Dentin dysplasia type I: report of atypical cases in the permanent and mixed dentitions.

Dentin dysplasia type I is a rare hereditary disturbance of dentin formation characterized clinically by nearly normal appearing crowns and severe hypermobility of teeth. Radiographic analysis shows obliteration of all pulp chambers, short, blunted, and malformed roots, and periapical radiolucencies of noncarious teeth. This paper presents 2 cases demonstrating both classic and atypical features of type I dentin dysplasia in the mixed and permanent dentitions. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic\findings of this condition and treatment are described.

Masticatory performance, maximum occlusal force, and occlusal contact area in patients with bilaterally missing molars and distal extension removable partial dentures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the masticatory performance, maximum occlusal force, and occlusal contact area of subjects with bilaterally missing molars, treated either with the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept or with distal extension removable partial dentures (RPDs), during a 1-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included three groups of 10 subjects each, in which SDA and RPD groups displayed bilateral molar loss in the mandible. Subjects with complete natural dentition (CD) served as the control group. Masticatory performance was evaluated by the multiple sieve method. Standard cubes (edge length: 8 mm, 0.9 g) shaped from a high viscosity polysiloxane molding material (Zetaplus, Zhermack) were used as the test food. Maximum occlusal force (N) and occlusal contact area (mm2) were evaluated using dental prescale films. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences regarding masticatory performance between the groups or evaluation periods were demonstrated. In the RPD group, masticatory performance with and without prostheses showed no significant differences. SDA patients showed significantly lower contact area and occlusal force than both the CD and RPD groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: SDA can be an alternative to distal extension RPDs with respect to masticatory performance in subjects with bilaterally missing molars in one dental arch, despite remarkable reductions in maximum occlusal force and occlusal contact area.

An analysis of maxillary anterior teeth: facial and dental proportions.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The size and form of the maxillary anterior teeth are important in achieving pleasing dental and facial esthetics. However, little scientific data have been defined as criteria for evaluating these morphological features. PURPOSE: This study analyzed the clinical crown dimensions of maxillary anterior teeth to determine whether consistent relationships exist between tooth width and several facial measurements in a subset of the Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Full-face and anterior tooth images of 100 Turkish dental students viewed from the front and engaged in maximum smiling were recorded with digital photography under standardized conditions. Gypsum casts of the maxillary arches of the subjects were also made. The dimensions of the anterior teeth, the occurrence of the golden ratio, the difference between the actual and perceived sizes, and the relationship between the anterior teeth and several facial measurements by gender were analyzed using the information obtained from both the computer images and the casts. One-sample, 2-sample, and paired t tests, and repeated-measures analysis of variance and Duncan multiple-range tests were performed to analyze the data (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The dimensions of the central incisors (P<.05) and canines (P<.01) varied by gender. The existence of the so-called "golden proportion" for the maxillary anterior teeth as a whole was not found. Significant differences emerged when the mean ratios between various perceived widths were compared with their ideal golden ratios (P<.01). Proportional relationships between the bizygomatic width and the width of the central incisor, and the intercanine distance and the interalar width in women were observed. CONCLUSION: The maxillary central incisor and canine dimensions of men were greater than those of women in the Turkish population studied, with the canines showing the greatest gender variation. Neither a golden proportion nor any other recurrent proportion for all anterior teeth was determined. Bizygomatic width and interalar width may serve as references for establishing the ideal width of the maxillary anterior teeth, particularly in women.