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Biomedical subjects

A Metaxas

Publications and source records attributed to A Metaxas.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional evaluation of skeletal and dental asymmetries in Class II subdivision malocclusions.

The objective of this study was to determine if any significant differences existed with regard to dental and skeletal asymmetries between subjects with Angle Class II subdivision malocclusions and subjects with normal occlusions. The sample consisted of 30 subjects in each of the 2 groups. Each possessed a full complement of permanent teeth, including first molars. The average age of subjects was 15.76 years in the Class II subdivision group and 22.42 years in the normal occlusion group. Measurements were obtained with the use of submentovertex, posteroanterior, and corrected oblique cephalometric radiographs. In the submentovertex radiographs, symmetry was assessed by measuring the relative differences in the spatial positions of dental and skeletal landmarks between the right and the left sides in both anteroposterior and transverse dimensions. Coordinate systems were used to represent the mandible, cranial floor, and the maxilla. In the posteroanterior radiographs, symmetry was assessed similarly by measuring the relative differences in the spatial positions of dental and skeletal landmarks between the right and the left sides. In the corrected oblique radiographs, symmetry was assessed by measuring the differences in size of dental and skeletal structures between the right and the left sides. Variables were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results demonstrated that the primary contributor to the differences between the 2 groups was the distal positioning of the mandibular first molars on the Class II side in patients whose mandibles showed no unusual skeletal or positional asymmetries. A secondary contributor was the mesial positioning of the maxillary first molars on the Class II side. Furthermore, the posteroanterior radiographic analysis showed that the more frequent distal positioning of the mandibular molars on the Class II side, compared with the mesial positioning of the maxillary molars on that side resulted in mandibular dental midline deviation to the Class II side more frequently than the maxillary dental midline to the opposite side.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Variation in maxillary and mandibular molar and incisor vertical dimension in 12-year-old subjects with excess, normal, and short lower anterior face height.

Maxillary and mandibular molar and incisor vertical dimensions were evaluated in subjects who had excessive, normal, and short lower anterior face height in relation to upper face height. Sexual dimorphism was also investigated. The dentoalveolar heights were compared between Class I and Class II, dental and skeletal malocclusions. The sample was drawn from the Burlington Growth Centre sample and consisted of 188 male and 156 female subjects at age 12 years, for whom lateral head films were available. This sample was classified into excessive, normal, and short lower anterior face height, using the ratio upper anterior face height/lower anterior face height (UAFH/LAFH). The results showed that the dentoalveolar heights are significantly different between faces with excessive, normal, and short lower anterior face heights, except for the lower posterior dental height, which showed no difference between short and normal lower anterior face height subjects. All dentoalveolar heights are larger for male subjects except for the upper posterior dental height. Dentoalveolar heights are similar between Class I and Class II dental and skeletal malocclusions. The upper teeth present a higher correlation to the UAFH/LAFH ratio than the lower teeth. Stepwise regression analysis shows that 22% of the variation in the ratio is explained by the maxillary and mandibular molars and 41% is explained by the maxillary and mandibular incisors.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1994

A report of orthodontic undergraduate education in two dental schools: Toronto, Canada and Liverpool, England.

The undergraduate orthodontic courses at Toronto and Liverpool are compared. Each course comprises more than 250 hours of teaching and within that, more than 100 hours involve clinical tuition. Both courses contain laboratory modules for the teaching of removable and fixed appliance technique. Undergraduates treat their own patients with both simple and complex appliances, within their clinical training period which extends over at least 2 years. Liverpool undergraduates treat more patients per student than their counterparts in Toronto (P < 0.05). During the third year of study, the clinical experience of the Liverpool students (P < 0.001) is made up of a greater proportion of patients treated with removable appliances. In both centres, senior students treat patients with a greater preponderance of fixed appliance techniques and two-arch treatments.

Canada↗
PubMed1990

Effect of functional appliances on jaw muscle activity.

The electromyographic (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles was monitored longitudinally with chronically implanted EMG electrodes to determine whether functional appliances produce a change in postural EMG activity of the muscles. Preappliance and postappliance EMG levels in four experimentals that had been fitted with functional appliances were compared against the background of EMG levels in controls without appliances. The insertion of two types of functional appliance to induce mandibular protrusion was associated with a decrease in postural EMG activity of the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid, superficial masseter, and anterior digastric muscles; the decrease in the first three muscles was statistically significant. This decreased postural EMG activity persisted for approximately 6 weeks, with a gradual return toward preappliance levels during a subsequent 6-week period of observation. Progressive mandibular advancement of 1.5 to 2 mm every 10 to 15 days did not prevent the decrease in postural EMG activity.

Activator Appliances↗
PubMed1987

The influence of functional appliance therapy on glenoid fossa remodeling.

This study investigates the remodeling changes in the condyle and glenoid fossa following a period of progressively activated and continuously maintained mandibular advancement using the Herbst appliance. Progressive mandibular advancement was achieved by adding stops to the telescopic arms of the appliance, with the total activation reaching 7.0 to 10.0 mm, dependent upon the length of the treatment phase. This mandibular advancement produced extensive remodeling and anterior relocation of the glenoid fossa, which contributed to anterior mandibular positioning and altered jaw relationships.

Activator Appliances↗
PubMed1983

Primate experiments in malocclusion and bone induction.

It has been recognized for many years that muscle function influences bone formation and morphology. It is hypothesized here that the movement of bone into new positions within a muscle system results in rearrangement of the stress distribution and reorganization of shape and internal structure. To test the above hypothesis, clinical and animal experiments involving the use of posterior occlusal bite blocks, Herbst appliances, and temporal and masseter muscle stimulation were undertaken. Chronic or continuous alteration in mandibular position within the neuromuscular environment with the posterior occlusal bite block and the Herbst appliance in a sample of monkeys produced extensive condylar remodeling and change in mandibular size. Short periods of induced hyperactivity in the masseter and temporal muscles were associated with the production of malocclusion symptoms. Excess induced temporal muscle activity of specific frequency and intensity may interfere with the remodeling of bone grafts placed under the temporal muscle, while a lesser level of activity was associated with bone remodeling.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Use of a facemask to protect the intra-oral area in cynomolgus monkeys.

A custom fiberglass facemask was designed for cynomolgus monkeys to protect an orthodontic appliance. The mask was constructed from impressions and models made of the animal's head. It prevented the fingers from entering the mouth to dislodge the intra-oral appliances. The facemask permitted normal physical activity, eating, and drinking.

Animals↗