Occlusion characteristics of primary dentition by age in a sample of Saudi preschool children

The aim of this study was to describe occlusion characteristics of primary dentition by age in a sample of Saudi children aged 3-5 years. By using standardized and validated recording criteria, a single operator measured [the primary molar and canine relationships, overjet, overbite, anterior open bite, and anterior and/or posterior crossbites], in 323 Kindergarten children [49.7% boys and 50.3% girls]. Descriptive and comparative [Chi-square, t-test] statistics, were used to investigate the occlusal relationship by age of the children. In terms of the molar relationship; flush terminal plane was present in 75% of the children followed by mesial step [13.9%] and distal step [11.1%]. The canine relationship was Class I in 90.1% of the sample, followed by Class III [7.4%], and Class II [2.5%] relationship. Fifty seven percent of the children had normal overbite, with significantly higher percentage in older children. Open bite tendency was greater in younger children. Fifty two percent of the children had an overjet between 0-2 mm, 30.3% ranged between 2.1-4 mm, 15.8% >4 mm, and only 1.9% had reverse overjet. Posterior crossbite was present in 8.7% of the children examined. The differences and correlations between the age and the occlusal relationships were not significant. The prevalence of malocclusion was found to be less than those reported in other populations

Tooth size and anterior ratio in skeletal class iii subjects with mandibular prognathism

Objective: The objectives of this investigation were to describe the prevalence of anterior tooth size discrepancies in Skeletal Class III with mandibular prognathism, and whether sexual dimorphism exists for anterior tooth size ratios

Methods: The measurements were obtained from 40 study models with both sexes [19 female, 21 mal] All patients were Saudi nationals, between the ages of 19 to 30 years old. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used for the analysis of the data

Results: Subjects having skeletal Class III with mandibular prognathism showed highly significant anterior ratio [80.6 +2] compared to the Bolton Study [P<0.001], a high prevalence of anterior tooth size discrepancy, no sexual dimorphism and significant difference in some mesiodistal tooth size difference between sexes

Conclusion: Tooth size analysis is an important diagnostic tool and should be included as one part of the records when establishing treatment planning

Patient compliance in wearing the retainers after orthodontic treatment

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to analyze cooperation of patients in wearing removable and bonded retainers with regard to: age of patient, patient motivation, duration of wear, number of times broken or lost, difficulty faced with retainers, and the level of satisfaction with orthodontic treatment; to compare gender difference; and age group differences

Patients and methods: a prospective study of patient compliance with orthodontic retainers was conducted on 75 patients, using an appropriate questionnaire filled out by patients after a variable time of deboning included and fitting the retainers. The data was analyzed and the differences between and within certain variables were examined using a non-parametric chi-square at 0.05 level of significance

Result: of the seventy-five cases surveyed in this study, 53.3% were female, 46.7% were male, and the age range was between 13 and 28 years old on completion of treatment. 36% of the participants sought orthodontic treatment because of concern regarding crowding. In almost half the patients [48%] the treatment period was between 2-3 years. Most cases had their orthodontic treatment finished between 6 months to 3 years. In the upper arch the majority type of retainers were removable [92%]; however in the lower arch the majority were bonded retainers [80.3%]. The average time of wearing removable retainers by the patients varied considerably, 34.8% only wore it full time [24 hours]. S1.49% ot patients reported that they did not break or lose their retainers. However 43.2% of patients had removable retainers broken / lost and 5.4% of patients had broken the bonded retainer. The main complaint from the majority of patients [55.3%] wearing removable retainer: was difficulty in speaking. Breakage incidences or either removable or bonded retainers were higher in male than in female patients which was statistically significant [P

Conclusion: a concern about appearance was the most important reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. The majority of patients were found not to be following instructions for the required time and period of wearing retainers. The breakage and loss of removable retainers was higher than bonded retainers. Breakages of retainers were higher in males than females. The patients of the younger age group had fewer complaints in terms of the difficulty in wearing removable appliances than the patients of older age group. The duration of treatment was clearly associated with a monotonous decay of compliance

non-surgical orthodontic treatment of a class III malocclusion in an adolacent patient: a case report

Fifteen-year-old, Saudi female patient was presented to the outpatient orthodontic clinic at King Saud University, College of Dentistry. Riyadh, with class III skeletal and dental malocclusion. After through examination, the patient was initially referred for a surgical evaluation for a LeFort I maxillary advancement. The parents expressed the desire to avoid surgery if possible. The patient was treated by increasing the maxillary arch length using a bonded Rapid Maxillary Expander [RME], a maxillary protraction mask, and retruding the lower labial segment. The result showed protraction of the maxillary complex and "A point' with improved facial profile