The impact of malocclusion on the oral health related quality of life of 11-14-year-old children.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between malocclusion and the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children needs to be explored further as existing literature presents conflicting evidence. This study aims to determine the association between malocclusion and OHRQoL of 11-14-year-old children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 caregiver/child dyads seeking orthodontic consultation at a tertiary care hospital. The OHRQoL was assessed using child perception questionnaire for 11-14-year-old children (CPQ11-14) and the severity of malocclusion was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). CPQ11-14 scores ranged from 0 to 64, with lower scores representing better quality of life. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences between domain and total CPQ11-14 scores. RESULTS: The mean CPQ11-14 score was 19.89 ± 9.8. Mean scores for the oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being domains were 5.26 ± 3.22, 3.67 ± 3.58, 3.98 ± 3.89 and 2.08 ± 2.98, respectively. Normal or slight malocclusion was seen in 37.6%, definite malocclusion was seen in 22.4%, severe malocclusion in 15.2% and handicapping malocclusion in 24.8% of the subjects. In comparisons by pairs, it was found that children with handicapping malocclusion had significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for the social well-being domain as compared with children having normal/minor malocclusion, indicating a poorer quality of life. CONCLUSION: Handicapping malocclusion had a significant negative impact on the social well-being domain of OHRQoL among 11-14-year-old children in this population.

A Correlation Analysis between Arch Width and Molar Inclination Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Transverse Measurements: A Cross-Sectional Study.

A new era in 3-dimensional analysis has begun with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics, which promises to provide a more thorough understanding of the craniofacial skeletal architecture. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the transverse basal arches discrepancy and dental compensation by utilizing CBCT width analysis. An observational study was conducted to retrospectively review 88 CBCT scans of patients presented to dental clinics from 2014 to 2020 obtained from the Planmeca Romexis x-ray system at three centers. Dental compensation data across normal and narrow maxillae were analyzed and a Pearson correlation was used to find the relationship between molar inclination and width difference. Significant maxillary molar compensation differences were observed between the normal maxilla and narrow maxilla group, where the amount of dental compensation (164.73 ± 10.15) was higher in the narrow maxilla group. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.37) was observed between width difference and maxillary molar inclination. Maxillary molars were tipped buccally to compensate for the reduced maxillary arch width. These findings are important to determine the amount of needed maxillary expansion taking into account the buccal inclination while treating cases.

Cyclic Fatigue and Torsional Failure of EdgeTaper Platinum Endodontic Files at Simulated Body Temperature.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance and torsional resistance of EdgeTaper Platinum (ETP) with those of ProTaper Gold (PTG) at simulated body temperature. METHODS: ETP and PTG files with #25 tip size were selected. Cyclic fatigue tests were performed in a stainless steel artificial canal until file fracture occurred. The time to fracture was recorded. For the torsional resistance testing, the apical 5 mm of the file was firmly secured with acrylic resin, and the assembly was fixed over torque gauge device. A uniform torsional stress was applied with continuous rotation motion until fracture occurred. The torque at failure was recorded. Both experiments were conducted at 35 ± 1°C. Fractured surfaces were tested via scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using independent Student t test at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The ETP had superior cyclic fatigue resistance than PTG (P < .01). However, it exhibited lower torsional resistance (P < .05). The ETP and PTG showed typical features of cyclic and torsional fatigue behavior under scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The ETP exhibited superior resistance to cyclic fatigue but failed to show any improvement in the torsional resistance compared with PTG.

Assessing stress associated with temporomandibular joint disorder through Fonseca's anamnestic index among the Saudi physicians.

The study aims to investigate signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among physicians in a tertiary health-care center. It has estimated the level of symptomatology, determined the association with demographic data, and identified the related occupational risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was used, and physicians of genders, all age groups, and nationalities from King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were recruited. Subjects who had rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, trigeminal neuralgia, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) trauma were excluded. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that measured TMD severity and oral parafunctional behaviors. Fonseca's anamnestic index (FAI) and an oral validated behavior checklist were used to assess the signs and symptoms of TMD. A total of 282 physicians participated in the study, and the prevalence of TMD signs among physicians was 37% (106); among them, 88 (83%) were within the light dysfunction category. Female physicians reported significantly higher FAI than males for side-to-side mandibular movement (12% vs. 5%, P = 0.04), reporting ear pain (18% vs. 10%, P = 0.04), and noticing clicking when chewing or opening the mouth (35% vs. 20%, P = 0.006). Younger practitioners (28-31 years old) who reported clicking while chewing or opening the mouth tended to have reported higher TMD dysfunction (35%) than those aged 40 and above (13%; P = 0.007). Self-reported signs of TMD were 37% among our population. Information collected from FAI is useful in early diagnosis and prevention of TMD.