Quality assessment of available Internet information on early orthodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the content, reliability, quality and readability of information on Internet websites about early orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The "early orthodontic treatment" search term was individually entered into four web search engines. The content quality and reliability were reviewed with DISCERN, Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), and Health on the Net code (HONcode) tools using the contents of websites meeting predetermined criteria. The readability of websites was evaluated with Flesch Reading Facilitate Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). RESULTS: Eighty-six websites were suitable for inclusion and scoring of the 200 websites. 80.2% of websites belonged to orthodontists, 15.1% to multidisciplinary dental clinics and 4.7% to professional organizations. The mean DISCERN score of all websites (parts 1 and 2) was 27.98/75, ranging between 19 and 67. Professional organization websites had the highest scores for DISCERN criteria. Moreover, 45.3% of websites were compatible with JAMA's disclosure criterion, 7% with the currency criterion, 5.8% with the authorship criterion and 5.8% with the attribution criterion. Only three websites met all JAMA criteria, and these websites belonged to professional organizations. None of the websites had the HONcode logo. Mean FRES and FKGL were 47.6 and 11.6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of web-based information about early orthodontic treatment is poor, and readability is insufficient. More accurate and higher quality Internet sources are required on the web.

The effect of antimicrobial peptide-added adhesive resins on shear bond strength and the adhesive remnant index of orthodontic brackets.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in-vivo produced Nisin which is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) added to adhesive resin on shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic brackets. METHODS: Bacterial AMP was produced by fermentation and the ideal AMP/Bond concentration and antimicrobial efficacy of the mixture were tested. To evaluate the SBS and ARI scores of AMP-added adhesive resins, 80 maxillary premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were used and randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 40). Group 1: Control Group (teeth bonded with standard adhesive resin); Group 2: Experimental Group (teeth bonded with AMP-added adhesive resin). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package program and applying the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Nisin synthesized in-vivo from Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) (ATCC 7962) bacteria was provided to form a homogenous solution at an ideal concentration To find the minimum AMP/Bond mixture ratio that showed maximum antimicrobial activity, AMP and Bond mixtures were tested at various concentration levels between 1/160 and 1/2 (AMP/Bond). As a result, the optimum ratio was determined as 1/40. The antimicrobial efficacy of Nisin-added adhesive resin was tested against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) (ATCC 35,688) and Lactobacillus strains (cariogenic microorganisms). AMP formed a 2.7 cm diameter zone alone, while 1/40 AMP-bond mixture formed a 1.2 cm diameter zone. SBS values of the teeth bonded with Nisin added adhesive (17.49 ± 5.31) were significantly higher than the control group (14.54 ± 4.96) (P = 0.004). According to the four point scale, Nisin added adhesive provided a higher ARI score in favour of the adhesive and tooth compared to the control group (ARI = 3, n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: Nisin produced from L. lactis (ATCC 7962) had greater antimicrobial effects after mixing with adhesive bond against cariogenic microorganisms S. mutans (ATCC 35,688) and Lactobacillus strains. Nisin added adhesive increased shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets and ARI scores in favor of adhesive & teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should take into account that using Nisin-added adhesive resin in orthodontic treatments can provide prophylaxis against tooth decay, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene.

Evaluation of reused orthodontic mini-implants on stability: An in-vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: During treatment, some patients may need to change the location of mini-implants (MIs). This study investigated the stability of MIs relocated to another position in the same patient using the periotest and torque device. METHODS: Twenty-nine MIs were applied randomly to 1 side of the maxillary region, and torque and periotest values were recorded. The patients were followed-up at 4-week intervals, and periotest measurements were performed at each session. After recording the torque and periotest values in the fourth session, the MIs were removed. After applying the appropriate sterilization procedure, the same MIs were relocated to the contralateral side of the patients' jaw, and distalization was achieved using a similar procedure for the group of as-received MIs. RESULTS: Negative correlations were obtained between the torque meter and periotest data for both MI groups. We observed no significant effect of the MI group on periotest measurements (P >0.05). The effect of the MI group on torque values and the interaction effect of the MI group and torque values were not statistically significant (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to achieve similar stability values with as-received and retrieved MIs when appropriate cleaning and sterilization protocols are performed.

Bullying in individuals with cleft lip and palate: A Twitter analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate bullying in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) using Twitter analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using Twitter's advanced search feature, the four selected keywords; "bully", "bullying", "bullied" and "teased" were searched along with the terms "cleft lip and palate", "cleft lip" and "cleft palate", respectively. A total of 1010 tweets meeting the criteria were selected. The data were evaluated qualitatively using thematic analysis and the determination of the themes were based on this analysis. RESULTS: Most of the tweets were posted by a layperson (80.8%), while most of the tweets were categorised in the theme "criticism of bullying" (36%). The tweets were distributed according to their uploader status as irrelevant individuals (60.6%), CLP subjects (26.9%), family of CLP subjects' (12.5%). Of the 1010 tweets evaluated, 707 were identified as negative, while 90 were identified as neutral and 213 were identified as positive. No significant differences were detected in retweet and like numbers between negative, neutral and positive comments (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Twitter is an important platform, in which the bullying victims with CLP and their families feel free to share their personal experiences of being bullied and how they feel about it, while the others are standing against bullying and promoting social support for these individuals.

YouTube as a Source of Information for Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and quality of YouTube videos about distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the craniofacial region. METHODS: The term "distraction osteogenesis" was searched on YouTube. After sorting by relevance, 80 videos were selected from 128 search results for analysis of general characteristics, primary purpose, information reliability, audiovisual quality, global quality scale (GQS), and viewers' interaction index. Viewing rate formulae were calculated for each YouTube video. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We classified 22 (27.5%) of the 80 videos as moderate/high-content and 58 (72.5%) as low-content. Most YouTube videos about DO were uploaded by doctors (45%) and information about DO was the most covered topic (61%). Videos from commercial companies had significantly higher GQS scores than videos uploaded by other groups (P = 0.040). In low-information content videos, GQS was highly correlated with the number of likes, whereas in moderate/high-content videos it was highly correlated with viewing rates. CONCLUSIONS: YouTube is insufficient source of information about DO and academic institutions have more responsibility in developing this situation and directing patients to reliable social media or Internet sources.

Comparison of mandibular cortical bone among obese, overweight, and normal weight adolescents using panoramic mandibular index and mental index.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) of a group of adolescent patients in different body mass index (BMI) percentile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects were divided into three different groups in accordance to their BMI percentile status: normal weight (35 subjects; mean age, 14.81 ± 2.12 years), overweight (32 subjects; mean age, 14.77 ± 2.56 years), and obese (33 subjects; mean age, 14.06 ± 2.59 years) groups. Mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) were assessed on panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in PMI and MI that were observed among groups (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectivel). MI and PMI are higher in overweight and obese individuals than in normal-weight. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular cortex was found thicker in patients who are obese and overweight compared to normal weight patients. We can suggest that young obese individuals' bone structure can be take in consideration in orthodontic or dental surgical treatment planning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dense cortical bone may cause some difficulties in orthodontic and surgical treatment. Clinicians should understand obesity and overweight-related jaw bone changes and consider these factors to treat their patients.

YouTube as a Patient-Information Source for Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the content and quality of the popular videos on YouTubeTM about the treatment of cleft lip and palate. DESIGN: Retrospective, YouTubeTM video analysis. METHODS: The 3 keywords "cleft lip and palate surgery," "cleft lip and palate treatment," and "cleft lip and palate repair" were searched on YouTubeTM. After sorted by view-count, final 50 videos were analyzed for general characteristics, primary purpose, information content, relevance, audiovisual quality, and also viewers' interaction index, and viewing rate formulas were calculated for each video. Kruskal Wallis and one-way analysis of variance tests were used to compare the video parameters between good, moderate, and poor information content videos. RESULTS: The viewing rate was significantly higher in good content videos (P = .003). Most of the videos were uploaded by a clinic (32%), a surgeon (20%), or individuals (22%) who shared their own experience. Most of the videos (54.00%) were classified as moderate general information content and 26.00% were rated as poor, and 20.00% were rated as good. Videos generally involved patient information (60.00%), followed by patient parent's experience (14.00%), and cleft lip and palate surgery (12.00%). The average viewers' interaction index of all evaluated YouTubeTM videos was 0.36. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the videos were rated as moderate regarding the sufficiency of the information, the results of this study showed that YouTubeTM could still not be considered as a fully reliable source of information for patients on treatment of cleft lip and palate.

"How I whiten my teeth": YouTube™ as a patient information resource for teeth whitening.

BACKGROUND: YouTube™ is the world's second most popular website after Google on the Internet. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and content of information YouTube™ videos for patients seeking information about teeth whitening. METHODS: The keyword 'teeth whitening' was searched on YouTube™. YouTube™ was filtered by the relevance, and the first 100 videos that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The included videos were analyzed for views, duration, time since video upload, likes/dislikes, number of comments, source, material types (dental, natural, and other). Also, video purpose was analyzed under nine categories (definition, material preparation, the procedure of application, material comparison, before/after comparison, symptoms, post-op experience, commercial, educational). Each video was classified according to the quality of information content as 'good', 'moderate', or 'poor'. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Fischer's Exact test and Spearman correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Most videos were uploaded by laypersons (60.0%). The definition of teeth whitening was the most commonly covered topic (74.0%), followed by the procedure of application (54.0%), and post-op experience (36.0%). Only 12% of videos were classified as having good information quality content, 53% moderate, and 35% were rated as poor information content. Poor-information content videos had a significantly higher number of viewing rates than the other groups (P = 0.002), besides the duration was significantly higher in poor-information content videos (P =0.002). There was a significant relationship between the quality of video information and material types (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: YouTube™ should not be used as a thoroughly reliable and accurate source for patient information about teeth whitening. More informative and reliable content YouTube™ videos about teeth whitening should be uploaded by professionals.

Evaluation of dehiscence and fenestration in adolescents affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate using cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the dehiscence and fenestration presence in maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth of patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and compared the findings with a well-matched control group of noncleft patients using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 51 patients were divided into 2 groups (group 1, 21 patients affected by BCLP; mean age; 14.62 ± 2.89 years; and group 2, 30 patients as the noncleft control group; mean age, 14.22 ± 1.05 years) and assessed them for dehiscence and fenestration in the anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth. Data were analyzed with the Student t test, Pearson chi-square test, and Fischer exact test. RESULTS: The prevalences of dehiscence in patients affected by BCLP were 61.11% in the maxillary and 48.41% in the mandibular anterior teeth, whereas the rates in the noncleft group were 7.78% and 16.67%, respectively (P < 0.001). The presence of fenestration was found to be statistically significantly higher in the maxillary central incisors of the BCLP group compared with the noncleft controls (P < 0.05), and almost similar rates were noted for the other teeth, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients affected by BCLP may have higher prevalences of dehiscence in the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and of fenestration in the maxillary central incisors.

Evaluation of the mandibular volume and correlating variables in patients affected by unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the mandibular volume in patients affected by unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and to compare the findings with a well-matched normal occlusion sample without cleft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 66 patients divided into UCLP (24 patients; mean age, 14.46 ± 3.24 years), BCLP (17 patients; mean age, 14.28 ± 2.85 years), and control (25 patients; mean age, 14.40 ± 2.81 years) groups. The volume of the mandible including the condyle and the roots of the teeth and craniofacial measurements were performed using cone-beam computed tomography and analyzed using the one-way variance analysis and post hoc Tukey's tests. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships of the measurements and the mandibular volume. RESULTS: Patients affected by UCLP and BCLP had similar craniofacial features (p > 0.05), including decreased SNB, Co-A, Co-Gn, Co-Go, and Go-Gn and increased ANB and SN-MP measurements compared to the control group. Both UCLP and BCLP groups had decreased values of mandibular volume compared to the normal occlusion group, while these differences were found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Co-Go (Beta = 0.420; p = 0.014) and Co-Gn variables (Beta = 0.708; p = 0.045) were positively correlated with mandibular volume, while SNB (Beta = -0.669; p = 0.044) and SN-MP (Beta = -0.358; p = 0.049) variables were negatively correlated (R (2) = 60.3 and p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Mandibular volume insignificantly differs in cleft patients (p > 0.05), and the variables of Co-Go, Co-Gn, SNB, and SN-MP significantly correlate with the volume. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article investigates mandibular volume in patients affected by UCLP and BCLP that has never been investigated in the literature. The present study showed that both UCLP and BCLP groups had insignificantly decreased values of mandibular volume compared to the normal occlusion group.

Evaluation of the Transverse Craniofacial Morphology of Adolescents With Repaired Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the transverse craniofacial morphology of the adolescent patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to compare the findings with age- and sex-matched control group without any cleft using their cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: The study sample (n = 56 patients; mean age: 14.35 ±â€Š3.06 years) consisted of 26 UCLP (n = 26 patients; 10 women and 16 men; mean age: 13.70 ±â€Š2.94 years) and 30 control (n = 30 patients; 19 women and 11 men; mean age: 14.90 ±â€Š3.10 years) subjects. Twenty-five conventional skeletal and dental tissue landmarks were identified. Twenty widely used frontal cephalometric variables (14 linear distances, 3 angles, and 3 ratios) were measured. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test between the groups. RESULTS: Patients affected by UCLP had statistically significantly smaller interorbital width (89.83 ±â€Š4.16 mm), maxillary width (58.02 ±â€Š5.77 mm), maxillary intermolar width (52.83 ±â€Š4.83 mm), and upper face height (57.64 ±â€Š4.57 mm) (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Conversely, ANS-isf distance was significantly greater in the UCLP group (29.62 ±â€Š5.19 mm) than in the control group (26.74 ±â€Š3.99 mm) (P = 0.023). Moreover, alveolar cleft width had significant effect on Cr-ANS (r = 0.446, P = 0.022) and the ANS-isf (r = 0.459, P = 0.018) measurements. CONCLUSION: The UCLP group showed statistically significantly smaller values for interorbital width, maxillary width, maxillary intermolar width, and upper face height than the noncleft controls.

White spot lesion formation after treatment with full-coverage rapid maxillary expanders.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether treatment with full-coverage bonded acrylic splint expanders causes formation of white spot lesions using quantitative light-induced fluorescence. METHODS: The experimental group underwent rapid maxillary expansion (RME) (n = 16; 6 boys, 10 girls; mean age, 14.1 ± 2.2 years), and the control group received no orthodontic treatment (n = 17; 9 men, 8 women; mean age, 20.7 ± 1.1 years). Quantitative light-induced fluorescence images of the RME patients were taken before cementation and after decementation of the appliances. The images of the control group comprised quantitative light-induced fluorescence images taken 3 months apart. Four parameters were calculated for 10 anterior teeth. RESULTS: Between cementation and decementation, statistically significant differences were found in all 4 parameters in the RME group, whereas no significant changes were found in any parameters in the control group. A comparison of the measured parameters between the RME and control groups showed statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with a full-coverage bonded appliance tended to develop more white spot lesions than did the control subjects.

Effect of 3 cements on white spot lesion formation after full-coverage rapid maxillary expander: A comparative in-vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 3 luting agents (glass ionomer cement, compomer, and polycarboxylate cement) on white spot lesion formation in patients with full-coverage bonded acrylic splint expanders. White spot lesion formation was assessed with quantitative light-induced fluorescence. METHODS: Full-coverage rapid maxillary expanders were cemented with glass ionomer cement, compomer, and polycarboxylate cement in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A control group comprised patients who never had orthodontic treatment. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence images taken before and after rapid maxillary expansion treatment were analyzed for these parameters: the percentages of fluorescence loss with respect to the fluorescence of sound tooth tissue (ΔF) and maximum loss of fluorescence intensity in the whole lesion; lesion area with ΔF equal to less than a -5% threshold; and the percentage of fluorescence loss with respect to the fluorescence of sound tissue times the area that indicated lesion volume. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed statistically significantly greater demineralization than the control group. The 3 experimental groups differed from each other in half of the parameters calculated. Teeth in the polycarboxylate group developed the most white spot lesions. CONCLUSIONS: With the highest rate of white spot lesion formation, polycarboxylate cements should not be used for full-coverage bonded acrylic splint expanders. Compomers may be preferred over glass ionomer cements, based on the findings of this study.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the pharyngeal airway volumes in patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate.

INTRODUCTION: Patients affected by cleft lip and palate often have complaints of snoring and respiratory difficulties during sleep. The purposes of this study were to evaluate nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes of patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate and to compare them with a well-matched control group without unilateral cleft lip and palate using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 60 patients (26 girls, 34 boys) divided into 2 groups: unilateral cleft lip and palate (20 boys, 10 girls; 8 right sided, 22 left sided; mean age, 14.6 ± 3.2 years) and no cleft (control group; 14 boys, 16 girls; mean age, 14.8 ± 2.8 years). Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes of the subjects in both groups were calculated 3 dimensionally with cone-beam computed tomography. Group differences in relation to cleft side, sex, and cleft presence were statistically tested at P <0.05. RESULTS: Patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate had similar airway volumes regardless of the side of the cleft. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the sexes in the 2 groups. Patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate had smaller nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes when compared with the control group. The difference for oropharyngeal airway volume (-4036.7 mm(3)) was statistically significant (P <0.05), whereas nasopharyngeal volume (-21.6 mm(3)) and total airway volume (-4057.3 mm(3)) differences were not significant (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate had decreased volumes of oropharyngeal (P <0.05) and total (P >0.05) airways compared with the well-matched control group without unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of the morphological characterization of the nasopalatine canal in a pediatric population.

PURPOSE: Knowledge of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) is necessary for understanding the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions that occur in this region. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the dimensions and anatomic characteristics of the NPC in a pediatric population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). STUDY DESIGN: Reformatted sagittal, coronal, and axial slices of 368 individual CBCT images were analyzed with regard to dimensions and anatomic features of the NPC. RESULTS: Funnel shape of the NPC was most commonly found [26.9 % (99)], followed by banana shape [19.6 % (72)]. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.317) between girls and boys in terms of NPC shape. The mean width of incisive foramen was found to be 2.53 mm with a significant difference (0.002). The mean NPC length was found to be 10.83 mm and the mean canal length was found to be significantly longer in boys than girls (p < 0.000). CONCLUSION: The present study provides new information on the literature concerning the identification of the anatomical structure of NPC. This finding may assist clinicians in understanding the morphology and preventing possible complications in this region.

An evaluation of condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry in adolescents with unilateral and bilateral posterior crossbite using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

AIMS: The primary purpose was to evaluate condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry in adolescent patients displaying unilateral posterior (UCB) and bilateral posterior crossbite (BCB) malocclusions. A secondary aim was to compare the findings with a matched control group exhibiting normal occlusion (CG) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study groups consisted of (1) 30 patients (Mean age: 14.49 +/- 1.91 years) with a UCB, (2) 29 patients (Mean age: 14.57 +/- 1.84 years) with a BCB, and (3) 36 patients (Mean age: 14.24 +/- 2.42 years) as a matched control group (CG). Condylar, ramal, condylar-plus-ramal height and index measurements were performed using CBCT images following the method of Habets et al. A paired t-test was performed for side comparison in each group. Oneway ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used to determine statistically-significant differences between the groups for asymmetry index measurements and Tukey's HSD test was employed for individual group differences. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in condylar height (CH), ramal height (RH), and condylar plus ramal height (CH + RH) measurements between the right and left sides of the UCB group and CG, except for the RH in the BCB group (p = 0.045). Tukey's HSD test showed that the ramal asymmetry index (RAI) and the condylar plus the ramal asymmetry index (CRAI) were statistically significantly different between the UCB and BCB groups (p = 0.035 and p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although the condylar asymmetry index (CAI) values were found to be high in the groups of UCB (13.84 +/- 11.33), BCB (9.38 +/- 8.56), and CG (10.58 +/- 9.48), the comparisons amongst the groups were not statistically significant. The asymmetry between the UCB and BCB groups was observed for RAI and CRAI values, rather than CAI values.

Evaluation of the quality of Internet information on masseter botox injection for bruxism.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as botox, is frequently used in facial aesthetics, but also has therapeutic applications in various medical and surgical conditions such as bruxism treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to evaluate the information quality of only English resources available on the Internet regarding the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism. METHODS: The terms "Botox + Tooth Grinding" selected for this study were searched on the Internet using the Google Search Engine, and the URLs of the top 150 websites containing only English pages were recorded and examined. The websites were assessed using DISCERN tools, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark, and HONcode tools. The website readability evaluation involved utilizing the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). RESULTS: A total of 130 websites met the inclusion criteria. The total mean DISCERN score (section 1 + section 2) for all websites was 39.75/75 (range: 15-67). The average FRES of all websites was 52.79, and the average FKGL score of all websites was 10.72. Internet blog websites had significantly higher DISCERN (Section 1) scores than other websites (p= 0.007). Only one website had the HON code. Internet blog websites showed better compliance with JAMA (authorship and currency) benchmarks. No statistically significant difference was determined related to FRES and FKGL scores between groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate and difficult-to-read information on the Internet about masseter botox injection for bruxism. Relevant guidelines are needed to improve the quality of websites about botulinum toxin for the treatment of bruxism.

Effects of early bilateral mandibular first molar extraction on condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the mandibular vertical asymmetry in a group of adult patients who had early bilateral mandibular first molar extractions. METHODS: Mandibular asymmetry index measurements (condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal) were made on the panoramic radiographs of a study group including 30 subjects (mean age, 18.22 ± 1.30 years) and a control group of 25 subjects (mean age, 18.24 ± 1.17 years). Group I comprised the control group patients with no extractions and had excellent class I relationships, no missing teeth, and slight or moderate anterior crowding. Group II included patients with a bilateral mandibular first molar teeth extracted before the age of 12 years. Student's t test was used for the comparison of asymmetry index values between the groups. A paired t test was used to determine possible statistically significant differences between the sides for condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal height measurements. RESULTS: No group showed statistically significant side-specific differences for posterior vertical height measurements. Condylar asymmetry index (CAI), ramal asymmetry index, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry index measurements were not statistically different between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAI values were significantly high when compared with the 3 % threshold value in the both groups, but comparisons between the groups were not statistically significant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article investigates the effects of early bilateral mandibular molar teeth extraction that has never been investigated in the literature. The present study showed that the lengths of the condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal height were less in the study group than in a well-matched control group of without extraction.

Dental computed tomographic imaging as age estimation: morphological analysis of the third molar of a group of Turkish population.

Computed tomography (CT) is capable of providing accurate and measurable 3-dimensional images of the third molar. The aims of this study were to analyze the development of the mandibular third molar and its relation to chronological age and to create new reference data for a group of Turkish participants aged 9 to 25 years on the basis of cone-beam CT images. All data were obtained from the patients' records including medical, social, and dental anamnesis and cone-beam CT images of 752 patients. Linear regression analysis was performed to obtain regression formulas for dental age calculation with chronological age and to determine the coefficient of determination (r) for each sex. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between age and third-molar development for the males (r2 = 0.80) and the females (r2 = 0.78). Computed tomographic images are clinically useful for accurate and reliable estimation of dental ages of children and youth.

Evaluation of the effects of different distalization systems on dentoalveolar structures in Class II malocclusions using finite element analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the movement pattern of two different distalization systems during the distalization of the maxillary dentition from the maxillary canine to the second molar tooth and the stresses in the periodontal ligament by anchoring the mandibular dentition using the finite element analysis method. A standard three-dimensional finite element model was created that simulates the mechanics planned to be implemented with maxillary and mandibular teeth, periodontal ligaments, cortical and trabecular bones. Two different distalization mechanics were applied to this model with the Carriere Distalizer appliance (CDA) and the clear splint appliance (CSA), and two scenarios were created. The amount of displacement of the teeth from the maxillary canine to the second molar tooth was calculated, and the von Mises stress distribution in the periodontal ligament of the relevant teeth was visualized with a color scale. The current study found that the distalization movement of the CDA and the CSA after the force applied by anchoring from the mandibular dentition was similar. Although the amount of distalization obtained with the CDA is higher, it is seen that the mass movement is more significant in the CSA. The CDA and CSA showed a similar distalization pattern. The current study findings suggest that the CSA can be added to the Class II distalization treatment options such as the CDA.