RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre zumbido e disfunção temporomandibular em idosos. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com a inclusão de idosos com vida independente. A disfunção temporomandibular foi avaliada por exame odontológico e o zumbido foi verificado pela história médica. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado, o risco relativo e a regressão logística. Resultados O zumbido foi observado em 82,9% dos indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular e, através desta análise, observou-se que a disfunção temporomandibular é um fator de risco para o zumbido. Conclusão Houve associação entre zumbido e disfunção temporomandibular na população idosa. Ressalta-se a importância de identificar fatores de risco para o zumbido, que podem ser modificados por meio de intervenções específicas, uma vez que esta prática é essencial na prevenção de episódios futuros, bem como na gestão do processo de tratamento de pacientes idosos, em geral.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between tinnitus and temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted with the inclusion of elderly individuals with independent living. Temporomandibular dysfunction was assessed by odontological evaluation and tinnitus was verified by medical history. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, relative risk and logistic regression. Results Tinnitus was observed in 82.9% of individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction and through this analysis is shown that temporomandibular dysfunction as a risk factor for tinnitus. Conclusion The results showed that there was association between tinnitus and temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly population and emphasizes the importance of identifying risk factors for tinnitus that can be modified through specific interventions, since it is essential in the prevention of future episodes, as well as managing the process of treatment of elderly patients in general.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the influence of the presence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) on postural balance in elderly individuals. Methods The study sample consisted of 150 elderly: 103 women (67.7±5.0 years) and 47 men (69.3±5.5 years). Evaluation of the presence and severity of TMD included an anamnesis questionnaire, an evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and a muscular examination, which allowed the division of the elderly into 2 groups: G1 (experimental, n=95), with TMD; G2 (control, n=55), without TMD. Postural balance was assessed by means of the one-leg stance test (OLST) on a force platform (BIOMEC400), thus permitting the following measurements: center of foot pressure (COP); mean sway velocity (MV) and frequency (MF) of COP in both the anteroposterior (VAP and FAP) and medial/lateral (VML and FML) directions. The statistical analysis of data was performed using independent t-test, Variance Analysis, and Chi Square test (α=5%). Results Presence of TMD was observed in 63.3% of the individuals (Group 2), with different degrees of severity (mild: 42.7%, moderate: 14.7%, severe: 6%). Significantly higher TMD was observed for women (73.8%) compared with men (40.4%) (p=0.0002). No significant difference was found in between the groups for all balance parameters, e.g., presence and severity of TMD, presence of pain to palpation of TMJ and of masticatory and cervical muscles. Conclusion The presence and severity of TMD, in addition to the presence of pain to palpation of TMJ and masticatory and cervical muscles did not alter the variables related to postural balance in this population.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate condyle concentricity and morphology, and their association with Class I and II malocclusions (Angle). The sample consisted of 49 individuals of both genders, between 11 and 35 years old, divided into two groups, G1: 26 patients with Class I malocclusion, and G2: 23 patients with Class II malocclusion, selected for orthodontic treatment. Evaluation of the condyle morphology and position was performed by the same previously calibrated examiner using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the subjects. The CBCT scans were analyzed by means of a 3D program (Dolphin 11.5, Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA, USA), with a 25% level of sensitivity. The images obtained from the coronal slices were employed for the condyle morphology analysis, which classified the condyle form as rounded, as flat or convex, and as triangular or angled. The sagittal slices were used to classify further the condyles as concentric and displaced anteriorly or posteriorly. A clinical examination was also performed, including TMJ and muscle palpation. The kappa test was used to evaluate investigator calibration; the Chi-square and paired t-tests were used for analysis. The convex and anteriorly positioned condyles were found most frequently, regardless of the type of malocclusion. No association was observed between the groups regarding condylar characteristics.

Abstract This study aimed at evaluating the Protocol for the Prevention of Malocclusions (PPM), established in the preventive educational program developed by the Public Infant Oral Health Program of the State University of Londrina (PIOHP-UEL). Guardians of three-year-olds or older, maintaining nutritive (bottle) and/or non-nutritive (pacifier and finger) sucking habits, attended meetings designed to alert and guide them to eliminating these habits from their children. PPM patient records (2006–2013) were assessed and the data were described and evaluated by the Chi-square test, with a 5% significance level. Results 506 of the 802 guardians/children referred to the PPM joined. As for the children, the most frequently assessed habits were: bottle (56.1%), bottle and pacifier (18.4%), finger (11.9%), bottle and finger (7.1%), pacifier (5.7%), pacifier and finger (0.6%), and bottle/pacifier/finger (0.2%). After parent participation in the meetings, 335 (66.2%) children abandoned their habits. There was a statistical difference between type of oral habit and time to abandonment (p = 0.0001). However, those with only one habit abandoned it more easily (72.6%) than those with two or more associated habits (48.1%) (p = 0.042). Presence or absence of breastfeeding and parents’ level of education had no significant effect on habit abandonment. Conclusion PPM was an important tool for spreading knowledge to guardians, greatly contributing to the abandonment of deleterious oral habits. Bottle sucking warrants special attention - mentioned by 81.8% of parents - either alone or associated with other habits. Thus, educational actions to implement the children’s approach to oral health are fundamental to making behavioral changes and promoting education of healthy habits, thereby keeping malocclusions from developing.

OBJETIVO: o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as alterações dentoalveolares transversais e a espessura óssea da arcada inferior em pacientes submetidos ao tratamento ortodôntico utilizando sistemas de braquetes autoligáveis ou convencionais. MÉTODOS: uma amostra de 25 pacientes requerendo tratamento ortodôntico foi recrutada com base no tipo de braquete. No Grupo 1, 13 pacientes foram tratados com braquetes autoligáveis (SLB, slot 0,022"); o Grupo 2 incluiu 12 pacientes, nos quais foram colados braquetes convencionais (CLB, slot 0,022"). Utilizou-se tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico e um programa 3D (Dolphin) para avaliar as alterações pré-tratamento (T1) e 7 meses após o início desse (T2). As medições em modelos de gesso foram realizadas com o auxílio de um paquímetro digital. As diferenças intergrupos, bem como intragrupo, foram analisadas por meio de teste t de Student. Além disso, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: alterações dentoalveolares significativas foram observadas em ambos os grupos. Entretanto, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Houve uma diminuição da espessura óssea na região posterior e das medidas transversais em ambos os grupos. Não houve uma correlação significativa entre a espessura óssea posterior e a expansão da arcada dentária, em nenhum dos dois sistemas de braquetes utilizados. CONCLUSÕES: comparando-se o uso dos aparelhos autoligáveis e convencionais, concluiu-se que não houve diferenças dentoalveolares significativas quanto à expansão da arcada inferior e quanto à espessura óssea posterior.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare dentoalveolar changes in mandibular arch, regarding transversal measures and buccal bone thickness, in patients undergoing the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with self-ligating or conventional bracket systems. METHODS: A sample of 25 patients requiring orthodontic treatment was assessed based on the bracket type. Group 1 comprised 13 patients bonded with 0.022-in self-ligating brackets (SLB). Group 2 included 12 patients bonded with 0.022-in conventional brackets (CLB). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and a 3D program (Dolphin) assessed changes in transversal width of buccal bone (TWBB) and buccal bone thickness (BBT) before (T1) and 7 months after treatment onset (T2). Measurements on dental casts were performed using a digital caliper. Differences between and within groups were analyzed by Student's t-test; Pearson correlation coefficient was also calculated. RESULTS: Significant mandibular expansion was observed for both groups; however, no significant differences were found between groups. There was significant decrease in mandibular buccal bone thickness and transversal width of buccal bone in both groups. There was no significant correlation between buccal bone thickness and dental arch expansion. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between self-ligating brackets and conventional brackets systems regarding mandibular arch expansion and changes in buccal bone thickness or transversal width of buccal bone.

This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the cephalometric characteristics in the elderly, taking into account differences between genders, age ranges, ethnic groups and dental aspects. The sample consisted of 250 elderly subjects of both genders (163 female, mean age: 68 yr.; 87 male: 70.4 yr.). Conventional lateral cephalograms for cephalometric analysis were scanned and analyzed by Dolphin Imaging software 11.5. The statistical treatment of the data evaluated the influence of gender and age range variables (independent ttest), as well as ethnic group, facial profile, and dental characteristics (one-way ANOVA), on cephalometric measurements. A confidence interval of 95% and level of significance of 5% were considered for all the tests performed. The results revealed: 1) The cephalometric measurements evaluated showed significantly lower values for the female gender; 2) a significant decrease in the cephalometric values was observed in relation to the growth pattern, with the advancement of age; 3) significant cephalometric differences were observed between the ethnic groups and the facial profiles; 3) dentulous patients had greater absolute values for all the components evaluated, followed by the individuals with partial dental losses and by those who were edentulous. It may be concluded that the cephalometric alterations observed in this study are inherent to facial maturity, and that they represent specific characteristics regarding each of the variables evaluated. These modifications must be taken into account when planning the treatment for younger patients, to minimize the modifications arising from the natural aging process.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de Transtornos Temporomandibulares (DTM) em idosos e sua associação com a palpação da articulação temporomandibular (ATM), dos músculos mastigatórios e cervicais, bem como com a presença de dores de cabeça e ruídos articulares. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 200 idosos, de ambos os gêneros (média de idade: 69,2±5,7 anos). A avaliação clínica dos sinais e sintomas foi dividida em três etapas: aplicação de questionário anamnésico, avaliação da ATM e exame muscular. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de estatística descritiva, teste do χ2 e teste de tendência. Resultados: A presença de DTM foi observada em 61% da amostra (leve: 43,5%, moderada: 13%, intensa/grave: 4,5%). Verificou-se prevalência significantemente maior de DTM para as mulheres (72,4%) em comparação aos homens (41,1%) (p<0,0001). Houve associação significante entre a severidade da DTM e a presença de dor à palpação da ATM (p=0,0168), dos músculos mastigatórios (p<0,0001) e cervicais (p<0,0001). Observou-se associação significante entre a frequência de dores de cabeça e a presença de DTM (p=0,0001). Não houve associação significante entre a presença de ruídos articulares e a sensibilidade à palpação da ATM. Conclusão: Os idosos apresentaram alta prevalência de DTM, em sua maioria no gênero feminino, de grau leve, relacionada à palpação na ATM e nos músculos mastigatórios e cervicais. Assim, é essencial a realização de um completo exame clínico para investigar a presença desses transtornos, especialmente durante o tratamento de idosos.

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in the elderly and its association with palpation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory and cervical muscles as well as the presence of headache and joint noises. Methods: The sample consisted of 200 elderly of both genders (mean age: 69.2±5.7 years). The clinical evaluation of TMD signs and symptoms was divided into three stages: an anamnestic questionnaire, a TMJ evaluation, and a muscular examination. The results were analyzed through descriptive statistics as well as using χ2 and the tendency tests. Results: The presence of TMD was observed in 61% of the sample (mild: 43.5%, moderate: 13%, severe: 4.5%). A significantly greater prevalence of TMD was found for females (72.4%) compared with that for men (41.1%) (p<0.0001). Additionally, a significant association among TMD severity and palpation of the TMJ (p=0.0168), of masticatory muscles (p<0.0001), and of cervical muscles (p<0.0001) was verified. Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of headaches and the presence of TMD (p=0.0001). The association between the presence of joint noises and sensitivity to TMJ palpation was not significant. Conclusion: The elderly presented high TMD prevalence, mostly in females, with mild severity and related to TMJ and masticatory/cervical muscles palpation. Thus, the accomplishment of a detailed clinical examination to investigate the presence of such disorders is essential and it must not be neglected during the treatment of elderly patients.

Introduction  Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) covers a variety of clinical problems, and some epidemiologic studies have tried to indicate mechanisms of interaction and association between vertigo and TMD, but this topic still is controversial. Objective  To assess the presence of vertigo in elderly patients associated with TMD. Methods  A cross-sectional study was conducted with the inclusion of elderly individuals who lived independently. TMD was assessed by dental evaluation and vertigo was verified by medical history. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and relative risk. Results  There was a significant association (p = 0.0256) between the TMD and vertigo (odds ratio = 2.3793). Conclusion  These results highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors for vertigo that can be modified through specific interventions, which is essential to prevent future episodes, as well as managing the process of rehabilitation of elderly patients in general.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of three different methods of cephalometric analysis. Material and Methods: Conventional pretreatment lateral cephalograms and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 50 subjects from a radiological clinic were selected in order to test the three methods: manual tracings (MT), digitized lateral cephalograms (DLC), and lateral cephalograms from CBCT (LC-CBCT). The lateral cephalograms were manually analyzed through the Dolphin Imaging 11.0™ software. Twenty measurements were performed under the same conditions, and retraced after a 30-day period. Paired t tests and the Dahlberg formula were used to evaluate the intra-examiner errors. The Pearson's correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to compare the differences between the methods. Results: Intra-examiner reliability occurred for all methods for most of the measurements. Only six measurements were different between the methods and an agreement was observed in the analyses among the 3 methods. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that all evaluated methodologies are reliable and valid for scientific research, however, the method used in the lateral cephalograms from the CBCT proved the most reliable.

Resumo A má oclusão de Classe III esquelética, com sua imprevisibilidade e natureza potencialmente desfavoráveis, caracteriza um padrão de crescimento com duvidoso prognóstico à mecânica ortodôntica, ainda que esta seja realizada precocemente. Durante muito tempo, a Classe III foi considerada sinônimo de prognatismo mandibular, independente das estruturas esqueléticas comprometidas. O crescimento mandibular, determinado essencialmente por fatores genéticos, dificilmente seria controlado pela intervenção ortodôntica precoce. Assim, optava-se por aguardar o crescimento e então realizar a intervenção ortodôntica associada à cirurgia ortognática. A constatação de envolvimento da maxila como etiologia primária na má oclusão de Classe III foi decisiva para a mudança da terapêutica. O crescimento maxilar, de origem intramembranoso, responderia melhor ao tratamento por meio do controle e direcionamento do crescimento, contribuindo para o sucesso da intervenção precoce. Em muitos casos, excelentes resultados são obtidos com a expansão rápida e protração da maxila. O presente trabalho objetiva descrever e discutir o tratamento de uma paciente com má oclusão de Classe III, cujo plano de tratamento consistiu de duas fases: interceptora, realizada com aparelhos ortopédicos mecânicos e corretiva, com aparelho ortodôntico fixo. Os resultados deste caso clínico demonstraram que a má oclusão de Classe III deve ser interceptada o mais precoce possível, com vistas a redirecionar o crescimento. Esta abordagem deve acontecer, especialmente, quando a maxila é o fator etiológico primário ou quando fatores dentários e/ou funcionais estiverem envolvidos na determinação desta má oclusão. O diagnóstico, o plano de tratamento e o prognóstico dependem da idade do paciente, do potencial de crescimento e da severidade da má oclusão. A intervenção precoce, a indicação de aparelhos adequados e a colaboração do paciente constituem fatores determinantes para a obtenção do sucesso desejado.

Skeletal Class III malocclusion, with its unpredictable and unfavorable nature, has been characterized by a growth pattern with doubtful prognosis regarding orthodontic mechanics, even when performed early. For a long time, Class III malocclusion was regarded as a synonym of mandibular prognathism, regardless of the affected skeletal structures. Mandibular growth, essentially determined by genetic factors, could barely be controlled by early orthodontic interventions. Therefore, the treatment choice was to wait for the patient to grow, and then make an orthodontic intervention associated with an orthognathic surgery. Maxillary involvement in the etiology of Class III malocclusion was conclusive to change orthodontic therapeutics. Maxillary intramembranous growth has a better response to orthopedic treatment, based on growth control and redirection, thus contributing for early intervention success. In several cases, excellent results have been achieved with rapid maxillary expansion and protraction. The aim of this study was to describe and discuss the treatment of a patient with Class III malocclusion, whose treatment planning comprised two phases: interceptive (mechanical orthopedic appliances) and comprehensive (fixed orthodontic appliance). The results of this case showed that Class III malocclusion should be intercepted as early as possible to permit growth redirection, mainly when the maxilla is the primary etiologic factor or dental and/or functional factors are involved. Diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis depend on patient age, growth potential and severity of malocclusion. Early intervention, adequate indication of appliances, and patient compliance are key factors for good outcomes.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of a method to measure the following upper airway dimensions: total volume (TV), the nasopharyngeal narrowest areas (NNA), and the oropharyngeal narrowest areas (ONA). The sample consisted of 60 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, evaluated by two observers twice, using the Dolphin 3D software (Dolphin Imaging & Management solutions, Chatsworth, California, USA), which afforded image reconstruction, and measurement of the aforementioned dimensions. The data was submitted to reliability tests, by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland & Altman agreement tests, with their respective confidence intervals (CI) set at 95%. Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability values were found for all variables assessed (TV, NNA and ONA), with ICC values ranging from 0.88 to 0.99. The data demonstrated an agreement between the two assessments of each observer and between the first evaluations of both observers, thus confirming the reliability of this methodology. The results suggest that this methodology can be used in further studies to investigate upper airway dimensions (TV, NNA, and ONA), thereby contributing to the diagnosis of upper airway obstructions.

This paper reports a case treated by a serial extraction program at the mixed dentition stage followed by a corrective orthodontic treatment, with a long-term follow-up period. Twenty years after the interceptive treatment, a harmonious face was observed along with treatment stability in the anterior posterior direction, deep overbite (which has been mentioned as a disadvantage of the serial extraction program), and a small relapse of anterior tooth crowding. All these conditions have been regarded as normal occurrences for most orthodontic treatments with a long-term follow-up period. This case report demonstrated that the establishment of a serial extraction protocol determined relevant esthetic changes that afforded an improvement of the patient's self-esteem, with a positive social impact. Furthermore, the low cost of this protocol permits the use of this therapy with underprivileged populations. It is important to emphasize that an early correction of tooth crowding by this protocol does not guarantee stability, but small relapses do not invalidate its accomplishment.

Posterior crossbite is defined as an inadequate transversal relationship of maxillary and mandibular teeth. Even when eliminating the etiologic factors, this malocclusion does not have a spontaneous correction, and should be treated with maxillary expansion as early as possible. This treatment aims at providing a better tooth/skeletal relationship, thereby improving masticatory function, and establishing a symmetrical condyle/fossa relationship. Should posterior crossbite not be treated early, it may result in skeletal changes, demanding a more complex approach. Additionally, an overcorrection expansion protocol should be applied in order to improve the treatment stability. Although the literature has reported a high rate of relapse after maxillary expansion, the goal of this study was to demonstrate excellent stability of the posterior crossbite correction 21 years post treatment.

Angle Class III malocclusion has been a challenge for researchers concerning diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It has a prevalence of 5% in the Brazilian population, and may have a genetic or environmental etiology. This malocclusion can be classified as dentoalveolar, skeletal or functional, which will determine the prognosis. Considering these topics, the aim of this study was to describe and discuss a clinical case with functional Class III malocclusion treated by a two-stage approach (interceptive and corrective), with a long-term follow-up. In this case, the patient was treated with a chincup and an Eschler arch, used simultaneously during 14 months, followed by corrective orthodontics. It should be noticed that, in this case, initial diagnosis at the centric relation allowed visualizing the anterior teeth in an edge-to-edge relationship, thereby favoring the prognosis. After completion of the treatment, the patient was followed for a 10-year period, and stability was observed. The clinical treatment results showed that it is possible to achieve favorable outcomes with early management in functional Class III malocclusion patients.

Após a esfoliação dos incisivos decíduos e a irrupção dos incisivos permanentes, o dentista tem a oportunidade de observar o início das alterações na oclusão. Em muitos casos, realizando o correto acompanhamento, pode-se prevenir e tratar possíveis más oclusões como o apinhamento anteroinferior. Na dentadura mista, um dos mecanismos para manter espaço e favorecer o alinhamento dentário consiste na preservação do espaço disponível de Nance (leeway space), antes da irrupção do segundo molar permanente. Dentre os dispositivos utilizados para esta finalidade, o arco lingual de Nance auxilia a manutenção do posicionamento dos molares permanentes e incisivos inferiores, quando da perda prematura dos caninos decíduos. Este trabalho objetiva descrever a aplicabilidade do arco lingual de Nance para a preservação do leeway space, o que contribuiu para a correção do apinhamento anteroinferior.

After exfoliation of the primary incisors and eruption of the permanent incisors, the dentist has the opportunity of observing closely the beginning of occlusal changes. In several cases, alterations, such as lower anterior crowding, can be prevented and treated with proper follow-up. In the mixed dentition, one of the mechanisms for maintaining space and favoring dental alignment is to preserve leeway space before permanent second molar irruption. Among the devices with this function, the Nance lingual arch helps maintaining the position of the permanent mandibular molars and incisors after a premature loss of the primary canines. This paper describes the applicability of Nance lingual arch for preserving leeway space, thus contributing for correction of lower anterior crowding.