Objective: To determine the dentofacial effects of a fixed functional appliance, the rapid molar intruder (RMI). Materials and Methods: One control group (n ϭ 10) and two study groups (n ϭ 10 each) were formed. The first experimental group consisted of growing children in the mixed dentition period who received RMI therapy alone. The second experimental group consisted of growing children in the early permanent dentition period who received both RMI and fixed appliance (edgewise) therapy together. Mean changes for the measurements for each group were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Comparisons of the mean changes between the groups were made by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Open bite correction was achieved by counterclockwise rotation of the mandible as a consequence of redirecting growth in both treatment groups. The ANB angle decreased significantly (P Ͻ .05). Significant decreases were also noted for vertical skeletal characteristics in both treatment groups (P Ͻ .05). Molar intrusion was statistically significant for both maxillary and mandibular first molars (P Ͻ .05) in both treatment groups. Conclusions: The RMI appliance provided effective bite closure and favorable dentofacial changes for nonsurgical open bite treatment in growing patients. It was concluded that this method could be regarded as a safe and noncompliance alternative for early intervention of skeletal open bite correction.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zigzag elastics in the treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion subjects with hypo- or hyperdivergent growth patterns. Two groups were established, each consisting of 10 subjects classified as hypo- or hyperdivergent according to their pre-treatment SN-GoGn angle. The cephalometric radiographs taken before and after an elastic application period of approximately 4 months were used to generate 22 variables. In both groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the vertical position of the lower molars, the SN-GoGn angle or the inclination of the lower incisors, whereas the sagittal skeletal relationship was improved as a result of an increase in the SNB angle and the mandibular length (P < 0.01). Upper incisor extrusion was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.05). The downward rotation of the occlusal plane and the increase in overbite were found to be significant in the hypodivergent group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the groups in the extrusion of the upper incisor, the inclination of the occlusal plane, and the amount of overbite (P < 0.05). The results show that the zigzag elastic system is preferable, especially in hyperdivergent Class II division 1 subjects, as the use of such elastics does not cause an unfavourable effect on vertical jaw base relationship.

A case is presented in which combined endodontic and orthodontic therapy was performed in traumatically injured teeth 12 months after an accident. Calcium hydroxide treatment was used to halt any possible resorption during orthodontic treatment. The teeth were repositioned in a desirable manner without any complication by orthodontic treatment. Root canal obturation was accomplished after the completion of active orthodontic treatment. Recall examination 12 months after completion of root canal treatment showed clinical and radiographic evidence of healing.

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Objective: The aim of this finite element study was to assess the effect of mechanical vibration force on tooth movement, stress distribution and velocity. Methods: A 3D model was created using CBCT image of a patient with class 2 malocclusion. Three different analyses were performed on a single model where upper first premolars were extracted. At canine distalization stage; 150 gf, 150 gf and 30 Hz (0.2 N), 150 gf and 111 Hz (0.06 N) were applied to canine. The first moment effect of force and vibration were evaluated using the Algor Fempro finite element analysis program. Stress and displacement distribution were investigated comparatively. Results: It was observed that the maximum displacement occurred in the second analysis (150 gf-30 Hz), while lower displacement was seen in the third analysis (150 gf-111 Hz), and the lowest amount of displacement was in the first analysis (150 gf). While only force application caused extrusion of the tooth, linear and vibration forces together caused intrusion. In the first analysis canine rotated in the distovestibule direction, but in the second and third analysis, canine showed distopalatal rotation. Conclusion: It was concluded that in a certain range, mechanical vibration force may have accelerated tooth movement.