OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of Reference Ear Plug (REP) during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for the generation of lateral cephalograms from CBCT scan data. METHODS: Two CBCT scans were obtained from 33 adults. One CBCT scan was acquired using conventional methods, and the other scan was acquired with the use of REP. Virtual lateral cephalograms created from each CBCT image were traced and compared with tracings of the real cephalograms obtained from the same subject. RESULTS: CBCT scan with REP resulted in a smaller discrepancy between real and virtual cephalograms. In comparing the real and virtual cephalograms, no measurements significantly differed from real cephalogram values in case of CBCT scan with REP, whereas many measurements significantly differed in the case of CBCT scan without REP. CONCLUSION: Measurements from CBCT-generated cephalograms are more similar to those from real cephalograms when REP are used during CBCT scan. Thus, the use of REP is suggested during CBCT scan to generate accurate virtual cephalograms from CBCT scan data.
Adult ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Ear ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in tooth mobility following orthodontic treatment and to obtain information regarding the guideline of retainer wear duration during the post-treatment period. METHODS: The sample consisted of twenty patients who had been treated with edgewise appliances. The mobility of the maxillary teeth from the central incisor to the first molar was measured bilaterally by way of the Periotest(R), a non-invasive, electronic device that provides an objective measurement of the reaction of the periodontium to a defined impact load. Tooth mobility was monitored at the time of the removal of the orthodontic appliances and subsequently at three-month intervals during the two years following appliance removal. RESULTS: Tooth mobility decreased rapidly for the first six months and then decreased at a slower rate during the next six months; no statistically significant decrease in mobility was observed during the second year following appliance removal. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that adequate tooth stabilization is critical during the first six months following appliance removal and that continued wearing of retainers is recommended at least until twelve months after the completion of orthodontic treatment.
Electronics ; Electrons ; Humans ; Incisor ; Molar ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Periodontium ; Retention (Psychology) ; Tooth ; Tooth Mobility