RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a eficiência de dois protocolos de intrusão de molares superiores com dois e três mini-implantes. Métodos: foram selecionados 25 primeiros molares superiores extruídos por perda de seus antagonistas, de pacientes adultos. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos, de acordo com o protocolo de intrusão, com dois ou três mini-implantes: o Grupo 1 consistiu de 15 molares que sofreram intrusão com dois mini-implantes; o Grupo 2 foi constituído por 10 molares intruídos por três mini-implantes. As alterações com o tratamento foram analisadas em telerradiografias em norma lateral ao início e ao final da intrusão dos molares superiores. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença na eficiência dos dois protocolos de intrusão. Concluiu-se que molares superiores extruídos podem ser intruídos, com eficiência semelhante, por meio de dois ou três mini-implantes.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of two protocols for maxillary molar intrusion with two or three mini-implants. Methods: Twenty five maxillary first molars extruded for loss of their antagonists in adult subjects were selected. The sample was divided into two groups, according to the intrusion protocol with two or three mini-implants. Group 1 consisted of 15 molars that were intruded by two mini-implants. Group 2 consisted of 10 molars intruded by three mini-implants. Changes with treatment were analyzed in lateral cephalograms at the beginning and at the end of intrusion of maxillary molars. Results: Results showed that there was no difference in efficiency for the two intrusion protocols. It was concluded that extruded maxillary molars can be intruded with two or three mini-implants with similar efficiency.

INTRODUÇÃO: os aparelhos de fotopolimerização por LED buscam proporcionar uma luz ativadora fria, que possibilite protocolos de polimerização do material com menor tempo de duração. OBJETIVO: avaliar a resistência à tração da colagem de braquetes, utilizando três tipos de aparelhos fotoativadores: um de luz halógena (Optilight Plus - Gnatus) e outros dois de LED (Optilight CL - Gnatus; e Elipar Freelight - 3M/Espe). RESULTADOS: comparando os resultados por meio da análise de variância, o aparelho de LED Gnatus apresentou comportamento estatístico inferior em relação às outras fontes de luz, quando ativado por tempo reduzido. Já quando foi utilizado o tempo de 40 segundos, os resultados de polimerização foram compatíveis com as demais fontes avaliadas. O aparelho que apresentou melhor desempenho médio foi o de luz halógena, seguido pelo LED 3M/Espe. CONCLUSÃO: concluiu-se que os LEDs podem ser indicados na prática ortodôntica, uma vez que seja utilizado um protocolo de aplicação da luz com tempo de ativação de 40 segundos.

INTRODUCTION: LED light-curing devices seek to provide a cold light activator which allows protocols of material polymerization with shorter duration. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength of bracket bonding using three types of light-curing devices: One with halogen light (Optilight Plus - Gnatus) and two with LEDs (Optilight CL - Gnatus and Elipar Freelight - 3M/ESPE). RESULTS: Comparing the results by analysis of variance, the Gnatus LED device showed an inferior statistical behavior in relation to other light sources, when activated by a short time. But, when it was used for 40 seconds, the polymerization results were consistent with the other evaluated sources. The device with the best average performance was the halogen light, followed by the 3M/ESPE LED. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the LEDs may be indicated in orthodontic practice, as long as a protocol is used for the application of light with the activation time of 40 seconds.

AIM: Knowledge of enamel thickness is relevant to perform stripping during orthodontic treatment. Thus, proximal enamel measurements of human permanent teeth were compared in this study. METHODS: The measurements were previously obtained on cut sections of mandibular central (n = 30) and lateral (n = 30) incisors, canines (n = 20), first (n = 40) and second (n = 40) premolars; maxillary central (n = 20) and lateral (n = 20) incisors, canines (n = 20), first (n = 40) and second (n = 42) premolars. Comparisons between thicknesses by arch side and proximal surface were carried out using Student's t-tests (α = 0.05). Teeth were compared according to the mesial and distal thicknesses by ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between right and left teeth. For the mesial surface, the mandibular second premolar presented the highest mean value (1.376 mm ± 0.198; p<0.001). The mandibular central incisor had the smallest thickness in relation to the other teeth (0.675 mm ± 0.144), although not significant compared with the mandibular lateral incisor and canine (0.734-0.781 mm). The mandibular second premolar also presented the higher distal thickness in relation to the others (1.450 mm ± 0.172), although not significant compared with the maxillary first premolar (1.322 mm ± 0.195). Mandibular incisors had the lowest means for distal thickness (0.872-0.879 mm), although not statistically different compared with maxillary incisors and mandibular canine (1.002-1.015 mm). Distal thickness was greater than mesial (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Interproximal stripping should be less marked in incisors and mesial surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the most commonly fabricated orthodontic retainers. METHODS: Information on the type and amount of maxillary and mandibular retainers produced in a three-month period was collected from six laboratories in the cities of São Paulo, Mauá and Guarulhos - Brazil. The retainers were grouped according to the total production. For the maxillary arch, the groups were: 1S - Begg retainer, 2S - Hawley retainer, 3S - transpalatal arch retainer, 4S - buccal resin-arch retainer and 5S - vacuum-formed retainer, Planas appliance, bonded lingual retainer and V-loop bonded lingual retainer. The groups relative to the mandibular arch were: 1I - 3-3 bonded lingual retainer (canine to canine), 2I - Hawley retainer and V-loop bonded lingual retainer, 3I - Begg retainer, 4I - buccal resin-arch retainer, vacuum-formed retainer and Planas appliance. The data were presented in box plots. Groups were compared using the Student's-t test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The average of maxillary appliances fabricated ranged from 189.5 (1S) to 3.95 (5S). There were significant differences between groups 1S versus 5S and 2S versus 5S (p < 0.0001). Mean values for the mandibular retainers ranged from 55.3 (1I) to 4.2 (4I). Significant difference was observed between groups 2I and 4I (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: For the maxillary arch, the most requested retainers were Begg and Hawley retainers. Regarding the mandibular arch, bonded lingual retainers and Hawley retainer were the most frequent ones.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to verify the torque precision of metallic brackets with MBT prescription using the canine brackets as the representative sample of six commercial brands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty maxillary and 20 mandibular canine brackets of one of the following commercial brands were selected: 3M Unitek, Abzil, American Orthodontics, TP Orthodontics, Morelli and Ortho Organizers. The torque angle, established by reference points and lines, was measured by an operator using an optical microscope coupled to a computer. The values were compared to those established by the MBT prescription. RESULTS: The results showed that for the maxillary canine brackets, only the Morelli torque (-3.33º) presented statistically significant difference from the proposed values (-7º). For the mandibular canines, American Orthodontics (-6.34º) and Ortho Organizers (-6.25º) presented statistically significant differences from the standards (-6º). Comparing the brands, Morelli presented statistically significant differences in comparison with all the other brands for maxillary canine brackets. For the mandibular canine brackets, there was no statistically significant difference between the brands. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant variations in torque values of some of the brackets assessed, which would clinically compromise the buccolingual positioning of the tooth at the end of orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional, immunological and psychological benefts of exclusive breastfeeding for the frst 6 months of life are unequivocally recognized. However, mothers should also be aware of the importance of breastfeeding for promoting adequate oral development. This study evaluated the association between breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking patterns and the prevalence of anterior open bite in primary dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Infant feeding and non-nutritive sucking were investigated in a 3-6 year-old sample of 1,377 children, from São Paulo city, Brazil. Children were grouped according to breastfeeding duration: G1 - non-breastfed, G2 - shorter than 6 months, G3 - interruption between 6 and 12 months, and G4 - longer than 12 months. Three calibrated dentists performed clinical examinations and classifed overbite into 3 categories: normal, anterior open bite and deep bite. Chi-square tests (p<0.05) with odds ratio (OR) calculation were used for intergroup comparisons. The impact of breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking on the prevalence of anterior open bite was analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence estimates of anterior open bite were: 31.9% (G1), 26.1% (G2), 22.1% (G3), and 6.2% (G4). G1 would have signifcantly more chances of having anterior open bite compared with G4; in the total sample (OR=7.1) and in the subgroup without history of non-nutritive sucking (OR=9.3). Prolonging breastfeeding for 12 months was associated with a 3.7 times lower chance of having anterior open bite. In each year of persistence with non-nutritive sucking habits, the chance of developing this malocclusion increased in 2.38 times. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking durations demonstrated opposite effects on the prediction of anterior open bite. Non-breastfed children presented signifcantly greater chances of having anterior open bite compared with those who were breastfed for periods longer than 12 months, demonstrating the benefcial infuence of breastfeeding on dental occlusion.

Effective orthodontic anchorage may be obtained by miniimplants inserted into the maxillary bones. However, the risk of miniimplant failure is one of the most important issues, especially the rupture of its structure referred to as fracture, mainly due to metal deficiencies. This study analyzed the internal microstructure of orthodontic mini-implants, ascertaining the composition of the metal to detect possible discontinuities from the surface to the core of the screws. Eighteen samples of mini-implants, of 3 different brands, were obtained. The samples were cold-embedded in methyl methacrylate polymer, and were sectioned both longitudinally (3 samples of each brand) and transversely (the other 3 screws of each brand). After preparation, the samples were observed using a light microscope at up to 2,000 x magnification. The results showed that the mini-implants thus analyzed were composed of an Alpha-Beta globular phase of titanium alloy, patterns A1 and A9 (in accordance with the "Technical Committee of European Titanium Producers"). The miniimplants did not present any defects such as bubbles, imperfections or fissures, in either longitudinal or transverse sections, in their internal microstructure. All samples met the requirements of international norms. Orthodontists must be aware of the metal composition and internal microstructure of mini-implants, to decrease the risk of fractures.

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a possível relação dos padrões respiratórios e dos tipos faciais com as grandezas da análise de Ricketts - CF-N.CF-A, Po-Or.ENA-ENP, CF-Go, CF-Xi.Po-Or, Xi-Pm, N-P.Go-M, A-NP, Po-Or.Na - e as grandezas da Nasofaringe e da Bucofaringe propostas por McNamara; dos tipos faciais com os padrões respiratórios e dos padrões respiratórios com as variáveis do Vert. MÉTODOS: a amostra consistiu de 88 telerradiografias em norma lateral de brasileiros leucodermas, dos gêneros masculino e feminino, entre 7 e 13 anos (média de idade 10,5 anos), sendo 45 respiradores bucais e 43 nasais. O método cefalométrico computadorizado abrangeu a análise das grandezas para determinação do tipo facial, segundo Ricketts (Índice Vert). Aplicou-se a avaliação do erro do método pela fórmula de Dahlberg (média = 0,52), seguida das avaliações estatísticas teste "t" de Student e Pearson product correlative coefficient test (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: observou-se ausência de alterações estatisticamente significativas das variáveis quando relacionadas aos padrões respiratórios, e presença de diferenças estatisticamente significativas das variáveis Convexidade do ponto A, Altura posterior da face, Profundidade da maxila, Cone facial, Comprimento do corpo e Nasofaringe quando relacionadas aos tipos braqui e dolicofaciais. As variáveis Cone facial e Comprimento do corpo também apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tipos braquifacial e mesofacial. A variável Cone facial apresentou diferenças significativas entre todos os tipos faciais; o tipo braquifacial apresentou correlação significativa (p = 0,011) com o padrão de respiração nasal e a variável Profundidade facial apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,028) quando relacionada aos padrões respiratórios.

AIM: To assess the possible relation of respiratory patterns and facial types with linear and angular variables of the Ricketts analysis - CF-N.CF-A, Po-Or.ENA-ENP, CF-Go, CF-Xi.Po-Or, Xi-Pm, N-P.Go-M, A-NP, Po-Or.Na - and the Nasopharynx and Oropharynx linear variables proposed by McNamara; and of the facial types with the respiratory patterns, and the respiratory patterns with the Vert variables. METHODS: The sample consisted of 88 lateral teleradiographs of Brazilian leucoderm boys and girls, ranging from 7 to 12 years of age (mean age 10.5 years) of whom 45 were mouth-breathers and 43 nasal breathers. The computerized cephalometric method covered analysis of the variables to determine the facial type, according to Ricketts (Vert Index). After the measurements were taken, assessment of the method error by the Dahlberg formula was applied (mean = 0.52), followed by t Student and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) statistical assessments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant alterations in the variables when related to the respiratory patterns; there were statistically significant differences in the following variables: Convexity of point A, Posterior face height, Maxilla depth, Facial cone, Corpus length and Nasopharynx when related to the brachyfacial and dolicofacial types. The variables Facial cone and Corpus length also presented significant differences between the brachyfacial and mesofacial types, and the variable Facial cone presented significant differences among all the facial types; the brachyfacial type presented significant correlation (p = 0.011) with the nasal respiratory pattern; and Facial depth presented statistically significant difference (p = 0.028) when related to the respiratory patterns.

OBJETIVO: verificar as prevalências dos diferentes tipos de relacionamentos ântero-posteriores entre os arcos dentários decíduos, bem como o possível dimorfismo sexual, em crianças nipo-brasileiras na faixa etária dos dois aos seis anos de idade. METODOLOGIA: foram avaliadas por inspeção visual 310 crianças nipo-brasileiras, matriculadas em 19 escolas do estado de São Paulo, sendo 154 do gênero masculino e 156 do feminino. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado e revelaram ausência de dimorfismo sexual para a maioria dos relacionamentos analisados, permitindo apresentar os resultados conjuntamente para ambos os gêneros. RESULTADOS: as prevalências dos relacionamentos entre os segundos molares decíduos foram: 47,4% para o degrau mesial, 41,3% para o plano terminal reto, 5,5% para o degrau distal e 5,8% para os casos com assimetrias. Para os relacionamentos entre os caninos decíduos, conforme Foster e Hamilton, constataram-se prevalências de 77,4% para a Classe 1, 6,8% para a Classe 2, 6,8% para a Classe 3 e 9% para as relações assimétricas. Apenas a Classe 2 apresentou dimorfismo sexual, sendo de 3,9% para o feminino e de 9,7% para o masculino. Quanto à sobressaliência verificaram-se prevalências de 71,3% para a normal, 14,2% para a aumentada, 7,4% para a mordida cruzada anterior e 7,1% para a mordida topo-a-topo. RESULTADOS: concluiu-se que a maioria das crianças nipo-brasileiras avaliadas neste estudo, apresentaram um relacionamento ântero-posterior normal entre os arcos decíduos, merecendo atenção uma ligeira tendência para o desenvolvimento da Classe 3.

AIM: the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to verify the prevalences of different types of anteroposterior relationships between deciduous dental arches and its possible sexual dimorphism, in Japanese-Brazilian children from 2 to 6 years of age. METHODS: a total of 310 Japanese-Brazilian children from 19 schools in São Paulo, Brazil, comprising 154 males and 156 females, were examined by visual inspection. The qui-square statistical test was applied to evaluate the data, and the results revealed no statistically significant sexual dimorphism for the majority of types of anteroposterior relationship. Therefore, the results for both genders were grouped together. RESULTS: the prevalences of anteroposterior relationships between deciduous second molars were: mesial step, 47.4%; flush terminal plane, 41.3%; distal step, 5.5% and asymmetric cases, 5.8%. The prevalences of anteroposterior relationship of deciduous canines were: Class 1, 77.4%; Class 2, 6.8%; Class 3, 6.8% and asymmetric cases, 9%. Only Class 2 revealed sexual dimorphism: 3.9% for female and 9.7% for male. The prevalences of overjet, were: normal, 71.3%; increased, 14.2%; anterior cross-bite, 7.4% and edge-to-edge bite, 7.1%. CONCLUSION: it was concluded that the majority of Japanese-Brazilian children evaluated in this study showed normal anteriorposterior relationship between dental arches, with a slightly tendency for the development of Class 3.

OBJETIVO: avaliar as possíveis diferenças nas dimensões transversais dos arcos dentários superiores e inferiores entre jovens com oclusão normal e má oclusão de Classe II, 1ª divisão. METODOLOGIA: foram avaliados 170 pares de modelos em gesso de jovens brasileiros leucodermas, com dentadura permanente, sendo 76 com oclusão normal (41 do gênero feminino e 35 do masculino) e média de idade de 13 anos e 6 meses e 94 com má oclusão de Classe II, 1ª divisão (58 do gênero feminino e 36 do masculino) e média de idade de 13 anos e 9 meses. Este grupo com má oclusão foi dividido em duas categorias: Classe II sem apinhamento e Classe II com apinhamento. Compararam-se as distâncias intercaninos, interprimeiros pré-molares e intermolares, em ambos os arcos dentários. RESULTADOS: em relação ao grupo com oclusão normal, os jovens do gênero masculino evidenciaram as seguintes diferenças estatisticamente significantes: 1) distância intercaninos inferiores maior para o grupo com Classe II sem apinhamento; 2) distância interprimeiros pré-molares superiores menor para o grupo com Classe II sem apinhamento e 3) distâncias interprimeiros pré-molares e intermolares, superiores e inferiores, menores para o grupo com Classe II com apinhamento. Por sua vez, o gênero feminino evidenciou: 1) distâncias interprimeiros pré-molares e intermolares superiores menores para o grupo com Classe II sem apinhamento e 2) distâncias interprimeiros pré-molares e intermolares, superiores e inferiores, menores para o grupo com Classe II com apinhamento. CONCLUSÃO: de um modo geral, os jovens com má oclusão de Classe II, 1ª divisão, apresentaram uma tendência para deficiência transversal posterior dos arcos dentários, principalmente no grupo com apinhamento.

AIM: to evaluate possible differences of the upper and lower dental arches widths among youths with normal occlusion and Class II, division 1, malocclusion. METHODS: the evaluation was conducted on 170 pairs of dental casts of white Brazilian youths, with permanent dentition, 76 with normal occlusion (41 females and 35 males) at the mean age of 13 years and 6 months and 94 with Class II, division 1, malocclusion (58 females and 36 males) at the mean age of 13 years and 9 months. The group with malocclusion was divided into two categories: Class II without dental crowding and Class II with dental crowding. A comparison was made between the intercanine, inter first premolar and intermolar widths of both dental arches. RESULTS: with regard to normal occlusion group and statistically significant differences, male subjects presented: 1) larger intercanine lower width in the group with Class II without crowding; 2) smaller upper inter first premolar width in the group with Class II without crowding and 3) smaller upper and lower inter first premolar and intermolar widths in the group with Class II with crowding. In turn, the females have revealed: 1) smaller upper inter first premolar and intermolar widths in the group with Class II without crowding and 2) smaller upper and lower inter first premolar and intermolar widths in the group with Class II with crowding. CONCLUSION: generally, the subjects with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion have presented a tendency to a posterior deficiency of dental arches widths, especially in the group with crowding.