ABSTRACT
To test the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston prediction method in a Saudi population. The current study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2013 to January 2014, on a sample of 409 pairs of orthodontic study models. The mesiodistal width of the mandibular permanent incisors, permanent canines, and permanent premolars were measured using an electronic digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01mm. Hie predicted widths derived from the Tanaka and Johnston equation were compared with the actual measured widths. Gender differences were observed in the sum of the mesiodistal width of canine and premolars in both arches as indicated by t-test [p<0.001]. The sum of the actual mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars were compared with the predicted widths derived from the Tanaka and Johnston equation and significant differences were found [p<0.001]. The regression analysis indicated that the sum of the mesiodistal width of the mandibular permanent incisors is a good predictor for those of unerupted canines and premolars, with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.51 to 0.61. Accordingly, 2 linear regression equations were developed for tooth width prediction for Saudi males and females. The Tanaka and Johnston prediction equation overestimated the sum of mesiodistal widths of permanent canines and premolars in Saudis. New regression equations were formulated for the prediction of tooth width in the Saudi population
ABSTRACT
To examine the patient's perception of pain and discomfort following the placement of elastomeric separators in Saudi adolescents. The study was conducted on 38 adolescent patients who received fixed orthodontic treatment. The data was collected through the use of a self-administrated questionnaire that was distributed to the patients by one investigator in a non-clinical setting. The evaluation of pain started from the fourth hour after placement of elastomeric separators, and continued until the fifth day. The data showed that after 4 hours from separator placement, 94.7% of patients reported pain. There was a daily decrease in these percentages starting from the third day. The type of pain during the first 2 days was continuous, then continued to be intermittent pain. Most of the patients reported pain during eating and chewing, changed their food habit, and used analgesics. No statistical differences were observed between male and female patients in pain perception, type of pain, analgesic consumption, and influences on chewing and food consistency. The pain associated with orthodontic separation starts and peaks within 4-48 hours from separator placement, then starts to decline to reach the lowest level on fifth day