Assessment of Correlation between Craniofacial Proportions and Genetic Indicators.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess correlation among craniofacial proportions and genetic indicators using estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with age range 12-18 years of both genders were included. Lateral cephalogram of all subjects were taken. Vertical and sagittal parameters were studied on these cephalogram. Saliva was used for DNA extraction. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for assessment of genetic indicators in ESR1 (rs9340799 and rs2234693) and in ESR2 (rs4986938 and rs1256049). RESULTS: The mean SN cranial base was 68.4 mm, ANB (sagittal jaw relationship) was 2.8°, Ptm-A maxillary length was 46.2 mm, Go-Pg (mandibular body length) was 68.2 mm, Co-Gn (total mandibular length) was 112.8 mm, lower anterior facial height (ANS-Me) was 58.4 mm, N-Me (total anterior facial height) was 108.4 mm, lower posterior facial height (Co-Go) was 58.7 mm, and S-Go (total posterior facial height) was 72.4 mm. It was found that rs4986938 in ESR2 was linked with S-N dimension, with patients having CC genotype possessing negative correlation values (p value 0.05). Similarly, CC genotype possessed minimum mandibular body dimension, and it was found that rs4986938 in ESR2 was also linked with Go-Pg dimension (p value = 0.02). We found reduction in the ANS-Me values in patients with CC genotype in ESR1 rs2234693 (p value = 0.02), whereas there was no correlation of rest genotype with other craniofacial measurements (p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of ESR1 and ESR2 may show role of genetic markers in disparity of craniofacial dimensions in individuals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides an outlay and supports the concept of possible correlation between genetic markers and craniofacial measurements.

Comparison of Light-Emitting Diode-Curing Unit and Halogen-Based Light-Curing Unit for the Polymerization of Orthodontic Resins: An In vitro Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Conventionally, composites are cured using halogen-based light-curing units (LCUs). However, recently, light-emitting diode (LED) LCUs have been introduced commercially, claiming many advantages, yet producing comparable bond strength even when cured with single LED LCUs. This present study was undertaken to compare the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded to teeth with conventional halogen LCU (3M ESPE Elipar 2500) and LED LCU (3M ESPE Elipar FreeLight 2) and to determine the site of bond failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty extracted human bicuspid teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. All the teeth were etched and primed. Then, orthodontic brackets were bonded onto the teeth with the light-cured adhesive (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek), and the adhesive was cured with halogen LCU and LED LCU for Group I and Group II, respectively. The brackets were then subjected to shear stress using a Hounsfield universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The force was recorded in Kgf and converted to MPa. The residual adhesive was scored based on the modified adhesive remnant index (ARI) using an optical stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The results have shown that there is no significant difference between the shear bond strengths and the ARI scores of both the groups. CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that (1) LED LCUs containing even only a single LED can cure the composite as well as a halogen-based LCU; (2) there is no statistically significant difference in the shear bond strengths of the two groups; and (3) the ARI scores show no significant difference.

A Comparative Evaluation of Canine Retraction Using Ceramic Bracket and Ceramic Bracket with Metal Slot with Conventional Preadjusted Edgewise Appliance Bracket Systems: A Clinical Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The introduction of ceramic brackets was a much-heralded development in the field of orthodontics. However, the increased frictional resistance with these brackets led to the development of ceramic brackets with metal slots, which claimed to combine the esthetics of ceramic brackets with the low frictional resistance of metal brackets. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the rate of canine retraction and the amount of anchor loss while using ceramic brackets and ceramic brackets with metal slots and with conventional preadjusted edgewise appliance (PEA) metal brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient sample consists of 12 patients. Six patients received ceramic brackets on one canine and conventional PEA metal brackets on the opposite canine within the same arch. The other six patients received ceramic brackets with metal slot on one canine and conventional PEA metal brackets on the opposite canine within the same arch. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20 (3M Unitek, Bangalore, Karnataka, India). The rate of retraction was calculated for individual canine retraction after initial leveling and aligning. Anchor loss was also calculated using the pterygoid vertical to the mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar on the lateral cephalograms. RESULTS: The result of this study showed that the difference in the rate of retraction between ceramic brackets with metal slot and conventional PEA metal brackets and ceramic bracket while clinically significant was not statistically significant. The difference in the amount of loss of anchorage of both the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of the metal slot in ceramic brackets has reduced frictional resistance for more efficient and desired tooth movement. Ceramic brackets with metal slot generate lower frictional forces than ceramic brackets but higher than conventional PEA metal brackets.

Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Randomized Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Fixed orthodontic treatment is time-consuming procedure. Pain is usually associated with orthodontic treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) duration and pain perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind splint-mouth controlled clinical study includes 20 (8 males and 12 females) orthodontic patients requiring bilateral canine retraction. Time taken for canine retraction with LLLT (Group A) over control (Group B) quadrant on the same patient was assessed along with pain experience using facial pain scale. The data were tabulated and statistically evaluated using SPSS 20 for windows (Microsoft, Chicago, IL, USA) and t-test with P < 0.05. The difference in pain was evaluated with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: There was no difference in values for age and sex of patient for tooth movement and pain (P > 0.05). There was statistically significant decrease in rate of canine retraction in Group A compared to Group B. There was statistically significant difference for maxillary and mandibular arches in Group A whereas it was not significant in Group B. Pain experience was statistically significant till 2nd day, and after 3rd day, it was not significant between the groups. CONCLUSION: LLLT can reduce the fixed OTM timing and pain experience.

Role of Text Message Reminder on Oral Hygiene Maintenance of Orthodontic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed orthodontic treatment is frequently associated with increased plaque accumulation leading to gingivitis and white spot lesions (WSLs). AIM: This study evaluated the role of text message reminder on oral hygiene of orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients under fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into two equal groups as control group and study (text message) group. Text message group received reminders about oral hygiene, while the control group did not receive any messages. Oral hygiene of both the groups was evaluated at baseline, 2, and 3 months using plaque indices (PIs) along with WSL status. Data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, version 19, with chi-square test and t-test. RESULTS: At the baseline, plaque score was higher in the study group over control group (p > 0.038), whereas it was decreased after 3 months in the test group (p > 0.001). For WSL, there was no significant difference at baseline, but it was significantly lower in study group (p > 0.003). CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene status improved with text message reminder.

Comparative Evaluation of Remineralizing Effect of Novamin and Tricalcium Phosphate on Artificial Caries: An in vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the remineralizing efficacy of novamin and tricalcium phosphate (TCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nail varnish was coated to a total of 30 sound human premolars except for 5 mm × 5 mm window. Baseline microhardness was measured for all test samples. Artificial carious lesions were created for all teeth by subjecting them to demineralization process. Then microhardness of demineralized lesion was measured. Later artificial caries teeth were equally divided into two groups to treat with remineralization solution for 10 days; group I: novamin and group II: TCP. After 10 days of pH cycling, microhardness was measured. The data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software from Chicago SPSS Inc., version 21 and using analysis of variance (ANOVA) post hoc multiple comparisons test for intergroup and significant difference at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In the present study, group I indicated a higher value for remineralization compared with group II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that both novamin and TCP were effective in remineralizing the carious lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study evaluates the remineralizing potential of novamin and TCP on initial carious lesions.

Evaluation of child preference for dentist attire and usage of camouflage syringe in reduction of anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the child preference for dentist attire and camouflage versus conventional syringe in reduction of anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 600 children aged 6-14 years were made to look at a set of six photos of an individual dressed with different colored apron of pink, green, blue, white colors, formal dress, and cartoon character along with conventional syringe and camouflage syringe with a toy-like appearance to permit injection of local anesthesia. Children's anxiety level during injections and with colored coat was assessed and recorded using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale faces version. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SPSS statistical software version 21 and using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Among age group of 6-8 years, 65.33% selected colorful apron, while other age groups 9-10, 11-12 years, and 13-14 years selected 47.34%, 57.34%, and 50.67% white coat, respectively (P < 0.05). For syringe, 78% of younger age group (6-10 years) preferred camouflage syringe, whereas 71% of older age group (11-14 years) preferred conventional syringe. Anxiety level of all children for syringe was more compared to that of white coat. CONCLUSION: Younger children prefer colorful attire of dentist and camouflage syringe over conventional compared to older one.