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.

Effects of zygoma-gear appliance for unilateral maxillary molar distalization: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of the zygoma-gear appliance used for unilateral maxillary molar distalization in patients with Class II subdivision malocclusion. METHODS: This prospective clinical study consisted of 21 patients (9 boys, 12 girls; mean age, 15.68 ± 2.18 years) with unilateral Class II malocclusion treated using the unilateral zygoma-gear appliance supported by a zygomatic miniplate inserted on the Class II malocclusion side. The dentoskeletal effects of the system were evaluated using cephalometric lateral and panoramic films with a paired t test. RESULTS: The mean amount of distalization for the maxillary first molar was found to be 5.31 ± 2.46 mm (P <0.001) in 0.45 ± 0.12 years, showing an amount of 0.98 mm of distalization per month. It was also accompanied by a slight intrusion (0.76 ± 2.85 mm; P >0.05) and distal tipping (6.39° ± 5.39°; P <0.001) of the maxillary molars. The maxillary premolar also spontaneously moved distally 1.63 ± 1.90 mm (P <0.01) with distal tipping (4.05° ± 3.47°; P <0.001). Moreover, the inclination of the maxillary incisors and overjet were decreased (-1.59° ± 1.45°, P <0.001; and -0.29 ± 0.63 mm, P <0.05; respectively) showing no anchorage loss. No statistically significant changes were found for the skeletal and soft tissue measurements (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The zygoma-gear appliance system is an effective method for unilateral maxillary molar distalization.

Comparison of the soft and hard tissue effects of two different protraction mechanisms in class III patients: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to test the null hypotheses that there were no significant differences for hard and soft tissue changes induced by mini maxillary protractor (MMP) and face mask and rapid maxillary expansion (FM/RME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients who met the criteria were randomly divided into two groups: 16 patients (males/females 7/9) in the MMP group and 16 patients (males/females 6/10) in the FM/RME group. The patients in both groups were instructed to wear the appliances for at least 20 h per day until a 2-mm positive overjet was achieved. Hard and soft tissue profile changes observed by MMP and FM/RME were compared using paired and Student's t tests. RESULTS: Class III malocclusion and negative overjet were improved by means of skeletal changes in conjunction with upper incisor proclination and lower incisor retroclination in both groups. Maxilla and surrounding soft tissues (SNA, Ls-E, and Ls-PMV) were significantly moved anteriorly with less rotation of the palatal plane in the MMP group. Mandibular incisors were found to be more retrusive in the FM/RME group (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed similar effects except more anterior movement of the maxilla and surrounding soft tissues with less rotation of the palatal plane and retrusion of lower incisors in the MMP group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first study to compare the soft and hard tissue changes induced by MMP appliance with a conventional FM /RME.

Assessment of the Facial Soft Tissue Thickness of the Patients Affected by Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the soft tissue thickness of the patients affected by unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to compare the findings with a matched control group without cleft using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The study sample consisted of 66 patients (31 women and 35 men) divided into 2 groups as UCLP group (34 patients; 23 men and 11 women; 9 right sided and 25 left sided; mean age: 14.11 ±â€Š3.48 years) and control group (32 patients; 12 men and 20 women; mean age: 15.10 ±â€Š3.13 years) without any cleft. Angular angle between Nasion-A line and Nasion-B line (ANB), angle between Sella-Nasion line and Gonion-Menton line (SN-MP) and linear (glabella, nasion, rhinion, subnasale, labrale superius, stomion, labrale inferius, labiomentale, pogonion, and gnathion) measurements were done using CBCT. Student t test was performed to compare the variables between the groups. RESULTS: Soft tissue thickness values for men were higher in both groups, except for rhinion and glabella. Subnasale for women (P = 0.000), men (P = 0.006), and total samples (P = 0.000) and the variable of the labrale superius for men (P = 0.047) and total samples (P = 0.040) were found to be statistically significantly thinner in the UCLP group. SN-MP had significant affect on subnasale thickness (R = 15.8; Beta = -0.397; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Thickness of the subnasale and the labrale superius were found to be statistically significantly thinner in the UCLP group compared with the controls.

Permanent first molar extraction in adolescents and young adults and its effect on the development of third molar.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of permanent first molar (P1M) extraction among Turkish adolescents and young adult subpopulation, and to investigate the effects of P1M extraction on development of the third molars (3Ms) in the same quadrant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study including 2,925 panoramic radiographs (PRs) taken from patients (aged 13-20 years) who were examined to identify cases of had at least one maxillary or mandibular P1Ms extracted was performed. Additionally, 294 PRs with the maxillary or mandibular unilateral loss of a P1M were used to assess the developmental grades of the 3Ms. Statistical analyses were performed by means of parametric tests after performing a Shapiro-Wilks normality test to the data. RESULT: A total of 945 patients (32.3 %) presented with at least one P1M extraction with no gender difference (P = 0.297). There were more cases of mandibular P1Ms extracted (784 patients, 1,066 teeth) than maxillary P1Ms extracted (441 patients, 549 teeth) (P < 0.001). The development of the 3Ms on the extraction side, in the both maxilla and mandible, was significantly accelerated when compared with the contralateral teeth (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in the differences in the developmental of the 3Ms between the maxilla and mandible (P = 0.718). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of P1Ms extraction among Turkish adolescents and young adults shows a need for targeted dental actions, including prevention and treatment. The development of the 3Ms on the extraction side, in the both maxilla and mandible, was significantly accelerated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To date, no information about prevalence of P1Ms extraction among Turkish adolescents and young adults is documented. In addition, the present study has a larger population and complementary information about 3Ms development than previous studies.

Facial soft-tissue thickness in patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the facial soft-tissue thicknesses and craniofacial morphologies of patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and to compare the findings with a well-matched control group without any clefts using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 40 retrospectively and randomly selected patients divided into 2 groups: a BCLP group (20 patients; mean age, 13.78 ± 3.20 years) and an age- and sex-matched control group without clefts (20 patients; mean age, 13.94 ± 2.52 years). Craniofacial and facial soft-tissue thickness measurements were made with cone-beam computed tomography. The Student t test and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for the statistical evaluations. RESULTS: The BCLP group had an increased SN-MP angle (P = 0.003), a decreased Co-A (P = 0.000), and retruded maxillary (P = 0.000) and mandibular (P = 0.026) incisors. In addition, patients affected by BCLP had statistically significantly decreased thickness measurements for the variables subnasale (P = 0.005) and labrale superior (P = 0.026) compared with the controls. The most predictive variables were found at U1-SN (r = 0.417, P = 0.004), IMPA (r = 0.368, P = 0.010), and ANB (r = -0.297, P = 0.031) for subnasale and U1-SN (r = 0.284, P = 0.038) for labrale superior. CONCLUSIONS: The BCLP group showed greater vertical growth, greater retrusion of the maxilla and the maxillary and mandibular incisors, and decreased subnasale and labrale superior thicknesses compared with the well-matched controls without clefts. These differences should be taken into account when planning orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment for those patients.

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.

Effects of maxillary protraction for early correction of class III malocclusion.

This prospective study investigated the skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue effects of a mini maxillary protractor appliance in class III subjects with maxillary retrusion and mandibular protrusion and compared these changes with those of untreated, well matched control sample with normal occlusions. Twenty patients with class III malocclusion (mean age 11.1 ± 0.8 years) and 20 subjects with normal occlusion (mean age 10.9 ± 0.4 years) were included to this study. The class III subjects were treated with the mini maxillary protractor appliance, and the others were used as control subjects. Paired t-test and Student's t-test were used to determine the within- and between-group differences, respectively. In the study group, the maxilla moved forward (SNA, 2.0 degrees and A-Y, 2.4mm) (P < 0.001) with a slight rotation of palatal and occlusal planes (SN-PP, -0.8 degree and SN-OP, -0.7 degree) (P > 0.05). The mandible displaced backwards and downwards (SNB, -1.1 degrees; SND, -0.9 degree; B-Y, -0.9 mm and Pog-Y, -0.3mm; P < 0.001). These movements in the maxilla and mandible caused a significant improvement in intermaxillary sagittal relationship (ANB, 3.0 degrees; Convexity, 6.3 degrees; Wits, 4.6mm; P < 0.001). The maxillary incisors moved forward (2.2 degrees) while the mandibular ones backward (-1.9 degrees). The improvement in overjet was 5.0mm, and 66.1 per cent of this change (3.3mm) was skeletal (A-Y; 2.4mm and B-Y; -0.9 mm), and the remaining (1.7 mm) dentoalveolar (U1-NA; 0.9 mm and L1-NB; -0.8mm). The change in Ls-E measurement was more in the study group (2.1mm), and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

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.

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.

Condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate condylar and ramal mandibular vertical asymmetry in a patient group affected by unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate, and to compare the findings with a well-matched control group with normal occlusion. METHODS: The study groups included 20 UCLP patients (12 male, 8 female), 21 BCLP patients (12 male, 9 female), and a control group of 21 subjects with normal occlusion (10 male, 11 female). Measurements of condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal heights and asymmetry indexes were examined on cone-beam computed tomography images. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine potential statistical differences among the groups for condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry index measurements. The post-hoc Tukey HSD test was used to determine individual differences. RESULTS: No investigated group showed a statistically significant sex difference for any asymmetry index (P >0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the normal and cleft sides in the ramal height and ramal plus condylar height measurements in the UCLP group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively). The Tukey HSD test showed a statistically significant difference between the UCLP and BCLP groups in terms of ramal asymmetry index values (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The ramal height and ramal plus condylar height measurements were significantly lower in the cleft side in the UCLP patients, and there was a statistically significant difference in ramal asymmetry index values between the patients affected by UCLP and BCLP.

Mesiodistal tooth dimensions and anterior and overall Bolton ratios evaluated by cone beam computed tomography.

AIM: The mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and anterior and overall tooth size ratios were measured by CBCT and conventional orthodontic plaster methods, compared, and correlation coefficients for both methods determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 26 patients (14 males and 12 females) between the ages of 18 and 28 years were randomly selected from the archives of the Oral Diagnosis, Radiology and Orthodontic Departments at the Karadeniz Technical University. The mesiodistal diameters of the maxillary and mandibular permanent teeth from first molar to first molar were measured on the patient's plaster models and also on CBCT arch renditions. Anterior and overall Bolton ratios were calculated for each method. Comparisons were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC). RESULTS: The measurements of the mesiodistal widths of most maxillary and mandibular teeth were similar and consistent between the conventional and CBCT methods. PCC values ranged from 0.637 (mandibular right second premolar) to 0.916 (maxillary right canine). PCC values for anterior and overall ratios were 0.756 and 0.781, respectively, indicating that correlations between conventional and CBCT methods were acceptable. CONCLUSION: Dental measurements and anterior and overall Bolton ratios calculated on CBCT showed acceptable PCC values indicating that CBCT measurements could be used instead of those obtained from conventional plaster models.

Unilateral maxillary molar distalization with zygoma-gear appliance.

The aim of this study was to present the orthodontic treatment of a 15-year-old boy with a unilateral maxillary molar distalization system, called the zygoma-gear appliance. It consisted of a zygomatic anchorage miniplate, an inner bow, and a Sentalloy closed coil spring (GAC International, Bohemia, NY). A distalizing force of 350 g was used during the distalization period. The unilateral Class II malocclusion was corrected in 5 months with the zygoma-gear appliance. The maxillary left first molar showed distalization of 4 mm with an inclination of 3°. The maxillary premolars moved distally with the help of the transseptal fibers. In addition, there were slight decreases in overjet (-0.5 mm) and maxillary incisor inclination (-1°), indicating no anchorage loss from the zygoma-gear appliance. Preadjusted fixed appliances (0.022 × 0.028-in, MBT system; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were placed in both arches to achieve leveling and alignment. After 14 months of unilateral distalization with the zygoma-gear appliance and fixed appliances, Class I molar and canine relationships were established with satisfactory interdigitation of the posterior teeth. Acceptable overjet and overbite were also achieved. This article shows that this new system, the zygoma-gear appliance, can be used for unilateral maxillary molar distalization without anchorage loss.

Investigation of the maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and associated dental anomalies in an orthodontic patient population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of maxillary lateral incisor (MLI) agenesis and associated dental anomalies as well as skeletal patterns in an orthodontic population, and then to compare it with the prevalence of these anomalies in the general population. STUDY DESIGN: The material of the present study included the records of the 3872 orthodontic patients. The followings were recorded for each subject with the agenesis of MLI: Age, sex, unilateral or bilateral absence, anterior-posterior skeletal relationship of the maxilla and mandible, and presence of associated dental anomalies. The occurrence of these anomalies was compared with data previously reported for the general populations. RESULTS: Of the 3872 patients examined, 94 were found to have agenesis of the MLI, representing a prevalence of 2.4 per cent, with females being more frequently observed. The most commonly found associated anomalies were ectopic eruption of maxillary canines and reduced or peg- shaped contralateral incisor with the frequencies of 21.3 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with agenesis of MLI showed a significantly higher prevalence of skeletal Class III malocclusion compared with the general population. The prevalence of ectopic eruption, transposition, and transmigration of the maxillary canine and reduced or peg- shaped MLIs were significantly increased.

Validity of demirjian and nolla methods for dental age estimation for Northeastern Turkish children aged 5-16 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of Demirjian and Nolla methods for northeastern Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was performed on panoramic radiographs of 673 subjects aged 5-15.9 years. The mean dental age (DA) according to the Demirjian and Nolla methods were compared to the mean chronological age (CA). RESULTS: The mean CA of the study sample was 10.37±2.90 and 10.03±2.81 years for females and males, respectively. Using the Demirjian method, the mean estimated DA was 11.26±3.02 years for females and 10.87±2.96 years for males. For Nolla method, the mean estimated DA was 9.80±3.41 and 9.53±3.14 years for females and males, respectively. The mean differences between the CA and DA according to the Demirjian and Nolla methods were 0.86 and -0.54 years for total study sample. CONCLUSION: Nolla method was found to be a more accurate method for estimating DA in northeastern Turkish population.

Patterns of third-molar agenesis and associated dental anomalies in an orthodontic population.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of dental anomalies in orthodontic patients with different patterns of third-molar agenesis, comparing them with patients without third-molar agenesis. METHODS: A sample of 374 patients with agenesis of at least 1 third molar was divided into 4 groups according to the third-molar agenesis pattern, and a control group of 98 patients without third-molar agenesis was randomly selected from the patient archives. Panoramic radiographs and cast models were used to determine the associated dental anomalies, such as hypodontia, hyperdontia, impaction, dilaceration, microdontia, ectopic eruption, transposition, and transmigration. The Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine the differences in the distribution of the associated dental anomalies among the groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of agenesis of other teeth (11.2%, n = 42) was significantly greater in our study sample (groups 1-4) than in the control group (group 5) (4.1%, n = 4; P <0.05). When we compared the groups according to the various third-molar agenesis patterns, we found that agenesis of other teeth was more common in patients with agenesis of 3 and 4 third molars. In addition, the patients with agenesis of 4 third molars exhibited maxillary lateral-incisor microdontia more frequently. Another important finding was a higher prevalence of total dental anomalies in patients with agenesis of 3 and 4 third molars compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent tooth agenesis, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, and total dental anomalies are more frequently associated with agenesis of 4 third molars than with the presence of third molars.

Effects of the functional regulator III on transversal changes: a postero-anterior cephalometric and model study.

Studies assessing the transversal treatment changes caused by the functional regulator III (FR-3) are limited in number. This clinical study was planned to analyse the transversal effects of the FR-3 appliance therapy. The treatment group consisted of 17 patients (8 males and 9 females) with Class III malocclusion, who were treated with the FR-3 appliance. The control group consisted of 17 subjects (7 males and 10 females) with a normal occlusion. Mean ages of the subjects were 10.73 and 10.66 years in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Postero-anterior radiographs and stone casts were obtained before (T1) and after (T2) treatment/observation. The results of the Student's t-test comparing initial values showed that maxillary dentoalveolar and skeletal widths are significantly larger in the control group than those in the treatment group. At the end of the treatment, significant transverse increments occurred only at the dentoalveolar level of the maxilla. The transversal changes in the mandible were not statistically significant. Buccal shields of FR-3 did not stimulate the growth of maxillary apical base but caused an enhanced and supplementary widening of maxillary dental and alveolar structures.