Background: Graber introduced facial photographs as an internal diagnostic aid. Facial photographs could serve as an important alternative assessment tool in the absence of equipment for cephalometric analysis. Objectives: The present study was aimed at assessing whether analyzing the photographs could have precision for assessing the landmarks appropriate for facial analysis. In addition, the relationship between frontal cephalogram and measurements on photographs was assessed. Materials and Methods: Twenty individuals including both males and females within the age range of 18 years to 28 years were enrolled in the study. Frontal facial photographs, as well as frontal cephalograms, were obtained for all the included study participants. Various soft-tissue vertical and horizontal landmarks were marked on both radiographs and photographs. The data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The results showed a statistically insignificant difference between all the vertical and horizontal parameters on photographs and cephalograms. The reliability of the digital photographs was comparable to that of the cephalograms with nonsignificant differences in the recorded mean values using the one-way ANOVA test where the statistical significance level was kept at P ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: The present study concluded that photography is a cost-effective and reliable method for soft-tissue landmark identification, and allows recording the images of sufficient quantity for analysis. Low-cost and easily captured photographic images can replace costly radiographic procedures without causing any discomfort to the patients.

Background: The mini-implants introduced new possibilities of adequate anchorage in orthodontics. Furthermore, due to its small size, it can even be placed at relatively difficult sites with ease. Removal torque should be high to prevent implant unscrewing. Objective: This prospective clinical trial was aimed to evaluate the insertion torque and removal torque of single-threaded and double-threaded cylindrical orthodontic mini-implants. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 cases were randomly divided into two groups, with an equal number of patients in each group ( n = 18). In Group 1 single-threaded cylindrical mini-implant was placed, and in the other group, cylindrical implants with double-threaded were placed. Maximum insertion torque (MIT) and maximum removal torques (MRTs) were recorded for both groups. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: MIT was found to be significantly higher than MRT for both the groups and between the groups. Intergroup comparison in the present study showed significantly higher values for MIT than MRT. Intergroup comparison of MIT showed more values for Group 2 as compared to Group 1. Similar statistically significant values were seen in terms with MRT, where double-threaded cylindrical mini-implants had more torque value than the other group. Conclusions: Orthodontic mini screws represent effective temporary anchorage devices. Double-threaded cylindrical mini-implants have significantly higher insertion and removal torque than single-threaded mini-implants and hence better stability.

Background: The treatment for fractured mandibular condyles aims at restoring the masticatory ability, occlusion, symmetry, and function as the bit were before the trauma. The treatment of the mandibular condylar fracture can be done based on the two protocols. Aims: The present clinical trial was conducted to collate aftertreatment upshot of closed treatment and open surgical treatment for mandibular condyle fractures. Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients were divided into two groups ( n = 12) which were treated with either the closed reduction using intermaxillary fixation or open reduction and internal fixation. The following clinical parameters were assessed at 1 st and 3 rd day and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks: lateral excursion and protrusion, occlusion; interincisal opening, mandibular ramus height, deviation/deflection during jaw opening, and pain assessment using visual analog score. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation. Results: Interincisal opening was found to be 8.125 ± 0.3467 mm and 6.016 ± 0.1528 mm, respectively, for Group I and Group II which was statistically significant ( P < 0.00001). At the 3 months and 6 th week postoperatively, it was increased in the surgical groups to 17.433 ± 0.3822 mm and 19.175 ± 0.3696 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The present trial suggests surgical open reduction and internal fixation treatment of the mandibular condylar fracture is better than the nonsurgical closed reduction in terms of interincisal opening, lateral excursion, and protrusive mandibular movement range.

Background: For maintaining the occlusion, screws to anchor bones are needed to be used in transalveolar manner to get the intermaxillary fixation in participants with no preoperative orthodontic treatment or participants with loose or broken appliances. Aims: The present clinical trial was hence aimed to assess the postoperative complications following orthognathic surgical repair of skeletal malocclusion. Materials and Methods: Forty-two participants were divided into two groups ( n = 22). In Group I, predrill was done to create the holes in transalveolar position before screw insertion. For Group II, self-cutting screws were used without the drills. The radiographs were then taken to assess the associated root injuries. To evaluate the effect of different steroid doses on the pain, nerve healing, and swelling, the participants were divided into three groups ( n = 14). Plate removal and associated factors were also evaluated. Collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: In Group where no predrill was done, no root injuries were seen. Considerably less facial edema was observed in Group II and III compared to control Group I. This difference was statistically significant with a P value of 0.2057. At 1 week, 3 months, and 6-month postoperatively in Group II and Group III, no significant difference was seen. No significant difference in the postoperative pain between the groups was seen ( P = 0.85103). Neurosensory Visual Analog Score measurement revealed no significant difference between three groups at 6 months with the P value of 0.81821. Conclusion: The present study concludes that risk for the root injury is possessed by the screws that require predrill, whereas the self-drilling screws had no risk for root injury.

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