Un "boxing" the reality: Knowledge, attitude, and perception of orthodontists, dental practitioners, and orthodontic patients toward mouthguards' wear during contact sports-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Mouthguards (MGs) have the potential to prevent contact sport-related dental injuries. However, varying perceptions of their effectiveness persist, influencing recommendations by dental professionals. AIM: To assess the attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of orthodontists, other dental practitioners (general dentists and other dental specialists), and orthodontic patients involved in contact sports regarding the use of MGs. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was designed to collect information from dental clinicians (orthodontists and other dental practitioners) and their orthodontic patients about using MGs during sports participation. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the participants for an online survey. A total of 107 (32 males/75 females) dental clinicians and 147 (75 males/72 females) orthodontic patients (mean age 17.5 ± 5.84 years) participated in the study. Pre-validated questionnaires, specifically designed for dental clinicians and orthodontic patients, were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 28.0; SPSS). RESULTS: Nearly 50% of dental clinicians have recently recommended MGs to their patients in their clinical practice out of which 59% preferred the stock type; 33% of dental clinicians enquired their patients about involvement in contact sports during initial visits. The majority of orthodontic patients acquired knowledge about MGs through the Internet. More than half of orthodontic patients expressed unwillingness to pay for MGs, and 89% of orthodontic patients found using MGs during contact sports uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: The findings provide valuable insights into the practices and attitudes of dental clinicians and orthodontic patients regarding MGs, their recommendations, and the comfort levels associated with using them during contact sports.

Comparison of three orthodontic bonding systems in white spot lesion development: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) during fixed orthodontic therapy among a conventional three-step bonding system, a self-etching primer bonding system, and a one-step adhesive bonding system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients were randomly allocated into three groups (group 1, conventional bonding system, n = 25; group 2, self-etch primer, n = 25; group 3, primer mixed with adhesive composite, n = 25). Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) was used to assess WSL parameters. Images were captured and then analyzed before treatment and at 2 months and 4 months after bond up. Lesion area (pixels), mean fluorescence loss (ΔF), and the number of newly developed WSLs were compared within and among the three groups. The significance level was P ≤ .05. RESULTS: The mean increase in lesion area was 31.3 ± 2.8 pixels, 38.4 ± 4.3 pixels, and 119.5 ± 5.3 pixels for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P ≤ .001). For ΔF, the loss was 3.3% ± 0.3%, 4.4% ± 0.2%, and 6.6% ± 0.2% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These changes were significantly different (P ≤ .01 to P ≤ .001). The incidence of newly developed lesions was 9.5 WSLs in group 1, 10 WSLs in group 2, and 15.9 WSLs in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of primer contributed to the development of a larger number of and more severe WSLs.

Cranial base measurements in different anteroposterior skeletal relationships using Bjork-Jarabak analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the linear and angular cranial base measurements (Bjork polygon) in different anteroposterior (AP) skeletal relationships using Bjork-Jarabak analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 288 (146 women, 142 men, mean ages 21.24 ± 2.72 years and 22.94 ± 3.28 years, respectively) adult patients were divided into Class I, II, and III skeletal relationships according to their ANB angle. Linear and angular measurements of Bjork polygon were measured and compared among different skeletal relationships. Analysis of variance was performed to detect the differences among groups. Independent-sample t-test was used to detect differences between men and women. RESULTS: The Class II skeletal relationship has a significantly larger saddle angle than Class III does (P < .05), whereas Class III has a significantly larger gonial angle than Class II does (P < .05). The articular angle and sum of Bjork polygon angles were not significantly different among groups (P > .05). Anterior (N-S) and posterior (S-Ar) cranial base lengths were similar in the different AP skeletal relationships (P > .05). The ramal height and body of the mandible length were significantly larger in Class III compared with Class I and II (P < .05). Women had a significantly larger articular angle than men did (P < .05), although men had significantly larger linear measurements of Bjork polygon than women did (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Class III skeletal relationship has a smaller saddle angle and larger mandibular length and gonial angle. Men have a larger cranial base and mandibular linear measurements and a smaller articular angle compared with women.

A comparative assessment of the amount and rate of orthodontic space closure toward a healed vs recent lower premolar extraction site.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare the amount and rate of space closure and tooth tipping during orthodontic space closure toward a recent vs healed first premolar extraction site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular arches of 23 patients were included. Treatment plans included lower first premolar extractions. After reaching 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless-steel archwires (SSAW), patients were subdivided into two groups (Group 1: space closure was carried out toward a healed first premolar extraction space and Group 2: space closure was carried out immediately after first premolar extraction). Elastomeric power chain from second molar to second molar was used to close lower extraction spaces. The following time points were defined: T1: just before space closure; T2-T4: 1-3 months after initial space closure. Records consisted of dental study models. The amount and rate of extraction space closure were evaluated at each time point. RESULTS: In Group 1 (healed socket), a total amount of 1.98 mm (coronally) and 1.75 mm (gingivally) of space closure was achieved. The rate of space closure was 0.66 mm/month coronally and 0.58 mm/month gingivally. In Group 2 (recent socket), the total amount of space closure was 3.02 mm coronally and 2.68 mm gingivally. The rate of space closure was 1.01 mm/month coronally and 0.89 mm/month gingivally. Differences between the two groups were significant (P < .01). Tipping of adjacent teeth during space closure was similar in both groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In the lower arch, the amount and rate of space closure toward a recent extraction site were higher than that toward a healed extraction socket with similar tipping of teeth in both groups.

The effect of intraoral aging of the working stainless steel archwire on the rate of premolar extraction space closure: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of the working archwire intra-aging on the rate of upper first premolar space closure and to measure frictional resistance during space closure. METHODS: A total of 28 subjects participated in this study. All patients were treated by upper first premolar extraction. Subjects were subdivided into 2 groups: non-replacement side: consisted of the right or left sides of the upper arch where space closure was done using the same 0.019 × 0.025-inch SS; replacement side: comprised the other side of the subjects where the working archwire was replaced with a new one each visit. The working archwire in the upper arch was split into 2 halves (new archwire on one side and old one on the other side); each one-half was connected to the other in the midline by a joining shim. Elastomeric chain was used to close extraction spaces. The amount of space closure (mm) was recorded each visit for 3 months. RESULTS: In the non-replacement side, the rate of upper space closure was 0.80 mm/month coronally and 0.75 mm/month gingivally. In the replacement side, it was 0.69 mm/month coronally and 0.67 mm/month gingivally (p > 0.05). Mean frictional force for the non-replacement side was 3.58 ± 1.20 N, and it was 2.43 ± 1.21 N for the replacement side (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral archwire aging has no effect on the rate of upper premolar space closure/month although frictional resistance of the aged archwire was higher than of the new one. Clinical relevance No need to replace 0.019 × 0.025-inch SS every visit during space closure to overcome corrosion and frictional resistance.

Patients' perceptions of orthodontic treatment experiences during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has impacted the care of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. We aimed to provide an overall view of patients' perspectives, concerns, and expectations towards their treatment throughout the clinic lockdown during the pandemic; and to assess patients' levels of mental distress and its association with their confidence in resuming care. METHODS: An anonymous, validated, in-person paper questionnaire was distributed to adult orthodontic patients' post-lockdown at an academic institution. The survey focused on the clinical aspects and patients' perspectives regarding orthodontic treatment during the pandemic. The Kessler Mental Distress Scale (K10) was used to evaluate their psychological status. Survey responses were descriptively summarized and confidence in resuming care was compared between normal patients and patients with mental distress using Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four patients were surveyed from July to October 2020. Mean age of the participants was 29.30 (SD = 12.01) years and 62% were females. Emergencies during the closure (21%, 32/154) involved primarily irritation with protruding wires. Patients were neutral regarding tele-dentistry and preferred their current fixed appliances over clear aligners. Upon resuming care, 80.51% were extremely pleased with the restrictive protocols and with high level of confidence in resuming treatment. The average level of anxiety was low, and a modest association was found between mental distress and reduced confidence in resuming treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Few numbers of minor emergencies occurred during the clinic closure. Despite the rising interest in tele-dentistry, patients were neutral on considering this option to monitor treatment and were content with fixed appliances. Patients had high confidence levels to resume their care based on the protocols established upon reopening. The association of mental distress and confidence in resuming care is suggestive and needs further investigation.

Enamel demineralization during clear aligner orthodontic treatment compared with fixed appliance therapy, evaluated with quantitative light-induced fluorescence: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to investigate the relationship between clear aligner (CA) therapy and the development of white spot lesions and compare it with orthodontic fixed appliance (FA) therapy. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial. The setting was the postgraduate orthodontic clinic at Jordan University of Science and Technology. A total of 49 patients (39 female, 10 male; mean age ± standard deviation, 21.25 ± 3 years) who required orthodontic treatment with either FAs or CAs were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 study groups. Eligibility criteria included healthy patients of both sexes (age range 17-24 years), Class I malocclusion with mild-to-moderate crowding (≤5 mm), nonextraction treatment plan, and optimum oral hygiene before treatment as determined by clinical examination. The participants were randomly assigned to a study group according to a simple randomization method using a coin toss by the patient; the text or tail side of the coin indicated treatment with CA (group 1), and the head side of the coin indicated orthodontic treatment with FA (group 2). Blinding was applicable for outcome assessment only. CA therapy was performed for group 1 and FA for group 2. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) images were taken before treatment (T0) and 3 months later (T1). The QLF images were then analyzed to assess the research outcomes. The main outcome was the mean amount of fluorescence loss (ΔF). Number of newly developed lesions, deepest point in the lesion (ΔFMax), lesion area (pixels), and plaque surface area (ΔR30) were measured as secondary outcomes. Descriptive statistics and comparison within and between groups were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 42 of the 49 participants recruited completed the study (19 in the CA group and 23 in the FA group). The mean amount of fluorescence loss was 0.4% for the CA group (P = 0.283) and 1.2% for the FA group (P = 0.013). The difference between the 2 groups was significant (confidence interval [CI], -1.8 to -0.4; P = 0.002). The mean increase in lesion area was 82.2 pixels for the CA group (P <0.001) and 9.3 pixels for the FA group (P = 0.225). The difference between the 2 groups was significant (CI, -117 to -75.0; P <0.001). ΔR30 was 1.2% for the CA group and 10.9% for the FA group (CI, 6.847-12.479; P <0.001). The number of newly developed lesions in the CA group was 6 lesions/patient and 8.25 in the FA group (P = 0.039). No serious harm on the oral health of the participants in the 2 study groups was observed other than mild gingivitis associated with plaque accumulation. No serious harm was reported by any of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment with CAs and FAs caused enamel demineralization. The CA group developed larger but shallower white spot lesions, whereas the FA group developed more new lesions with greater severity, but they were smaller in area. More plaque accumulation was found in the FA group compared with the CA group. REGISTRATION: NCT04107012. PROTOCOL: The protocol was published after trial commencement.

Effect of different acid etchants on the remineralization process of white-spot lesions: An in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of acid etchants with different low concentrations on remineralization of white spot lesion (WSL). METHODS: WSL were prepared on buccal surfaces of 100 intact premolars using the methyl cellulose gel/lactic acid method. The samples were then placed in a remineralizing solution in addition to fluoride application twice daily for 5 minutes. The changes were quantified weekly using the Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) system. When changes in fluorescence radiance approached zero, each sample was etched with one of the following acids; 5% phosphoric acid, 10% phosphoric acid, 5% polyacrylic acid or 10% polyacrylic acid for 15 seconds, washed, dried, and placed again in the remineralizing solution. Two samples were randomly selected from each group for transverse microradiography (TMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. RESULTS: The 10% polyacrylic acid group showed the most significant improvement in fluorescence gain over the second phase of remineralization. It also showed partial loss of surface minerals without affecting enamel thickness as the phosphoric acid did. Additionally, 10% polyacrylic acid created the largest number of pores and smallest in size when compared to phosphoric acid, thus enhancing remineralization more efficiently than phosphoric acid without compromising the enamel outermost layer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this study may improve the remineralization of WSL from the bottom of the lesion instead of precipitation on the outermost layer of the lesion leaving a better quality of enamel. 10% polyacrylic acid enhanced remineralization more efficiently than phosphoric acid without compromising the enamel outermost layer.

Effect of application sequence of fluoride and CPP-ACP on remineralization of white spot lesions in primary teeth: An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how application sequence of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride influences remineralization of enamel white spot lesions (WSL) in primary teeth. DESIGN: In this in-vitro study, artificial WSLs were created in 130 primary teeth. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=27) and a control group (n=22) and exposed to one of the following remineralization regimens for 10 weeks: Group-1; 500ppm fluoride dentifrice; Group-2; 10% w/v CPP-ACP; Group-3; fluoride applied first, then CPP-ACP; Group-4; CPP-ACP applied first, then fluoride, and Group-5 was control. All groups were kept in a remineralizing solution. Mineral changes (ΔF) were quantified weekly using quantitative light-induced fluorescence. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). RESULTS: Remineralization occurred in all groups to different degrees; changes from baseline were significant in groups 1-4 (P≤0.05). Group-4 showed the earliest significant remineralization (after 2 weeks) among groups, (P<0.001). Group-4 showed maximum changes in ΔF among groups; however, only differences with Groups 1 and 5 were significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Group-3 showed better remineralization than Groups 1, 2 and 5; however, the difference was only significant with Group-5 (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between Group 1and 2, however, only Group 2 showed better remineralization than Group 5, (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with CPP-ACP followed by fluoride exhibited the best remineralization of white spot lesions in primary teeth in this study. Combined treatment with fluoride followed by CPP-ACP showed a tendency towards better remineralization than fluoride or CPP-ACP alone.

Force degradation of orthodontic latex elastics: An in-vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Our objectives were to assess the force degradation of orthodontic latex elastics over 48 hours in vivo and to study the relationship between the amount of mouth opening and the degree of force decay. METHODS: Fifty-two orthodontic patients wearing fixed appliances using Class II elastics were asked to wear premeasured-force 3/16-in heavy and medium intermaxillary elastics. The force amounts were measured and compared at different time intervals. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the force was lost after 3.9 hours for the medium elastics and after 4.9 hours for the heavy elastics. A continuous significant force drop in all elastics was seen at all time intervals (P <0.05, P <0.001). There was greater force loss in the heavy elastics compared with the medium elastics in vivo at all time intervals (P <0.001); the rates of force loss, however, were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Fifty percent of force degradation occurred in the first 4 to 5 hours. Because of breakage and for oral hygiene purposes, orthodontic elastics should be changed daily; otherwise, elastics can be used for 48 hours. Force decay of the elastics was correlated to the lateral distance between the maxillary canine and the mandibular first molar in occlusion.

Occlusal bite force change after orthodontic treatment with Andresen functional appliance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the occlusal bite force (OBF) changes, at the incisal and molar regions, after orthodontic treatment with functional appliance therapy in preadolescent subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OBF was measured for patients (17 females and 16 males) before and after the treatment with Andresen functional appliance for an average period of 9 months (mean age was 11.8±1.1 years). Three variables were registered; maximum OBF at molar region and the average of three readings at the molar (AOBF) and incisal regions (IOBF). The same variables were measured in two occasions for a matching non-treated control group with a period of 9 months between the two measurements. RESULTS: No significant changes were seen in the OBF measured parameters in the control group. There was a reduction in all measured parameters. The mean reduction in maximum OBF was 76.1±12.4 N (P < 0.001), 58.5±13.0 N in AOBF (P < 0.001), and 69.3±11.6 N IOBF (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with functional appliance caused a significant reduction in OBF immediately after treatment.

Long-term clinical effect of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

Mechanical removal of microbial biofilm dental plaque from tooth surfaces is important for treatment of periodontal diseases. However, the effectiveness of conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) is affected by the local conditions and residual bacteria which may affect the healing process. We performed a randomized clinical trial to test our hypothesis that adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) plus SRP has significant effect compared with SRP alone, which can last for 1 year. The study included 136 sites in 16 patients with previously untreated chronic periodontitis, at least one premolar and one molar in every quadrant (minimum, four teeth/quadrant) and at least one tooth with attachment loss of ≥4 mm in every quadrant. In all patients, two randomly assigned quadrants were treated with SRP and the other two were treated with SRP + aPDT. The clinical parameters of probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. PPD and BOP showed significant reduction, and CAL showed significant gain from baseline for all three time points in both groups. In addition, there were significantly greater reduction and gain for SRP + aPDT than for SRP at all three time points. No adverse effects of aPDT were observed. These data demonstrate significant improvement in all evaluated clinical parameters for at least 1 year and suggest that aPDT as an adjunctive therapy to SRP represents a promising therapeutic concept for persistent periodontitis.

Effect of socioeconomic status on normative and perceived orthodontic treatment need.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on normative and perceived orthodontic treatment need, satisfaction with dental appearance, and regularity of dental attendance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 550 adolescents (232 boys, 318 girls) aged 13 to 17 years who were categorized according to SES into three groups: low, middle, and high SES. Normative treatment need was assessed by using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Data were collected by clinical examination and face-to-face interview. The χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Approximately 34.0% of the untreated subjects had a definite dental need for treatment and 24.5% had a moderate need; among those, 53.5% were of low SES (P  =  .017). One-third of the sample had a moderate to definite esthetic need, most of whom had a low SES (P  =  .009). Of the subjects who were dissatisfied with their dental appearance and reported a self-perceived need for treatment, around one-third had a low SES. Most subjects with low SES were irregular dental attenders (P < .001). Subjects of low SES, those who had a self-perceived need for treatment, and those who were dissatisfied with their dental appearance were more likely to have a definite normative esthetic need. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects of low SES exhibited greater normative and perceived treatment needs than subjects of higher SES. They were less satisfied with their dental appearance and visited a dentist less frequently.

Mandibular symphysis morphology and dimensions in different anteroposterior jaw relationships.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the morphology and dimensions of mandibular symphysis (MS) in different anteroposterior jaw relationships and to investigate whether craniofacial parameters have any correlation with its shape and/or dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of subjects with Class I, Class II, and Class III skeletal relationships were traced. Several craniofacial and MS parameters were measured. MS parameters were compared between the three groups using analysis of variance and were correlated with the craniofacial parameters using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Larger angle of concavity of the chin, more inclination of the alveolar bone toward the mandibular plane, and larger MS dimensions and area (P < .001) were found with a Class III skeletal relationship compared to Class I and Class II relationships. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Id-Me and AFH was r  =  0.83 and between Id-Me and LAFH it was r  =  0.81. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions and configuration of MS in the Class III relationship were different than those in Class I and Class II relationships; the alveolar part of MS compensated for the skeletal relationship in the Class III pattern. MS dimensions were strongly correlated to anterior facial dimensions.

Factors influencing the uptake of orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that may influence orthodontic treatment uptake such as socioeconomic class (SEC), type of funding, and gender. METHODS: The sample comprised 550 adolescents (232 men, 318 women) aged 13-17 years. Demographic data and questions concerning treatment experience, satisfaction with dental appearance, self-perceived need, dental attendance pattern, and presence of a health insurance were collected by means of a questionnaire. SEC was established by using an index developed for Jordanians. Normative treatment need was assessed by using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Treatment uptake was significantly less in the low SEC group (5.2 percent) than the other SEC groups. Women were more frequently treated than men as were those subjects who possessed a health insurance and who regularly attended a dentist. The odds of not receiving orthodontic treatment were significantly higher in the lowest SEC group (odds ratio = 26, P < 0.001). Gender, health insurance, and dental attendance pattern were significant variables in predicting treatment uptake but to a lesser extent than SEC. CONCLUSIONS: Low SEC had a strong predictive effect on treatment uptake; socioeconomically deprived individuals were less likely to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Effect of fixed orthodontic appliances bonded with different etching techniques on tooth color: a prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: For most orthodontic patients, esthetic concerns are as important as functional demands. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of self-etching primer and conventional acid etching on tooth color after orthodontic treatment. METHODS: A total of 34 patients were enrolled in a clinical trial and divided into 2 groups based on age: adolescents (≤17 years) and adults (>17 years). Tooth color of all maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth was measured before bonding and after debonding using a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade Compact; Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). Two types of etching techniques were used for orthodontic bonding, self-etching primer and conventional acid etching, in a randomized split-mouth design. Tooth color measurements were done according to the system of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (lightness, red/green, and yellow/blue). The corresponding tooth color differences between pretreatment and posttreatment, etching groups, sexes, and age groups were calculated. RESULTS: Tooth color was significantly changed in all (L, a, b) color parameters (P <0.05). The lightness value decreased by 2.16 units, and the red/green and yellow/blue values increased by 0.32 and 1.78, respectively. The average tooth color difference after orthodontic treatment was 2.85 units. No significant difference was found between self-etching primer and conventional acid etching in their effects on tooth color (P >0.05). Men and adolescents had more color change than did girls and adults (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fixed orthodontic appliances caused tooth color changes; self-etching primer and conventional acid etching had similar effects on tooth color; men and adolescents had greater color changes than did girls and adults.

Dental arch parameters of the displacement and nondisplacement sides in subjects with unilateral palatal canine ectopia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare arch perimeter and teeth size, number, and shape between the two sides of the dental arch-the canine displacement side (DS) and the nondisplacement side (NDS)-in subjects with unilateral palatally displaced canine (PDC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthopantomograms (OPTs) of 240 subjects with unilateral PDC and 240 OPT matching controls were used. Additionally, study casts of 100 study subjects and 100 controls were used. The age of subjects ranged between 14 and 25 years. Dental casts were digitized and several parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The transverse width from midpalatal line to the buccal segment and the palatal area on the DS was larger than that in the NDS (P < .05 to .001), with no difference in tooth size between both sides. Maxillary second premolars, canines, and lateral incisors in the PDC group were smaller than those in control group. Peg-shaped lateral incisors were significantly more frequent in the study group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The transverse width of the DS was larger than that of the NDS. Both sides were generally smaller than those of the control group. Tooth size in the DS was comparable to that in the NDS but smaller than those of the control group. A missing or peg-shaped lateral incisor was the most common reported anomaly.

Dental age assessment in patients with maxillary canine displacement.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between dental age and maxillary canine displacement with 2 methods, to study differences in dental development between the displaced and nondisplaced sides, and to investigate sex differences in dental development in the studied groups. METHODS: Two hundred forty subjects were recruited for this study. They were divided into 2 groups: the palatally displaced canine group (87 girls, 33 boys) and the buccally displaced canine group (81 girls, 39 boys). Dental ages were assessed by using the 2 methods. RESULTS: Delayed dental development was associated with subjects with palatally displaced canines only, whereas those with buccally displaced canines had comparable dental development to that of the control group. Sex differences in the 3 groups were found; girls had more pronounced delayed dental development in all groups according to both methods. With unilateral palatally displaced canines, the displacement side showed delayed dental development compared with the side of nondisplacement (P = 0.002). The development rates of the displaced and nondisplaced sides were comparable in the subjects with unilateral buccally displaced canines. CONCLUSIONS: Palatal and buccal canine displacements are 2 distinct entities; delayed dental development plays a role in the etiology of palatal canine displacement, but not in buccal canine displacement.

Skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes in Class III patients treated with fixed appliances and lower premolar extractions.

BACKGROUND: Mild Class III malocciusions can be treated by upper incisor proclination and lower incisor retroclination following extraction of the lower first premolars. AIMS: To compare the skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes in Class III patients treated with fixed appliances, Class III traction and lower first premolar extractions with the changes in a group of untreated Class III patients. METHODS: The Treatment group consisted of 30 Class III patients (Mean age 13.69 +/- 1.48 years) who were treated by upper and lower fixed appliances, Class III intermaxillary traction and lower first premolar extractions for 2.88 +/- 1.12 years. The Control group consisted of 20 untreated Class III patients (Mean age 13.51 +/- 0.95) matched for age and gender. The T1 to T2 changes in the treated and untreated groups were compared using a paired t-test while differences between the two groups were compared with an independent t-test. RESULTS: During treatment, the upper incisors were proclined about 1 degree and the lower incisors were retroclined 8 degrees. Small, but statistically significant changes in SNB, Wits and the overlying soft tissues accompanied the changes in incisor inclination. At the end of treatment a positive overbite and overjet were achieved. The increase in lower facial height in the Treatment group was comparable with the change in the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: A range of mild to moderate Class III malocclusions can be treated by dentoalveolar compensation.