Comparative Analysis of Morphological Characteristics and Localization of Maxillary Impacted Canines using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the crown length and width and root length and dilacerations in unilateral impacted maxillary canines, compared with contralateral erupted canines, and to investigate the relationship between the morphology of impacted canines and their localization. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pretreatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 40 patients (age range 11-34 years) with unilateral impacted maxillary canines (IC) were analyzed. The crown length, crown width, root length, and dilacerations of IC were assessed and compared with that of contralateral erupted canines (CC). The eruption path length, impaction depth, and impaction height were measured, and mesio-distal and labio-palatal positions of the IC were determined. RESULTS Crown length and width of IC were significantly greater, by 0.15 mm and 0.26 mm, respectively, than that of CC (P.

Skeletal and dental maxillary morphological characteristics in patients with impacted canines: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are a few hypotheses for the origin of palatally impacted canines (PIC). Nevertheless, the results of different studies are controversial. OBJECTIVE: Considering the evidence available in the literature to determine the skeletal and dentoalveolar dimensions in patients with PIC using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). SEARCH METHODS: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement. The literature search with no publication date restriction in five databases and hand searching was performed until April 2023. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data assessing the skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics of subjects with PIC evaluated with CBCT was extracted, and the studies' quality was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics of subjects with PIC were compared with non-impacted subjects or non-impacted sides. MedCalc software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square and I-square tests. RESULTS: The initial database search identified a total of 1153 studies. After applying the selection criteria, nine articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. According to the NOS, all included articles were graded as "Good" quality. The meta-analysis showed a non-significant difference in measuring dentoalveolar height, alveolar first molar width, and basal lateral width. Controversial results were observed when evaluating both basal and alveolar first premolar widths. A significant difference was found when assessing anterior alveolar crest height and basal maxillary width. CONCLUSIONS: Studies demonstrated the reduction of both dentoalveolar and skeletal maxillary parameters of the patients with PIC. The meta-analysis indicated that PIC correlates to both vertical and transverse skeletal dimensions of the maxilla. However, the results remain controversial. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to different study designs and unbalanced groups in the included studies; therefore, further research is needed for more reliable conclusions. REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42022362124).

Knowledge of Dental Trauma and Orthodontic Management of Traumatized Teeth by a Group of Lithuanian Orthodontists.

Background and Objectives. There is a deficiency of research on orthodontic movements and management strategies for traumatized teeth to avoid further treatment complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of Lithuanian orthodontists about dental trauma and the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth. Materials and Methods. Lithuanian orthodontists and orthodontic residents were introduced to the purpose, objectives and questionnaire of the study. The questionnaire was developed based on demographics, the participants' personal experience, specific questions about dental traumas and orthodontic treatment tactics for patients with a history of dental trauma. Results. A total of 54 participants (42 orthodontists and 12 orthodontic residents) completed the survey. The overall response rate was 42.9%. The results of the survey revealed that the largest share of the study participants-61%-stated that they had treated traumatized teeth just a few times during the whole practice. Briefly, 53.7% of respondents inquired about the dental trauma history only if they saw signs of complications. The results of the survey revealed that the frequency of correct answers to questions about dental trauma was 63.7%, and that about the orthodontic treatment of traumatized teeth was 54.9%. It is worth noting that one-third of physicians pointed out the lack of information about the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth. Conclusion. The knowledge of Lithuanian orthodontists and orthodontic residents about dental injuries and the orthodontic treatment of traumatized teeth is insufficient. Further educational training is recommended.

Bracket Bond Failures: Incidence and Association with Different Risk Factors-A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Bracket bonding failure is one of the relevant problems in fixed orthodontics therapy, which affects the total treatment and quality of treatment results. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency of bracket bond failure and find out risk factors. METHODS: A total of 101 patients with an age range of 11-56 years were included in this retrospective study and treated for a mean period of 30.2 months. Inclusion criteria were: males and females with permanent dentition and completed orthodontic treatment in both fully bonded dental arches. Risk factors were calculated using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall bracket failure rate was 14.65%. The bracket failure rate was significantly higher in the younger patients' group (p = 0.003). In most cases, patients experienced bracket failures in the first month of the treatment. Most of the bracket bond failures occurred on the left lower first molar (29.1%) and were twice as common in the lower dental arch (66.98%). Patients with increased overbite had an increased likelihood of bracket loss (p = 0.042). Class II malocclusion increased the relative risk of bracket failure, while Class III decreased the rate of bracket failure, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS: The bracket bond failure rate was higher in younger patients than in older patients. Brackets placed on mandibular molars and premolars had the highest failure rate. Class II was associated with an increased bracket failure rate. Increased overbite statistically significantly increases bracket failure rate.

Evaluation of Postoperative Pain and Discomfort in Patients Undergoing Surgical Exposure of Impacted Maxillary Canines.

Objectives: The purpose of the retrospective study was to evaluate pain and discomfort related to surgical exposure according to initial localization of impacted maxillary canines. Material and Methods: Pre-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data and discomfort evaluation questionnaire of 25 patients (17 female, 8 male), treated with combined surgical-orthodontic approach was analysed. The questions included: level of discomfort during surgery (0 to 10), level of pain (0 to 10) in the evening, one, two days and a week after surgery. CBCT analysis consisted of evaluation of impacted maxillary canines mesiodistal inclination, horizontal, vertical dislocation from alveolar process edge, labiopalatal localization and length of eruption path. To carry out research objectives a Spearman and interclass correlation coefficients, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen's kappa coefficient were used. Level of significance was 0.05. Results: Average level of discomfort during the procedure was 2.8 (SD 2.3). Pain level the evening after the surgery was the highest - 3.3 (SD 2.1) and decreased over the week. Pain level differed significantly between different days (P < 0.001). Neither labial or palatal location nor the unilateral or bilateral impaction had effect on the level of pain (P > 0.05). The results showed that pain during different stages of measuring as well as level of discomfort during surgical exposure did not differ statistically significantly depending on severity of impaction (P > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant relation between the discomfort and the location of the impacted canine. Patient's gender or age did not have an impact on discomfort and pain.

The Morphology of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: The knowledge of the morphology of impacted maxillary central incisors may lead to more effective treatment. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the morphology of impacted maxillary central incisors and compare them with contralateral teeth. Material and methods: This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA statement. The literature search was carried out using PubMed (Medline database), Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Web of Science and Science Direct electronic databases with no publication date restrictions up to July 2021. Data assessing the morphology of unilaterally impacted maxillary central incisors (ICI) evaluated with CBCT were extracted, and the quality of the studies was evaluated. Crown length, root length, and root dilaceration of impacted maxillary central incisors were compared with contralateral unimpacted teeth. Results: The initial database search identified a total number of 287 studies. After applying the selection criteria, 21 articles were selected for a full-text analysis, and four retrospective studies involving 205 patients were included in the systematic review. According to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), two of included articles were graded as "Good" and the remaining two as "Fair" quality. The results showed no difference between impacted teeth and their contralateral crowns, or a minor decrease in ICI crown length (from 0.15 to 0.56 mm). The root lengths of impacted maxillary central incisors were considerably shorter than contralateral incisors (from 2.13 to 3.22 mm) and, as dental age increased, root growth decreased and the incidence of root dilaceration was more frequent. Conclusions: The root lengths of impacted maxillary central incisors were considerably shorter compared to the contralateral incisors. Root dilacerations frequency and severity increased as dental age increased.

Post-Treatment Status of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors following Surgical-Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize currently available data of published articles that have investigated the post-treatment status of impacted maxillary central incisors (ICI) treated by the surgical-orthodontic approach. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, and ScienceDirect electronic databases were systematically searched with no publication date restrictions up to January 2021. Data assessing the status of ICI after combined surgical-orthodontic treatment and forced eruption duration were extracted, and the quality of the studies was evaluated. Results: In total, 7074 studies were identified, of which 42 articles were assessed for eligibility through full-text evaluation. Seven included studies (five retrospective studies, one randomized clinical trial, and one prospective clinical trial) met the inclusion criteria, representing 211 patients with unilaterally impacted maxillary incisors. The risk of bias ranged from moderate to high. The results show that the root length of immature ICIs increased significantly but remained shorter than that of homonym teeth at post-treatment. Periodontal parameters of treated ICIs were in a clinically acceptable range. Measurements of the alveolar bone showed a reduction of bone thickness and support. The average forced eruption duration ranged from 8.0 ± 4.5 to 14.41 ± 4.03 months. Conclusions: Based on existing evidence, it is reasonable to conclude that the surgical-orthodontic treatment affected the post-treatment status of ICI; however, the current literature is insufficient to draw concrete conclusions. Further well-conducted multi-center randomized studies with a large sample are needed to confirm this statement.

Orthodontic treatment complexity, outcome and need among school age patients of Lithuanian university of health sciences clinic of orthodontics.

AIM OF THE WORK: It has not been any well-documented study describing the prevalence of orthodontic anomalies between school-age children seeking orthodontic treatment at LUHS (Lithuanian university of health sciences) clinic of Orthodontics. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of orthodontic problems and to determine orthodontic treatment need, complexity and outcome for school-age patients who were treated at LUHS clinic of Orthodontics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study sample consists of 336 scholars 6-19 years old who were treated at LUHS clinic of orthodontics from 2013 to 2018. ICON index is used to determine the complexity, outcome and need of orthodontic treatment. Statistical analysis is performed using the statistical software package IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Quantitative variable distribution is assessed visually and by using the Shapiro-Wilk test. RESULTS: The estimated need for orthodontic treatment is 56.3 percent among patients. The need of treatment for 6-10 year old group is significantly higher than for 11-14 and 15-19 groups (69.0, 52.3 and 51.2 percent). In the group of 11-14 year olds the need of treatment between boys and girls differs significantly (63.1 percent in boy group, 43.8 percent in girl group). Moreover in the 11-14 year old group, the complexity of treatment "easy" is more frequent than in the 6-10 group. CONCLUSIONS: The need of orthodontic treatment is 56.3 percent among subjects treated in LUHS clinic of orthodontics from 2013 to 2018. In all age groups the complexity of treatment is mostly "easy" or "mild".

Relationship between the Position of Impacted Third Molars and External Root Resorption of Adjacent Second Molars: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Impacted third molars (ITM) are the most commonly-impacted teeth. There is a risk for ITM to cause a number of pathological conditions, and external root resorption (ERR) of adjacent teeth is one of the most prevalent. Retaining or prophylactic extraction of ITM is a polemic topic. External root resorption of adjacent teeth is one of possible indications for prophylactic removal of ITM. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between external root resorption (ERR) on the distal aspect of second molars' roots and positional parameters of ITM. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography scans of 109 patients (41 males, 68 females; mean age 26.4 ± 7.9 years) with 254 ITM (131 in the maxilla and 123 in the mandible) were retrospectively analyzed. Positional parameters of ITM (mesio-distal position, angulation, impaction depth, and available eruption space) were evaluated. The presence, location, and depth of ERR of adjacent second molars were assessed. Results: Analysis showed a relationship between ITM impaction depth, mesial inclination angle, and the presence of ERR. Mesial inclination angle of more than 13.6° increased the odds of ERR occurrence by 5.439 (95% CI, 2.97-9.98). ITM presence at the level of ½ of roots of the adjacent second molar or more apically increased the odds of ERR occurrence by 2.218 (95% CI, 1.215-4.048). No significant correlation was detected between the occurrence of ERR and patient age, gender, or the available eruption space in the mandible. Depth of ERR did not depend on its location. Conclusions: Incidence of ERR in second molars is significantly associated with mesial inclination and a deep position of ITM.

Impact of Fluorosis on the Tensile Bond Strength of Metal Brackets and the Prevalence of Enamel Microcracks.

The objective of this in vitro study was to determine the effects of dental fluorosis on the tensile bond strength of metal brackets bonded to human teeth and to evaluate the changes in the tooth enamel surface after debonding. The study sample consisted of 68 recently extracted human upper premolars, which were divided into 2 groups: the fluorosis group (34 fluorosed teeth) and the control group (34 healthy teeth). Identical premolar metal brackets were bonded on the buccal surfaces of the teeth. Both groups were submitted to a tension test using a universal testing machine. The number and length of the enamel microcracks in the buccal surface of each tooth were determined before bracket bonding and after debonding using a stereomicroscope. The percentage adhesive remnant index (PARI) was calculated after debonding. The results showed that the tensile bond strength (TBS) of brackets bonded to fluorosed teeth was 21.08% lower than that of brackets bonded to healthy teeth (p < 0.0001). The length of the enamel microcracks on fluorosed teeth increased by 47.4% after debonding, whereas the control group showed an increase of only 12.6%. The PARI showed lower values for fluorosed teeth in comparison to the control group (p = 0.047). In conclusion, dental fluorosis has a negative impact on tensile bond strength and the length of microcracks formed after bracket debonding.

Impact of genetics on third molar agenesis.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of heritability on third molar agenesis in twins. The study sample consisted of 284 same sex twins (172 monozygotic and 112 dizygotic), whose mean ages were 19.7 ± 4.3 and 18.9 ± 4.8 years, respectively. The monozygotic group consisted of 36.3% males and 63.7% females, while the dizygotic group consisted of 50.1% males and 49.9% females. The zygosity of the twins was established using 15 specific DNA markers. The prevalence of third molar agenesis in monozygotic twins was 19.6%, which was higher than in the dizygotic twins group (15.50%) (p = 0.004). In both groups, third molar agenesis was more frequent in the maxilla than in the mandible (p = 0.000). Agenesis of the maxillary third molars was mostly affected by additive genetic factors (62-63%), with the common environment and the specific environment accounting for up to 25% and 13%, respectively. In contrast, agenesis of the lower third molars was associated with a higher additive genetic determination (81-83%), with the specific environment accounting for 17% to 19%. The study's conclusion is that the formation of the third molars follicle is strongly controlled by additive genetic factors.

The magnification in the lower third and second molar region in the digital panoramic radiographs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of linear measurements of the lower third and second molar crowns in the digital panoramic radiographs and to compare them with plaster models as the calibration standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The digital panoramic radiographs and plaster models of the orthodontic patients were used in the study. Standardized metal calibration gauges (MCGs) were bonded to the buccal surface of the lower molars bilaterally. Measurements in the panoramic radiographs were done using Dolphin Imaging 11.8 Premium program. RESULTS: Forty-one panoramic radiographs and diagnostic plaster models of the orthodontic patients (mean age 18.45 ± 2.35) were analyzed. Eighty-two lower third molars, 82 second molars, and 82 first molars were evaluated. The magnification coefficients (MCC) calculated according to the plaster models ranged from 1.07 to 1.08. The magnification coefficients calculated according to the bonded MCG were about 1.04. The differences between the teeth groups and right-left sides were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Spearman correlation showed a positive medium correlation between the magnification using the calibration with plaster models and metal gauges (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The magnification in the lower first, second, and third molars regions showed almost the same values. The calculation of magnification coefficient using bonded metal calipers was more accurate than calculation according to the plaster models, but the differences were not statistically significant. The use of the plaster models for calibration of the magnification coefficient in the good-positioned lower molars' region might be used as an alternative to the bonded MCGs.

The effect of the teeth bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide on the tensile bond strength of metal brackets.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of teeth bleaching on the tensile bond strength of metal brackets bonded with light-curing adhesive system to the human enamel. 40 recently extracted human permanent molars were used for the study. The mesial buccal surface of each tooth was used as a control group and the distal buccal surface was used as an experimental group. Control group surfaces were not submitted to bleaching, while experimental group surfaces were bleached with in-office bleaching material containing 35% hydrogen peroxide. 30 days after the bleaching, identical premolar metal brackets were bonded to each surface using light-curing adhesive. Both groups were submitted to a tension test, using a universal machine. The tensile bond strength of brackets bonded to the bleached enamel was 15% lower than that of brackets bonded to the unbleached enamel. After debonding, more adhesive was left on the bracket base in experimental group than in the control group. The conclusion of this study was that bleaching with an in-office bleaching material containing 35% hydrogen peroxide reduced the tensile bond strength of orthodontic bracket adhesive to the enamel surface.

Effect of Treatment with Twin-Block Appliances on Body Posture in Class II Malocclusion Subjects: A Prospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND There is strong evidence that malocclusion and body posture are interdependent. The relationship between improvement of nasopharyngeal airway, correction of malocclusion by orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery, and changes in body posture were evaluated in several studies. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of the orthodontic treatment with Twin-block appliance on body posture. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 23 children (mean age 12.45 (1.06) years). They were orthopedically (back shape analysis) and orthodontically (cephalometric radiograph analysis) examined before the treatment with Twin-block appliance and 10-14 months after the beginning of treatment. RESULTS Treatment with Twin-block appliance caused mandibular protrusion as SNB increased by 0.91°, distance Ar-B increased by 4.9 mm, ANB decreased by 0.15°; and increase of face height. Oropharynx airway increased by 1.54 mm and deep pharynx airway by 1.08 mm. The decrease in kyphotic, lordotic, craniocervical angles, upper thoracic, pelvic, and trunk inclinations was found to be statistically significant. When comparing orthopedic measurements between study and control groups, no differences were detected. The control group also showed reduction of all measured angles. Although the decrease of kyphotic angle, upper thoracic inclination, trunk inclination, and craniocervical angle were more pronounced in the study group, the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, the body posture changes during treatment with Twin-block appliance were an expression of the physiological growth, not a response to improvement in occlusion.

Evaluation of skeletal maturity using maxillary canine, mandibular second and third molar calcification stages.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the calcification stages of maxillary canine, mandibular second molar, and mandibular third molar can be used for assessment of growth phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 274 subjects. Pre-treatment digital panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of the patients were analysed. The patients' age was ranging from 7 to 19 years. Right maxillary canine, mandibular second molar and third molar were used as a sample. The teeth mineralization was assessed using modification of Gleiser and Hunt method. The skeletal maturation was assessed by the cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) method. RESULTS: A significant association was found between CVM stage 2 and maxillary canine (UC) stage 4, mandibular second molar (LM2) stage 4, and mandibular third molar (LM3) stage 1. CVM stage 3 corresponded with UC stage 5, LM2 stage 5, LM3 stage 2. CVM stage 4 matched with UC stage 5, LM2 stage 6 and LM3 stage 3. The highest correlations between CVM and calcification stages were in the group of the maxillary canine (r = 0.812, P < 0.01) and mandibular second molar (r = 0.824, P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS: Limitation of our study was that the study sample was not very big and the distribution value in the groups was very high, so it was impossible to check more statistical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The calcification stages of UC, LM2, and LM3 as indicators of skeletal maturity could be clinically used with caution, until this method is verified with a larger sample group.

Relationships between Malocclusion, Body Posture, and Nasopharyngeal Pathology in Pre-Orthodontic Children.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion, body posture, and breathing pattern may be correlated, but this issue is still controversial. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the type of malocclusion, body posture, and nasopharyngeal obstruction in children aged 7-14 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 94 patients aged 7-14 years (mean±SD: 11.9±2.1 years); 44 (46.8%) males and 50 (53.2%) females. All patients passed an examination performed by the same orthodontist (study model and cephalometric radiograph analysis), orthopedic surgeon (body posture examined from the front, side, and back), and otorhinolaryngologist (anterior and posterior rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy) in a blind manner. RESULTS: Postural disorders were observed in 72 (76.6%) patients. Hypertrophy of the adenoids was diagnosed in 54 (57.4%) patients, hypertrophy of the tonsils in 85 (90.3%), nasal septum deviation in 51 (54.3%), and allergic rhinitis in 19 (20.2%) patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between presence of kyphotic posture and a reduction in the SNB angle, representing sagittal position of the mandible. Also, there was a statistically significant association between kyphotic posture and nasopharyngeal obstruction (54.1% of patients with nasopharyngeal obstruction were kyphotic, compared with 25% of patients with no nasopharyngeal obstruction; p=0.02). Kyphotic posture and reduced SNB angle were more common among males. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that: 1) there was a significant association between the sagittal position of the mandible (SNB angle) and a kyphotic posture; 2) kyphotic posture was significantly more common among patients with nasopharyngeal obstruction.

Application of Pont's Index to Lithuanian Individuals: a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: A variety of diagnostic indices in orthodontics have been proposed to help in diagnosis and treatment planning. Pont's Index was established to predict ideal maxillary dental arch width from the sum of mesiodistal widths of four upper incisors. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of Pont's Index to Lithuanian individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 52 subjects (age range from 18 to 35 years) with normal occlusion. Measurements were obtained directly from plaster casts using a digital calliper. Ideal arch widths were calculated for each subject according to Pont's formulae, and the correlation coefficients were calculated between the measured and the calculated arch width values. RESULTS: Correlation between the measured width values and the corresponding values calculated according to Pont's Index was moderate in all cases, with correlation coefficients values ranging from 0.59 (mandible) to 0.64 (maxilla) in first premolar's area and 0.49 in both maxilla and mandible in first molar's area (P < 0.05). Appropriate index values for Lithuanian individuals were assessed to be 85.57 in premolars and 66.24 in molars area. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, there was no strong evidence to suggest that Pont's Index could be reliably used to predict ideal arch width values in Lithuanian individuals.

Self-reported oral health behavior and attitudes of dental and technology students in Lithuania.

The aim of the present study was to assess self-reported oral health habits, attitudes, lifestyle between the sample groups of preclinical and clinical dental and technology students in Lithuania using the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI), and to evaluate the impact of education on their behavior and self-reported oral health. A sample of 183 dental and 75 technology students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Faculty of Odontology, and Kaunas University of Technology completed the Lithuanian version the HU-DBI questionnaire with 11 additional items. The data were analyzed using the "SPSS 19.0 for Windows" software package. The mean HU-DBI score of clinical final-year dentistry students was significantly higher (p=0.001) than the score of the preclinical group (6.81 (1.2) and 5.96 (1.5), respectively). The mean scores of both groups of dental students were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the technology group (5.37 (1.8)). Oral health behaviors and knowledge were superior in dental students. Dental education had a significant positive impact on the oral health and behavior improvement. The attitudes of the Lithuanian dental students should be further improved by initiating a comprehensive program that would emphasize the importance of oral hygiene before the clinical program starts.

Palatally impacted maxillary canines: choice of surgical-orthodontic treatment method does not influence post-treatment periodontal status. A controlled prospective study.

SUMMARY There is lack of consensus with respect to the preferred surgical procedure for the treatment of palatally impacted maxillary canines. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-treatment periodontal status of palatally impacted canines treated by open technique with free eruption and closed flap technique and compare it with naturally erupted canines. The subjects comprised 43 patients treated for unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines and examined 4.19±1.44 months (3-6 months) after removal of the fixed appliance. The group 1 comprised subjects treated by open technique with free eruption (n = 22) and group 2 by closed technique (n = 21). Post-treatment examination comprised periodontal and radiographic examination. There were no significant intergroup differences with respect to periodontal pocket depth or bone support. However, compared with contralateral quadrants with normally erupted canines, quadrants with impacted canines exhibited significant bone loss at the distal contact point of the lateral incisor and the mesial contact point of the canine. The duration of treatment was 28.41±4.96 months for group 1 and 32.19±11.73 months for group 2 (P > 0.05). The mean treatment time required to achieve eruption/extrusion of the impacted canine was 3.05±1.07 months for group 1 and 6.86±4.53 months (P < 0.01) for group 2. It is concluded that choice of surgical method is not associated with any significant differences in post-treatment periodontal status of palatally impacted canines and adjacent teeth.

An interdisciplinary study of orthodontic, orthopedic, and otorhinolaryngological findings in 12-14-year-old preorthodontic children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Malocclusion, the body posture, and the breathing pattern may correlate, but this issue is still controversial. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the type of malocclusion, the body posture, and the nasopharyngeal obstruction in 12-14-year-old children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 76 orthodontic patients (35 boys, 41 girls) aged 12-14 years (mean age, 12.79 years [SD, 0.98]). All the patients were examined by the same orthodontist (study model and cephalometric radiograph analysis), the same orthopedic surgeon (body posture examined from the front, the side, and the back), and the same otorhinolaryngologist (anterior and posterior rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy) in a blind manner. RESULTS: The prevalence of a poor body posture and a nasopharyngeal pathology was high in the present study. In total, 48.7% of the orthodontic patients had a kyphotic posture and 55.3% a rib hump in the thoracic region. The nasopharyngeal pathology was diagnosed in 78.9% of the patients. The patients with the kyphotic posture had a higher mandibular plane angle (MP-SN) and a lower sagittal position of the mandible SNB angle. A deeper overbite correlated with shoulder and scapular asymmetry. The kyphotic posture was diagnosed in 55.0% of the patients with the nasopharyngeal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The sagittal body posture was related to the vertical craniofacial parameters and hypertrophy of the tonsils and/or the adenoids. The study showed no relationship between the degree of crowding, the presence of a posterior cross bite, orthopedic parameters, and a breathing pattern.