Thesis (doctoral)--Universdad de Costa Rica, 1966.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität zu München, 1934.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universdad de Costa Rica, 1966.

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Master / Master of Dental Surgery

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The controversy surrounding the role of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction led to this study. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence and compare the status of signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction in four groups of adolescents and young adults. The groups consisted of 14 persons with normal occlusions, 23 with untreated malocclusions, 20 with malocclusions currently undergoing treatment, and 18 with treated malocclusions. The Helkimo index was used to collect the TMJ dysfunction data. The results showed that the untreated malocclusion group had the most number of persons with signs and symptoms of dysfunction, but the differences between the groups in the distribution of persons according to the anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices were not statistically significant. There were also no statistically significant differences in the distribution of signs and symptoms between boys and girls. According to anamnesis, the most frequently reported symptoms were joint sounds and headaches or neckaches occurring more than twice a week. Amongst the clinical signs and symptoms, the<br /> most commonly occurring were joint sounds on auscultation and muscle tenderness on palpation. In light of the small study sample and the absence of any substantial differences between the four groups, the role of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment in the aetiology of TMJ dysfunction remains obscure.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment can include physical and/or psychosocial elements in addition to straightening teeth. OBJECTIVE: Of importance to this study was to explore the correlation between malocclusion and psychosocial well-being from the perspective of younger patients, their caregivers, through the inclusion of normative criteria. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data was collected at a single point in time from a sample of prospective patients. Eighty-six patients and their caregivers met the inclusion criteria and were asked to complete the questionnaires. The mean age of patients included in the study was 13.57 +/- 1.57 years (55 females and 31 males). Data was collected through clinical exams. Patients were assessed using the dental and aesthetic component grades of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). RESULTS: Caregivers’ satisfaction with the patient’s body image correlated with the patients’ satisfaction with their body image (p<0.05). Caregivers' satisfaction with tooth appearance correlated with the IOTN aesthetic component grade (p<0.05). As the satisfaction score increases (reflecting overall dissatisfaction with body image), the more likely that the patient actually needs treatment. There is no significant correlation between patients’ satisfaction with their teeth and IOTN dental and aesthetic component grades (p>0.05). Caregivers' motivation, in comparison to the patients’ motivations to seek orthodontic treatment was significant (p<0.05). No significant gender differences were found with regards to being bullied about dental appearance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Malocclusion does impact perceptions of psychosocial well-being. / May 2016

Thesis (M.Sc.(Dent.))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2012 / This retrospective research study evaluated the skeletal, dental, soft tissue profile and occlusal changes that took place in the craniofacial structures in the correction of Class II malocclusions using the Tip Edge technique and involving the extraction of first-premolars. These data were compared with those reflecting changes that took place in a similar sample which had been treated using an Edgewise technique and including the extraction of first premolars. Thirty Tip- Edge and thirty Edgewise cases were studied. Pre-treatment and end of treatment cephalograms of both samples were examined. Soft and hard tissue landmarks were identified and traced on each cephalogram. Twenty-four measurements were read using a special digital computerized system. The data were analyzed with the intention of determining the relative efficacy of the two treatment techniques under comparison. Data reflecting a one-year follow-up of the Tip Edge cases were also evaluated to assess the clinical stability as well as the cephalometric changes that had taken place. The changes in these data were statistically analysed and statistically compared. The second part of this research examined the characteristics of occlusion demonstrated on the pre- and post- treatment study models of both samples and graded the occlusions using the eleven components of the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR Index). The data were statistically analyzed to identify the degree of change that had occurred, pre- to post- treatment and to compare the changes effected by the two techniques. The first part of this study demonstrated that treatment with the Tip-Edge technique produced changes similar to those demonstrated by the Edgewise sample following treatment. However, the Tip-Edge cases enjoyed far greater incisal retraction than did the Edgewise cases. The upper incisor to NA and the lower incisor to NB angles for the Edgewise samples remained almost unchanged following treatment. The lower incisors in the Tip-Edge sample were positioned almost ideally after treatment. In the Tip Edge cases, the mandibular length increased on average by 7mm and this change was highly significant. The Edgewise cases demonstrated a decrease in maxillary length whereas the Tip-Edge cases displayed continuous growth during treatment. It appears that the maxilla was held back by the use of extra-oral traction in the Edgewise sample. The use of light elastic forces in the Tip-Edge sample does not appear to impede maxillary growth. The Y-axis, mandibular plane, occlusal plane and palatal planes were not altered to any significant extent in either technique, although the mandibular plane decreased in the Edgewise sample. Examination of the Tip-Edge cases one- year post-treatment demonstrated stability of the treatment effects and in some parameters, there were favourable improvements following “settling-in”. The Tip-Edge and Edgewise samples both exhibited similar favourable soft tissue changes. The assessment of occlusal characteristics demonstrated an average PAR index improvement of 90% following treatment for the Tip-Edge cases, whilst the Edgewise cases recorded an 80% change. The difference was significant. This study confirms that the Tip-Edge technique, together with first premolar extractions, is effective in the correction of Class II malocclusions when compared with a similar sample treated with an Edgewise technique. It produces comparable and stable, if not more favourable, changes.