Facial recognition by cloud-based APIs following surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate whether the facial soft tissue changes of individuals who had undergone surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) would be detected by three different well-known facial biometric recognition applications.

METHODS

To calculate similarity scores, the pre- and postsurgical photographs of 22 patients who had undergone SARME treatment were examined using three prominent cloud computing-based facial recognition application programming interfaces (APIs): AWS Rekognition (Amazon Web Services, Seattle, WA, USA), Microsoft Azure Cognitive (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), and Face++ (Megvii, Beijing, China). The pre- and post-SARME photographs of the patients (relaxed, smiling, profile, and semiprofile) were used to calculate similarity scores using the APIs. Friedman's two-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the similarity scores obtained from the photographs of the different aspects of the face before and after surgery using the different programs. The relationship between measurements on lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms and the similarity scores was evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation.

RESULTS

The similarity scores were found to be lower with the Face++ program. When looking at the photo types, it was observed that the similarity scores were higher in the smiling photos. A statistically significant difference in the similarity scores (P < 0.05) was found between the relaxed and smiling photographs using the different programs. The correlation between the cephalometric and posteroanterior measurements and the similarity scores was not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SARME treatment caused a significant change in the similarity scores calculated with the help of three different facial recognition programs. The highest similarity scores were found in the smiling photographs, whereas the lowest scores were found in the profile photographs.

Correction to: Evaluation of pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in children after adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy: A cephalometric study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/joddd.2022.013.].

Shear bond strength of orthodontic molar tubes to composite restoration bonded with particular adhesives after different surface pre-treatments

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in vitro the shear bond strength of orthodontic molar tubes to composite restoration bonded with particular adhesives after different surface pre-treatments.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

The sample population is 60 extracted molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After the teeth were thermocycled, they were randomly divided into six groups according to the adhesive and various surface pre-treatments that had been applied. The surface pre-treatments included sandblasting with 50-μm aluminium oxide particles and roughening with diamond bur and 37% phosphoric acid. Transbond XT Adhesive Primer (3M Unitek) (TXT) and Assure Plus (Reliance Orthodontic Products) adhesives were used in the study. Following the application of the adhesives, the brackets were bonded to the surfaces of the teeth. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and LSD tests (P = .05). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined using a stereomicroscope. Data from the ARI scores were submitted to Pearson's chi-squared test (P = .05).

RESULTS

The highest shear bond strengths were obtained in the Assure Plus group 15.05 ± 3.72 MPa after sandblasting (P < .05). The lowest shear bond strengths were found in the TXT group (7.52 ± 2.89 MPa; P < .05). Sandblasting and bur pre-treatment for TXT and Assure Plus adhesives increased shear bond strength in both of them. There were no significant differences in the ARI scores between the groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Sandblasting and roughening pre-treatment can increase the bond strength of teeth with composite restoration. Assure Plus is also more effective than conventional adhesive systems.

Effect of distance learning on the quality of life, anxiety and stress levels of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 on dental students are unclear. The aim of this cross-sectional online study was to investigate the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental students.

METHOD

The Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) was sent to all dental students through Google Forms to evaluate their quality of life (QoL), and the DASS-21 scale was used to evaluate their psychosocial status due to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The answers were analyzed both on the basis of year of education and type of education (online versus classroom learning). One-way ANOVA was used for comparison of students in the different years of education; post hoc LSD test was used for pairwise comparisons. Sample t-test was used to compare the two groups separated as classroom/face-to-face learning and distance/online learning.

RESULT

The questionnaire was completed by 580 students with a response rate of 87.74%. According to the QoL scale results, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding general health, physical health, and psychology, both between different years and learning methods (p > 0.05). According to the results of the DASS-21 scale, anxiety and depression in the 3rd year students were significantly higher than the other years. The stress level of the 2nd year students was statistically significantly different from the other years (p < 0.05). Evaluation of anxiety, stress and the QoL showed an overall detrimental effect of distance learning on the dental students, although the evaluation did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety, stress and factors affecting the quality of life negatively affected dental students who received online/distance learning, although the difference did not reach statistical significance when compared to students who received in-classroom learning.

Skeletal and Dental Effects of Twin-Block Appliances in Patients Treated With or Without Expansion

OBJECTIVE

To compare the skeletal and dental effects of twin-block appliances with or without expansion.

METHODS

From our archives, patients using twin-block appliances were selected. A total of 20 patients with expansion screws were classified as group 1 (10 male, 10 female; mean age 12.48 ± 1.38 years), and 18 patients without screws as group 2 (8 male, 10 female; mean age 12.81 ± 1.16 years). Cephalometric radiographs at pre-and post-treatment were used to evaluate skeletal and dentoalveolar parametric changes; study models and posteroanterior radiographs were used for transverse evaluation. The initial measurements and the treatment-related mean changes within the study groups were analyzed using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Changes in maxillary skeletal measurements were not statistically significantly different between groups except for A-VRL (P > .05). Mandibular measurements showed an increase in SNB (º) and Co-Gn distance in both groups. However, these changes were similar for both groups (P > .05). The maxillary measurements showed that incisors were proclined in the expansion group and retroclined in the non-expansion group. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of changes in the skeletal transversal measurements (P > .05). On the study models, the changes in maxillary intercanine and intermolar widths, and in arch length differed to a statistically significant degree between groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The skeletal effects of 2 different types of twin-block appliances in the transversal direction were similar; it was determined that dental expansion was obtained in the maxilla by adding screws to the twin-block appliances.

A novel approach to radiographic detection of bucco-palatal/lingual dilacerations: A preliminary study with ImageJ

The purpose of our study is to determine whether bucco-palatal/lingual (BPL) root dilacerations (RD), especially in single root teeth, can be determined using the ImageJ program through only one periapical radiography. Extracted teeth without any RD (n = 8) were determined as the control group (Group 1) and with RD in apical 1/3 part at least 20° with the longitudinal axis in the BPL direction (n = 8) as the study group (Group 2). With the help of a simple holder system prepared, digital periapical radiographs of all teeth were taken in an anteroposterior position. Histogram analysis of all periapical radiographs was performed using the spectrum feature of ImageJ software. It was aimed to make a dilaceration analysis by comparing the groups using mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and bin width values. As a result of the Mann-Whitney U test, all mean and maximum values showed a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). This pilot study revealed that the ImageJ software can be used to diagnose BPL dilaceration in the apical 1/3 part of the root. It is important for dentists and patients that it can contribute to limiting the radiation dose to which patients will be exposed.

Effects of different types of maxillary protraction on maxilla with finite element analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare two different skeletal anchorage methods with finite element analysis in the treatment of Class III patients with maxillary retrognathia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two different treatment scenarios were performed on skull model obtained from computerized tomography images of skeletal Class III patients with maxillary retrognathia and finite element analysis was performed. In the first group; mini plates were simulated on infra zygomatic crest. A unilateral 500 g protraction force was applied to the face-mask. In the second group; mini plates were simulated in infrazygomatic crest and mandibular symphysis. Then, 500g protraction force was applied with Class III elastic between the miniplates. Von Misses stresses and displacement values were evaluated comparatively.

RESULTS

In Class III elastic group, maximum Von Misses stress occurred around infra zygomatic crest and symphysis anchored with 0.078 MPa. The maxillary posterior region and paranasal regions were the areas showing the highest Von Misses tension after infra zygomatic crest and symphysis. In the face-mask group, the most common site of Von Misses stress in nasomaxillary complex and alveolar structures were infra zygomatic area where plaques were applied, followed by pterygomaxillary suture. Tensile forces are reduced especially in these two areas by spreading to surrounding structures.

CONCLUSIONS

In both methods, it was determined that the amount of force transmitted to circumaxillary sutures was sufficient to induce the formation of osteogenesis in these regions.

External root resorption in root-filled and vital teeth after extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatments: a split-mouth retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the amounts of external root resorption (ERR) during different modalities of orthodontic treatment (OT) in root-filled teeth (RFT) and their contralateral teeth with vital pulp (VPT) in the same patient.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study sample consisted of 69 patients in two groups: 35 patients in the non-extraction group (18 female, 17 male; 18.16 ± 3.79 years), and 34 patients in the extraction group (19 female, 15 male; 17.72 ± 2.78 years). Digital panoramic radiographs of each patient taken before and after OT were used to measure the tooth length and root surface area. The amounts of ERR in RFT and contralateral VPT were evaluated pre- and post-OT in mandibular molars. The data were statistically analyzed with the paired t-test, independent t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (p < .05).

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in both the orthodontic treatment groups when RFT and VPT were compared in terms of ERR (p < .05). A significant difference was observed between RFT and VPT in extraction treatments when the reduction in the root area between the two sides in the groups was compared (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

RFT are more resistant to ERR than VPT. The ERR in RFT may not be a significant matter for the planning of OT.

Determining the short-term effects of different maxillary protraction methods on pharyngeal airway dimensions

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the effects of different maxillary protraction methods on the pharyngeal airway in Class III patients with maxillary retrognathia.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

A total of 59 individuals (31 females and 28 males) with a mean age of 11.38 ± 1.24 years were included in this study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-nine treated maxillary retrognathic patients who underwent different protraction methods were evaluated. Twenty patients treated with RME (Rapid Maxillary Expansion) made up the first group, and 20 patients treated with 5-week Alt-RAMEC (Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction) protocol comprised the second group. Lastly, 19 patients on whom face masks with miniplates were applied were included in the skeletal anchorage (SA) group. Sixteen linear and four areal pharyngeal airway measurements were made on lateral cephalograms before and after treatment. Differences between the groups were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests.

RESULTS

The mean maxillary protraction levels were determined as 2.7, 3.69 and 4.01 mm in the RME, Alt-RAMEC and SA groups, respectively. In the nasopharynx, AD1-PNS, AD2-PNS, PNS-Ba and PNS-Ho measurements revealed a significant increase in the SA group compared to the other groups (P < .05). In the oropharynx, PNS-Ep measurement increased significantly in the RME group (P < .05). In the total pharyngeal airway area, an increase was detected in the SA, Alt-RAMEC, and RME groups.

CONCLUSION

The most effective protraction method in terms of pharyngeal airway dimensions, especially in the nasopharynx, is the application of the face mask with skeletal anchorage. A greater increase in vertical airway length (PNS-Ep) was observed with RME.

Effect of Craniofacial Growth Pattern on Head Posture

Head posture refers to the upright position of the head of a standing or sitting subject. The literature reports that head posture is affected by many factors. Objective: To evaluate differences in head posture according to craniofacial growth pattern. Methods: A total of 163 individuals (83 females and 80 males) were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to ANB angle as Class I, Class II, and Class III, and each group was divided further into three subgroups according to SN/GoGn angle as hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent. The patients were compared in terms of head posture measurements. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the main and interactive effects of vertical growth pattern and malocclusion type on the head posture of the patients. Results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference between malocclusion and face-type groups was observed in all head posture measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Head posture is similar among subgroups of different malocclusion types separated by vertical growth pattern.

Can social media tools be used as a reliable source of information about surgery-first approach?

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and quality of videos and photos related to the surgery-first approach (SFA) process on YouTube™ and Instagram, one of the social media tools.

Materials and Methods:

The online video hosting resource YouTube™ and photo hosting resource Instagram were analyzed on March 12, 2020, for photos and videos containing information relevant to SFA. The following three search terms were used in YouTube™: (1) Surgery first; (2) surgery-first approach; and (3) surgery first in orthognathic. The following two hashtags were analyzed in Instagram: #surgeryfirst and #surgeryfirstapproach. Twenty-four videos identified on YouTube™ on the subject of SFA and these videos analyzed with some measurements. A total of 884 videos identified on Instagram on the subject of SFA and these videos and photos analyzed with some measurements.

Results:

#surgeryfirst and #surgeryfirstapproach hashtags posted by orthodontists or surgeons were had significantly more mean likes than shared by patients and clinics in Instagram. Interaction rate was 2.11 ± 1.01 and viewing rate was 431 ± 1021 in YouTube. YouTube video quality by type of video was comparatively assessed in terms of video and audio quality, and accuracy score. Videos analyzed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist and no differences were found.

Conclusion:

The results of the study show that there is more sharing and data about SFA in Instagram; nevertheless, both YouTube™ and Instagram have now shown to be an insufficient source of information about the surgery-first approach for patients.

Comparison of three-dimensional soft-tissue evaluations between skeletal and pseudo-class III malocclusions

The aim of our study was to compare soft tissue measurements with 3D imaging methods in individuals with untreated skeletal and pseudo-Class III malocclusions. The study sample consisted of 75 patients (38 males, 37 females, mean age 12.41 ± 2.35 years) with pseudo- and true skeletal Class III malocclusions and skeletal Class I malocclusions. Soft tissue evaluations of all patients were performed using 3D stereophotogrammetric facial images. In our study, 26 landmarks, 17 linear measurements, 13 angular measurements, and 5 volume measurements were made using the 3dMD Vultus software. The significance was determined to be p < 0.05 in ANOVA, Tukey tests. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of demographic data (p > 0.05). The skeletal Class I control group had a significantly more extended upper lip and vermillion length as compared to the Class III groups. The soft tissue convexity angle and upper nasal angle were found to be wider in the Class III malocclusion group compared to those in the Class I control group. While the pseudo-Class III group had a significantly lower midface volume, chin volume was significantly higher in the skeletal class group. Upper lip volume was significantly higher in the Class I group. Using 3dMD for guiding clinicians in the differential soft and hard tissue diagnosis of pseudo-Class III malocclusions, differences were revealed in Class I patients in the middle part of the face. In the differential diagnosis of true Class III malocclusions, chin volume was found to be different from that of Class I patients.

Evaluation of pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position according to craniofacial growth pattern

OBJECTIVE

To compare pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in different craniofacial growth patterns.

METHODS

In total, 611 patients divided into 9 subgroups were compared according to malocclusion classification and vertical growth pattern, and these subgroups were compared in terms of pharyngeal airway and hyoid measurements. A two-way ANOVA test was used to compare the findings of the subgroups.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found for the pharyngeal measurements between the groups (p>0.05). The vertical airway length (PNS-Ep) was significantly shorter in the Class III malocclusion group (p<0.05) and in the hypodivergent group (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between any subgroups in any measurements of the position of the hyoid bone (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position are similar among individuals in the sagittal direction. The vertical airway length is significantly shorter in Class III and hypodivergent individuals.

Evaluation of dentofacial asymmetry caused by odontomas using panoramic radiographs

Aims

To evaluate the presence of dentofacial asymmetry in patients with odontoma by panoramic radiography.

Methods

Panoramic images with odontoma were selected among all panoramic radiographs (3058 patients). Maxillary odontoma was detected in 27 patients while mandibular odontoma was detected in 25 patients. In addition, 30 patients with similar age and gender characteristics were selected as the control group. Skeletal angular, skeletal linear and dental measurements were performed on panoramic radiographs. The odontoma region and the opposite side of the odontoma of the individuals were examined. The dentofacial asymmetry of the odontoma groups was compared with the control group. Paired t-test was used to determine dentofacial asymmetry on the right and left side of the patients with odontoma. The ANOVA test was used for testing the differences among groups.

Results

As a result of study, no significant difference was found between the region of the odontoma and the symmetrical region in the maxilla and mandibula (P > 0.05). In the control group, a statistically significant difference was found in the angle between the mandibular canal and the mental foramen, lower incisor size, PFH/CutCat(°), and Co-Mc-Me(°) measurements (P < 0.05). In the maxillary and mandibular odontoma groups, a statistically significant difference was found in the angle between the mandibular canal and the menton, CH (mm), RH (mm), and CrH (mm) in the comparison of the odontoma and the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

No difference was found between the right and left sides of the jaws related with the asymmetry of the maxilla and mandible.

Comparison of treatment effects of different maxillary protraction methods in skeletal class III patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes with different maxillary protraction methods in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion resulting from maxillary retrognathia.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

A total of 55 individuals consisting of 29 females and 26 males with a mean age of 11.4 ± 1.06 years were included in this study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-five treated maxillary retrognathic patients who underwent different protraction facemask methods were evaluated. Eighteen patients treated with RME were in the first group, and 19 patients treated with a modified Alt-RAMEC protocol were in the second group; eighteen patients on whom face masks with miniplates were applied were included in the skeletal anchorage (SA) group. Thirty measurements were made on lateral cephalometric radiographs before and after treatment. Differences between the groups were assessed with the ANOVA test.

RESULTS

The mean age was higher in the SA group (11.96 ± 0.92 years) compared with the other groups. The mean ANB angle increased by 2.96°, 4.91° and 3.86° in the RME, Alt-RAMEC and SA groups, respectively. The forward movement of the maxilla was similar between the groups. However, while the rate of protraction was higher in the modified Alt-RAMEC group, a greater skeletal effect was found in the SA group.

CONCLUSION

The most effective method in terms of skeletal effect is the application of the face mask with skeletal anchorage; the modified Alt-RAMEC protocol can be applied before face mask to obtain faster protraction.

Comparison of the change in inferior sclera exposure after maxillary protraction with or without skeletal anchorage

Aim

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the change in inferior sclera exposition after maxillary protraction with or without skeletal anchorage in patients with maxillary retrognathia.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients (Group 1) who applied maxillary protraction with teeth-supported appliance and fifteen patients who applied maxillary protraction with skeletal anchorage (Group 2) were compared in order to investigate the effect of different maxillary protraction methods on the visibility of sclera. The patients in both groups had dental and skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary retrusion (ANB <0; SNA <80), increased vertical growth pattern (SnGoGn> 32) (long face), increased sclera exposure, and no congenital anomalies and dentofacial deformities. Pre- and posttreatment records were used to assess the amount of visible sclera on facial photographs using Adobe Photoshop CS6 program and the change in the movement of maxilla on cephalometric film. The pretreatment and after maxillary protraction values were compared statistically by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (level of significance, P < 0.05).

Results

The amount of inferior sclera exposure to eye height decreased in the right and left eyes of the 30 patients with maxillary protraction. The amount of inferior sclera exposure to eye height of the right and left eyes decreased from 3.59 to 3.5 and from 3.44 to 3.39, respectively, in Group I (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The amount of inferior sclera exposure to eye height of the right and left eyes decreased from 4.17 to 3.93 and from 3.86 to 3.68, respectively, in Group II (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

There were important results in both of the two methods. Although more improvement was obtained in the skeletal anchorage group, statistically no significant differences were found between the groups.