Mandibular and dental measurements for sex determination using machine learning.

The present study tested the combination of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex determination using machine learning. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were used to obtain mandibular and mesio-distal permanent teeth dimensions, respectively. Univariate statistics was used for variables selection for the supervised machine learning model (alpha = 0.05). The following algorithms were trained: logistic regression, gradient boosting classifier, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron classifier, decision tree, and random forest classifier. A threefold cross-validation approach was adopted to validate each model. The areas under the curve (AUC) were computed, and ROC curves were constructed. Three mandibular-related measurements and eight dental size-related dimensions were used to train the machine learning models using data from 108 individuals. The mandibular ramus height and the lower first molar mesio-distal size exhibited the greatest predictive capability in most of the evaluated models. The accuracy of the models varied from 0.64 to 0.74 in the cross-validation stage, and from 0.58 to 0.79 when testing the data. The logistic regression model exhibited the highest performance (AUC = 0.84). Despite the limitations of this study, the results seem to show that the integration of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex prediction would be a promising approach, emphasizing the potential of machine learning techniques as valuable tools for this purpose.

Exploring the association between PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica morphology : PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica morphology.

OBJECTIVES: PITX2 is required for mammalian development and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene could be involved in dental agenesis and sella turcica patterns. Thus, the present study evaluated the association between SNPs in PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of healthy orthodontic German patients with lateral cephalometric radiographs with clearly visualization of the sella turcica, and dental orthopantomograms. The morphological variations of the sella turcica were evaluated using the lateral cephalograms, while third molar agenesis was evaluated using orthopantomograms. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping three SNPs in PITX2 (rs3796902, rs1947187, and rs2595110). The analyzes were performed using a significance of 5%. There was no association between third molar agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes (p > 0.05). SNPs in PITX2 were also not associated with third molars agenesis (p > 0.05). RESULTS: SNPs in PITX2 were associated with sella turcica phenotypes. The rs3796902 was associated with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process (p = 0.013). The rs1947187 and rs2595110 were associated with sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.013 and p = 0.011, respectively for genotype distribution). Patients that carry the genotypes GG-CC-AG (rs3796902- rs1947187- rs2595110) had 7.2 higher chance to present sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.002; Odds ratio = 7.2, Confidence interval 95% 2.04-27.04). CONCLUSIONS: Third molar agenesis was not associated with SNPs in PITX2 and sella turcica phenotypes. SNPs in PITX2 may have an important role in sella turcica pattern.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in RUNX2 and BMP2 contributes to different vertical facial profile.

The vertical facial profile is a crucial factor for facial harmony with significant implications for both aesthetic satisfaction and orthodontic treatment planning. However, the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the development of vertical facial proportions is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of some SNPs in genes associated with craniofacial bone development on the establishment of different vertical facial profiles. Vertical facial profiles were assessed by two senior orthodontists through pre-treatment digital lateral cephalograms. The vertical facial profile type was determined by recommended measurement according to the American Board of Orthodontics. Healthy orthodontic patients were divided into the following groups: "Normodivergent" (control group), "Hyperdivergent" and "Hypodivergent". Patients with a history of orthodontic or facial surgical intervention were excluded. Genomic DNA extracted from saliva samples was used for the genotyping of 7 SNPs in RUNX2, BMP2, BMP4 and SMAD6 genes using real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The genotype distribution between groups was evaluated by uni- and multivariate analysis adjusted by age (alpha = 5%). A total of 272 patients were included, 158 (58.1%) were "Normodivergent", 68 (25.0%) were "Hyperdivergent", and 46 (16.9%) were "Hypodivergent". The SNPs rs1200425 (RUNX2) and rs1005464 (BMP2) were associated with a hyperdivergent vertical profile in uni- and multivariate analysis (p-value < 0.05). Synergistic effect was observed when evaluating both SNPs rs1200425- rs1005464 simultaneously (Prevalence Ratio = 4.0; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.2-13.4; p-value = 0.022). In conclusion, this study supports a link between genetic factors and the establishment of vertical facial profiles. SNPs in RUNX2 and BMP2 genes were identified as potential contributors to hyperdivergent facial profiles.

Is There Variation in the Morphology of the Frontal Sinus in Individuals with Different Craniofacial Patterns? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate differences in the morphology of the frontal sinus in adolescents and adults with different craniofacial patterns, searches up to April 2024 were conducted in six databases and other information sources to identify observational studies. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the NOS scale were performed independently by two reviewers. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the difference in frontal sinus measurements between different craniofacial skeletal patterns (α = 0.05). The certainty of the evidence was evaluated according to GRADE. Fourteen studies were included in the review. All studies had methodological limitations that affected their quality. The syntheses showed that skeletal Class II subjects presented a significantly smaller width of the frontal sinus than skeletal Class I subjects (MD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.74; p < 0.0001; I2 = 3%). Skeletal Class III subjects showed a frontal sinus width (MD = -0.91; 95% CI: -1.35, -0.47; p < 0.0001; I2 = 36%) and area (MD = -28.13; 95% CI: -49.03, -7.23; p = 0.0084; I2 = 66%) significantly larger than those of the skeletal Class I subjects. The available evidence suggests a positive relationship between mandibular and frontal sinus size. There is limited evidence to make reliable estimates of the association of other craniofacial patterns and frontal sinus characteristics. These reported results are not conclusive and should be evaluated carefully due to the very low certainty of the evidence. The current evidence is scarce and consists of studies with methodological limitations; the results of the studies are often inconsistent, and the pooled estimates are imprecise. New high-quality research is still necessary.

Impact of chronic diseases on the periapical health of endodontically treated teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Systemic diseases affecting the immune system can influence the body's response time to endodontic treatment, potentially necessitating a longer duration for the complete resolution of existing infections when compared to healthy controls. This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between the presence of chronic diseases and periapical status after endodontic treatment through a systematic and comprehensive assessment of existing literature on this topic. The search strategy covered seven electronic databases and grey literature, encompassing articles published until October 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed potentially eligible studies based on the following criteria: Included were studies involving populations exposed to pre-existing chronic diseases who underwent endodontic treatment in permanent teeth. These studies evaluated periapical health status, making comparisons with healthy individuals. There were no language or publication date restrictions. Additionally, two reviewers independently extracted data regarding the characteristics of the included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Twenty-three studies were included in the synthesis. Patients with diabetes were found to have about half the odds of having periapical health compared to non-diabetic patients (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.30-0.70%; I2 = 58%) in teeth that underwent endodontic treatment. On the other hand, other systemic diseases like HIV, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis did not demonstrate significant differences concerning the outcome. In conclusion, diabetic patients showed a lower likelihood of maintaining periapical health. Conversely, patients with HIV, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis did not exhibit significant differences, although the existing evidence is still considered limited. It is crucial to manage these patients in a multidisciplinary manner to provide appropriate care for this population.

Lower Incisor Root Resorption after Orthodontic Alignment and Leveling / Reabsorção da Raiz Após o Alinhamento e Nivelamento Dentário

The objective of this study was to evaluate the external apical root resorption in the lower incisors after orthodontic alignment and leveling using digital periapical radiographs. The sample consisted of periapical radiographs of 90 lower central incisors from 45 patients, 19 men and 26 women aged 12-36 years (mean 22.7 years). All the 90 lower central incisors were performed periapical radiographs in two phases: 1 - initial before orthodontic treatment and 2 - after alignment and dental leveling phase. The initial periapical radiographs were digitized through a transparency scanner. All patients were treated by the same orthodontist, the inclusion criteria were: never having been treated orthodontically; absence of exodontia, agenesis, malformation or defect in teeth, supernumerary teeth, endodontic treatment and impacted incisors. The time interval between the initial and post-leveling radiographs was from 6 to 12 months, with an average time of 9 months. It was observed that 47.8% of the incisors evaluated presented external apical root resorption, being most grade 1 (irregular contour up to 1 mm reabsorption). There was a positive association of external root resorption with the triangular root shape. There was no association between the severity of root resorption and the type of malocclusion. An association was observed between age and resorption severity, that is, patients who have already reached bone maturation were more likely to develop apical external root resorption. Female patients were more likely, but when men developed external root resorption, it tended to be a more severe degree. Female adult patients, with a triangular root shape, anatomical apical pipette shape, regardless of malocclusion type are more likely to develop apical external root resorption in orthodontic treatment. (AU)

Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a reabsorção radicular apical externa nos incisivos inferiores após alinhamento e nivelamento ortodôntico com radiografias periapicais digitais. A amostra consistiu de 90 radiografias periapicais de incisivos centrais inferiores de 45 pacientes, sendo 19 homens e 26 mulheres com idade entre 12 e 36 anos (média de 22,7 anos). As radiografias periapicais foram realizadas em dois momentos: 1 - inicial antes do tratamento ortodôntico e 2 - após fase de alinhamento e nivelamento dentário. Todas as radiografias foram digitalizadas através de um scanner de transparência. Todos os pacientes foram tratados pelo mesmo ortodontista e preenchiam os seguintes critérios de inclusão: não ter sido tratado ortodonticamente anteriormente; ausência de exodontia, agenesia, malformação ou defeito nos dentes, dentes supranumerários, tratamento endodôntico e incisivos impactados. O intervalo de tempo entre as radiografias inicial e pós-nivelamento foi de 6 a 12 meses, com tempo médio de 9 meses. Observou-se que 47,8% dos incisivos avaliados apresentaram reabsorção radicular apical externa, sendo a maioria de grau 1 (contorno irregular até reabsorção de 1 mm). Houve associação positiva da reabsorção radicular externa com a forma da raiz triangular. Não houve associação entre a gravidade da reabsorção radicular e o tipo de má oclusão. Observou-se associação entre idade e gravidade da reabsorção, ou seja, pacientes que já atingiram a maturação óssea apresentaram maior chance de desenvolver reabsorção radicular externa apical. Pacientes do sexo feminino foram mais frequentes, mas quando os homens desenvolveram reabsorção radicular externa, tenderam a ser mais graves. Um paciente adulto, do sexo feminino, com formato de raiz triangular, região apical na forma anatômica de pipeta, independentemente do tipo de má oclusão, tem maior probabilidade de desenvolver reabsorção radicular externa no tratamento ortodôntico. (AU)

Prosthetic, orthodontic and implant-supported rehabilitation of five maxillary anterior teeth with alveolar bone loss

ABSTRACT Introduction: Treatment of maxillofacial injuries is complex and requires the establishment of a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis and correct treatment planning. Objective: The objective of this case report was to describe the re-treatment of a 27-year-old woman who was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in the loss of five anterior teeth and alveolar bone, and whose previous orthodontic and surgical treatments had been unsuccessful. Case report: In this case, the space for the missing mandibular molar was reopened to allow for rehabilitation. The positions of the mandibular incisors were improved. The right mandibular canine was moved to the mesial, allowing for correction of the Class II canine relationship on that side, and implants were placed to replace the maxillary anterior teeth. Conclusion: Anterior aesthetic and functional rehabilitation using a multidisciplinary approach was essential to improve the patient's facial aesthetics, to obtain great improvement in function and to achieve occlusal stability after 2 years of follow-up.

RESUMO Introdução: o tratamento de danos bucomaxilofaciais é complexo e requer diagnóstico abrangente e preciso, além de um correto plano de tratamento. Objetivo: o objetivo deste relato de caso foi descrever o retratamento de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 27 anos de idade, envolvida em acidente automobilístico grave, que resultou na perda de cinco dentes, além de perda óssea alveolar na região anterior. Relato de caso: a paciente apresentava histórico de insucesso de tratamento ortodôntico e cirúrgico. No caso apresentado, o espaço referente aos molares inferiores ausentes foi reaberto, para possibilitar a reabilitação. Houve melhora no posicionamento dos incisivos inferiores. O canino inferior direito foi deslocado para mesial, possibilitando a correção da relação de Classe II intercaninos do mesmo lado. Implantes foram inseridos a fim de substituir os dentes superiores da região anterior. Conclusão: a reabilitação estética e funcional da região anterior, realizada por meio de uma abordagem multidisciplinar, foi fundamental para valorizar a estética facial da paciente, melhorar a função e promover estabilidade oclusal após dois anos de acompanhamento.