Implants as anchorage, for en masse retraction, can be incorporated into orthodontic practice. The use of orthodontic implants for anchorage is a viable alternative to conventional molar anchorage.

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m e d i c a l j o u r n a l a r m e d f o r c e s i n d i a 7 2 ( 2 0 1 6 ) s 1 7 -s 2Background: To test the hypothesis that the retraction of anterior teeth has no effect on the dimensions of pharyngeal airway and to evaluate the retraction of anterior teeth on each parameter of pharyngeal airway. Methods: Twenty-two adult patients of Class I bimaxillary protrusion requiring first premolar extractions with maximum anchorage requirements were selected. The pharyngeal airway and dentofacial parameters of the patients were compared using pre-and posttreatment lateral cephalograms with the help of Student's paired t-test (P < 0.05). The relationship between airway size and dentofacial parameters was also evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The upper and lower lips were retracted by 2.25 and 5.4 mm after retraction of the incisors. The tips of upper and lower incisors were retracted by 7.75 and 7.15 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in SPP-SPPW (P < 0.05), U-MPW (P < 0.001), TB-TPPW (P < 0.001), and change in HRGN (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was observed between the amount of retraction of lower incisor and decrease in the pharyngeal airway posterior to soft palate (r = 0.102), tongue (r = 0.322), and change in HRGN (r = 0.265). Conclusions: The size of the pharyngeal (velopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal) airway reduced and hyoid bone position changed after retraction of the incisors in extraction space in bimaxillary protrusive adult patients. #

This study shows that although there appears to be a high level of awareness of exposure to occupational hazards among the dental surgeons of the Indian Navy, the practical steps to prevent them needs to be reinforced. Increased awareness must be created about the dangers of chronic mercury poisoning, its prevention, the importance of regular monitoring of blood mercury levels and the mercury vapour levels in the clinic.

The study showed an overall increase in airway dimension and improvement in hyoid position. Thus, the procedure may be considered beneficial in reducing upper airway collapsibility and preventing sleep disorders due to oropharyngeal airway deficiencies in skeletal class II malocclusion.