodégénératives puisqu'il permet une meilleure caractérisation du vieillissement physiologique.Our study was focused on the changes of anatomical and functional brain connectivity during aging. We acquired for each participant (47 male subjects, healthy, aged from 20 to 65) several MRI imaging (Philips 3T MRI): an anatomical sequence (T1 weighted image), a sequence of diffusion imaging in 32 directions and three sequences of functional imaging (at rest, during a motor task and an attentional). The anatomical image allows us to assess the brain atrophy and calculate the cortical thickness. With the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) we have extracted fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity and we have realized tractography. We used different software as SPM8 (Statistical Parametric Mapping), MATLAB (The MathWorks, Inc.) and Statistica (Statsoft). We have analyzed the functional connectivity with the 3 sequences of fMRI using methods of Independent Component Analysis, and methods based on statistical analysis of networks (Network Based Statistics). Functional imaging has showed the role played by the Angular Gyrus (including many modifications on connections), and changes occurring in the Default-Mode Network and the Working Memory (decreases in the frontal lobe). Furthermore, we have demonstrated a decrease in fiber orientation in the anterior part of the Corpus Callosum, and in the cerebellum. Due to the study of anatomical connectivity, we have defined a set of sub-networks that resist structurally with age. Our contribution will allow a better characterization of the effect of normal aging on brain connectivity. Besides, benefits of this study may be useful for the comprehension of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson
