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Orthodontics

Nail Biting Habits

Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is one of the most common habits observed in children and can persist into adulthood. It is often associated with internal tension, anxiety, or stress. Understanding the etiology, clinical features, and management strategies for nail biting is essential for addressing this habit effectively.

Etiology

  1. Emotional Problems:

    • Persistent nail biting may indicate underlying emotional issues, such as anxiety, stress, or tension. It can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with these feelings.
  2. Psychosomatic Factors:

    • Nail biting can be a psychosomatic response to stress or emotional discomfort, manifesting physically as a way to relieve tension.
  3. Successor of Thumb Sucking:

    • For some children, nail biting may develop as a successor to thumb sucking, particularly as they transition from one habit to another.

Clinical Features

  • Dental Effects:

    • Crowding: Nail biting can contribute to dental crowding, particularly if the habit leads to changes in the position of the teeth.
    • Rotation: Teeth may become rotated or misaligned due to the pressure exerted during nail biting.
    • Alteration of Incisal Edges: The incisal edges of the anterior teeth may become worn down or altered due to repeated contact with the nails.
  • Soft Tissue Changes:

    • Inflammation of Nail Bed: Chronic nail biting can lead to inflammation and infection of the nail bed, resulting in redness, swelling, and discomfort.

Management

  1. Awareness:

    • The first step in management is to make the patient aware of their nail biting habit. Understanding the habit's impact on their health and appearance can motivate change.
  2. Addressing Emotional Factors:

    • It is important to identify and treat any underlying emotional issues contributing to the habit. This may involve counseling or therapy to help the individual cope with stress and anxiety.
  3. Encouraging Outdoor Activities:

    • Engaging in outdoor activities and physical exercise can help reduce tension and provide a positive outlet for stress, potentially decreasing the urge to bite nails.
  4. Behavioral Modifications:

    • Nail Polish: Applying a bitter-tasting nail polish can deter nail biting by making the nails unpalatable.
    • Light Cotton Mittens: Wearing mittens or gloves can serve as a physical reminder to avoid nail biting and can help break the habit.
  5. Positive Reinforcement:

    • Encouraging and rewarding the individual for not biting their nails can help reinforce positive behavior and motivate them to stop.

Tweed's Analysis

Tweed's analysis is a comprehensive cephalometric method developed by Dr. Charles Tweed in the mid-20th century. It is primarily used in orthodontics to evaluate the relationships between the skeletal and dental structures of the face, particularly focusing on the position of the teeth and the skeletal bases. Tweed's analysis is instrumental in diagnosing malocclusions and planning orthodontic treatment.

Key Features of Tweed's Analysis

  1. Reference Planes and Points:

    • Sella (S): The midpoint of the sella turcica, a bony structure in the skull.
    • Nasion (N): The junction of the frontal and nasal bones.
    • A Point (A): The deepest point on the maxillary arch between the anterior nasal spine and the maxillary alveolar process.
    • B Point (B): The deepest point on the mandibular arch between the anterior nasal spine and the mandibular alveolar process.
    • Menton (Me): The lowest point on the symphysis of the mandible.
    • Gnathion (Gn): The midpoint between Menton and Pogonion (the most anterior point on the chin).
    • Pogonion (Pog): The most anterior point on the contour of the chin.
    • Go (Gonion): The midpoint of the contour of the ramus and the body of the mandible.
  2. Reference Lines:

    • SN Plane: A line drawn from Sella to Nasion, representing the cranial base.
    • Mandibular Plane (MP): A line connecting Gonion (Go) to Menton (Me), which represents the position of the mandible.
    • Facial Plane (FP): A line drawn from Gonion (Go) to Menton (Me), used to assess the facial profile.
  3. Key Measurements:

    • ANB Angle: The angle formed between the lines connecting A Point to Nasion and B Point to Nasion. It indicates the relationship between the maxilla and mandible.
      • Normal Range: Typically between 2° and 4°.
    • SN-MP Angle: The angle between the SN plane and the mandibular plane (MP), which helps assess the vertical position of the mandible.
      • Normal Range: Usually between 32° and 38°.
    • Wits Appraisal: The distance between the perpendiculars dropped from points A and B to the occlusal plane. It provides insight into the anteroposterior relationship of the dental bases.
    • Interincisal Angle: The angle formed between the long axes of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, which helps assess the inclination of the incisors.
  4. Tweed's Philosophy:

    • Tweed emphasized the importance of achieving a functional occlusion and a harmonious facial profile. He believed that orthodontic treatment should focus on the relationship between the dental and skeletal structures to achieve optimal results.

Clinical Relevance

  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Tweed's analysis helps orthodontists diagnose skeletal discrepancies and plan appropriate treatment strategies. It provides a clear understanding of the patient's craniofacial relationships, which is essential for effective orthodontic intervention.
  • Monitoring Treatment Progress: By comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalometric measurements, orthodontists can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.
  • Predicting Treatment Outcomes: The analysis aids in predicting the outcomes of orthodontic treatment by assessing the initial skeletal and dental relationships.

BONES OF THE SKULL  

A) Bones of the cranial base: 

    A)  Fontal  (1) 
    B)  Ethmoid  (1)      
    C)  Sphenoid (1)  
    D)  Occipital  (1)
    
B) Bones of the cranial vault: 
 
   
   1. Parietal (2)          
       2. Temporal (2) 
       
C) Bones of the face:
  
      
 Maxilla (2) 
        Mandible (1) 
        Nasal bone (2) 
        Lacrimal bone (2) 
        Zygomatic bone (2) 
        Palatine bone(2) 
        Infra nasal concha (2)  

FUSION BETWEEN BONES 

1. Syndesmosis: Membranous or ligamentus eg. Sutural point. 
2. Synostosis: Bony union eg. symphysis menti. 
3. Synchondrosis: Cartilaginous eg. sphenoccipital, spheno-ethmoidal. 

GROWTH OF THE SKULL: 
       
  A)     Cranium: 1. Base   2. Vault   
          B)     Face:  1. Upper face 2.Lower face  

CRANIAL BASE: 

Cranial base grows at different cartilaginous suture. The cranial base may be divided into 3 areas.  

1. The posterior part which extends from the occiput to the salatercica. The most important growth site spheno-occipital synchondrosis is situated here. It is active throughout the growing period and does not close until early adult life.  

2. The middle portion extends from sella to foramen cecum and the sutural growth spheno-ethmoidal synchondrosis is situated here. The exact time of closing is not known but probably at the age of 7 years. 

3. The anterior part is from foramen cecum and grows by surface deposition of bone in the frontal region and simultaneous development of frontal sinus. 

CRANIAL VAULT:  

The cranial vault grows as the brain grows. It is accelerated at infant. The growth is complete by 90% by the end of 5th year. At birth the sutures are wide sufficiently and become approximated during the 1st 2 years of life. 

The development and extension of frontal sinus takes place particularly at the age of puberty and there is deposition of bone on the surfaces of cranial bone. 
 

Wayne A. Bolton Analysis

 Wayne A. Bolton's analysis, which is a critical tool in orthodontics for assessing the relationship between the sizes of maxillary and mandibular teeth. This analysis aids in making informed decisions regarding tooth extractions and achieving optimal dental alignment.

Key Concepts

Importance of Bolton's Analysis

  • Tooth Material Ratio: Bolton emphasized that the extraction of one or more teeth should be based on the ratio of tooth material between the maxillary and mandibular arches.
  • Goals: The primary objectives of this analysis are to achieve ideal interdigitation, overjet, overbite, and overall alignment of teeth, thereby attaining an optimum interarch relationship.
  • Disproportion Assessment: Bolton's analysis helps identify any disproportion between the sizes of maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Procedure for Analysis

To conduct Bolton's analysis, the following steps are taken:

  1. Measure Mesiodistal Diameters:

    • Calculate the sum of the mesiodistal diameters of the 12 maxillary teeth.
    • Calculate the sum of the mesiodistal diameters of the 12 mandibular teeth.
    • Similarly, calculate the sum for the 6 maxillary anterior teeth and the 6 mandibular anterior teeth.
  2. Overall Ratio Calculation: [ \text{Overall Ratio} = \left( \frac{\text{Sum of mesiodistal width of mandibular 12 teeth}}{\text{Sum of mesiodistal width of maxillary 12 teeth}} \right) \times 100 ]

    • Mean Value: 91.3%
  3. Anterior Ratio Calculation: [ \text{Anterior Ratio} = \left( \frac{\text{Sum of mesiodistal width of mandibular 6 teeth}}{\text{Sum of mesiodistal width of maxillary 6 teeth}} \right) \times 100 ]

    • Mean Value: 77.2%

Inferences from the Analysis

The results of Bolton's analysis can lead to several important inferences regarding treatment options:

  1. Excessive Mandibular Tooth Material:

    • If the ratio is greater than the mean value, it indicates that the mandibular tooth material is excessive.
  2. Excessive Maxillary Tooth Material:

    • If the ratio is less than the mean value, it suggests that the maxillary tooth material is excessive.
  3. Treatment Recommendations:

    • Proximal Stripping: If the upper anterior tooth material is in excess, Bolton recommends performing proximal stripping on the upper arch.
    • Extraction of Lower Incisors: If necessary, extraction of lower incisors may be indicated to reduce tooth material in the lower arch.

Drawbacks of Bolton's Analysis

While Bolton's analysis is a valuable tool, it does have some limitations:

  1. Population Specificity: The study was conducted on a specific population, and the ratios obtained may not be applicable to other population groups. This raises concerns about the generalizability of the findings.

  2. Sexual Dimorphism: The analysis does not account for sexual dimorphism in the width of maxillary canines, which can lead to inaccuracies in certain cases.

Camouflage in orthodontics refers to the strategic use of orthodontic treatment to mask or disguise underlying skeletal discrepancies, particularly in cases where surgical intervention may not be feasible or desired by the patient. This approach aims to improve dental alignment and occlusion while minimizing the appearance of skeletal issues, such as Class II or Class III malocclusions.

Key Concepts of Camouflage in Orthodontics

  1. Objective:

    • The primary goal of camouflage is to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile and functional occlusion without addressing the underlying skeletal relationship directly. This is particularly useful for patients who may not want to undergo orthognathic surgery.
  2. Indications:

    • Camouflage is often indicated for:
      • Class II Malocclusion: Where the lower jaw is positioned further back than the upper jaw.
      • Class III Malocclusion: Where the lower jaw is positioned further forward than the upper jaw.
      • Mild to Moderate Skeletal Discrepancies: Cases where the skeletal relationship is not severe enough to warrant surgical correction.
  3. Mechanisms:

    • Tooth Movement: Camouflage typically involves moving the teeth into positions that improve the occlusion and facial aesthetics. This may include:
      • Proclination of Upper Incisors: In Class II cases, the upper incisors may be tilted forward to improve the appearance of the bite.
      • Retroclination of Lower Incisors: In Class III cases, the lower incisors may be tilted backward to help achieve a better occlusal relationship.
    • Use of Elastics: Orthodontic elastics can be employed to help correct the bite and improve the overall alignment of the teeth.
  4. Treatment Planning:

    • A thorough assessment of the patient's dental and skeletal relationships is essential. This includes:
      • Cephalometric Analysis: To evaluate the skeletal relationships and determine the extent of camouflage needed.
      • Clinical Examination: To assess the dental alignment, occlusion, and any functional issues.
      • Patient Preferences: Understanding the patient's goals and preferences regarding treatment options.

Advantages of Camouflage

  1. Non-Surgical Option: Camouflage provides a way to improve dental alignment and aesthetics without the need for surgical intervention, making it appealing to many patients.
  2. Shorter Treatment Time: In some cases, camouflage can lead to shorter treatment times compared to surgical options.
  3. Improved Aesthetics: By enhancing the appearance of the smile and occlusion, camouflage can significantly boost a patient's confidence and satisfaction.

Limitations of Camouflage

  1. Not a Permanent Solution: While camouflage can improve aesthetics and function, it does not address the underlying skeletal discrepancies, which may lead to long-term issues.
  2. Potential for Relapse: Without proper retention, there is a risk that the teeth may shift back to their original positions after treatment.
  3. Functional Complications: In some cases, camouflage may not fully resolve functional issues related to the bite, leading to potential discomfort or wear on the teeth.

Relapse

Definition: Relapse refers to the tendency of teeth to return to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This can occur due to various factors, including the natural elasticity of the periodontal ligament, muscle forces, and the influence of oral habits.

Causes of Relapse

  1. Elasticity of the Periodontal Ligament: After orthodontic treatment, the periodontal ligament may still have a tendency to revert to its original state, leading to tooth movement.
  2. Muscle Forces: The forces exerted by the lips, cheeks, and tongue can influence tooth positions, especially if these forces are not balanced.
  3. Growth and Development: In growing patients, changes in jaw size and shape can lead to shifts in tooth positions.
  4. Non-Compliance with Retainers: Failure to wear retainers as prescribed can significantly increase the risk of relapse.

Prevention of Relapse

  • Consistent Retainer Use: Adhering to the retainer regimen as prescribed by the orthodontist is crucial for maintaining tooth positions.
  • Regular Follow-Up Visits: Periodic check-ups with the orthodontist can help monitor tooth positions and address any concerns early.
  • Patient Education: Educating patients about the importance of retention and the potential for relapse can improve compliance with retainer wear.

Forces Required for Tooth Movements

  1. Tipping:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Tipping involves the movement of a tooth around its center of resistance, resulting in a change in the angulation of the tooth.
  2. Bodily Movement:

    • Force Required: 100-150 grams
    • Description: Bodily movement refers to the translation of a tooth in its entirety, moving it in a straight line without tipping.
  3. Intrusion:

    • Force Required: 15-25 grams
    • Description: Intrusion is the movement of a tooth into the alveolar bone, effectively reducing its height in the dental arch.
  4. Extrusion:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Extrusion involves the movement of a tooth out of the alveolar bone, increasing its height in the dental arch.
  5. Torquing:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Torquing refers to the rotational movement of a tooth around its long axis, affecting the angulation of the tooth in the buccolingual direction.
  6. Uprighting:

    • Force Required: 75-125 grams
    • Description: Uprighting is the movement of a tilted tooth back to its proper vertical position.
  7. Rotation:

    • Force Required: 50-75 grams
    • Description: Rotation involves the movement of a tooth around its long axis, changing its orientation within the dental arch.
  8. Headgear:

    • Force Required: 350-450 grams on each side
    • Duration: Minimum of 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: Headgear is used to control the growth of the maxilla and to correct dental relationships.
  9. Face Mask:

    • Force Required: 1 pound (450 grams) per side
    • Duration: 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: A face mask is used to encourage forward growth of the maxilla in cases of Class III malocclusion.
  10. Chin Cup:

    • Initial Force Required: 150-300 grams per side
    • Subsequent Force Required: 450-700 grams per side (after two months)
    • Duration: 12-14 hours per day
    • Description: A chin cup is used to control the growth of the mandible and improve facial aesthetics.

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