Optical coherence tomography provides sections of tissues in a noncontact and noninvasive manner. The device measures the time delay and intensity of the light scattered or reflected from biological tissues, which results in tomographic imaging of their internal structure. This is achieved by scanning tissues at a resolution ranging from 1 to 15 μm. OCT enables real-time in situ imaging of tissues without the need for biopsy, histological procedures, or the use of X-rays, so it can be used in many fields of medicine. Its properties are not only particularly used in ophthalmology, in the diagnosis of all layers of the retina, but also increasingly in cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, oncology, and dermatology. The basic properties of OCT, that is, noninvasiveness and low wattage of the used light, have also been appreciated in analytical technology by conservators, who use it to identify the quality and age of paintings, ceramics, or glass. Recently, the OCT technique of visualization is being tested in different fields of dentistry, which is depicted in the article.

This study shows that the short implant gives sufficient bone fixation, independently of placement. The quality of implantation and bone structure are more important than the length of the orthodontic implant.

The purpose of this study was to compare the frictional properties of two self-ligating aesthetic brackets, Opal (Ultradent Products) and Oyster (Gestenco Int.), with those of four conventionally ligated aesthetic brackets, Transcend (3M Unitek), Inspire (Ormco), Allure (GAC Int.), and Image (Gestenco Int.). Friction was tested with different wire dimensions and qualities [stainless steel (SS) wire 0.017 x 0.025 inches; SS 0.019 x 0.025 inches; TMA 0.019 x 0.025 inches] using a Zwick testing machine. All brackets had a 0.022-inch slot and the prescription of an upper first premolar of the Roth system (tip: 0 degrees, torque: -7 degree). Each bracket/archwire combination was tested 10 times and each test was performed with a new bracket/wire sample that was pulled through twice. Additionally, two sets of 30 Opal brackets each were aged with an ageing machine under standardized conditions for 9-10 and 18-20 months, respectively. Friction of the aged brackets was tested with identical wire dimensions and qualities using the same testing procedure. All data were statistically analysed with unsigned comparisons of all bracket/wire combinations using GLM and the Games-Howell post hoc test. The results showed Opal brackets to have the lowest frictional forces for all wire dimensions and qualities. Furthermore, friction was lower at a significant level (P

No abstract

The tooth axis inclination measured on cut sections of the plaster casts made at the beginning and end of treatment was largely without transversal discrepancies. Direct fixing of the transversal screw in the palatal arch prevents buccal tipping of the posterior teeth, especially in patients with a small apical base. Compared with other direct procedures involving osteosynthesis plates, this technique offers adequate guiding stability and is minimally invasive.