This document guides would be authors of papers for review in the AJICT on how to write their papers to meet the requirements for submissions, reviews and publications in the AJICT
Introduction: This review aimed to provide theoretical support, based on orthodontics and mechanical engineering concepts, to emphasize the applicability and the mechanical properties involved in stainless steel, cobalt chromium, titanium-molybdenum and titanium based alloys for specialists in this field. Materials and Methods: The search strategy for articles selection was focused on PubMed and Scopus from 1963 to 2024. Results: A total of 501 citations were identified by Medline (through PubMed) and 478 by Scopus. A total of 68 articles were considered eligible for describing the basic mechanical properties of alloys and thermal tests, and tests to examine the strength of materials and the surface of the material or its crystallography. Conclusion: Metallic alloys contain specific characteristics, such as resilience, rigidity, stored energy, formability, low friction surface, low cost and biocompatibility. Stainless Steel (SS) wires have the advantage of low cost and good corrosion resistance, good resilience and good formability. Cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium have characteristics very close to SS wires but are expensive. Titanium-molybdenum alloys revealed springback superior than SS wires, good formability and high friction coeffient. Nickel-titanium based wires present poor formability, high friction coeffient, even though some of them present the shape memory effect and superelasticity. Ti-Nb(niobium) and Timolium present intermediate properties in relation to SS and TMA wires. Aesthetic alloys are fragile to fracture and relaxation fatigue over time and are dependent on moisture absorption and temperature changes. The properties of metallic wires are function of wire composition, variables during machining process and heat treatment.
Introduction: Pain and discomfort associated with teeth movement during the early phase of orthodontic treatment are major concerns for many orthodontic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the pain experience among patient undergoing orthodontic treatment using Super Elastic NiTi (SE NiTi) and Copper NiTi (Cu NiTi) arch-wires during the alignment phase. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study was carried out among patients who were in the alignment stage of fixed orthodontic treatment, using two different types of arch wires, SE NiTi or Cu NiTi. Eight-six participants were recruited conveniently in the study, and randomly allocated to either of the study groups. Fixed orthodontic treatment was then initiated with 0.014-inch archwire in both groups. Participants were followed for pain assessment using a modified McGill Pain Questionnaire with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the duration of 7 days. Data were analyzed by SPSS Statistics version 25 with a p-value set at <0.05. Pain comparison between two groups was done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and Mann Whitney U test. Results: Three participants were lost to follow up and one participant was omitted from the analysis. Therefore, total of 82 participants were analyzed, 41 participants from each of the study group. Participants from both groups reported pain experience during the initial phase of fixed orthodontic treatment. The pain experience was highest 6 to 12 hours after insertion of the initial archwires in both groups. The majority of the participants reported a gradual decrease in pain intensity over time, with the rate of decline been relatively faster in SE-NiTi group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between SE NiTi and Cu NiTi in pain experience.
Introduction: Successful orthognathic surgery relies on the accurate diagnosis of facial, skeletal, and dental issues. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare Skeletal cephalometric values for orthognathic surgery in Nepalese adults and to compare with Caucasians. Materials and Methods: One hundred adult patients (33 males and 67 females), with an age range of 18-36 years, were selected for the study. The subjects included had skeletal Class I, Average Growth Pattern, no craniofacial abnormality, and no previous history of orthodontic treatment. The Skeletal cephalometric norms for orthognathic surgery analysis values for the Nepalese population were established and compared with those of Caucasians. Results: All the cephalometric parameters, except for facial convexity angle in females, maxillary protrusion in females, mandibular prognathism, chin protrusion, mandibular plane angle, and gonial angle, were less in the Nepalese population than in Caucasians. Conclusion: The cephalometric parameters in the Nepalese adults are significantly different from those of the Caucasian population. These racial differences, which are evident in this study, should be kept in mind while charting out a plan for orthognathic surgery for the Nepalese adults.
Introduction: The cranial base plays an important part in determining how the mandible and maxilla relate to each other and variations in the cranial base angle, the anterior, posterior and total cranial lengths can potentially be a cause of imbalances in facial growth, and occlusion. We aimed to determine the relationship between cranial base & jaw base in different sagittal skeletal patterns among patients visiting Dental Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred two pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of different sagittal skeletal patterns of age >18 years (34 radiographs for each type of malocclusion with equal male and female) were obtained from the records of patients seeking orthodontic treatment in Dental Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine. A group of measurements were measured and compared among all study groups to assess the existence of any relationship between the cranial base and both jaw bases discrepancies. Mean and standard deviations were calculated. Results: The anterior cranial base length, posterior cranial base length and total cranial base length were increased in subjects with Class II sagittal skeletal patterns and decreased in Class III skeletal patterns with mean values of 66.324±2.218 and 64.632±2.193, 34.09±1.698 and 86.62±3.160 and 31.32±0.976 and 84.29±1.643 mm respectively. The cranial base angle increased in Class II and decreased in Class III with mean values of 128.12°±3.160° and 122.68°±4.650° respectively. Maxillary jaw base was increased in Class II skeletal patterns and decreased in Class III with mean values of 88.06±4.539 and 84.53±3.413 mm respectively. Mandibular jaw base and maxillomandibular difference increased in Class III and decreased in Class II with mean value 110.62±4.300 and 117.65±5.325 and 22.47±2.339 and 33.09±2.999 mm respectively. Conclusion: Cranial base and jaw base parameters showed significant relationship with Class I, II and III sagittal skeletal patterns. Cranial base and jaw base parameters except posterior cranial base and cranial base angle showed significant sexual dimorphism.
Introduction: This in-vitro study aimed to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of stainless steel (SS) orthodontic brackets bonded with three different generations of bonding agents. Materials and Methods: Ninety extracted maxillary 1st premolars were bonded with stainless steel brackets using three different generations of bonding agents: a) GROUP 1: Transbond XT (fifth generation, light cure adhesive,3M Unitek, USA), b) GROUP 2: Shofu bond II (sixth generation, self-etching primer), c) GROUP 3: Adper single bond 2 (seventh generation, 3M ESPE, USA) according to their manufacturer’s instructions & tested for shear bond strength with an Instron universal testing machine & results were obtained. Results: The SBS values for group 1 was 12.3MPa, group 2 was 11.9MPa, and group 3 was 13.2MPa. The ANOVA and Tuckey’s post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant differences among groups 1 & group 3 (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: All the bonding agents yielded adequate SBS values (within a range of 8-14 MPa), among which the seventh generation showed the highest shear bond strength values.
Retraction Notice for “A Chronicle Overview of Cephalometric Parameters for assessing Sagittal Jaw Disparity.” Authors: Dr. Jaina Dubey, Dr. Amitabh Kallury, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Balani, Dr. Chandni Bharti, Dr. Chandrika Dubey The Editorial Board of the Orthodontic Journal of Nepal agreed to retract the article “A Chronicle Overview of Cephalometric Parameters for assessing Sagittal Jaw Disparity” published in the Orthodontic Journal of Nepal 2021, Volume 11, Number 2, pp. 72-79.1 (https://doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v11i2.43282). It has been found that the manuscript contains inadvertent textual overlap and unintended similarity to an article previously published by Dr. Vinay Kumar and Dr. Shobha Sundareswaran in the Journal of the Indian Orthodontic Society (JIOS) in 2014.2 (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10021-1215). After careful evaluation and in the interest of maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, publication ethics, and transparency, the Orthodontic Journal of Nepal retracts this manuscript. References • Dubey J, Kallury A, Balani RK, Bharti C, Dubey C. A Chronicle Overview of Cephalometric Parameters for assessing Sagittal Jaw Disparity. Orthod J Nepal. 2021 Dec.;11(2):72-9. • Kumar V, Sundareswaran S. Cephalometric Assessment of Sagittal Dysplasia: A Review of Twenty-One Methods. J Ind Orthod Soc 2014;48(1):33-41.
Introduction: Individuals with various mandibular growth patterns may require Orthognathic surgery to improve nose and chin thickness to compensate for increased mandibular divergence. Determining soft tissue nose and chin thickness is crucial in these situations. This study was conducted to evaluate soft tissue nose and chin thickness of patients with mandibular divergences and their association between and within different genders of orthodontic patients visiting People’s Dental College and Hospital. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 12th Oct 2023 to 12th Sept 2024 at People’s Dental College and Hospital. A convenience sampling method was used to collect 291 samples (pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 158 females, 133 male patients) age ranging between 18 to 30 years. Nose and chin parameters were analyzed, measured with SPSS 16 version software, using an independent student’s t-test to find out any statistical difference (p<0.05) between various mandibular divergences. Results: Among 291 subjects, 63 (males 29, females 34) had hypodivergent, 99 (29 males, 70 females) normodivergent, 129 (73 males, 56 females) hyperdivergent growth patterns. Soft tissue nose thickness was greater in females than in males among various mandibular divergence patterns (p<0.05), while soft tissue chin thickness in males was greater at the level of Pog, Gn, in hypodivergent, at the level of Me in hyperdivergent than in female samples. Within the same genders, no significant difference in soft tissue nose among various mandibular divergences, soft tissue chin thickness at the level of Pog in hypodivergent males was greater compared to normodivergent males. At the level of Gn, Me, normodivergent females had greater chin thickness than hyperdivergent females. Conclusion: The soft tissue nose and chin thickness were variable in different levels of chin between and within genders among various mandibular divergences.
Introduction: Attractive smile plays an important role in an individual’s overall personality and confidence. The buccal corridor space (BCS), defied as the dark space between the corners of the mouth and the buccal surfaces of posterior teeth during a smile, is one of the various factors affecting smile esthetics. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of BCS among Nepali laypersons and its influence on smile attractiveness. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College from 2022 June to 2023 December after receiving ethical approval from institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Convenience sampling method was used to select 290 participants of age 20–50 years. The selected participants assessed digitally modified smile photographs with BCS percentages of 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%, and rated the attractiveness. Results: It was found that 62.1% (180) of participants were aware of BCS, and 67.9% (197) believed its presence affected smile attractiveness. The majority, that is 234 (80.7%) preferred minimal or no BCS, with rating of 0% BCS as the most attractive by 120 (41.4%) and 16% BCS as very unattractive by 220 (77.2%). Conclusion: Wide smiles with little or no buccal corridor were preferred over narrow smiles with wide BCS by Nepali population. Conclusion: Wide smiles with little or no buccal corridor were preferred over narrow smiles with wide BCS by Nepali population.
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is an effective technique designed to treat maxillary transverse defiiencies, particularly in patients who are beyond their peak growth period. This case report discusses a 15-year-old male who presented with irregularly aligned upper and lower anterior teeth. He had previously undergone orthodontic treatment involving the extraction of all first premolars. The treatment plan involved maxillary expansion using a custom-fabricated MARPE appliance and supported by two temporary anchorage devices (TADs), in combination with full fixed orthodontic appliances for alignment and levelling. The treatment, completed over 18 months without further extractions, resulted in well-aligned arches, correction of the crossbite, improvement of the open bite, and enhanced facial aesthetics. This case demonstrates the successful application of MARPE as a non-surgical approach to managing complex malocclusions involving transverse and vertical discrepancies in late adolescent patients.
Introduction: Sella turcica, located in the sphenoid bone, is an important structure in lateral cephalometric analysis. There is a close association of the sella turcica with craniofacial bone development. This landmark is related to the development of the maxillomandibular complex and malocclusions and is commonly used for orthodontic diagnosis and management. It is important for an orthodontist to have a knowledge about morphology of sella turcica and its association with different skeletal patterns. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between sella turcica variations and Skeletal Class I, II and III malocclusions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st May, 2024 to 31st October, 2024 on a total of 366 lateral cephalogram records of patients with three different skeletal patterns visiting Samaj Dental Hospital for their orthodontic treatment. The lateral cephalograms were traced digitally using the Webceph software and classified into three groups as skeletal class I, II and III. Shape of sella turcica was assessed. The association between these variations and different skeletal patterns were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Among 366 participants, the mean ANB angle was 3.79˚, with standard deviation of 2.95˚. The study showed that the association between skeletal class and sella turcica morphology was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001). The association between sella turcica morphology and sex of the participants was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.093). Conclusion: There is an association between sella turcica morphology and different skeletal patterns.
Introduction: Orthodontic treatment aims to improve esthetics, function, and the structural balance of the stomatognathic system, thereby enhancing the self-esteem of the patients. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the orthodontic treatment knowledge and attitude among high school students of Biratnagar. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study carried out among 1,111 high school students. The questionnaire included 14 closed-ended questions assessing orthodontic knowledge and 10 closed-ended questions for assessing orthodontic attitude. The mean knowledge and attitude were calculated and compared between the students from government and private schools. Results: The mean knowledge scores for private and government school students were 8.68 and 9.05, respectively. The mean attitude scores were 4.63 for private school students and 4.58 for government school students. A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in knowledge scores between the two groups, with government school students demonstrating a higher mean rank (587.3) compared to private school students (448.7). However, no significant differences were noted between them when orthodontic attitude were assessed (p = 0.592). Conclusion: Government school students had significantly higher orthodontic knowledge as compared to the private school students; however, no significant difference was found in orthodontic attitude between the groups.
Introduction: Anchorage is the resistance to unwanted orthodontic tooth movement and anchorage loss in orthodontics can be detrimental to treatment, an unfortunate result of various treatment procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the anchorage loss from preretraction to postretraction with sliding mechanics. This retrospective clinical study compared 0.022 and 0.018 self-ligating MBT bracket systems. Materials and Methods: Based on the bracket slot size, a total of 28 patients were retrospectively divided into two groups of 14 patients each. Self-ligating (0.022” slot), mean age 19.14 ± 2.12 years designated as Group I and self-ligating (0.018”slot) mean age 19.71 ± 1.80 years designated as Group II . At two intervals of time, T1: Preretraction and T2: Postretraction and space closure, standard study models were prepared. Anchorage loss in terms of maxillary and mandibular molar mesial migration, intercanine width, intermolar width and space closure was evaluated from preretraction and post space closure study models. To evaluate data, SPSS statistical programme 19.0 Version was used and to compare differences in mean scores between the two independent groups independent t test was utilized. Results: The mean value of anchorage loss for maxillary arch in Gr I was 0.68±0.20mm (1.93%) & in Gr II it was 0.73±1.38mm (2.13%) with the p-value of 0.573. For mandibular arch the mean value of anchorage loss in Gr I was 0.28±0.20mm (0.63%) & in Gr II it was 0.33±0.38 mm (0.83%), p-value 0.273. The findings of this research were that from T1 to T2, there was no significant substantial variation in anchorage loss between the two groups. Conclusion: From preretraction to postretraction using sliding mechanics, no statistically significant difference was found in anchorage loss between 0.022 & 0.018 inch self-ligating bracket systems.
Anterior open bite is a challenging malocclusion with multifactorial etiology involving skeletal, dentoalveolar, and functional components such as tongue thrusting. Management in adults is difficult due to the absence of growth potential and concerns regarding long-term stability. This case report describes non-surgical management of a 22-year-old male with a 4 mm anterior open bite, tongue thrusting habit, proclined incisors, and increased lower facial height on a skeletal Class I base using a modifid MEAW (Multiloop Edgewise Archwire) technique. The case is unique due to integration of simplified MEAW mechanics using accentuated/reverse curve NiTi archwires, anterior box elastics, and simultaneous habit interception. Active treatment was completed in 16 months with adjunctive myofunctional therapy, achieving positive overbite, ideal overjet, Class I occlusion, elimination of tongue thrusting, and improved facial esthetics. This case highlights that modified MEAW with anterior box elastics and habit control is an effective, practical, nonsurgical approach for managing dentoalveolar anterior open bite in adults.
Impaction of second molar is a complex problem in orthodontics and its management can be very challenging. Intra-ramal bone screws provide traction forces in a superior and posterior direction, simplifying the mechanics and making uprighting of the mandibular molars highly efficient. This case report describes a 15-year-old male patient with impaction of second and third molars on lower left side of mandible. The second molar was trapped between the first and third molars and was overridden by the third molar. The impacted left mandibular third molar was extracted. At the same time, the crown of the second molar was surgically exposed and an attachment was bonded. The orthodontic traction was used to move and upright the second molar into its proper position by using intra-ramal bone miniscrew. At the end of treatment, the patient achieved an optimal occlusion and improved facial esthetics.
Introduction: Fixed orthodontic treatment is the most favored treatment of choice of young individuals nowadays who are motivated by a desire to improve appearance.1 Fixed orthodontic treatment usually takes around 1½ to 3 years for its completion and during this duration many dietary restrictions and modifications are advised.2 The changes in dietary patterns might result in an increase or decrease in weight. This present study is conducted to assess the amount of weight loss in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: The height and weight of the study population was measured using stadiometer and digital weighing scale respectively. BMI of each individual was calculated. These measurements were taken three times in the duration of the study; first measurement collected pretreatment, second measurement in 1st follow up after starting of fixed orthodontic treatment and the third measurement will be collected in 2nd follow up i.e. after 2 months. The results were tabulated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS). The mean changes between different parameters in three visits were compared. Results: When we compared the pretreatment weight and weight at 1st follow up statistically significant difference was observed. Similarly, the difference in pretreatment weight and weight at 3rd follow up was found statistically significant. The difference in pretreatment BMI and BMI at 2nd follow up was statistically not significant. Similarly the difference in pretreatment BMI and BMI at 3rd follow up was also statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study confirms the reduction in weight seen in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in the first month after initiation of treatment. If the nutritional demand and the intake can be monitored during the treatment, proper health can also be maintained for a long run along with the proper treatment outcome.
Introduction: Different cephalometric parameters are used to assess sagittal skeletal discrepancy including ANB angle, Wits appraisal and Beta angle. This study aimed to determine the Beta angle measurement in the study population and correlate it with the ANB angle, along with a comparison of Wits appraisal and ANB angle for the validity and reliability of the Beta angle. Materials and Methods: A comparative observational study was carried out on 114 participants (45 males and 69 females) aged 10 to 35 years. ANB angle, Wits Appraisal and Beta angle from the lateral cephalogram were used for the assessment of sagittal skeletal discrepancy. Ten percent of the cephalograms were randomly selected, retraced and re-analyzed by the investigator, and two readings were compared for reliability. The mean and standard deviation of the Beta angle were obtained for different skeletal patterns. Pearson’s correlation test and multiple regression analysis (stepwise) were used to measure the significance level. Finally, an independent t-test was used to determine differences between the study population and Caucasian norms. Results: The mean values of the Beta angle for class I was 34.99˚, for class II was 28.84˚, and for class III was 49.66˚. There were significant differences between obtained values for different skeletal patterns (p<0.001). A statistically significant negative correlation is observed for Beta angle to ANB (p<0.001). The Wits appraisal was positively correlated with the ANB angle. No significant difference was observed in the Beta angle between the Caucasian norms and the studied population. No significant differences were observed in the mean values for the Beta angle between males and females. Conclusion: Irrespective of the ethnicity and race of the population group, the Beta angle provides an important tool in the assessment of sagittal skeletal dysplasia.
Introduction: Patterns of initial displacement of a tooth may be influenced by variables like alveolar bone, width of periodontal ligament space, and properties of the periodontium. Alveolar bone loss modifies biomechanical behavior of a tooth under orthodontic forces. Thus it is imperative to know optimal force considerations for patients with altered alveolar bone height. The aim of this study was to locate the centre of resistance and centre of rotation of maxillary central incisor at various stages of alveolar bone loss. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The present study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics UCMS College of Dental Surgery, Bhairahawa. A 3-dimensional model of an upper central incisor was designed using ANSYS software in Pentium III computer. Five models of an upper central incisor with 1 mm to 8 mm of alveolar bone loss were created. The mechanical properties (Poisson’s ratio and Young’s Modulus) of the periodontal ligament, tooth and alveolar bone were considered. A force of 1N was applied to the labial surface of the tooth crown at each phase of the study at 5.5 mm apical to incisal edge (this was presumed to be the location of the bracket). The point of force application was centered mesiodistally. Results: The results revealed that alveolar bone loss resulted in apical shift of the centre of resistance. The centre of resistance was at 9.3 mm from the apex of the tooth, it shifted apically to 8.8 mm, 5.7 mm, 4.9 mm and 4.4 mm with bone loss of 1 mm, 5 mm, 6.5 mm and 8 mm, respectively. A greater amount of displacements of the incisal edge and apex were observed with increased alveolar bone loss for a constant applied force. The Moment/Force ratio required to produce bodily movement increased with alveolar bone loss. Conclusion: Alveolar bone loss led to a change in the centre of resistance as a result of alteration in bone support.
