Background Contamination of orthodontic appliances is due to the unhygienic practices followed during manufacturing and packaging processes, which may lead to cross-contamination. Although literature has indicated the need for sterilization or disinfection of orthodontic appliances before using in the oral cavity, this is still not employed in routine clinical practice. In this view, the current study evaluates the bacterial load on orthodontic brackets along with the disinfecting efficacy of chlorhexidine. Methods A total of 140 brackets were obtained from four different manufacturers and divided into six groups: group 1 (American Orthodontics; n = 30), group 2 (3M Unitek; n = 30), group 3 (Ortho Organizers; n = 30), group 4 (China Dental Orthodontic; n = 30), group 5 (negative control; n = 10), and group 6 (positive control; n = 10). Various microbiological and biochemical tests were conducted on the brackets to detect the type and growth of bacteria. Brackets that showed microbial contamination were then subjected to disinfection using 0.01% and 2% chlorhexidine solutions. Results Microbial contamination was detected on brackets of all the four groups. Bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus , S. epidermidis , Lactobacilli, Klebsiella pneumoniae , Bacillus licheniformis , and B. cereus , were identified in these groups. Upon disinfection with 0.01% chlorhexidine solution, brackets in group 2 displayed complete decontamination, while all brackets in the other groups containing gram-negative bacteria exhibited complete decontamination with 2% chlorhexidine. Conclusion Orthodontic brackets received from four manufacturers showed high bacterial contamination. Disinfecting ability of 2% chlorhexidine proved highly effective in destroying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, use of 2% chlorhexidine in clinical practice for the disinfection of orthodontic brackets is suggested, before placement in the oral cavity.

Introduction: Non Syndromic Cleft lip/Palate is a common congenital anomaly with significant medical, psychological, social and economic ramifications. It is an example of complex genetic trait. There is sufficient evidence to hypothesize that disease locus for this condition can be identified by candidate genes. The purpose of this study was to test whether TGFB3 rs2300607 (IVSI+ 5321) gene variant was involved in the etiology of Non Syndromal Cleft lip/Palate. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected with informed consent from 25 subjects having Non Syndromic Cleft lip/Palate and 25 controls .Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed (PCR) and digestion products were evaluated.Results: The Results showed a positive correlation between TGFB3 rs2300607 (IVSI+ 5321) variant and Non Syndromal Cleft lip/Palate patients.Conclusion: TGFB3 rs2300607 (IVSI+ 5321) gene variant may be a good screening marker for Non Syndromal Cleft lip /Palate.

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Context: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/CP) is a common congenital facial malformation without any other structural or developmental abnormalities. Aims and Objectives: To test the association of Wnt9B rs1530364 and Wnt5A rs566926 gene variants with the nonsyndromic CL/CP patients in South Indian population. Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples of 25 subjects with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and 25 unrelated controls collected from the department were used for the study. Group A: DNA samples of 25 subjects NSCLP (P1–P25). Group B: DNA samples of 25 unrelated controls (C1–C25). The extracted DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction, and later, these amplified products were subjected to DNA sequencing. Results were documented in the form of electropherograms. Results: The results indicated that there is a strong association between the presence of Wnt9B rs1530364 gene with the incidence of NSCLP. This study also suggests that the likelihood of NSCLP is higher in subjects having CC ( P = 0.02) genotype for Wnt9B gene variant rs1530364. Conclusion: We can conclude that Wnt9B gene variant rs1530364 can be considered as genetic marker for NSCLP for our population.

This article presents the case of a patient with Van der Woude syndrome treated with orthodontic and orthopedic intervention in the mixed dentition stage. The patient had a bilateral cleft of the lip and alveolus accompanied by lip pits on the lower lip. Intra-orally, there was bilateral anterior and posterior cross-bite with a collapsed maxilla. The maxillary transverse deficiency was managed with orthopedic expansion and the second phase of treatment involved secondary alveolar bone grafting followed by retention with functional regulator-3. The mild maxillary retrognathia and deficient lip support was managed with dental compensation.