Ada Carolina Pango Madariaga

Background: To achieve a successful result, the orthodontist must use a systematic approach to plan the orthodontic treatment. Defining the correct position of the upper and lower incisors and evaluating their relationship with intermaxillary discrepancy and facial divergence have been recognized as the starting point for the diagnostic decision regarding extractions and anchorage requirements. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between intermaxillary discrepancy (ANPg^), mandibular inclination (SN^GoGn), lip incompetence, and the positioning of the upper and lower incisors (UIPs and LIPs) in a group of orthodontic patients. This retrospective study included 290 lateral cephalograms in 122 males (42.1%) and 168 females (57.9%) aged 8 to 53 years (median 14; interquartile range IQR 12–17). Data were analyzed by means of one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and linear regression analysis. Results: This study showed a statistically significant increase in LIP values in patients with lip incompetence (p < 0.001). Moreover, the distribution of LIPs in groups with various SN^GoGn and ANPg^ angles was significantly different (p < 0.001). The regression analysis also showed a positive association between the LIP and SN^GoGn and between the LIP and ANPg^. Conclusion: The LIP presented a statistically significant difference in patients with and without lip incompetence, which varied significantly in subjects with different sagittal malocclusions and vertical face patterns.

An accurate estimation of both facial growth and the dentoalveolar dimension is key to successful treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between the Condylion–Gonion–Menton angle (CoGoMe^) and dentoalveolar heights in a population of patients from southern Italy. This retrospective study analyzed 270 cephalograms of 115 males (42.1%, mean age 15.5 ± 5.2 years) and 155 females (57.9%, mean age 15.6 ± 5.9 years). The facial divergency was evaluated with the Sella–Nasion and Gonion–Gnation angle (SN^GoGn), mandibular structure with the CoGoMe^, and dentoalveolar heights were assessed in four measurements: upper anterior (UADH), lower anterior (LADH), upper posterior (UPDH), and lower posterior (LPDH). Data were analyzed by means of Pearson’s correlation and linear regression model (p < 0.05). All the dentoalveolar heights were strongly correlated among them (p < 0.001). The UADH was correlated with the SN^GoGn (r = 0.145; p = 0.017), while the LPDH was correlated with the CoGoMe^ (r = −0.183; p = 0.003). Moreover, there was a positive association between the UADH and the SN^GoGn (B = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.014–0.144; p = 0.017), and a negative association between the CoGoMe^ and the LPDH (B = −0.098; 95% CI: −0.161–0.035; p = 0.003). Facial divergency and mandibular structure are associated with dentoalveolar heights.

This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal health of orthodontic patients with supportive periodontal therapy in a 3 month follow-up. The sample comprised 20 patients (mean age 20.6 ± 8.1 years) in treatment with multibracket fixed appliances (fixed group—FG) and 20 patients (mean age 34.7 ± 12.5 years) in treatment with clear aligners (clear aligners group—CAG). At baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival recession (REC) were measured. Patients were trained to perform an individualized tooth brushing technique, and every 2 weeks they were re-called to reinforce the oral hygiene instructions. The intra-group comparisons (T1 vs. T0) were calculated with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while a linear regression model was used for the inter-group comparisons (FG vs. CAG). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Statistically significant decrease in both groups was found for PD (FG: Δ, −9.2 inter-quartile range (IQR), −22.5, −5.5; CAG: Δ, −12.6 IQR, −25.4, −4.8), BOP (FG: Δ, −53.5 IQR, −70.5, −37; CAG: Δ, −37.5 IQR, −54.5, −23), and PI (FG: Δ, −17.5 IQR, −62.5, 14.5; CAG: Δ, −24 IQR, −49.5, −5). The result of the linear regression models suggested that the type of appliance did not have any effects on the improvement of periodontal variables. Therefore, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and clear aligners did not show differences in gingival health when followed by a dental hygienist.

In dentistry, the assessment of periodontal biotype is considered one of the most important parameters with which to plan treatment, and craniofacial morphology might affect it. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between facial typology and gingival biotype in patients by means of two-dimensional and three-dimensional evaluations of facial typology. This study included 121 participants searching for orthodontic treatment (43 M, 78 F; 20.4 ± 10.4). Gingival biotype was evaluated based on the transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival margin of the mid-buccal sulcus for both upper (UGB) and lower (LGB) anterior teeth. SellionNasion^GonionGnation (SN^GoGn) and CondylionGonionMenton (CoGoMe^) angles were measured on two-dimensional cephalograms. Three-dimensional face scans were acquired by means of a three-dimensional facial scanner (3dMD system) and successively analyzed to assess the facial typology using the ratio between lower facial height (SNMe) and total facial height (NMe). A chi-squared test and regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between gingival biotype and facial morphology (p < 0.05). The chi-squared test showed that there was no statistically significant association between facial typology and gingival biotype (UGB p = 0.83; LGB p = 0.75). The logistic regression showed an association between SNMe/NMe and the UGB (p = 0.036), and SNMe/NMe and LGB (p = 0.049). The decreased ratio of SNMe/NMe might be a protective factor for a thin gingival biotype.

The condylion-gonion-menton angle (CoGoMe^) is commonly used as a pre-treatment indicator of responsiveness in Class II patients treated with functional appliances. The distribution of this angle in the Caucasian population is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the distribution of the CoGoMe^ and its relationship with age, sagittal jaw relationship (ANPg^), and mandibular inclination (SN^GoGn) in patients from Southern Italy. The sample included 290 subjects (median14 years of age; Interquartile range, IQR, 12–17) with lateral cephalograms taken before the orthodontic treatment. The distribution of the CoGoMe^ was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the differences according to the ANPg^ and the SN^GoGn were estimated using one-way ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate how the CoGoMe^ varied according to age. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The results showed that the CoGoMe^ was normally distributed (P = 0.290) with a mean value of 127.2° ± 7.7°. The distribution of the CoGoMe^ in groups with different SN^GoGn angles was significantly different (P < 0.001). These angles showed a positive association (Beta coefficient B = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.67; P < 0.001). In growing patients, the CoGoMe^ decreased every year by 0.6° (B = −0.6; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.12; P = 0.014). In conclusion, the CoGoMe^ was associated with mandibular inclination and could be considered to be a predictor of vertical growth patterns.