Total Face Approach (TFA): A Novel 3D Approach to Describe the Main Cephalometric Craniomaxillofacial Parameters

The aim of this study is to propose a 3D skeletal classification and relative normal values of reference. Method: from a pool of 271 cone-beam computerized tomography images 108 chin-summit examinations of the skull were selected and divided into 3 traditional skeletal classes. The same Cone-beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) images were then assessed using the cephalometric multiplanar analysis following the total face approach protocol. Results: the results of this study indicate standard 3D cephalometric norms for the vertical and sagittal evaluation of the skull. Conclusion: data obtained from our measurements allowed the creation of intervals supplying nosological classification that could be used in orthodontics, orthognatic surgery and implant surgery in fully edentulous patients.

Successful Pharyngoplasty After Le Fort I Advancement In A Severely Neglected Cleft Lip And Palate Patient

Background: When indicated, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is treated with pharyngoplasty with consideration of patient’s age. Several studies have evaluated the relationship between age at surgery and speech outcome. The best results regarding reduction of open nasality were obtained when surgeries were performed around age of 5 to 6 years and operative complications were also less frequent in the younger age group than in older patients. Pre-operative assessment such as nasopharyngoscopy and/or videofluoroscopy gives surgeons a chance to estimate flap dimension to correct the defect causing the VPI. Moreover, velopharyngoplasty proceeded with speech therapy yields better recovery.Case History : A seriously neglected case of cleft lip and palate was reported. A 24 years old female underwent two palatorrhaphy at age 13 and 14 years old, which were far beyond the recommended age of 10 – 12 months. The resulting hypernasality was further worsened by absence of speech therapy which should have been followed from age 1 – 4 years old. On presentation, this patient requested to have immediate orthognatic surgery to repair his severe type 3 facial profile and malocclusion, a procedure which he underwent worsening the VPI. We decided to surgically correct the VPI. Nasoendoscopic assessment revealed he had an antero-posterior velopharyngeal closure problem which indicated a pharyngoplasty using a superiorlybased pharyngeal flap. Three months post-operatively his speech was re-evaluated by a speech therapist and nasoendoscopically. Despite imperfectness, significant improvement was achieved.Conclusion : Pharyngoplasty could still be reliable to a certain extent as a correction treatment of VPI in a seriously neglected case. A posterior pharyngeal flap helped this patient to recover significant speech capacity.

Orthodontics First in Hemimandibular Hyperplasia. “Mind the Gap”

A 32-year-old man was referred to the Division of Orthodontics of the University of Naples “Federico II”, with a 15-year history of gradually increasing right-sided facial asymmetry. Clinical and radiological examinations was consistent to hemimandibular hyperplasia, a rare developmental asymmetry characterized by three-dimensional enlargement of one-half of the mandible. The standard surgical-orthodontic management was proposed to the patient. However, he refused to undergo bimaxillary orthognatic surgery. Therefore, a different treatment was proposed based on the orthodontic technique of pre-surgical decompensation and post-surgical refinement used in bimaxillary orthognatic surgery planning, and surgical intervention with a condylectomy. The dental arches were evenly levelled out with a multi-bracket treatment and then the condylectomy was performed. Orthodontic treatment continued with a levelling and torque control by 0.19 × 0.25 SS arch and physiotherapy. At the three-month follow-up, the patient showed anterior and posterior bite rebalancing, arch intercuspation recovery, and anterior open bite closure due to muscular self-rebalancing. The two-year follow-up showed regular mandibular dynamic, orthodontic appliances were removed, and the patient was instructed to wear retainer for the following months. The final result was aesthetically reasonable for the patient, although slight asymmetry of the chin persisted.

Reliability of a Centroid method to estimate head position in cephalometric diagnosis

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to 1) evaluate the reproducibility of natural head position (NHP) in different professional groups; 2) compare three cephalometric methods of estimating head position to the established natural head position and 3) investigate the applicability of a new method to estimated head position using a Centroid method. Methods The sample consisted of 105 individual cephalometric tracings and photographs. For the first evaluation, copies of the lateral photographs were reproduced for each patient and 3 professionals with different expertise (experienced orthodontists, orthodontic students and orthognatic surgeon) were instructed to position the photographs in NHP. Later, 3 different methods to obtain NHP were assessed: 1) the Frankfort Horizontal Plane (FRANK), 2) Sella-Nasion 7º Line (SN7) and 3) proposed Horizontal Reference Line based on Centroid. Angles formed by the evaluated planes/lines and True Vertical Line obtained were measured. Gender and skeletal discrepancy were considered. Results The results showed a significant difference between NHP obtained from orthodontists and surgeons compared to students (p<0.0001). Also results showed no effect of skeletal classification and gender did on measurement (p>0.05). Both SN minus 7º and FRANK methods showed a high variability (p < 0,01) compared to Centroid method. Conclusion NHP may be affected by the professional experience. The proposed horizontal line based on Centroid is a valid method for estimating head position, thus, may be indicated to use as a diagnostic tool in Orthodontics and Orthognatic Surgery.