Assessment of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Needs among Subjects with Dental Aesthetic Index: A Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is commonly seen condition in young adults. This study aimed to assess malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among subjects with dental aesthetic index (DAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 486 subjects with an age range of 16-24 years of either genders. A careful oral examination was performed and all findings were recorded based on Oral Health Survey-Basic Methods. DAI was used to assess orthodontic treatment needs among subjects. RESULTS: A maximum of 129 (26.5%) patients (male, 47 [22.8%], female, 82 [29.2%]) had DAI score of >36. Missing teeth was the most commonly observed condition, especially in females. There was a significant difference in spacing, crowding, maxillary, mandibular irregularity, overjet, and spacing between both genders. CONCLUSION: It was found that maximum patients had severe malocclusion with DAI score >36. This indicates the orthodontic treatment needs among subjects.

Pentraxin-3 Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid during Canine Retraction with Nickel-Titanium Coil Spring and Active Tieback.

AIM: Orthodontic treatment is routinely carried out in patients with the purpose of correcting various forms of dental malocclusions. Retraction of the canines can be achieved either individually or along with incisor. Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is regarded as the true independent indicator of disease activity. Hence, we undertook the present study to assess and compare the level of PTX-3 in patients undergoing canine retraction with active tieback and Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) coil spring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included assessment of 25 patients that underwent canine retraction as a part of fixed orthodontic treatment. In the maxillary right and left quadrant, active tieback and NiTi coil spring were used respectively. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected 1 hour prior to the commencement of orthodontic canine retraction procedure followed by collection at following time intervals: 1 hour, 1, 7, and 14 days after the start of canine retraction procedure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used for analysis of the samples as per manufacturer's instructions. All the data were recorded and compiled. All the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. RESULTS: Nonsignificant difference was observed in the values of PTX-3 at baseline and 1 hour. While comparing the mean PTX-3 values between different time intervals in both the study groups, significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION: In comparison to the active tieback, NiTi coil exhibited faster space closure rate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, PTX-3 is associated with periodontal remodeling under the effect of orthodontic forces.

Correlation of Orthodontic Treatment by Fixed or Myofunctional Appliances and Periodontitis: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Malocclusion plays an important role in the development of periodontitis. Thus, by treating malocclusion, a good gingival health can be achieved. This study was conducted to establish the correlation between orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 220 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. They were divided into two groups: Group I patients were treated with fixed orthodontics, while group II patients received myofunctional appliances. RESULTS: The value for plaque, gingival recession, and tooth mobility significantly increased in group I patients. However, the difference was statistically nonsignificant in group II patients. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that there is correlation between malocclusion and periodontitis. Malocclusion leads to periodontitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Malocclusion is the main reason for the development of poor periodontal health. Combined effort has to be played by both periodontist and orthodontist for the treatment of various orthodontic-periodontal problems.

Evaluation of Outcome of Orthodontic Treatment in Context to Posttreatment Stability: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main aims of orthodontic treatment is the improvement of esthetics along with enhancement of functions of the orofacial regions. Complications are observed even after final completion of the orthodontic treatment due to relapse and loss of stability. Hence, we retrospectively analyzed angle class I malocclusion cases to study the correlation of outcome of orthodontic treatment and posttreatment stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients were included in this retrospective analysis, which accounted for the patients reporting to the department of orthodontics from 2013 to 2015 with angle class I malocclusion. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and postretention casts of the patients were made and analyzed. The Richmond et al criteria was used to evaluate peer assessment rating (PAR) index and Little irregularity index, followed by scoring with American weight. Measurement of Pearson's coefficient was done to calculate the p-value. p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: No significant amount of alteration was seen in the systematic errors of Little index and PAR index, while casual errors were also within the normal range. While comparing the PAR index at pretreatment and posttreatment phases, statistically significant results were obtained, whereas in case of Little index at same time intervals, scores showed nonsignificant results. CONCLUSION: Even after delivering ideal orthodontic treatment, stability of the treatment is still not ensured until unless posttreatment follow-up is properly maintained.

Attitude toward mouthguard utilization among North Indian school children.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the attitude toward mouthguard utilization among 8-11-year-old athletically active schoolchildren in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,000 schoolchildren aged 8-11 years of both the sexes, attending private schools in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Children were questioned about their perceptions regarding the protective role of mouthguards and the reasons behind not using mouthguards. The data were summarized and analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of mouthguard use was found to be only 4.25%. However, 78% of the children believed that mouthguards could protect them from injuries. On the other hand, a majority of the children using mouthguards (74.11%) said they would be willing to play without a mouthguard. Of the 85 children using mouthguards, 76 reported problems. Children using dentist-made mouthguards reported it to be expensive while the children wearing boil and bite mouthguards reported several other problems such as difficulty in speaking and interference with breathing. CONCLUSION: It was deduced that the usage of mouthguards in this age group was inadequate and dentists need to be targeted for recommendation of properly fitting custom-made mouthguards to the parents of susceptible children so that a positive behavior toward mouthguards is reinforced.