Papers by Athanasios Athanasiou
The International journal of adult orthodontics and orthognathic surgery
To determine the craniomandibular functional status of patients who seek orthognathic surgery, 48... more To determine the craniomandibular functional status of patients who seek orthognathic surgery, 48 adults with various dentofacial deformities were examined, and the functional parameters of the patients were compared with those of a normal population. The relationship between function and morphology was also studied. The method of study included a clinical examination of dysfunction, an evaluation of the number and intensity of occlusal contacts, a kinesiographic analysis of mandibular movements at the incisors, an evaluation of ramal and condylar vertical symmetry by means of dental rotational panoramic radiography, and an examination of profile and frontal cephalograms. Results of the examinations showed that the patients seeking orthognathic surgery showed craniomandibular functional patterns different from those of the normal group or healthy population. However, because no significant correlations were found among specific morphologic and functional characteristics and dysfunctional status (with the exception of condylar asymmetry, the maximal deviation of a maximal opening-closing movement defined on the sagittal plane, and the inclination of the maxillary central incisor in relation to the anterior cranial base), no clear cause-effect relationship was proved.
The European Journal of Orthodontics, 2008
Collegium Antropologicum, Nov 13, 2014
The purpose of this study was to estimate unmet orthodontic treatment needs of adolescents in Zag... more The purpose of this study was to estimate unmet orthodontic treatment needs of adolescents in Zagreb, Croatia, compare normative and self-perceived need and investigate factors influencing the reason why untreated subjects with severe malocclusions have not been treated before. One thousand and forty-two non-orthodontically treated subjects in age groups of 12 and 18 years, from sixteen randomly selected public schools in Zagreb, Croatia were examined. The Dental Aesthetic Index, Aesthetic Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and a questionnaire concerning self-perceived orthodontic treatment need, perception of aesthetics, function, behaviors and socioeconomic status were used. Around one third of untreated adolescent population had an objective need, less than 20 percent had aesthetic need, and self-perceived need was reported in one third of population. Associations and agreements between objective, aesthetic and self-perceived need were weak (r=0.27-0.48; p<0.001 and k in range from 0.05 (p>0.05) to 0.32 (p<0.05), respectively). Satisfaction with personal dental appearance and awareness of malocclusion were better related in persons with no treatment need or minor need (r=0.53-0.59) than in those with major need (r=0.31-0.40). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed that objective, aesthetic and self-perceived needs were better related between themselves than to socioeconomic status of subjects, function, activities of daily living and oral health-related behaviors. It appears that self-perceived treatment need has low role in predicting objective need, but relation between satisfaction and awareness of malocclusion could be one of basic factors in process of making decision to go for treatment and maybe could serve in predicting patient's compliance.
Progress in orthodontics, 2009
Preservation or alteration of the natural dentition to an optimal state of health, function, comf... more Preservation or alteration of the natural dentition to an optimal state of health, function, comfort, and esthetics remains the primary goal of dentistry. However, referral of patients by general dentists to orthodontic specialists may be complex as it involves the interaction of the two dental professionals and the patient. Because there is a marked variation in referral rates between the dentists and many patients may be referred inappropriately, a clear understanding of what is known about current orthodontic treatment possibilities, limitations and inherent risks is necessary. The purpose of this article is to outline the existing orthodontic therapeutic possibilities for adjunctive dental work and to emphasize the importance of teamwork among the general dentist, the orthodontic specialist and possibly other dental specialists during treatment planning.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 2002
The European Journal of Orthodontics, 1992
The aims of the study were: (1) to identify absolute condylar displacements and glenoid fossa cha... more The aims of the study were: (1) to identify absolute condylar displacements and glenoid fossa changes; (2) to assess alterations in the condyle-fossa relationships following orthognathic surgery, by means of linear temporomandibular joint tomography. The sample consisted of 44 adults who received pre- and post-operative orthodontic therapy and management of their dentofacial deformities with various osteotomies (maxillary: 10; mandibular: 24; combined: 10). The material consisted of the tomograms of the right temporomandibular joints taken within 1 week pre-operatively, immediately post-surgery, and 6 months postoperatively. The X-rays were taken with the mouth closed. Tracing, superimposition, and interpretation of the tomograms were made according to a new method. The findings of the study regarding the groups which received mandibular or combined osteotomies indicated that immediately post-operatively there was a tendency for the condyle to be distracted downward and anteriorly from its original position in the fossa. However, in the 6 months follow-up the condyle showed a tendency to re-establish its initial position. Large variation in posterior space was observed among the patients of the mandibular osteotomy group who were also examined individually. In the maxillary osteotomy group no significant post-operative changes were observed on the average. Remodelling was noticed in both condylar and fossa surfaces of all groups.
The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 1993
The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 1994
This investigation compares the patterns of velopharyngeal growth in cleft lip and/or palate pati... more This investigation compares the patterns of velopharyngeal growth in cleft lip and/or palate patients. Those who had velopharyngeal competence and acceptable speech are compared with those who presented with velopharyngeal incompetence requiring pharyngeal flap surgery or prosthesis later. Lateral cephalograms of 30 cleft palate only (CPO), 35 unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), and 20 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) children of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic were studied. These records were taken at 6 month intervals during the first 2 postnatal years and annually thereafter up to 6 years of age. Soft tissue landmark points in the velopharyngeal region were digitized. Length and thickness of the soft palate and height and depth of the nasopharynx were measured. Evaluation of the growth curves of these four cephalometric variables indicated only two significant differences between children who later required pharyngeal flap surgery and those who did not. These differences were found in the growth in length of the soft palate of the CPO group and in the growth in depth of the nasopharynx of the BCLP group. Based on the present cephalometric data, it is impossible to predict at an early age those cleft lip and/or palate patients who will later require pharyngeal flaps.
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 1991
The present investigation studied changes of hyoid bone position and pharyngeal depth at the leve... more The present investigation studied changes of hyoid bone position and pharyngeal depth at the levels of the second and fourth cervical vertebrae and their relationships in mandibular prognathism patients who received combined orthodontic-surgical treatment. The material consisted of presurgical and 1-year postsurgical profile cephalograms of 52 adult orthognathic surgery patients (40 females and 12 males) who initially had mandibular prognathism and had undergone bilateral vertical ramus osteotomy through an extraoral incision in the retroangular area. Hyoid bone position and pharyngeal depth were assessed on the profile radiographs with 10 cephalometric variables. Paired t tests were used to evaluate the operative changes in all cephalometric parameters. The relationships between pairs of variables describing hyoid bone position and pharyngeal depth were assessed by means of Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed for the distances of the hyoid bone to the maxilla and the mandible. The distances of t~,e hyoid bone with the anterior cranial base, the vertebral column, and the anterior pharyngeal wall, and the measurements representing pharyngeal depth exhibited no significant changes (p > 0.05). Moderate correlations were seen between (1) the depth of the pharynx at the fourth cervical vertebra and the hyosymphyseal distance (r = 0.34) and the distance between the point of the projection of the hyoid bone to the mandibular line with its posterior border (r = -0.34), and (2) the depth of the pharynx at the second cervical vertebra and the distance of the hyoid bone with the anterior pharyngeal wall at the level of the fourth cervical vertebra (r = -0.33). The hypothesis that the posterior surgical mandibular repositioning may reduce the airway at the levels of the second and fourth cervical vertebrae cannot be supported by the findings of the present investigation. In addition, it is indicated that a reflex alteration in the pharyngeal muscular mechanismand the biomechanical conditions of the supra-and infrahyoid muscles takes place postoperatively. (AM J ORTHOD DI=NTOFAC ORTHOP 1991 ;100:259-65.)
Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics-fortschritte Der Kieferorthopadie, 2001
The aim of this article is to address the issues of impact factor and circulation with reference ... more The aim of this article is to address the issues of impact factor and circulation with reference to dental and orthodontic journals by discussing various parameters including language, citations, nature of published articles, and scientific domain. Examples from the literature are provided to illustrate the variability of impact factors among periodicals, based on the publicity and scientific area covered, and
The Angle Orthodontist, Aug 1, 2008
This study assesses the nickel content of as-received and retrieved stainless steel and NiTi arch... more This study assesses the nickel content of as-received and retrieved stainless steel and NiTi archwires alloys. New and used brand-matched, composition-matched, and cross section-matched archwires were subjected to scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive electron probe microanalysis. Elemental analysis was performed on three randomly selected areas, and the nickel content, expressed as ratios of Ni/Ti (in NiTi wires) or Ni/Fe (in stainless steel), was statistically analyzed with a t-test (alpha = .05). No changes were detected with respect to Ni content ratios between as-received and retrieved NiTi or stainless steel wires, suggesting an absence of nickel release. Wear and delamination phenomena on the wire surface and the formation of galvanic couple between the stainless steel wires and bracket brazing materials intraorally may modify the corrosion susceptibility of the wire alloys in clinical conditions.
Australian Orthodontic Journal, Nov 1, 2014
AIMS: To investigate the in vitro effect of different staining solutions on the colour stability ... more AIMS: To investigate the in vitro effect of different staining solutions on the colour stability of Vivera retainers.METHODS: Thirty flat specimens fabricated using the Vivera material (Align Technology Inc., CA, USA) were assigned into five Groups (A, B, C, D and E) and immersed at 37 degrees C in solutions of distilled water (control), coffee, tea, red wine, and Coca-Cola. The CIE colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) of each specimen were measured before immersion (T0) and after 12 hours (T1), three days (T2) and seven days (T3) of solution exposure. Colour differences (AE) between the interval groups were calculated. Results: Significant differences were observed concerning (i) L* between T, and T0, Ti and T2 for Group B; (ii) a* between To and T,, T, and T3 for Groups B, C, D and E, as well as between T1 and T2 for Group C; and (iii) b* between To and T,, T2 and T3 for Group B and between T0 and T2 and T1 for Group C. The differences between δE(T1-T0), δE(T2-T0) and δE(T3-T0) were statistically significant for Groups B and C, as well as the difference between δE(T1-T0) and δE(T2-T0) for Group D.CONCLUSIONS: Coffee, tea and red wine caused visible changes in the retainers' colour.
The achievement of academic and research institutes has increasingly become the subject of rankin... more The achievement of academic and research institutes has increasingly become the subject of ranking by independent organizations. This trend has educational and economic implications, which may pertain to attracting students and endowments as well as allocating of funds to specific educational components. The aims of this article were to discuss the reliability and soundness of the existing academic ranking methods and to propose guidelines for the quantitative assessment of advanced orthodontic programs. This criteria-driven assessment assigns weight factors for the basic components of orthodontic education and provides a template for clarifying the standing of programs. Moreover, a combination of program and individual assessment is proposed to monitor the implementation of educational criteria and assess their effectiveness. (Angle Orthod 2005;75:143-150.)
Revue d'Orthopédie Dento-Faciale, 2000
The European Journal of Orthodontics, 2015
The aim of this study was to explore demographic characteristics of systematic reviews (SRs), met... more The aim of this study was to explore demographic characteristics of systematic reviews (SRs), meta-analyses (MAs), and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in orthodontic journals with an impact factor (IF). Materials and methods: An electronic search was developed and implemented to identify all the SRs, MAs, and RCTs published in the seven orthodontic journals with an IF. No restrictions were applied regarding language, publication date, or publication status. The initial search generated 1147 articles, which were reviewed by three authors in order to determine if they met the inclusion criteria. Five hundred and fifty-seven articles were included in the final analysis. Type of article, name of journal, year of publication, number of authors, country of origin, and primary affiliation were recorded. Associations between those parameters were tested with the Pearson chi-square test for independence at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The majority (72%) of this kind of articles published in the orthodontic literature were RCTs, followed by SRs (20.1%) and MAs (7.9%). Approximately 77.2% of all RCTs, SRs, and MAs were published between 2004 and 2013, and 72.9% came from orthodontic departments. More than 80% of all articles were collaborative efforts between three or more authors. Contributions from Asia, South and Central America significantly increased during last decade, while contributions from North America decreased by almost 30%. Conclusions: Most RCTs, MAs, and SRs have been published between 2004 and 2013, indicating a significant improvement of the orthodontic literature during the last decade. Asia, South and Central America have significantly increased their contributions to the high evidence orthodontic literature since 2004.
The Angle orthodontist, 2002
Despite the large number of studies investigating nickel release from orthodontic stainless steel... more Despite the large number of studies investigating nickel release from orthodontic stainless steel and nickel-titanium alloys, there is a lack of conclusive evidence with respect to the composition and kinetics of the corrosive products released. The objective of this review is to address the critical issues of corrosion potential and nickel leaching from alloys by investigating the effect of intraoral conditions on the surface reactivity of the materials. After an overview of fundamentals of metallurgical structure of orthodontic alloys, we provide an analysis of corrosion processes occurring in vivo. We present recent evidence suggesting the formation of a proteinaceous biofilm on retrieved orthodontic materials that later undergoes calcification. We illustrate the vastly irrelevant surface structure of in vivo- vs in vitro-aged alloys and discuss the potential implications of this pattern in the reactivity of the materials. Finally, we present a comprehensive review of the issue o...
The Angle orthodontist, 1992
Craniomandibular function was studied in 36 adult patients in whom mandibular prognathism was cor... more Craniomandibular function was studied in 36 adult patients in whom mandibular prognathism was corrected with a combination of surgical (vertical ramus osteotomy) and orthodontic procedures. Each patient was examined up to 1 week before surgery and again 6 months later. Mandibular mobility, impaired function of the temporomandibular joint, and pain in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint were evaluated. Data were classified according to a numerical scale and patients were divided into three groups: symptom free, mild symptoms and severe symptoms. Although there was no difference in the overall frequency of the three functional groups during the two phases of examination, 20 patients showed a change in functional status following surgery. Before surgery, decreased mandibular mobility was found in 19 patients; after surgery, four additional patients were included in this group. Temporomandibular joint function improved in 10 patients and three patients had less pain. The...
Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists, 2015
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of bracket-base design and adhe... more Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of bracket-base design and adhesive on adhesive remnant index (ARI) and enamel surface area covered by adhesive. Methods: The sample consisted of 32 recently extracted premolars. The teeth were randomly assigned to one of four groups: conventional mesh base and composite resin; laser-etched base and composite resin; conventional mesh base and resin-modified glass ionomer; and laser-etched base and resin-modified glass ionomer. After a week, all brackets were debonded. The debonded bracket-base surface and the buccal surface of each tooth were studied under the microscope, and the remaining adhesive was scored using the ARI. The extent of coverage of the tooth by adhesive remnants was also calculated, outlining the different areas of adhesive. Results: A Fisher's exact test indicated significant differences between the groups. The adhesive resin group showed the highest ARI scores independent of the bracket-base design, whereas between the two bracket-base designs, the laser-etched bracket design showed higher ARI. ARI scores reliably depict the extent of enamel covered by adhesive compared with the measurement of the actual area covered. Conclusion: Varying the bracket base and adhesive may result in different ARI scores, which can affect the enamel surface during debonding.
Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research, 2002
To evaluate and compare the clinical performance of a water-activated, ethyl-cyanoacrylate adhesi... more To evaluate and compare the clinical performance of a water-activated, ethyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive to a conventional composite resin. The null hypothesis tested was that there was no difference in bracket survival distribution, over a period of orthodontic treatment, for brackets bonded with either bonding agent. Single center randomized controlled clinical study. Twenty-five consecutive patients (15 females and 10 males) were selected and treated with fixed appliances in a university postgraduate orthodontic clinic. All teeth, but the molars, were bonded with twin stainless steel brackets (n = 429) using a split-mouth technique and random allocation of the two adhesives. Bond failure rates during a period of 9 months were estimated for each adhesive system and the corresponding bracket survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimate. Bracket survival distributions with respect to adhesive material, tooth location, investigator, and bond failure interface were then compared by means of a log-rank test. Bond failure interface was determined using the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). The water-activated bonding material recorded a significantly higher bond failure (22.4%) than the composite resin (5.1%). There were also statistically significant differences in bracket survival distributions between the two adhesives (log-rank test: p &lt; 0.001). Premolars exhibited higher bond failure rates than incisors and canines (p &lt; 0001). The predominant mode of failure was within the bonding material. Further investigations focused on the improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of the water-activated bonding system are needed to make it a reliable alternative adhesive for the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets.
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Papers by Athanasios Athanasiou