Biomedical subjects

G F Currier

Publications and source records attributed to G F Currier.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Fracture strength of ceramic brackets during arch wire torsion.

This study evaluated the fracture strengths of eight new vintage ceramic brackets with application of torsional forces. Palatal root torque was applied at the distal side of right maxillary central incisor brackets with 0.022-inch slots by means of a 0.0215 x 0.027-inch rounded edge stainless steel arch wire. A specially designed apparatus that attached to an Instron machine was used to test the ceramic brackets. The amount of torque, degrees of torsion at failure, and fracture locations were measured. The monocrystalline bracket did not break when the torquing test was applied; the portion of the wire outside the slot of the bracket twisted on itself. The mean torquing forces at failure ranged from 5755.2 gm-mm to 9316.5 gm-mm and could be separated into three statistically different groups. The mean torsional rotation at fracture ranged from 32.7 degrees to 68.1 degrees for the polycrystalline brackets. The results suggested that all the brackets studied were sufficiently strong to withstand the commonly accepted magnitudes of arch wire torquing forces. The present investigation showed higher angulation values for all the brackets than those reported by Holt who used the same apparatus with older style brackets.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Ceramic bracket design: an analysis using the finite element method.

This investigation was designed to generate finite element models for selected ceramic brackets and graphically display the stress distribution in the brackets when subjected to arch wire torsion and tipping forces. Six commercially available ceramic brackets, one monocrystalline and five polycrystalline alumina, of twin bracket design for the permanent maxillary left central incisor were studied. Three-dimensional computer models of the brackets were constructed and loading forces, similar to those applied by a full-size (0.0215 x 0.028 inch) stainless steel arch wire in torsion and tipping necessary to fracture ceramic brackets, were applied to the models. Stress levels were recorded at relevant points common among the various brackets. High stress levels were observed at areas of abrupt change in geometry and shape. The design of the wire slot and wings for the Contour bracket (Class One Orthodontic Products, Lubbock, Texas) and of the outer edges of the wire slot for the Allure bracket (GAC, Central Islip, N.Y.) were found to be good in terms of even stress distribution. The brackets with an isthmus connecting the wings seemed to resist stresses better than the one bracket that did not have this feature. The design of the isthmus for the Transcend (Unitek/3M, Monrovia, Calif.) and Lumina (Ormco, Glendora, Calif.) brackets were found to be acceptable as well. The Starfire bracket ("A" Company, San Diego, Calif.) showed high stresses and irregular stress distribution, because it had sharp angles, no rounded corners, and no isthmus. The finite element method proved to be a useful tool in the stress analysis of ceramic orthodontic brackets subjected to various forces.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum Oxide↗

PubMed1995

The effects of exogenous prostaglandins on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

The long-term effects of varying concentrations and frequencies of injectable, exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the rate of tooth movement and the amount of root resorption were evaluated. There were 132 male Sprague-Dawley rats 8 weeks old that initially weighed 225 to 250 gm. Five animals were in a pilot study, while seven were baseline controls and eight were appliance controls. The remaining 112 animals were divided into two experimental time periods of 2 and 4 weeks. Then, each experimental time period was divided into four subgroups of 14 animals based on concentration levels of PGE2 injections, i.e., 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 micrograms. Half of these animals in the dosage subgroup received a single injection at appliance placement and the other half received weekly injections. A fixed orthodontic appliance consisting of closed-coil nickel-titanium springs were ligated between the maxillary incisors and maxillary first molars. The initial activating force was 60 gm. The results showed that injections of exogenous PGE2 over an extended period of time in rats did enhance the amount of orthodontic tooth movement. However, there was no statistically significant difference in tooth movement between the single and multiple injection groups or among the four concentration levels of PGE2 used in either the 2- or 4-week time periods. The amount of root resorption as seen from scanning electron micrographs did increase with the use of prostaglandin injections, specifically with increased numbers of injections and with increased concentrations of PGE2.

Anesthetics, Local↗

PubMed1995

Skeletal and dental changes associated with the treatment of deep bite malocclusion.

A retrospective study of 132 treated orthodontic cases presenting at least 70% overbite was conducted using dental casts and lateral cephalometric radiographs from before and after treatment. These were 61 Class I, 27 Class II, Division 1, and 44 Class II, Division 2 malocclusion patients. Six different treatment modalities for the correction of the deep bite were compared. On the basis of the analysis of cephalometric measurements, no statistically significant differences were observed between the various treatment mechanics in the correction of the deep bite. Only in the Class II, Division 2 sample, total anterior face height increased significantly (p < 0.01) with all treatment modalities. The data were then grouped according to Angle classification regardless of the type of mechanics used. Within each Angle class, the changes from before to after treatment were statistically significant for almost all of the cephalometric measurements. These significant changes were due to both anticipated growth and orthodontic treatment. The treatment of overbite primarily affected the proclination of incisors and the extrusion of molars. Within each Angle classification, the patients were also separated according to whether the permanent teeth had been extracted. The nonextraction group was compared with the extraction group for the changes in each cephalometric measurement. It was found that the extraction of teeth did have a significant effect on the changes observed with treatment in all the Angle classes but was more pronounced in the Class I sample. The proclination of incisors was less and the mesial movement of molars was more in patients who were treated with the extraction of premolar teeth than those who were treated with the nonextraction procedures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Lateral cephalometric analysis of skeletal patterns in patients with and without internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

Twenty-three female volunteers with normal temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were compared with 24 female patients with documented TMJ internal derangements. Magnetic resonance imaging and lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to investigate the relationship between TMJ disk displacement and skeletal facial form. Results indicated that the patients with internal derangements have significantly smaller mandibles and maxillae. However, these sagittal measurements of jaw length were not associated with disproportionate changes in other cephalometric variables. In general, no district relationship was found between the morphologic features of the face and the internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Relative kinetic frictional forces between sintered stainless steel brackets and orthodontic wires.

The level of kinetic frictional forces generated during in vitro translation at the bracket-wire interface were measured for two sintered stainless steel brackets as a function of two slot sizes, four wire alloys, and five to eight wire sizes. The two types of sintered stainless steel brackets were tested in both 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch slots. Wires of four different alloy types, stainless steel (SS), cobalt chromium (Co-Cr), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), and beta-titanium (beta-Ti), were tested. There were five wire sizes for the 0.018-inch slot and eight wire sizes for the 0.022-inch slot. The wires were ligated into the brackets with elastomeric ligatures. Bracket movement along the wire was implemented by means of a mechanical testing instrument, and time dependent frictional forces were measured by a load cell and plotted on an X-Y recorder. For most wire sizes, lower frictional forces were generated with the SS of Co-Cr wires than with the beta-Ti or Ni-Ti wires. Increase in wire size generally resulted in increased bracket-wire friction. There were no significant differences between manufacturer for the sintered stainless steel brackets. The levels of frictional force in 0.018-inch brackets ranged from a low of 46 gm with 0.016-inch Co-Cr wire to a high of 157 gm with 0.016 x 0.025-inch beta-Ti wire. In comparing the data from a previous study by Kapila et al. 1990 performed at OUHSC with the same apparatus, the friction of sintered stainless steel brackets was approximately 40% to 45% less than the friction of the conventional stainless steel brackets.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1994

Longitudinal changes in the adult facial profile.

Longitudinal growth changes in the adult craniofacial complex were studied for 24 white male and 23 white female subjects between the ages of 18 and 42 years who had Class I or end-to-end molar relationships and no excessive protrusions or retrusions. The male profile straightened with age, and both lips became more retrusive. The males increased in all nose dimensions and in soft tissue thickness at pogonion, but decreased in upper lip thickness at labrale superius with a slight decrease in lower lip thickness at labrale inferius. The female profile did not become straighter with age, and the lips did not become more retrusive as with males. The females also increased in nose dimensions but decreased in soft tissue thickness at pogonion, decreased in upper lip thickness at labrale superius, and slightly increased in lower lip thickness at labrale inferius. For males most changes in hard tissue measurements had been accomplished by age 25 years, whereas soft tissue changes in the nose, lips, and chin occurred as much after age 25 years as from age 18 to 25 years. For females, both hard and soft tissue measurements had more changes after age 25 years than before. Those males who had high relative sagittal mandibular growth also experienced larger sagittal maxillary growth, and those who showed greater skeletal growth also had more soft tissue growth at the nose. The females also had good correlation between sagittal growth in the mandible and the maxilla. Later maturing males had greater adult craniofacial skeletal growth in several dimensions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Assessment of symphysis morphology as a predictor of the direction of mandibular growth.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether symphysis morphology could be used as a predictor of the direction of mandibular growth and to assess growth changes of the symphysis. Cross-sectional data included lateral cephalometric radiographs of 115 adults (58 women, 57 men) with the longitudinal sample a subset of 62 subjects (30 females, 32 males) at four age groups. The direction of mandibular growth was evaluated with seven cephalometric measurements that included Y-axis, SN to mandibular plane, palatal plane to mandibular plane, gonial angle, sum of saddle, articulare and gonial angles, percentage lower facial height, and posterior/anterior face height. The mandibular symphyseal dimensions studied were height, depth, ratio (height/depth), and angle. Symphysis morphology was found to be associated with the direction of mandibular growth, especially in male subjects with symphysis ratio having the strongest relationship. A mandible with an anterior growth direction was associated with a small height, large depth, small ratio, and large angle of the symphysis. Conversely, a posterior growth direction was associated with a large height, small depth, large ratio, and small angle of the symphysis. Symphysis dimensions continued to change until adulthood with male subjects having a greater and later occurring change compared with female subjects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Elastic energy/stiffness ratios for selected orthodontic wires.

This investigation determined the ratio of the energy available for orthodontic tooth movement to the stiffness and flexibility of a given wire. Twenty-five specimens each of five brands of orthodontic wire were tested in tension in the as-received condition. Force versus elongation diagrams were obtained and then converted into stress-strain data. Mean values were determined for the yield strength and yield strain for each brand of wire. The modulus of elasticity (E), modulus of resilience (R), and elastic compliance (C) were then calculated. Two ratios were established by using the three mechanical properties: (1) the modulus of resilience/modulus of elasticity (R/E) ratio and (2) the modulus of resilience/elastic compliance (R/C) ratio. The results confirmed that the use of these two ratios in combination permitted one to differentiate among the various types of orthodontic wires, with respect to stored energy and its relationship to the stiffness or flexibility of the wire.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1994

A cephalometric evaluation of nonextraction cervical headgear treatment in Class II malocclusions.

The effects of orthodontic treatment with the use of the cervical pull facebow headgear in patients with Class II malocclusions were evaluated with special reference to the dentition, the maxillary complex, the mandible, and the facial profile. The records of 85 patients, with a mean age of 11.3 +/- 1.7 years, were selected from a sample of 125 patient records requested from the office of John S. Kloehn in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dr. Kloehn has used traditional cervical pull facebow therapy in his practice. Over 100 linear and angular cephalometric measurements were made from the pretreatment and posttreatment records. These measurements were used to evaluate growth and/or treatment changes. The treatment sample was divided by size of the pretreatment FMA, sex, and the age range in which treatment was started, i.e., prepubertal, circumpubertal, and postpubertal. Overall, the results showed that the changes were very close to what would occur as a result of normal growth in Class I individuals. The maxillary permanent first molars continued to progress forward, the maxilla continued to grow forward, and the cranial base showed very little change, if any. The mandibular plane angle did not increase appreciably with treatment, regardless of the size of the pretreatment mandibular plane angle. Very few significant differences were found between sexes, pretreatment age groups, or between groups based on pretreatment Frankfort mandibular plane angle.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

A longitudinal cephalometric study of transverse and vertical craniofacial growth.

Longitudinal growth changes were studied from posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of 25 male subjects from 4 to 25 years of age and 25 female subjects from 4 to 20 years of age who had Class I skeletal and dental patterns. Growth for males continued past age 18 years for all skeletal measurements, except for maxillary width. Growth for females was completed by 17 years for all skeletal measurements. At 6 years of age the transverse measurements had a greater percentage of the adult size completed than vertical measurements for both males and females. Gender differences at age 6 years were in the mean widths for the cranium, face, and maxilla. At age 12 years the differences were in cranial width, maxillary width, and maxillary and mandibular intermolar width (6-6). There were gender differences at age 18 years for all the variables, except for nasal width and mandibular intermolar width (6-6). Regression lines provided strong-to-moderate predictive equations to determine the size of most of the measurements at age 18 years, if the value at age 6 years is known.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Perceptions of a balanced facial profile.

This research deals with the assessment of the role of the nose, lips, and chin in achieving a balanced facial profile. A survey instrument of constructed androgynous facial silhouettes was evaluated by 545 professionals. The silhouettes had varied nose, lips, and chin relationships, as well as changes in facial angle and angle of convexity. The varied facial profiles were graded on the basis of most preferred to least preferred. The data was computed, and it was found that in males, a straighter profile was preferred in comparison with a slightly convex profile for the females. Among the various unfavorable combinations, the worst ones were either with an extremely recessive chin or those with excessively convex faces. More lip protrusion was found acceptable for both male and female faces when either a large nose or a large chin was present. It is suggested that orthodontic treatment goals should be attuned to the achievement of balanced and harmonious facial features rather than rigid adherence to standard average dental and skeletal parameters. Treatment of adolescent children should also take into account the changes in the thickness of the soft tissue integument at the nose, lips, and chin.

Beauty↗

PubMed1992

An evaluation of the nasolabial angle and the relative inclinations of the nose and upper lip.

The purpose of this study was to develop a consistent and reproducible method of constructing a nasolabial angle that would also permit an evaluation of the relative inclination of the lower border of the nose and the upper lip, as well as their relationship to each other. Comparison of repeated individual measurements of soft tissue profile landmarks on 15 subjects, as completed by four orthodontists, revealed that the proposed method of constructing the nasolabial angle was consistent and reproducible by the same orthodontist and among different orthodontists. Normative data for the three nasolabial parameters were produced from a sample of 104 young white adults determined by the authors to have well-balanced faces. Mean and standard deviation values from this pooled sample demonstrated a lower border of the nose to Frankfort horizontal plane angle at 18 degrees +/- 7 degrees, upper lip to Frankfort horizontal plane angle 98 degrees +/- 5 degrees, and nasolabial angle 114 degrees +/- 10 degrees. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the values for men and women in this study, but the women did have a slightly larger nasolabial angle. A linear comparison of the three nasolabial parameters with six skeletal measurements revealed no significant relationship between the soft tissue profile of the nasolabial region and the underlying skeletal relationships.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Fracture strengths of ceramic brackets subjected to mesial-distal archwire tipping forces.

This study tested the strength of ceramic orthodontic brackets subjected to mesial-distal tipping forces on five types of preadjusted, maxillary right central incisor ceramic twin brackets for both 0.018" and 0.022" slot sizes. Description of each bracket was by manufacturer's abbreviation-crystallinity-slot bracket, eg., AL-P-18, meaning Allure-polycrystalline-0.018" slot bracket. Thirty brackets of each type were used for a total of 300 brackets, each bonded to a porcelain denture tooth. A special apparatus was designed to hold the denture tooth, the wire, and the bracket in a standard position while an Instron machine applied a tipping force to the full size rectangular archwire at a distance of 7.0 mm lateral to the center of the bracket. The tipping force was applied until the bracket fractured. The fracture force, fracture angle, and fracture location were recorded. High fracture force values tended to accompany large fracture angles while low fracture force values tended to be associated with small fracture angles. The clinical significance was that the stronger ceramic brackets can be expected to withstand larger amounts of archwire tipping adjustments prior to bracket fracture. With the literature indicating the optimum force for tipping of maxillary incisors to be from 50 to 125 g, all the brackets are sufficiently strong to consistently withstand the suggested magnitude of archwire tipping forces. However, if excessive tipping forces were required by the clinician, ceramic brackets would be prone to fracture.

Ceramics↗

PubMed1991

Mandibular arch perimeter changes with lip bumper treatment.

The effects of lip bumper treatment on the mandibular arch were observed in 32 patients with late transitional and early permanent dentitions. Dental cast measurements were made for arch perimeter, arch length, and arch width. Cephalometric radiographs were used to determine labial tipping of the incisors and distal movement of the molars. Arch circumference increased in all patients, ranging from 0.7 mm to 8.8 mm, with an average of 4.1 mm. The mean increase in arch length was 1.2 mm and was largely attributed to anterior tipping of the mandibular incisors. Change in arch length was the most predictive variable for the increase in arch circumference. Passive changes in arch width were recorded, with a mean increase of 2.0 mm in the intercanine distance and 2.5 mm in the first premolar distance. Arch width increments contributed to the increase in arch circumference, but the increases in arch width were not found to be predictive of the change in arch circumference. Changes in either arch circumference or arch length were not related to the duration of treatment, age and sex of the patient, or the eruption status of the permanent second molars.

Activator Appliances↗

PubMed1991

Nonsurgical and interactive orthodontics.

Cephalometric radiographic evaluation needs to be supplemented with soft tissue analyses that assist in the proper mechanics. Radiographs remain prescriptive to alter therapy. Patient cooperation is directly related to understanding and applying learning principles that are essential for quality orthodontic care. Prescriptions and new wires continue to make treatment more efficient and exacting. The anomalies of the teeth profoundly affect tooth placement in the occlusion. The transverse plane is the first and most important plane of occlusion that needs early intervention. This plane is directly related to correction of the sagittal through vertical development. The scope of airway and function needs to supplement specific modalities of therapy. Functional appliances usually have significant dentoalveolar effects within the growth process. Individual variation remains the hallmark of human growth and development, with or without therapeutic intervention.

Child↗

PubMed1991

Pediatric orthodontics: where have we been? Where are we going?

Pediatric treatment planning is difficult for those doctors who observe their patients throughout the long period of childhood. Which changes are normal? Which will self-correct? How long should the therapy be? Which is the best, current modality of treatment? An understanding of cyclic patterns, a dentofacial orientation on an individual basis, problem-oriented treatment plans, and certain reasonably based protocols make this journey through the time of childhood and the current age of dentistry rather rewarding.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

An in vitro evaluation of bond strength of three glass ionomer cements.

The purpose of this study was to determine the bond strength of three commercially available glass ionomer cements when used to bond mesh-backed medium twin (0.130 inch) brackets to enamel surface. Three different enamel surface conditions, which included use of pumice, pumice and polyacrylic acid, and pumice followed by acidulated phosphate fluoride, were also tested to determine their effect on the bond strength. In addition, bond strength of one composite resin was compared with those of glass ionomer cements. The teeth were bonded with all the materials according to manufacturers' instructions. Each specimen was embedded in Super-Die with the bonded facial surface exposed. A surveyor was used to align the teeth in the stone uniformly for all specimens. A special bracket holder was used to hold the brackets precisely under the wings during debonding. An Instron universal testing machine was used to measure the force required for bond failure. To stimulate oral conditions, the direction of pull was so designed that it included an element of torsional stress along with tensile force. The findings indicate that a large variation existed between the bond strengths of all materials tested. The bond strength of glass ionomer cements was significantly less than that composite resin. However, the bond strength of at least one glass ionomer cement appears to be adequate for clinical use. The different surface preparation before bonding did not significantly affect the bond strengths of glass ionomer cements. Further investigation is required to test the bond strengths of glass ionomer cements clinically.

Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride↗