In vivo bracket bond strength using two adhesive systems applied under wet and dry conditions

The purpose of this study was to investigate, in vivo, the bond strength of two adhesive materials: a moisture insensitive primer (MIP)* and a one step self etching primer (SEP)*, both used with Transbond XT* on dry and wet enamel and an adhesion time of 10-15 minutes. First or second upper and/or lower bicuspids (n = 124), to be extracted for orthodontic reasons, were used. A comparison of the materials' behavior was conducted under four different situations: 1) MIP on enamel etched and dry; 2) MIP on a surface etched and wetted with patient's saliva; 3) SEP on a dry field, 4) SEP on a saliva-wet enamel. For statistical analysis, Dunn-Sidak's multiple comparison test was applied with a probability of less than 0.05 (before correction). Stainless steel brackets with mesh-backed pads were bonded to the teeth. Bond strength was tested with modified orthodontic pliers on which a strain-gage was fixed to measure handle deformation while debonding. Moisture insensitive primer tested on wet enamel showed the highest mean bond strength outcomes (8.98 MPa) compared to one step etching primer (5.81 MPa). Statistical difference between these groups was significant (p = 0.000). Standard deviation was lower for the one-step technique, under dry and wet conditions. Since the media bond strength of SEP proved sufficient for clinical purposes and its behavior tended to be more homogeneous, this was considered the best choice.     

Prevalence and determinant factors of malocclusion in children with special needs

Careful attention to malocclusion in children with special needs leads to a considerable improvement in the quality of life. The present study analysed the prevalence of malocclusion in children with Down syndrome (DS) and cerebral palsy (CP) as well as associations with individual, socio-economic, and behavioural factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out that included 181 mothers and their children with DS and CP (aged 3-12 years) at two institutions for individuals with special needs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to the mothers and a dental examination of the children. Clinical examination recorded the following: anterior/posterior crossbite and anterior openbite (AOB). The control variables were the mother's level of education as well as the gender and age of the child. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. An anterior crossbite was present in 20.4 percent, a posterior crossbite in 21.5 percent, and an AOB in 29.8 percent. The presence of DS, bottle feeding, and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more was determinant factors for an anterior crossbite and the presence of DS, bottle feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more, and respiratory infection in the previous 6 months was determinant factors for a posterior crossbite. The presence of CP and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more was determinant factors for an AOB. Thus, the prevalence of malocclusion in children with special needs was associated with the type of disability, use of bottle feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more, and respiratory infection in the previous 6 months.     

Focal dermal hypoplasia: a case report and literature review

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), also known as Goltz-Gorlin syndrome, is an autosomal dominant disease affecting tissues derived from the ectoderm and mesoderm. Knowledge and early diagnosis of the craniofacial alterations commonly found in patients with FDH provide oral health care professionals with effective preventive and therapeutic tools. This article aims to review the craniofacial characteristics present in FDH and the main systemic manifestations that have implications for dental management, while presenting a new case of the syndrome with novel oral findings.     

Investigation of IL4 gene polymorphism in individuals with different levels of chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population

BACKGROUND: Cytokines are key factors that mediate the inflammatory process during periodontal disease. Recent works have shown that the levels of cytokine expression are regulated by genetic polymorphisms, and that these variations can interfere with the progression of disease. The-590 (C-->T) polymorphism of the IL4 gene is associated with high levels of IgE in asthmatic families, and the frequency of the T allele was increased in asthmatic children. The concentration of IgE in gingival tissue was found to be elevated in patients with periodontitis. OBJECTIVE: In this study the relationship between the-590 (C-->T) polymorphism in the IL4 gene and different levels of chronic periodontal disease was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells of 113 unrelated adult individuals with different levels of periodontitis. The PCR-RFLP technique was used to investigate the polymorphism in the promoter of IL4 gene. RESULTS: No significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were found between control and groups with periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: : We conclude that the-590 (C-->T) polymorphism in the IL4 gene is not associated with the susceptibility to chronic periodontal disease.