Thomas Stamm

Publications of Thomas Stamm

• Prediction of oral discomfort and dysfunction in lingual orthodontics: a preliminary report.

  Authors: Dirk Wiechmann, Joachim Gerss, Thomas Stamm, Ariane Hohoff

  American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics. 04/2008; 133(3):359-64; quiz 476.e1.

  INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the influence of malocclusion on the amount of discomfort of patients who were treated with Incognito lingual brackets (T.O.P.INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the influence of malocclusion on the amount of discomfort of patients who were treated with Incognito lingual brackets (T.O.P. Service, Ormco, Amersfoort, the Netherlands; ibraces in North and South America, Lingualcare, Dallas, Tex). METHODS: Twenty-one female patients (mean age, 24.8 years; SD 10.7) participated in the investigation and completed a standardized questionnaire before and the day after placement of the appliance. One experienced orthodontist, blinded to the results of the questionnaires, evaluated their initial cephalograms and casts with respect to the parameters SNA, SNB, and ANB angles; overjet; overbite; maxillary and mandibular anterior contact-point displacement; crossbite; open bite; and missing teeth. RESULTS: Malocclusion measured on the casts had no significant impact on the amount of discomfort or dysfunction reported by the patients. The SNA (r = -0.619, P = .003) and SNB (r = -0.615, P = .003) angles, however, correlated significantly with the restriction of tongue space; patients with an SNB angle that was smaller than 1 SD from the norm were significantly more prone to experience severe restriction of tongue space (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The SNA and SNB angles are predictors for the level of tongue-space restriction after placement of lingual brackets: the smaller the angles, the more prone the patients are to experience discomfort.

• The influence of lead thyroid collars on cephalometric landmark identification.

  Authors: Dirk Wiechmann, Alain Decker, Ariane Hohoff, Johannes Kleinheinz, Thomas Stamm

  Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics. 10/2007; 104(4):560-8.

  OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the application of thyroid collars (TCs) affects cephalometric landmark identification. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized and observer-blinded diagnostic study with headOBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the application of thyroid collars (TCs) affects cephalometric landmark identification. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized and observer-blinded diagnostic study with head films taken from 2 groups was undertaken, with 1 group wearing TCs during radiography (n = 100) and 1 group not wearing TCs (n = 100). The interobserver reproducibility of 15 landmarks was evaluated using 1-way analysis of variance and independent samples t test to compare the groups. RESULTS: The total mean error radius of the non-TC group (1.28 +/- 1.47 mm) was smaller (P < or = .001) than that of the TC group (1.57 +/- 1.58 mm). Three landmarks located on the hyoid bone and on the second and third cervical vertebrae were identified as the main confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Personal lead shielding of the thyroid gland affects landmark identification, but the overall clinical effect is negligible. Thyroid collars should be routinely applied during cephalometric radiography if cephalometric analyses are limited to structures above the second cervical vertebra.

• Trick or treat?

  Authors: Murat Cehreli, Zafer Cehreli, Thomas Stamm, Ulrich Meyer, Hans-Peter Wiesmann

  Head & face medicine. 02/2007; 3:22.

  The purpose of this article is to draw attention to current transgressions in scientific writing and to promote commitment to ethical standards and good science. All participants of any researchThe purpose of this article is to draw attention to current transgressions in scientific writing and to promote commitment to ethical standards and good science. All participants of any research project, particularly under interdiciplinary team approach, should not only play an active role on the management and carrying out of their study but also ensure that their study is not fraudulent. Manuscript fabrication, data and/or figure manupilation, piracy (plagiarism), sloppy research, and transgressions in authorship are reasons for loss of scientific value and records, retraction of articles, and application of a variety of sanctions.

• The spectrum of Apert syndrome: phenotype, particularities in orthodontic treatment, and characteristics of orthognathic surgery.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Ulrich Joos, Ulrich Meyer, Ulrike Ehmer, Thomas Stamm

  Head & face medicine. 02/2007; 3:10.

  In the PubMed accessible literature, information on the characteristics of interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical treatment of patients with Apert syndrome is rare. The aim of the present articleIn the PubMed accessible literature, information on the characteristics of interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical treatment of patients with Apert syndrome is rare. The aim of the present article is threefold: (1) to show the spectrum of the phenotype, in order (2) to elucidate the scope of hindrances to orthodontic treatment, and (3) to demonstrate the problems of surgery and interdisciplinary approach.Children and adolescents who were born in 1985 or later, who were diagnosed with Apert syndrome, and who sought consultation or treatment at the Departments of Orthodontics or Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Dental School of the University Hospital of Münster (n = 22; 9 male, 13 female) were screened. Exemplarily, three of these patients (2 male, 1 female), seeking interdisciplinary (both orthodontic and surgical treatment) are presented. Orthodontic treatment before surgery was performed by one experienced orthodontist (AH), and orthognathic surgery was performed by one experienced surgeon (UJ), who diagnosed the syndrome according to the criteria listed in OMIM. In the sagittal plane, the patients suffered from a mild to a very severe Angle Class III malocclusion, which was sometimes compensated by the inclination of the lower incisors; in the vertical dimension from an open bite; and transversally from a single tooth in crossbite to a circular crossbite. All patients showed dentitio tarda, some impaction, partial eruption, idopathic root resorption, transposition or other aberrations in the position of the tooth germs, and severe crowding, with sometimes parallel molar tooth buds in each quarter of the upper jaw.Because of the severity of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment needed to be performed with fixed appliances, and mainly with superelastic wires. The therapy was hampered with respect to positioning of bands and brackets because of incomplete tooth eruption, dense gingiva, and mucopolysaccharide ridges. Some teeth did not move, or moved insufficiently (especially with respect to rotations and torque) irrespective of surgical procedures or orthodontic mechanics and materials applied, and without prognostic factors indicating these problems. Establishing occlusal contact of all teeth was difficult. Tooth movement was generally retarded, increasing the duration of orthodontic treatment. Planning of extractions was different from that of patients without this syndrome.In one patient, the sole surgical procedure after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in the maxilla and mandible was a genioplasty. Most patients needed two- jaw surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy [BSSO] with mandibular setback and distraction in the maxilla). During the period of distraction, the orthodontist guided the maxilla into final position by means of bite planes and intermaxillary elastics.To our knowledge, this is the first article in the PubMed accessible literature describing the problems with respect to interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical procedures. Although the treatment results are not perfect, patients undergoing these procedures benefit esthetically to a high degree.Patients need to be informed with respect to the different kinds of extractions that need to be performed, the increased treatment time, and the results, which may be reached using realistic expectations.

• A retrospective analysis of submissions, acceptance rate, open peer review operations, and prepublication bias of the multidisciplinary open access journal Head & Face Medicine.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Ulrich Meyer, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Johannes Kleinheinz, Murat Cehreli, Zafer C Cehreli

  Head & face medicine. 01/2007; 3:27.

  BACKGROUND: Head & Face Medicine (HFM) was launched in August 2005 to provide multidisciplinary science in the field of head and face disorders with an open access and open peer review publicationBACKGROUND: Head & Face Medicine (HFM) was launched in August 2005 to provide multidisciplinary science in the field of head and face disorders with an open access and open peer review publication platform. The objective of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of submissions, the effectiveness of open peer reviewing, and factors biasing the acceptance or rejection of submitted manuscripts. METHODS: A 1-year period of submissions and all concomitant journal operations were retrospectively analyzed. The analysis included submission rate, reviewer rate, acceptance rate, article type, and differences in duration for peer reviewing, final decision, publishing, and PubMed inclusion. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, regression analysis, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: HFM received 126 articles (10.5 articles/month) for consideration in the first year. Submissions have been increasing, but not significantly over time. Peer reviewing was completed for 82 articles and resulted in an acceptance rate of 48.8%. In total, 431 peer reviewers were invited (5.3/manuscript), of which 40.4% agreed to review. The mean peer review time was 37.8 days. The mean time between submission and acceptance (including time for revision) was 95.9 days. Accepted papers were published on average 99.3 days after submission. The mean time between manuscript submission and PubMed inclusion was 101.3 days. The main article types submitted to HFM were original research, reviews, and case reports. The article type had no influence on rejection or acceptance. The variable 'number of invited reviewers' was the only significant (p < 0.05) predictor for rejection of manuscripts. CONCLUSION: The positive trend in submissions confirms the need for publication platforms for multidisciplinary science. HFM's peer review time comes in shorter than the 6-weeks turnaround time the Editors set themselves as the maximum. Rejection of manuscripts was associated with the number of invited reviewers. None of the other parameters tested had any effect on the final decision. Thus, HFM's ethical policy, which is based on Open Access, Open Peer, and transparency of journal operations, is free of 'editorial bias' in accepting manuscripts. ORIGINAL DATA: Provided as a downloadable tab-delimited text file (URL and variable code available under section 'additional files').

• Fast element mapping of titanium wear around implants of different surface structures.

  Authors: Ulrich Meyer, Martin Bühner, Andre Büchter, Birgit Kruse-Lösler, Thomas Stamm, Hans-Peter Wiesmann

  Clinical oral implants research. 05/2006; 17(2):206-11.

  The effect of unintended titanium release around oral implants remains a biological concern. The current study was undertaken to evaluate a new detection system of element mapping in biologicalThe effect of unintended titanium release around oral implants remains a biological concern. The current study was undertaken to evaluate a new detection system of element mapping in biological probes. A new scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy detection method was used to map the features of titanium contamination in peri-implant bone around implants with different surface structures. The amount of titanium wear was highest adjacent to titanium-plasma-sprayed surfaces, followed by sandblastered large grid acid-etched and smooth surfaces. A high sensitivity of titanium detection over large areas of bone tissue was observed. A high spatial resolution of titanium wear particles (20 nm) could be reached and correlated to the ultrastructural morphological features of peri-implant tissue. Cells adjacent to titanium wear revealed no signs of morphological alterations on a nanoscale level at early periods of implant/bone interaction. The new technique may serve as a fast and effective tool to evaluate titanium release effects in biological probes.

• Objective growth monitoring of the maxilla in full term infants.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Thomas Stamm, Ulrich Meyer, Dirk Wiechmann, Ulrike Ehmer

  Archives of oral biology. 04/2006; 51(3):222-35.

  OBJECTIVE: To develop a non-invasive method for longitudinal maxillary volume measurements and to provide first normative data. DESIGN: Thirty-four healthy infants served as a gold standard for aOBJECTIVE: To develop a non-invasive method for longitudinal maxillary volume measurements and to provide first normative data. DESIGN: Thirty-four healthy infants served as a gold standard for a growing population sample. Alginate impressions were taken of the upper jaw within the first week after birth, and consecutively at different stages of development. The plaster casts were digitised by an optical scanner generating a high resolution polygon mesh of each object. The digital models were aligned to a reference coordinate system with an iterative, landmark-independent procedure. Biometric linear and volume measurements were obtained by using feature-dependent calculations independent of landmark placements. Intra-investigator reproducibility was tested by repeated alignments and measurements of 30 randomly selected casts. To assess the effect of mesh resolution, the reproducibility test was repeated with low resolution models. The method was proved to be valid on the defined gold standard consisting of 96 consecutive edentulous casts. RESULTS: Feature-dependent, linear distances are less error prone (0.56-2.66%) compared to subjectively determined measurements (0.88-3.65%). The same applies to feature-dependent volume calculations (4.34%) compared to subjectively determined volumes (4.95%). Mesh resolution shows an effect (p<or=0.001) only on two linear measurements: palatal depth and palatal length. Growth of the individuals in the population sample was evidently confirmed by the maxillary volume measurements (asymptotic pattern) and by comparisons of head circumference (proportional pattern). CONCLUSION: The described method is non-invasive, precise and without any risk for the infant. Maxillary volume calculation could serve as an important biometric measurement for bone growth evaluation.

• A subjective comparison of two lingual bracket systems.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Ariane Hohoff, Ulrike Ehmer

  European journal of orthodontics. 09/2005; 27(4):420-6.

  The purpose of this prospective, longitudinal study was to compare the influence of two lingual bracket systems on subjective oral comfort, speech, mastication and oral hygiene. Forty-two nativeThe purpose of this prospective, longitudinal study was to compare the influence of two lingual bracket systems on subjective oral comfort, speech, mastication and oral hygiene. Forty-two native speakers of standard German (32 females, 10 males; mean age 27.1 years, standard deviation 12.2) were enrolled and completed a standardized questionnaire directly before insertion of lingual brackets (T0), within 24 hours of bond-up (T1) and 3 months (+/- 1 week) later (T2). Eighteen of the patients were treated with prefabricated brackets (Ormco, seventh generation) (PB group) and 24 with customized brackets (Incognito) (CB group).While no significant intergroup differences were recorded at any of the times with respect to tongue position, conversation pattern, swallowing or oral hygiene, the CB group experienced significantly fewer tongue space restrictions, speech disturbances and impairments in chewing and biting than the PB group at T1 and T2. At T2, pressure sores, reddening or lesions to the tongue were recorded significantly less often in the CB group than in the PB group.This enhanced patient comfort in the CB group was attributed to the smaller dimensions of the customized brackets. This aspect could play a role in attracting more patients to lingual orthodontics in the future. Information given to the patient on the duration and extent of the restrictions associated with lingual orthodontics must be differentiated according to the bracket system used.

• Head & Face Medicine - a new journal for 'intra-interdisciplinary' science. Why? When? Where?

  Authors: Thomas Stamm

  Head & face medicine. 08/2005; 1:1.

  The human head and face is the target structure of a large number of medical disciplines which are subject to a continuing trend in medical science - 'ongoing fragmentation' or, to use a betterThe human head and face is the target structure of a large number of medical disciplines which are subject to a continuing trend in medical science - 'ongoing fragmentation' or, to use a better established term, 'opening up new fields'. An adverse side effect of this trend is the separation of scientists, which contributes to a breakdown in communication. Specialization is necessary, but who is able to recombine the pieces of knowledge gained in different branches of science? Who is able to trace back an effect to its cause through the whole system? What is the instrument that enables scientists to think 'laterally', or across disciplines?To be one of these instruments is the vision of Head & Face Medicine. To induce 'intra-interdisciplinary' thinking of scientists by bringing together the findings achieved by different researchers from various specialties, all exploring the same target structure - the human head and face. Head & Face Medicine's objective is to support scientists in gaining new insights from different views, to recognize patterns, to extract new thoughts, to recombine them and bring new visions to life.Evolving tools like the internet, e-publishing, Open Access and open peer review make Head & Face Medicine a cross between a traditional journal and a data stream which can be queried, analyzed and processed with the aim of increasing medical knowledge in the area of head and face medicine. These tools represent several advantages: fast publication, increase of a paper's scientific impact and ethical superiority.Head & Face Medicine looks forward to receiving your contributions.

• Accuracy of third-order bends of nickel-titanium wires and the effect of high and low pressure during memorizing heat treatment.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Ariane Hohoff, Dirk Wiechmann, Jan Sütfeld, Dirk Helm

  American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics. 10/2004; 126(4):476-85.

  This study evaluated the accuracy of third-order bends of nickel-titanium wires and determined the effect of high and low pressure for maintaining the wire shape during memorizing heat treatment. AThis study evaluated the accuracy of third-order bends of nickel-titanium wires and determined the effect of high and low pressure for maintaining the wire shape during memorizing heat treatment. A computer-aided bending machine was used to incorporate 200 randomly determined torsional angles between 0 degrees and 60 degrees into 30 linear 0.016 x 0.022-in NeoSentalloy F80 (GAC International, Central Islip, NY) wires. The torsional bendings were randomized into 2 groups. Bends assigned to group 1 (n = 100) received heat treatment of 1.6 MPa (16 bar) pressure, and bends assigned to group 2 (n = 100) received heat treatment of 50 MPa (500 bar) pressure. Cross-sectional cuts from the bent wires were prepared by using standard metallurgical techniques, and the torsional angles were analyzed under computer control. The results of our study show that third-order bends </= 30 degrees can be made with adequate clinical accuracy with an error of 1.89 degrees +/- 1.75 degrees (0 degrees to 10 degrees ) and 3.57 degrees +/- 1.57 degrees (20 degrees to 30 degrees ), irrespective of the pressure applied. With bends > 30 degrees but </= 40 degrees , the method with the higher pressure offers fundamentally greater precision than that with the lower pressure. With torque bends > 40 degrees , the bending error with both methods is clinically unacceptable. In addition to the variability in the dimension and composition of nickel-titanium wires, the scale of the incorporated plastic deformations makes a substantial contribution to the bending error. As far as permitted by the clinical situation, then, the bend should be distributed over the maximum possible wire length. Third-order bends in the first rectangular pseudoelastic nickel-titanium wires represent an efficient means of effecting torque at an early stage. This individualization allows the full therapeutic potential of these archwires to be exploited right from the initial phase of treatment.

• On the three-dimensional physiological position of the temporomandibular joint.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Ariane Hohoff, Andreas Van Meegen, Ulrich Meyer

  Journal of orofacial orthopedics = Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie : Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kieferorthopädie. 08/2004; 65(4):280-9.

  Despite intensive research regarding the position of the temporomandibular joint, only few evidence-based facts are known about a three-dimensional physiological condyle-fossa relationship. The aimDespite intensive research regarding the position of the temporomandibular joint, only few evidence-based facts are known about a three-dimensional physiological condyle-fossa relationship. The aim of this systematic literature review was therefore to summarize the existing literature regarding the condyle position and to draw conclusions about a standardized three-dimensional condyle position.An extended search profile based on the search strategy of the Cochrane Oral Health Group and applied to twelve medical databases was used to identify existing studies. Articles which were not electronically accessible (mainly those published before 1960) were identified from reference lists and bibliographies. These publications were assessed independently by two clinicians with reference to points based on specified criteria. The interexaminer agreement was assessed on the basis of the kappa coefficient.1903 articles published in the period 1899-2001 and relating to condyle position were identified. These studies showed a pronounced variability in their methodological approaches, with only 49 of them meeting the inclusion criteria. The interexaminer agreement yielded a kappa-value of 0.92. Although numerous studies used three-dimensional data, no physiological three-dimensional condyle position was determined. The most frequent analytic method was two-dimensional projection of the temporomandibular joint onto a subjectively selected sagittal plane. This evaluation method revealed a noticeable shift over time in condyle position from posterior to anterior, suggesting a clear-cut publication bias. Publications with the highest evidence level favored no specific position (p > 0.05).Simplification of the three-dimensional structure of the temporomandibular joint to a two-dimensional projection is questionable for therapeutic positioning of the condyle in relation to the fossa.

• Nonlinear behavior of search strategies for identifying relevant orthodontic articles.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Ariane Hohoff

  The Angle orthodontist. 07/2004; 74(3):316-8.

  The communication process with electronic literature databases permitting a freetext search is prone in part to nonlinear, chaotic behavior. Even very minor changes in the initial conditions (searchThe communication process with electronic literature databases permitting a freetext search is prone in part to nonlinear, chaotic behavior. Even very minor changes in the initial conditions (search query) have a dramatic impact on the concluding event (search outcome). This statement has been verified with reference to alterations to the term "orthodontic" in search strategies of published systematic reviews. The results showed that a variation in one letter led to an average of 152 papers, 81% of them of orthodontic relevance, failing to be localized. Yet, the opposite effect, the elimination of papers (-418), was also observed, confirming the underlying nonlinear pattern. Search queries for orthodontic articles should invariably be equipped with the robust truncation "orthodon*." Truncation variants of key words should be used as a matter of principle to verify the outcome.

• Comparison of the effect on oral discomfort of two positioning techniques with lingual brackets.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Thomas Stamm, Ulrike Ehmer

  The Angle orthodontist. 05/2004; 74(2):226-33.

  Using a standardized questionnaire, 41 patients (12 men, 29 women; mean age 31.5 +/- 12.1 years) were interviewed prospectively on their subjective oral comfort, various oral functions, andUsing a standardized questionnaire, 41 patients (12 men, 29 women; mean age 31.5 +/- 12.1 years) were interviewed prospectively on their subjective oral comfort, various oral functions, and professional qualification before indirect application of lingual brackets (T0), within 24 h of application (T1), and three months later (+/- 1 week) (T2). In 22 of the 41 patients, the brackets were positioned with the Bonding with Equalized Specific Thickness (BEST) technique (BEST group) and in 19 patients by the Transfer Optimized Positioning (TOP) method (TOP group). Despite positive adaptation, the patients in both groups still reported a significant deficiency in tongue space at T2 as well as significantly more frequent lesions to the tongue. The BEST group was affected significantly more often by these problems than the TOP group. At T2, the tongue position was also rated as changed significantly more often in the BEST group than in the TOP group. Although the BEST positioning technique leads to greater impairments in oral comfort than the TOP technique, it offers the orthodontist the advantage of less bending input. In both techniques, there is a need for detailed briefing of patients about the extent and duration of impairments induced by lingual brackets.

• Comparison of 3 bonded lingual appliances by auditive analysis and subjective assessment.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Thomas Stamm, Gerhard Goder, Cristina Sauerland, Ulrike Ehmer, Eberhard Seifert

  American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics. 01/2004; 124(6):737-45.

  The aim of this prospective study was to compare for the first time the influences of lingual appliances of different dimensions on sound performance and oral comfort. The study group comprised 12The aim of this prospective study was to compare for the first time the influences of lingual appliances of different dimensions on sound performance and oral comfort. The study group comprised 12 subjects (10 women, 2 men; mean age, 33.96 years). Their sound production was recorded by means of a digital audio tape recorder before, 10 minutes after, and 24 hours after placement of the different appliances for semiobjective assessment by 3 blinded speech professionals. This was followed by supplementary subjective ratings of sound performance and oral comfort by the patients. All lingual appliances induced significant impairment in sound performance and oral comfort. However, they varied significantly with respect to the degree of impairment. The smaller the appliance, the less pronounced the impairments it induced. The smallest changes were induced by a bonded canine-to-canine retainer, followed by customized lingual brackets and prefabricated lingual brackets. By using lower-profile customized brackets, the orthodontist can significantly enhance patient comfort and significantly reduce impairments of sound performance in comparison with prefabricated brackets with larger dimensions. Before placing a lingual appliance, however, patients should be briefed on possible effects such as impaired sound production and decreased oral comfort.

• Validity of a three-dimensional public-domain system for contemporary endodontic research.

  Authors: Thomas Stamm, Markus Kaup, Ariane Hohoff, Tobias Meier, Ulrich Meyer

  Journal of endodontics. 01/2004; 29(12):801-5.

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the limits and benefits of a visualization system based on public-domain software for contemporary three-dimensional (3-D) endodontic research purposes.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the limits and benefits of a visualization system based on public-domain software for contemporary three-dimensional (3-D) endodontic research purposes. Three-dimensional bio-models of six human teeth and of one bone-implant specimen were generated using cross-sectional imaging. To evaluate the overall performance in processing large data sets and in reproducing accurate 3-D morphology, slices with a thickness varying from 100 microm to 10 microm were cut. Auto-outlining and segmenting techniques were tested. The 3-D bio-models represented in accurate detail the different morphological aspects of the specimen. Voxel volumes of 0.116 x 10(-5) mm3 could be realized and were only restricted by the computer hardware limitations. The system is not limited to dental hard tissues. Hypomineralized material and soft tissues as well as bone- and allogeneic-implant material could be visualized. The method presented is valid and meets current requirements applying to endodontic research. The broad-based use of high-quality, public-domain software and the resulting exchange of experience help to manage resources and may contribute to enhancing the in-process quality of research.

• Effects of a mechanical interdental cleaning device on oral hygiene in patients with lingual brackets.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Thomas Stamm, Nicola Kühne, Dirk Wiechmann, Stephan Haufe, Carsten Lippold, Ulrike Ehmer

  The Angle orthodontist. 11/2003; 73(5):579-87.

  This study was aimed at determining the influence of a battery-operated interdental cleaning device (icd) (WaterPik Flosser) on the oral hygiene of 32 female right-handed patients (mean age 25.9This study was aimed at determining the influence of a battery-operated interdental cleaning device (icd) (WaterPik Flosser) on the oral hygiene of 32 female right-handed patients (mean age 25.9 years) with lingual brackets in the upper (n = 29) and or in the lower arch (n = 25). Approximal plaque index (API) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at the lingual surfaces by a single blinded examiner before application (t0), on average 38.6 days after (t1), and again on average 46.0 days after (t2) the application of the icd. The patients used the icd once a day in the second and fourth quadrants only (icdq). In all quadrants (icdq and non-icd quadrants [n-icdq]), oral hygiene was performed with a manual toothbrush. Of the patients enrolled in the study, 96.9% found the icd subjectively very helpful to moderately helpful for cleaning their teeth and 65.6% had the subjective impression that their teeth were cleaner with the appliance. Despite those positive subjective assessments, an objective comparison of the icdqs with the n-icdqs revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean changes in API and BOP from t0 to t1, from t0 to t2, or from t1 to t2. Because there were spectacular improvements in API in all quadrants, the improvements could be interpreted as an outcome of the instruction and motivation given to the patients, the increasing awareness of oral hygiene, and the greater skill in using the toothbrush in the course of time.

• Oral comfort, function and hygiene in patients with lingual brackets. A prospective longitudinal study.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Didier Fillion, Thomas Stamm, Gerhard Goder, Cristina Sauerland, Ulrike Ehmer

  Journal of orofacial orthopedics = Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie : Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kieferorthopädie. 10/2003; 64(5):359-71.

  BACKGROUND: Oral comfort, speech, mastication and swallowing, as well as oral hygiene were to be evaluated in a prospective longitudinal study before and after insertion of lingual brackets. PATIENTSBACKGROUND: Oral comfort, speech, mastication and swallowing, as well as oral hygiene were to be evaluated in a prospective longitudinal study before and after insertion of lingual brackets. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 22 patients (five male, 17 female, mean age 34.7 years, SD 10.4) were enrolled in the study and filled in a standardized questionnaire directly before placement of lingual brackets (T0), within 24 hours thereafter (T1), and 3 months (+/- 1 week) later (T2). At both T1 and T2, treatment was confined to the upper arch. RESULTS: In comparison with T0, significantly poorer results were recorded at T2 for the parameters "restriction of the tongue space", "lesions to the tongue", "tongue position", "subjective and semiobjective rating of articulation", "chewing", "biting" and "oral hygiene", although significant improvements, i.e. adaptations, had been recorded from T1 to T2 with the exception of the parameters "tongue space", "tongue position", "chewing", "biting" and "oral hygiene". At none of the registration timepoints was fluid intake impaired by the lingual brackets. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that detailed briefing on the extent and duration of potential impairments in oral comfort, functions and hygiene is advisable prior to the insertion of lingual brackets.

• Evaluation of the parameters underlying the decision by adult patients to opt for lingual therapy: an international comparison.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Dirk Wiechmann, Didier Fillion, Thomas Stamm, Carsten Lippold, Ulrike Ehmer

  Journal of orofacial orthopedics = Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie : Organ/official journal Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kieferorthopädie. 04/2003; 64(2):135-44.

  BACKGROUND: The present study is the first instance of patients having been questioned on the criteria applied in their decision for therapy with lingual brackets and on the sources of informationBACKGROUND: The present study is the first instance of patients having been questioned on the criteria applied in their decision for therapy with lingual brackets and on the sources of information available to them within the framework of an international comparison prior to the start of therapy by means of a standardized questionnaire. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 68 patients (19 male, 49 female; mean age 32.4 years, range 19.8 to 60.0 years, SD 9.7) were interviewed. RESULTS: Therapy with lingual brackets was more important to the patients in the present study for professional than for private reasons: The further the patients were from the typical "braces age", the more important was treatment with an invisible appliance from the professional standpoint. The patients' educational level had no influence on the decision for a fixed lingual appliance. There was no significant difference between the German and the French patients in the decision-making criteria of adult patients and the sources of information available to them in the context of the lingual technique. CONCLUSION: The information available through the media on the lingual technique is inadequate in both countries.

• Speech performance in lingual orthodontic patients measured by sonagraphy and auditive analysis.

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Eberhard Seifert, Didier Fillion, Thomas Stamm, Achim Heinecke, Ulrike Ehmer

  American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics. 03/2003; 123(2):146-52.

  Esthetically appealing, externally invisible, lingually applied orthodontic brackets are in increasing demand. Because the brackets are placed lingually, however, they appear to cause some problemsEsthetically appealing, externally invisible, lingually applied orthodontic brackets are in increasing demand. Because the brackets are placed lingually, however, they appear to cause some problems with respect to speech. This study is the first to present a prospective evaluation of the articulation of 23 patients with lingual brackets by means of an innovative combination of test methods. An acoustic, objective evaluation of articulation measured by digital sonagraphy was related to a semiobjective auditive evaluation by 10 speech professionals, to a semiobjective auditive evaluation by close contacts of the patients, and to a subjective auditive evaluation by the patients themselves, the latter 2 using standardized questionnaires. The tests were performed before (T1), within 24 hours after (T2), and 3 months (+/- 1 week) after (T3) the start of therapy. In comparison with the initial findings, a significant deterioration in articulation was recorded with all test methods at T2 and T3. Using a new combination of methods, our investigations show the need for detailed briefing of patients about the extent and duration of changes in speech resulting from lingual brackets.

• Optimizing presurgical orthodontic planning by means of the transverse coordinate simulation system (TCSS).

  Authors: Ariane Hohoff, Norbert Meier, Thomas Stamm, Ulrike Ehmer, Ulrich Joos

  Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. 05/2002; 30(2):75-86.

  INTRODUCTION: When planning bilateral sagittal split osteotomies according to Obwegeser and Dal Pont, inaccuracies in the presurgical prediction of the transverse osteotomy gaps may occur. This isINTRODUCTION: When planning bilateral sagittal split osteotomies according to Obwegeser and Dal Pont, inaccuracies in the presurgical prediction of the transverse osteotomy gaps may occur. This is due to limitations of plaster models when simulating surgery on an articulator. AIM: This paper demonstrates the transverse coordinate simulation system which allows presurgical prediction of the transverse discrepancy between the tooth bearing and the proximal segment after displacement, thus minimizing uncertainty for the surgeon. METHOD: Diagnostic landmarks (taken from lateral and frontal cephalograms) and clinical data describing mandibular dimensions are transferred to a two-dimensional coordinate diagram. A mandibular model is then constructed using the anterior arch form, the temporomandibular joint distance and the prospective incision pattern. RESULT: Movements in the horizontal plane and displacement of the three segments (two condylar and one mandibular arch segment) can be simulated and measured. CONCLUSION: Transverse coordinate simulation system effectively increases the accuracy of presurgical planning without additional CT data or three-dimensional jaw models. This technique may decrease the number of additional surgical manoeuvres resulting from unexpectedly wide transverse discrepancies at the osteotomy site, which often increase surgery time, necessitate additional bone grafting, and entail the risk of healing disturbances and of malrotation or dislocation of the condyle.