Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic use of fluoxetine on the amount of orthodontic tooth movement and tissue changes in rats. A total of 192 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: S, 0.9% saline solution; F, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine; SM, 0.9% saline solution with orthodontic movement; and FM, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine with orthodontic movement. After 30 days of daily saline or fluoxetine administration, an orthodontic device (25cN) was used to mesially displace the first molar in animals of the groups SM and FM. The animals were euthanized 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after placement of the orthodontic appliances and animals of groups S and F were euthanized at the same time. The assessment of tooth movement was made in gypsum castings, the collagen neoformation was assessed by polarization microscopy, the number of osteoclasts and root resorption were evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and presence of hyalinized areas was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fluoxetine did not affect the amount of tooth displacement, percentage of collagen, number of osteoclasts, and presence of hyalinized areas (P>0.05). There was a higher frequency of root resorption areas in the FM group than in the SM group only on the second day (P<0.05). The findings of this study show that chronic use of 20 mg/kg fluoxetine does not affect the amount of tooth movement, collagen neoformation, number of osteoclasts, or hyalinized areas and does not affect root resorption until the last day of orthodontic movement.

RESUMO Objetivo: o presente artigo descreve o tratamento ortodôntico realizado em uma paciente adulta que apresentava múltiplas perdas dentárias. Relato do caso: paciente do sexo feminino com 20 anos e 4 meses de idade, apresentava as seguintes condições: ausência dos dentes #26, #35, #36 e #46; dente #48 semi-impactado; molares adjacentes ao espaço edentado inclinados; relação Classe II de caninos e pré-molares; perfil convexo; biprotrusão; selamento labial forçado. Resultados: foram obtidos o fechamento do espaço da região do dente #26, assim como do #46; o dente #48 irrompeu e acompanhou esse movimento mesial; manutenção do espaço da região do dente #35 para colocação de implante dentário; e verticalização do dente #37. Os objetivos estéticos e funcionais do tratamento foram alcançados. Os resultados alcançados permaneceram estáveis 10 anos após o fim do tratamento. Conclusão: a alça helicoidal modificada pode ser efetivamente usada na mecânica ortodôntica para fechar espaços edêntulos. A erupção passiva e a mesialização de terceiro molar mandibular semi-impactado podem ocorrer em adultos, quando espaço adequado é obtido.

ABSTRACT Objective: This article describes the orthodontic treatment performed on an adult patient with multiple dental losses. Case report: A female patient, 20 years and 4 months old, presented with the following conditions: absence of teeth #26, #35, #36 and #46; semi-impacted tooth #48; inclined molars adjacent to an edentulous space; canines and premolars in a Class II relationship; a convex profile; biprotrusion; and forced lip sealing. Results: Space in the region of tooth #26 was closed, as well the space of tooth #46; tooth #48 erupted and followed mesial movement passively; space of the region of tooth #35 was maintained for the placement of a dental implant; uprighting of tooth #37 was obtained. Aesthetic and functional goals of the treatment were achieved. Results remained stable 10 years after the end of the treatment. Conclusion: The modified helical loop could be effectively used in orthodontic mechanics to close edentulous spaces. Passive semi-impacted mandibular third molar eruption and mesialization can occur in adults when proper space is provided.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute administration of nicotine and ethanol on tooth movement in rats. Two hundred rats were divided into eight groups: S: saline; N: nicotine; E: ethanol; NE: nicotine and ethanol; SM: saline with tooth movement; NM: nicotine with tooth movement; EM: ethanol with tooth movement; and NEM: nicotine and ethanol with tooth movement. All the solutions were applied for 32, 44, or 58 days, according to the subgroup. Orthodontic movement (25 cN) was initiated 30 days after solution administration in the groups with tooth movement. The rats were euthanized 2, 14, or 28 days after initiation of tooth movement. Tooth sections were stained using picrosirius and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The data were compared by ANOVA using Tukey’s HSD and Games-Howell. On day 28 of tooth movement, the NEM group had a lower percentage of type I collagen compared to the SM group (p = 0.0448), and the S group had a higher number of osteoclasts/μm2 compared to the N group (p = 0.0405). Nicotine and ethanol did not affect the tooth movement rate, regardless of induction of orthodontic movement. Nicotine influenced the number of osteoclasts by decreasing their quantity when dental movement was not induced. When nicotine was associated with ethanol, it interfered in the maturation of collagen fibers during orthodontic movement.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a interação do movimento dentário entre dois esteróides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA), Deposteron® and Nebido®. Cem ratos Wistar foram divididos em 3 grupos: controle (C) n=30, Nebido experimental (N) n=35 e Deposteron experimental (D) n=35. O grupo controle foi subdivido em 6 subgrupos: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 e 14. Os grupos experimentais foram subdivididos em 7 subgrupos: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 e 14, correspondendo ao dia da eutanásia do animal após aplicada a força ortodôntica. Um dispositivo ortodôntico foi utilizado para induzir a movimentação dentária com força recíproca de 50 cN entre o primeiro molar superior direito e os incisivos superiores. Após a eutanásia, o tecido foi processado e corado com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e fosfatase ácida tartarato-resistente (TRAP). Osteoclastos, lacunas de Howship e vasos sanguíneos foram quantificados. Os grupos N e D demonstraram aceleração na reorganização do ligamento periodontal comparado ao grupo C. O pico dos eventos histológicos ocorreu no grupo C no dia 5 e nos grupos N e D no dia 3, após a instalação do dispositivo ortodôntico. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante no número de osteoclastos (p<0,05) entre os grupos N3 e C3 e entre os grupos N3 e D3. Doses supra-fisiológicas de EAA Nebido® and Deposteron® alteraram o número de osteoclastos, lacunas de Howship e vasos sanguíneos, acelerando a reorganização do ligamento periodontal, resultando na aceleração dos efeitos biológicos na movimentação dentária em ratos.

Abstract This study evaluated the interaction between tooth movement and two anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), Deposteron® and Nebido®. One hundred Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control (C) n=30, Nebido experimental (N) n=35 and Deposteron experimental (D) n=35. The control group was subdivided into 6 subgroups: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 14. The experimental groups were subdivided into 7 subgroups: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 14, which corresponded to the day of animal’s euthanasia after applying orthodontic force. Orthodontic devices were used to induce tooth movement using 50 cN of reciprocal force between the maxillary right first molar and the maxillary incisors. After euthanasia, the tissues were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Osteoclasts, Howship’s lacunae and blood vessels were quantified. Groups N and D showed acceleration in the reorganization of the periodontal ligament compared to group C. The peak of the histological events occurred in group C on day 5 and in groups N and D on day 3 after installation of the orthodontic device. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of osteoclasts (p<0.05) between groups N3 and C3, and between groups N3 and D3. Supra-physiological doses of the AAS Nebido® and Deposteron® altered the number of osteoclasts, Howship’s lacunae and blood vessels, accelerating the reorganization of the periodontal ligament, resulting in accelerated biological effects from the induced tooth movement in rats.

Resumo A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração do ácido zoledrônico (ZA) durante a movimentação ortodôntica em ratos. Cento e vinte ratos Wistar, machos, foram submetidos a aplicação de uma força de 30 cN através de uma mola fechada de níquel-titânio para mover o primeiro molar superior direito para mesial. No grupo Controle Movimentação (CM), apenas a movimentação dentária foi realizada; o grupo Controle Ácido Zoledrônico (CAZ) recebeu uma única dose (0,1 mg/kg) de ZA; o grupo Experimental Ácido Zoledrônico (EAZ) recebeu uma única dose (0,1 mg/Kg) uma semana antes do início da movimentação dentária; e o grupo Controle Sem Movimentação (CWM) não receberam nenhum tipo de droga e não foi realizado movimentação dentária. Os animais foram eutanásiados após 3, 7 e 14 dias. A movimentação dentária foi mensurada através de um paquímetro, o número de osteoclastos utilizando coloração TRAP, a expressão do colágeno maturo e imaturo através da coloração Picrosírius, e a presença de áreas hialinas e reabsorção radicular utilizando HE. Os dados foram comparados utilizando ANOVA a dois critérios, Tukey HSD, Games-Howell e teste de qui-quadrado, ao nível de significância de 5%. Verificou-se menor número de osteoclastos e maior porcentagem de área hialina no grupo EAZ. Não houve diferença entre grupos quanto à neoformação óssea, reabsorção radicular e movimentação dentária em todos os tempos observados.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the administration of zoledronic acid (ZA) during orthodontic movement in rats. A hundred and twenty male Wistar rats were applied force of 30 cN with spring closed nickel-titanium to move the upper right first molar to mesial. In the Control Movement group (CM), only tooth movement was performed; the Control Acid Zoledronic group (CAZ) received a single dose (0.1 mg/kg) of ZA; the Experimental Acid Zoledronic group (EAZ) received a single dose (0.1 mg/kg) one week prior to the start of tooth movement; and the Control Without movement group (CWM) that received no drug and without application of tooth movement. The animals were euthanized after 3, 7 and 14 days. Tooth movement was measured using a caliper, the number of osteoclasts using TRAP staining, the expression of mature and immature collagen using picrosirius staining, and the presence of hyaline areas and root resorption using HE. The data were compared using two-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, Games-Howell and chi-squared test, at the 5% significance level. It was observed a smaller number of osteoclasts and greater percentage of hyaline area in the EAZ group. There was no difference among the groups regarding bone remodeling, root resorption and tooth movement for all observed times.

OBJETIVO: objetivou-se avaliar as alterações teciduais decorrentes da administração de etanol a 20% no padrão binge, durante o movimento ortodôntico.MÉTODOS: foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos (n = 54), divididos em dois grupos, sendo Grupo Controle (GC), com administração de soro fisiológico a 0,9%; e Grupo e Experimental (GE), com administração de etanol a 20% em soro fisiológico a 0,9%, no volume de 3g/kg/dia. Após o 30º dia de administração, foi aplicada força de 25cN com mola fechada de níquel-titânio para mover o primeiro molar superior direito para mesial. Os grupos foram subdivididos nos subgrupos 2, 14 e 28 dias, correspondendo ao número de dias de movimentação dentária. Utilizou-se as colorações de fosfatase ácida-tartarato resistente e picrosírius para avaliar reabsorção óssea e neoformação óssea, respectivamente. Os dados foram comparados por ANOVA a dois critérios, Tukey HSD e Games-Howell, ao nível de significância de 5%.RESULTADOS: verificou-se diminuição no número de osteoclastos no GE II no 28º dia. A percentagem de colágeno não demonstrou alteração na interação grupo x tempo.CONCLUSÕES:o etanol no padrão binge a 20% promoveu menor reabsorção óssea no final da movimentação dentária, sugerindo atraso na movimentação dentária.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess tissue changes during orthodontic movement after binge-pattern ethanol 20% exposure.METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 54) were divided into two groups. The control group (CG) received 0.9% saline solution, while the experimental group (EG) received 20% ethanol in 0.9% saline solution (3 g/kg/day). On the 30th day, a force of 25 cN was applied with a nickel-titanium closed coil spring to move the maxillary right first molar mesially. The groups were further divided into three subgroups (2, 14 and 28 days). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and picrosirius were used to assess bone resorption and neoformation, respectively. Data were compared by two-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, Games-Howell and chi-square test. Significance level was set at 5%.RESULTS: There was a decrease in the number of osteoclasts in EG at day 28. The percentage of collagen showed no interaction between group and time.CONCLUSION: Binge-pattern 20% ethanol promoted less bone resorption at the end of tooth movement, thereby suggesting delay in tooth movement.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar histologicamente o efeito do hormônio de crescimento (HC) no ligamento periodontal e osso alveolar, durante a movimentação dentária induzida em ratos. Oitenta ratos Wistar, machos, divididos nos grupos controle e experimental, foram observados nos dias 3, 7, 14 e 21. Foi aplicada força ortodôntica (30 cN) sobre o primeiro molar superior por meio de um dispositivo ortodôntico. No grupo experimental foi administrada 0,1 UI/kg/dia de HC e, no grupo controle, 0,5 mL/kg/dia de solução salina. As amostras foram processadas e avaliadas por microscopia de luz e luz polarizada. O teste de Kruskal Wallis foi utilizado para a comparação das variáveis intergrupos. Verificou-se que o grupo experimental apresentou maior quantidade de osteoclastos nos 3° e 7° dias e de lacunas de Howship no 3° dia, menor quantidade de vasos sanguíneos e maior quantidade de colágeno maduro nos 3° e 7° dias do que no grupo controle (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que o HC acelerou e intensificou a reabsorção óssea e produziu atraso na formação de colágeno imaturo, durante o movimento ortodôntico induzido.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by histological analysis, the effect of growth hormone (GH) on periodontal ligament and alveolar bone during experimental tooth movement in rats. Eighty male Wistar rats divided into control (C) and experimental (E) groups were examined after 3, 7, 14 and 21 days under controlled climate conditions. Orthodontic force (30 cN) was applied on the maxillary first molar by an orthodontic appliance. Group E received 0.1 IU/kg/day of GH and Group C received 0.5 mL/kg/day of saline. The samples were processed and evaluated under optical microscopy and polarized light microscopy. The Kruskal Wallis test was applied to compare the intergroup variables at 5% significance level. Group E presented a larger number of osteoclasts on the 3rd and 7th days and Howship lacunae on the 3 rd day, a smaller number of blood vessels and greater amount of mature collagen on the 3 rd and 7 th days than Group C (p<0.05). It was concluded that GH accelerated and intensified bone resorption and produced delay in immature collagen formation during experimental tooth movement.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of frequently ingested beverages on force degradation of intermaxillary elastics. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty 1/4-inch intermaxillary elastics (TP Orthodontics) were immersed into six different beverages: (1) Coca-Cola®; (2) Beer; (3) Orange juice; (4) Red wine; (5) Coffee and (6) artificial saliva (control). The period of immersion was 15 min for the first and second cycles and 30 min for the third to fifth cycles. Tensile forces were read in a tensile testing machine before and after the five immersion cycles. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify significant differences. Results: Force degradation was seen in all evaluated groups and at all observation periods (p<0.05). A greater degree of degradation was present at the initial periods, decreasing gradually over time. However, no statistically significant differences were seen among groups at the same periods, showing that different groups behaved similarly. Conclusions: The chemical nature of the evaluated beverages was not able to influence the degree of force degradation at all observation periods.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at assessing the bond strength (AS), the site of the flaw and the relation between them and Ortho Primer Morelli® (OPM) adhesion optimizer. METHODS: Sixty test specimens, made out of bovine permanent lower incisors, were divided into three groups: TXT Primer (control), in which a conventional adhesive system was applied (primer and paste); OPM, in which TXT primer was replaced by OPM; and TXT without Primer, in which only TXT paste was used. A shear force was applied at a speed of 0,5 mm/min. Failure site was assessed by the Remaining Adhesion Index (RAI). RESULTS: Kruskal-Wallis demonstrated that OPM (8.54 ± 1.86 MPa) presented a statistically higher AS (p < 0.05) IF compared to TXT Primer (6.83 ± 2.05 MPa). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between TXT with or without Primer (6.42 ± 2.12 MPa). Regarding the RAI, the K test demonstrated that TXT Primer and OPM (prevailing scores 2 and 3) showed higher values (p < 0.05) IF compared to TXT without Primer (prevailing scores 0 and 1). Spearman demonstrated that there was no correlation between AS and RAI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: OPM increases AS and presents the same bond failure location if compared to a conventional adhesive system; the use of the TXT adhesive system paste only was shown to have the same AS if compared to conventional systems, except it does not allow to predict the adhesive failure site; there is no correlation between AS and bond failure location, regardless of the use of any adhesion optimizer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate qualitative and quantitative changes in the saliva of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. METHODS: Salivary samples were collected from 50 individuals divided in two groups: Experimental Group - patients with fixed orthodontic appliances (n=25); and Control Group - subjects with no orthodontic appliances (n=25). Salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, amylase activity, concentrations of total proteins, calcium and glucose were measured in all salivary samples. RESULTS: There was a reduction in salivary pH and buffering capacity and an increase in the concentration of calcium ions in the experimental group (p<0.05); there was also an increase in glucose, amylase and protein concentrations in the saliva of the Experimental Group, but the differences were insignificant. There was insignificant correlation between calcium ion concentration and salivary flow or between buffering capacity and salivary flow. CONCLUSION: The saliva of individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances had lower pH, buffering capacity and calcium concentration than that of individuals without any type of orthodontic appliance. These oral changes are enough to cause tooth demineralization. Patients with orthodontic appliances should adopt additional oral hygiene procedures.

This study evaluated the mechanical performance of teardrop-shaped loops and teardrop-shaped loops with helix used in orthodontic space closure. Sixty retraction loops made with 0.019" x 0.025" stainless steel (SS) and beta-titanium (BT) wires were used. They were attached to a testing machine to measure the magnitudes of the sagittal force and the load-deflection ratio necessary for 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm activation. The results demonstrated that the BT alloy presented significantly smaller mean values (p < 0.01) of sagittal force and load-deflection than the SS alloy. The loop with the highest mean value of sagittal force and load-deflection was the teardrop-shaped loop (p < 0.01). Differences were observed in the mean values of sagittal force and load-deflection among activations, and the highest mean value was found in the activation of 3 mm, while the smallest mean value was evident in the activation of 1 mm (p < 0.01). It could be concluded that the metallic alloy used and the presence of a helix in configuration of the loops may have a strong influence on the sagittal force produced and on the load-deflection ratio; the teardrop-shaped loops and teardrop-shaped loops with helix in BT presented the release of lighter forces; the teardrop-shaped loop in SS generated a high load-deflection ratio, providing high magnitudes of horizontal force during its deactivation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, frictional forces produced by ceramic brackets and arch wires of different alloys. Frictional tests were performed on three ceramic brackets: monocrystalline (Inspire ICE), polycrystalline (InVu), polycrystalline with metal slot (Clarity), and one stainless steel bracket (Dyna-Lock). Thirty brackets of each were tested, all with .022" slots, in combination with stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires .019" × .025", at 0° and 10° angulation, in artificial saliva. Arch wires were pulled through the slots at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. There were statistically significant differences between the groups of brackets and wires studied (p < .05). The polycrystalline brackets with metal slots had values similar to those of conventional polycrystalline brackets, and the monocrystalline brackets had the highest frictional forces. The nickel-titanium wires produced the lowest friction. The addition of metal slots in the polycrystalline brackets did not significantly decrease frictional values. Nickel-titanium wires produced lower friction than those of stainless steel.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the relation between the transverse craniofacial dimensions of subjects with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion and the breathing mode presented by them. Forty Angle Class II, Division 1 malocclusion subjects of both genders participated in the study, 23 of which were predominantly nose breathers and 17 were predominantly mouth breathers. The mean age ranged from 10 years and 9 months to 14 years - Age range 1; and from 13 years and 4 months to 16 years and 6 months - Age range 2. Measurements of six transverse craniofacial dimensions were performed in P-A teleradiographs: Total Sphenoid, Total Zygomatic, Total Nasal Cavity, Total Maxilla, Total Mastoid and Total Antegonion. The transversal craniofacial dimensions were measured and compared in both groups at age ranges 1 and 2. The longitudinal assessment of age ranges 1 and 2 showed that there was no statistically significant influence of the breathing mode on the craniofacial dimensions evaluated, or on the alteration of these dimensions. Breathing mode had no influence on craniofacial development in the sample studied.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do condicionamento ácido e do tempo de fotopolimerização na Resistência Adesiva (RA) e no Índice de Adesivo Remanescente (IAR) do Cimento Ionômero de Vidro Modificado por Resina (CIVMR). Sessenta e oito incisivos permanentes de bovinos foram obtidos e incluídos em resina acrílica. Bráquetes metálicos edgewise foram colados nesses corpos de prova com o CIVMR Fuji Ortho. A amostra foi dividida em 4 grupos, utilizando os seguintes condicionamentos ácidos e tempos de fotopolimerização: G1- Ácido poliacrílico a 10% e 40 s (controle); G2- Ácido fosfórico a 37% e 40 s; G3- Ácido poliacrílico a 10% e 50 s; e G4- Ácido fosfórico a 37% e 50 s. O teste de cisalhamento foi realizado a 0,5 mm/min e o IAR avaliado. O G2 (3,6 ± 0,98 MPa) apresentou RA estatisticamente maior que o G1 (2,76 ± 0,86 MPa) e o G4 (2,86 ± 0,68 MPa) (p<0,05), e não houve diferença estatística entre G2 e G3 (2,94 ± 0,67 MPa) (p>0,05). O IAR apresentou prevalência dos escores 2 e 3 em todos os grupos. A RA do CIVMR aumenta com condicionamento com ácido fosfórico a 37% e 40 s de fotopolimerização, mas isto não ocorre quando o tempo de fotopolimerização é aumentado, independente do tipo de ácido utilizado; e o CIVMR apresenta prevalência de fratura na interface adesivo/bráquete.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of etching and light-curing time on the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) upon debonding of orthodontic brackets. Sixty-eight bovine permanent incisors were obtained and embedded in acrylic resin. Edgewise metallic brackets were bonded to the teeth with Fuji Ortho LC RMGIC. The specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups, using the following etching and light-curing times: G1: 10% polyacrylic acid and 40 s (control); G2: 37% phosphoric acid and 40 s; G3: 10% polyacrylic acid and 50 s; and G4: 37% phosphoric acid and 50 s. Shear test was performed at 0.5 mm/min and the ARI was assessed. G2 (3.6 ± 0.98 MPa) presented significantly higher (p<0.05) SBS than G1 (2.76 ± 0.86 MPa) and G4 (2.86 ± 0.68 MPa), and there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between G2 and G3 (2.94 ± 0.67 MPa). ARI presented prevalence of scores 2 and 3 in all groups. RMGIC SBS enhanced with 37% phosphoric acid etching and 40 s light-curing time, but this did not occur when the light-curing time was increased, regardless of the acid used. RMGIC presented prevalence of failures at the adhesive/bracket interface.

OBJETIVO: tendo em vista o conflito existente, no Ordenamento Jurídico brasileiro, entre o princípio da legalidade e o princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana no que diz respeito à prática da Ortodontia pelo cirurgião-dentista não-especialista, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a legislação e os julgados dos tribunais nesse assunto. MÉTODOS: realizou-se o levantamento da legislação referente ao ensino e à prática da Ortodontia no Diário Oficial da União e nos órgãos competentes. Com relação aos julgados dos tribunais, a pesquisa foi realizada nos Tribunais de Justiça e nos extintos Tribunais de Alçada de todos os Estados-membros da República Federativa do Brasil, bem como do Superior Tribunal de Justiça e do Supremo Tribunal Federal, utilizando as palavras-chave " Ortodontia" , " ortodôntico" e " ortodontista" . RESULTADOS: a legislação brasileira classifica os cursos de pós-graduação em stricto sensu e lato sensu, os quais possuem normas de funcionamento próprias. As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais determinam que, no curso de graduação em Odontologia, seja apenas ministrada a Ortodontia Preventiva. Os tribunais brasileiros entendem que, para a prática da Ortodontia Corretiva, é necessária habilitação em curso de pós-graduação. CONCLUSÃO: o curso de graduação em Odontologia é competente para o ensino da Ortodontia Preventiva; somente os cursos de pós-graduação stricto sensu e lato sensu são competentes para ensinar a Ortodontia Corretiva; é inconcebível a interpretação de que o legislador faculta ao cirurgião-dentista não-especialista praticar a Ortodontia Corretiva; e o cirurgião-dentista não-especialista só pode praticar procedimentos que estejam incluídos na categoria de Ortodontia Preventiva e Interceptiva.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the conflict in the Brazilian legal system between the principle of legality and the principle of human dignity with regard to the practice of orthodontics by General Practice Dentists, this study aimed to analyze the legislation and judgments passed by courts regarding this issue. METHODS: The authors conducted a survey of the legislation in the Federal Official Gazette and the competent authorities concerning the teaching and practice of orthodontics. As regards judgments passed, searches were performed in the Courts of Justice and the defunct Courts of Appeals in all Member States of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as well as the Superior Court of Justice and the Federal Supreme Court, using the keywords " Orthodontics" , " orthodontic" and " orthodontist" . RESULTS: Brazilian legislation classifies postgraduate courses as strict sense (stricto sensu) or broad sense (lato sensu) courses, each with its own rules of operation. National Curriculum Guidelines provide that only Preventive Orthodontics be taught at the undergraduate level. It is the understanding of Brazilian courts that a postgraduate certificate is a prerequisite for the practice of Corrective Orthodontics. CONCLUSION: An undergraduate course in Dentistry is sufficient for the teaching of Preventive Orthodontics; only postgraduate programs in the strict and broad senses are competent to teach Corrective Orthodontics; any construal that legislation allows General Practice Dentists to practice Corrective Orthodontics is inconceivable; General Practice Dentists are only allowed to perform procedures comprised in the Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontics categories.