Histological evaluation after electrothermal debonding of ceramic brackets.

Aim: To evaluate the histological changes following electrothermal debonding (ETD) of ceramic brackets. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 first premolar teeth from 14 patients were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 20 teeth which served as control, and the brackets were debonded using conventional pliers. (7 teeth were extracted 24 hours after conventional debonding, 7 teeth were extracted 28 to 32 days after conventional debonding and 6 teeth were extracted 56-60 days after conventional debonding). Group II consisted of 30 teeth and the brackets were debonded using the ETD unit. (10 teeth were extracted 24 hours after ETD, 10 teeth were extracted 28 to 32 days after ETD and 10 teeth were extracted 56-60 days after ETD. Immediately after extraction, the teeth were sectioned and prepared for histological examination. Results: The pulp was normal in most samples of the control group. In group II, mild inflammation was observed in the 24 hour sample while the 28 to 32 day sample showed signs of healing. The 56-60 day sample showed that the pulp was similar to the control group in 6 out of the 10 samples. Conclusion: The ETD of ceramic brackets did not affect the pulp and the changes which were observed, were reversible in nature

Perception of smile esthetics among Indian dental professionals and laypersons.

Introduction : Patients' perceptions and expectations regarding their appearance play a significant role in treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons regarding smile esthetics after symmetrical and asymmetrical alterations in anterior teeth and their supporting tissues. Materials and Methods: Alterations were made in the crown length, crown width, midline diastema, and gingiva-to-lip relationship of the maxillary anterior teeth in the close-up photograph of a woman's smile. The attractiveness of the smile in the original image and in each of the modified images were assessed by orthodontists (n=40), dentists (n=40), and laypersons (n=40) and scored using a visual analog scale (VAS). The mean VAS scores were calculated for each photograph. ANOVA was used for comparisons between photographs and between groups. To determine threshold levels at which each group discriminated between esthetic and less esthetic dental features were determined by one-way ANOVA (F-test) followed by Newman-Keul's range test. Results : Orthodontists were found to be more critical when evaluating smile images compared to general dentists and laypersons. Symmetrical or asymmetrical alterations in the mesio-distal width of the lateral incisor of up to 2 mm was not perceived as unesthetic by general dentists and laypersons. Conclusion: Laypersons are more accepting of minor variations in anterior tooth size and alignment than orthodontists.