Comparison of collum angle of maxillary central incisors in class ii div 1 and 2 malocclusions

The Collum angle or the cephalometric crown-root angulation of permanent maxillary central incisors is an angle formed between the long axes of the crown and root of upper central incisors. This study aimed to evaluate the Collum angle in patients with Class II division 1 and 2 malocclusions for identifying the nature of differences, if any. Out of a total of 565 lateral cephalograms available at Lahore Medical and Dental College Orthodontic department during 2013-2014, 60 satisfied the inclusion criteria and 30 each were selected for the two malocclusion groups. The Collum angle of the permanent maxillary central incisors differ significantly among Class II division 1 and 2 permanent maxillary central incisor and showed pronounced axial bending in division 2 incisors [10.03° +/- 4.37°] as compared to division 1 [3.65° +/- 3.79°]. The mean difference between both groups was 6.38° + 5.81°. This feature could possibly contribute to the development of a deep overbite in Class II division 2 malocclusion and also may limit the amount of root torque during fixed appliance therapy

Self-reported confidence levels of dental graduates in performing clinical procedures

This survey was conducted to study the levels of confidence in performing basic dental procedures, reported by graduates of three different dental colleges of Lahore. A Sample of 180 students was surveyed through specially designed proformas, using five points Likert's Scale. A total response rate of 90.5% was achieved. The null hypothesis was that graduates from different institutions have equal levels of confidence. Analysis of variance was used to assess difference of scores among institutions. P value pf 0.05 was considered to be significant. Statistically significant differences among institutions were noted[p=2.44]. Students were most confident in simpler procedures in which they had had most clinical experience. They were least confident in more complex procedures in which they had the least clinical experience during third and final year of BDS. Increased clinical time in complex procedures may help in increasing graduating students' confidence procedures highlighted in this study

Comparison of dental and alveolar arch widths in class I and class II division 1 malocclusion

The objective of this study was to compare transverse dimensions of the dental arches and alveolar arches in the canine, premolar and molar regions of Class I and Class II div 1 malocclusion groups. This cross sectional study was performed at Lahore medical and dental college, from January 2011 to November 2011, using measurements on dental casts of 30 Class I and Class II div 1 adult female subjects. Twelve dental and alveolar arch width measurements were recorded from dental casts using a dial caliper. Descriptive analysis and paired sample t- test were carried out for significance [P < 0.05]. Statistically significant differences were found in two of the twelve measurements. Mandibular canine alveolar width and mandibular premolar alveolar width in Class II div 1 group were significantly narrower than Class I group. Rest of the variables did not show any significant difference. The results of our study suggest that Mandibular intercanine and interpremolar alveolar width measurements were narrower in Class II subjects and there is a tendency towards lingual cross bites in that malocclusion group

Association of missing third molars with various skeletal patterns

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of third molar agenesis and its association with skeletal features. Pre-treatment records of 270 patients, aged between 12 and 35 years with no previous orthodontic treatment or third molar extraction were taken into study. Panoramic radio-graphs and lateral cephalograms were used to determine number of missing third molars and associated skeletal pattern of the patients. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to determine potential differences between sagittal and vertical pattern of patients with missing third molars. The frequency of third-molar agenesis was 31.85%in total and was 10.30% in skeletal class I, 14.80% in skeletal class II and 6.60% in skeletal class III. The frequency of vertical pattern of individuals with missing third molars was 11.8%normal angle, 10.3% low angle and 9.6% high angle. No statistically significant correlation was established between third molar agenesis and various skeletal sagittal and vertical patterns in this study group of Lahore medical and dental college