Comparison of postoperative skeletal stability of maxillary segments after Le Fort I osteotomy,using patient-specific implant versus mini-plate fixation

BackgroundThree-dimensionally (3D) designed osteotomies and customised osteosynthesis are rapidly becoming standard in maxillofacial reconstructive and deformity surgery. Patient-specific implants (PSIs) have been in use for a few years in orthognathic surgery as well. In Le Fort I osteotomy, wafer-free fixation of the maxillary segment can be performed by individually manufactured cutting and drill guides together with PSIs.AimThis retrospective study was performed to compare the postoperative skeletal stability of the maxillary segment fixed by patient-specific implants versus mini-plates after Le Fort I osteotomy.PatientsFifty-one patients were divided into subgroups according to the fixation method and the advancement of the sub-spinal point. The postoperative skeletal stability of the maxillary segment was evaluated from lateral cephalometric radiographs one year postoperatively.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between the postoperative skeletal stability of the PSI and mini-plate fixed maxillae. Prospective studies, possibly with 3D fusion analysis, are warranted to confirm the results.ConclusionThe choice between the two fixation methods does not seem to affect the postoperative skeletal stability of the maxillary segments.     

Complications after use of elastomeric pressure-indicating media at 24-hour follow-up visit for immediate maxillary complete removable dental prosthesis: A clinical report

Various pressure-indicating media are available to assess the adaptation of the intaglio surface of a removable dental prosthesis at the insertion and follow-up appointments. This clinical report describes the use of an elastomer that entered the maxillary sinus through an undetected oroantral communication at the 24-hour follow-up for an immediate maxillary complete removable dental prosthesis. A Caldwell-Luc sinusotomy procedure was required to remove the material, and the patient required over 1 year of healing time before his reported symptoms resolved.     

Improving oral health behavior: a social psychological approach

BACKGROUND: The authors describe social psychological research that has found consistent beneficial effects of framing health messages to be congruent with personality factors in encouraging preventive oral health behaviors. METHODS: The authors describe several studies in which they administered health messages to young adults who did not floss and who were classified as predominantly approach-oriented or avoidance-oriented on the basis of a short personality questionnaire. They framed the messages to emphasize the benefits of dental flossing or the costs of not flossing. The authors assessed the effectiveness in terms of flossing efficacy and flossing behavior. RESULTS: When patients received a dental health message that was congruent with their motivational orientation-approach or avoidance-they had a stronger belief that they were capable of flossing, expressed greater intentions to floss and exhibited increased flossing behavior (flossing 50 to 65 percent more often in the following week). CONCLUSIONS: Two factors that dental practitioners should consider when delivering information are whether the patient is more approach- or avoidance-oriented and whether to frame the message in terms of gains or losses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners can use these theory-based findings in dental practice to promote positive oral health behaviors by administering brief personality assessments to patients and by framing the message accordingly.     

Edentulous jaw impression techniques: An in vivo comparison of trueness

Statement of problem

Simplified edentulous jaw impression techniques have gained popularity, while their validity has not yet been evaluated.