Influence of upper lip inclination on facial profile attractiveness: A perceptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: One of the major objectives of orthodontic treatment is to improve facial attractiveness. To orthodontists, this means that the nose, lips, and chin form an attractive outline when the faces are viewed from one side. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of lip inclination on perceived attractiveness using North Indian observer ratings on profile silhouettes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A profile photograph of an Indian male and female were converted to silhouettes for the study using computer software. The lip inclination of the idealized profile image was altered in two-degree increments to create a series of profiles with different upper lip inclination angles and rated by laypersons on a Likert scale. RESULTS: An angle of 79° was deemed to be neither attractive nor unattractive. Therefore, within the range of 65°-75°, the pictures were deemed acceptable. Angles above or below this range, up to 91° were perceived as slightly unattractive, and anything outside the range of 93°-105° was deemed very unattractive. LIMITATIONS: The study is not generalizable to ethnic groups other than the North Indian population. Another limitation is the inability to visualize the entire face for a complete facial analysis. CONCLUSION: An upper lip inclination of 75°-85° in the male profile was associated with perceived attractiveness in all three groups whereas it was in the range of 65°-75° for a female profile. An upper lip inclination angle ranging from 95° to 105° was associated with unattractiveness in all three groups of observers and requires correctional intervention.

Assessment of Efficiency of Bioactive Glass, Self-Assembling Peptide, and Ozone Remineralising Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the efficacy of bioactive glass, self-assembling peptide, and ozone-remineralizing agents on the artificial carious lesion. Material and Methods: On the extracted 60 premolar teeth, an artificial carious lesion/demineralization was created. Later, the remineralization of demineralized teeth was done with respective remineralizing agents (Group A: Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (bioactive glass), Group B: Self-assembling peptide, Group C: Ozone remineralizing agents and Group D (Control): De ionized water. The degree of demineralization and remineralization were evaluated using the Vickers Hardness Number. Results: There was a decrease in microhardness from baseline to demineralization in all the groups, and this reduction was found to be statistically considerable. After the remineralization of demineralized samples with respective remineralizing agents, there was an increase in microhardness of 312.38, 276.67, and 254.42 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In contrast, in Group D, there were no changes. Conclusion: Bioactive glass and self-assembling peptides had higher remineralizing capacities, which can be used to treat early carious lesions.

A comparative evaluation of nickel-titanium wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding.

OBJECTIVES: To compare nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding. METHODS: Seventy-two participants were arbitrarily alienated into two groups with 36 samples in each. Group I participants were treated with NiTi arch wires and group II participants with clear aligners. Malocclusion was evaluated using Little's irregularity index. A questionnaire was applied to record the discomfort levels. Patients were recalled regularly at four weeks, eight weeks, and twelve weeks. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean score was 2.91 mm and 2.72 mm; at 4 weeks, it was 1.64 mm and1.48 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.98 mm and1.0 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.68 mm and 0.52 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The mean change in Little's irregularity index score at 4 weeks was 1.27 mm and 1.24 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.66 mm and 0.48 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.30 mm and 0.48 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The disparity was not-considerable (p > 0.05). The mean discomfort score at baseline was 2.8 and 2.5; at 4 weeks, it was 2.4 and 2.0; at 8 weeks, it was 1.8 and 1.4; and at 12 weeks, it was 1.3 and 1.0 for groups I and II correspondingly. The disparity was non-significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: From the present study, it was found that both NiTi wires and clear aligners were equally effective in managing mandibular anterior crowding cases.

Association between maxillary and mandibular apical base lengths and severity of dental crowding or spacing in Class II malocclusion subjects: An in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior crowding/ spacing are one of the major problems that inspire patients to undergo orthodontic treatment. Several factors associated with anterior crowding/ spacing includes arch width and length, mesio-distal tooth diameter and proportions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of maxillary and mandibular base lengths to the amount of anterior dental crowding/ spacing in patients with complete class II malocclusions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done with 152 patients who were divided into four groups according to the severity of pre-treatment dental crowding/spacing present in the mandibular arch. Measurements were performed on the pre-treatment dental casts and lateral cephalograms. Statistical analysis was done using t-test and chi-square test. RESULTS: Subjects with complete class II malocclusion and moderate to severe mandibular crowding [≥3mm] have significantly smaller base lengths as compared to the subjects with slight crowding or spacing [<3mm]. CONCLUSIONS: There exists an inverse correlation between maxillary and mandibular base lengths and the severity of dental crowding and direct correlation with spacing. Key words:Apical base lengths, Class II malocclusion, Crowding, Incisor inclination, Spacing.

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.