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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis Manuel Oscar Lagravere Vich University of Alberta I am original from Lima, Peru. I completed my Degree in Dental Sciences (2000) and Masters in Science (2003) at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. After this I came to Edmonton to start my PhD Orthodontic Residency which was completed in July 2009. I was hired as a Research Associate of the Orthodontic Graduate Program on August 2008 and am currently teaching in the Undergrad and Postgrad Orthodontic Programs, at the University of Alberta. I am continuously involved in academia teaching and research in orthodontics. I won several awards, the most important being the Harry Sicher Research Award in 2010. I have published more than 30 peer-reviewed papers and am working in the area of imaging and expansion. Project The research project is a spin-off of a study based on my PhD thesis research and a joint study between the University of Alberta and Dresden University in Germany. Traditional treatment of narrow maxillary arches with posterior crossbite involves Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) with separation of the midpalatal suture. The most common approach uses a Hyrax appliance attached to the first premolar and first permanent molar teeth. In recent years, a new generation of “passive” self-ligation orthodontic brackets (Damon) have been introduced. These brackets are reported to produce less friction than traditional orthodontic brackets, which theoretically allows tooth movement to occur with lower forces and in most cases eliminating the need for RME expanders and their negative effects. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different maxillary expansion treatments currently being used in orthodontic treatment. It will determine the dental, skeletal and nasal airway volume effects of using the Damon system (self-ligating brackets) and Hyrax appliance followed by non self-ligating brackets. Benefits for orthodontic education Although the Damon system for correction of posterior crossbite is widely used around the world, there is currently only one peer reviewed study which compares changes which occur with Damon and traditional RME treatment. Yu et al. {Yu 2008} treated a total of 19 patients (9 with RME and 10 with Damon system) and concluded that both treatment methods could increase the arch width. The Damon group had more protrusion of the upper and lower incisors. Transverse expansion of the arch occurred through buccal tipping of the posterior teeth RME treatment expanded the maxillary base and upper dental arch and no protrusion of the incisors was noticed. Expansion treatments are commonly used in orthodontic practices bringing results that vary depending on which protocol of treatment is being applied. Three-dimensional imaging will help clinicians find the real changes present on these treatments helping them decide which treatment modality is the best based on sound scientific evidence. Importance of AAOF The AAOF is important in my plan because being a recent graduate, it will provide me with funds to supplement my current salary. Teaching orthodontics is a passion of mine. This award will help me relieve the economical stress associated with an early academic career and being able to focus on becoming a better professional and family man. |
