Functional Appliances (functional + appliances)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Adaptation of normal and hypofunctional masseter muscle after bite-raising in growing rats

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2000
Andrea Bresin
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of prolonged muscular elongation induced by bite-raising on the length of the muscle belly, sarcomeres and aponeurosis of the anterior deep masseter in the growing rat. Another aim was to determine the role of different functional conditions of this muscle in the adaptation process. Ninety-six young male rats were split into two groups: one was fed a hard diet and the other a soft diet to develop different functional capacities in the masticatory muscles. After 2 wk, half of the rats in both groups were fitted with an appliance that raised the bite by 2 mm. The measurements on the muscles were performed in situ. The insertion of the appliance stretched the anterior masseter muscle. After 4 wk, the vertical dentoskeletal dimension, the muscle belly, and the sarcomeres showed no difference in length among the groups. However, the aponeurosis was longer in the rats wearing the appliance compared to the controls, and among the bite block groups it was longer in the rats fed a hard diet. Length adaptation occurred in the aponeurosis. Clinically this may imply a need for reactivation of functional appliances to increase their efficiency, at a rate possibly depending on masseter muscles functional condition. [source]


Computerized axiography in TMD patients before and after therapy with ,function generating bites'

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 2 2008
M. G. PIANCINO
Summary, The study evaluates the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements of patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) before and after therapy with the functional appliances of the ,function generating bite' (FGB) type. Thirty subjects suffering from TMD were selected and divided into two groups: group A (young patients: four males, nine females, mean age ± standard deviation: 13·3 ± 1·5 years); group B (adults: three males, 14 females, mean age ± standard deviation: 23·2 ± 4·4 years). A control group comprised 13 healthy subjects with perfect normal occlusion, TMD-free, was matched for age and sex with patient groups and was examined at T0 and after 12 months (T1). Computerized axiography was performed before and after therapy (average 13 months) with FGBs to evaluate any difference in condyle border movements. Results showed a statistically significant improvement after treatment, for groups A and B, in length, clicks, tracings with normal morphology, superimposition, deviations, regularity and return to starting position and speed (statistical analysis: chi-squared test) except for the symmetry of tracings which was significantly improved only for the young patient group. No statistically significant differences at time T0/T1 were found in the control group. In conclusion, the study shows that the TMJ tracings of TMD patients before and after therapy with ,FGB' significantly improve especially in young patients. FGB may be a useful appliance to improve TMJ function in young and adult TMD patients requiring orthodontic treatment. [source]


Masseter muscle thickness as a predictive variable in treatment outcome of the twin-block appliance and masseteric thickness changes during treatment

ORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010
S Kiliaridis
To cite this article: Kiliaridis S, Mills CM, Antonarakis GS: Masseter muscle thickness as a predictive variable in treatment outcome of the twin-block appliance and masseteric thickness changes during treatment Orthod Craniofac Res 2010;13:203,213 Structured Abstract Authors,,, Kiliaridis S, Mills CM, Antonarakis GS Objectives,,, To estimate the association of initial masseter muscle thickness with treatment outcomes using functional appliances and the effect of treatment on masseter muscle thickness. Material and Methods,,, Twenty-two children, aged 8,12, with skeletal and dental class II relationships and increased overjet were treated with twin-block appliances for 9,17 months, until a class I molar relationship and decreased overjet was achieved. Dental casts, lateral cephalograms, and ultrasonographic measurements of the masseter muscle were performed before and after treatment. Twenty-two children, aged 8,12, without immediate need for orthodontic treatment, served as controls. They were observed for 11,17 months, and ultrasonographic masseter muscle measurements were taken before and after the observation period. Results,,, Masseter muscles in treated children were thinner at the end of treatment, while untreated controls showed an increase in thickness. Treated children with thinner pre-treatment muscles showed greater mandibular incisor proclination, distalisation of maxillary molars, and posterior displacement of the cephalometric A point during treatment. Conclusion,,, Treatment of a dental class II relationship with functional appliances leads to mild atrophy of the masticatory muscles, possibly because of their decreased functional activity. The initial condition of the muscles may be associated with mandibular incisor proclination, and the position of maxillary first molars and A point. [source]


Cephalometric evaluation of condylar and mandibular growth modification: a review

ORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006
G Shen
Structured Abstract Authors ,, Shen G, Darendeliler MA Objective ,, Based on a wealth of orthodontic archives, this work aims to review the cephalometric analysis systems that can identify the changes in condylar and mandibular position as well as growth direction in response to bite jumping therapy. Design ,, Numerous cephalometric approaches were screened to testify their feasibility and reliability in accurately depicting the growth modification of the condyle and the mandible. The critical assessment of the working mechanisms of these cephalometric methods was elaborated to help build up the rationale and justification for their clinical use. Results ,, 1) The changes in condylar and mandibular size, position and growth direction can be identified by using lateral cephalograms with closed-mouth or open-mouth posture. 2) With superimposition methods where the anatomical structures for superimposition registration must be stable and reproducible, the growth modification of the condyle and the mandible between two time-points is qualitatively demonstrated in a diagram if reference lines are not constructed. The growth modification can be quantitatively identified if the reference lines are created. 3) With non-superimposition methods, the size and position of the condyle and the mandible are separately identified for each time-pint by relating them to the stable reference structures. The growth modification between two time-pints is evaluated by comparing the two separate measurements. Conclusion ,, The application of a standardized and well designed cephalometric evaluation system may reduce the bias that attribute to the arbitrariness of the clinical effects of bite jumping functional appliances. [source]


Skeletal effects of bite jumping therapy on the mandible , removable vs. fixed functional appliances

ORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005
G Shen
Structured Abstract Authors , Shen G, Hägg U, Darendeliler MA Objective , Based on an extensive review of the literature, the aim of this study was to explore the mainstream consensus on the controversial topic of whether the bite jumping treatment could enhance mandibular growth. Design , The data for removable and fixed functional appliances were respectively comprehended and analyzed with regard to their attributes in mandibular growth modification. Furthermore, numerous reported findings were assessed by relating them to some important factors influencing the effects of bite jumping, such as treatment timing, treatment duration and post-treatment follow-up, to allow for a more objective and accurate evaluation. Results , The key differences between removable and fixed appliances are working hours (intermittent vs. continuous), length of treatment time (long vs. short), optimal treatment timing (before puberty growth vs. at or after puberty spurt), and mode of bite-jumping (considerable vertical opening vs. limited vertical opening). These different features lead to different treatment effects on mandibular and TMJ growth, such as the intensity of possibly increased growth (clinically less significant vs. significant), the direction of enhanced growth (vertical vs. horizontal), and the stability of treatment changes (unstable vs. stable). The short-term or long-term post-treatment relapse mainly relates to the rebound of dental position. Conclusion , The immediate effects of bite jumping functional appliances on the mandibular growth enhancement are convincing during actual treatment. This extra gain of growth might be sustainable during the short-term and long-term post-treatment period. [source]