A Comparative Study of the Examination Pattern of Panoramic Radiographs Using Eye-tracking Software.

AIM: To analyze the differences between novice and expert orthodontists examining panoramic radiographs with incidental findings of varying difficulty. The null hypothesis states no difference in the examination pattern of panoramic radiographs between novice and expert orthodontists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expert and novice orthodontic observers were asked to examine six panoramic radiographs with incidental findings of varying difficulty. The eye-tracking software recorded and analyzed their eye movements during the examination. After examining each radiograph, the observers were asked questions about the radiograph. All these collected data were analyzed to compare the performance of the two sets of observers. RESULTS: The total number of observers was 72 in the novice group and 64 in the expert group. There was only one statistically significant finding between the two groups of observers, which was the end time. Expert orthodontists recorded longer panoramic radiograph examination times. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the abilities of expert and novice orthodontists to examine panoramic radiographs and identify incidental findings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Orthodontists might benefit from additional education and continued training in examining and reporting radiographs commonly utilized by this specific group of dental specialists, such as panoramic and cephalometric radiographs.

Cephalometric features of anterior open bite.

AIMS: To evaluate and characterize the skeletodental morphology of anterior open-bite cases in the Saudi Arabian population and the differences between males and females. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cephalometric characteristics of 111 (58 females, 53 males) subjects with anterior open bite were compared with 60 (30 females and 30 males) control subjects. Both open-bite and control subjects were patients in the orthodontic department at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criterion for open-bite subjects was the presence of at least 1-mm anterior open bite. For control subjects, the criteria were orthognathic profile with a Class I molar and canine relationship. All cephalometric radiographs were digitized. RESULTS: Both female and male open-bite subjects showed a significant increase in the lower anterior facial height, mandibular plane angle, gonial angle, Y-axis, mandibular occlusal plane to SN angle, and a significant decrease in maxillary length. Both the maxilla and the mandible were in a retruded position in relation to the SN plane. In addition, the interincisal angle was significantly increased. However, all dental heights showed no significant differences between open-bite and control subjects. Gender differences were found only in the significantly decreased linear skeletal measurements and in mandibular anterior and posterior dental heights. Comparison between the results of this study and reported studies of other populations revealed insignificant differences in most of the measurements. CONCLUSION: This study confirms previous studies that showed the openbite malocclusion is largely due to changes in the skeletal pattern.

Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and oral parafunctions in urban Saudi Arabian adolescents: a research report.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunction habits among Saudi adolescents in the permanent dentition stage. METHODS: A total of 385 (230 females and 155 males) school children age 12-16, completed a questionnaire and were examined clinically. A stratified selection technique was used for schools allocation. RESULTS: The results showed that 21.3% of the subjects exhibited at least one sign of TMD and females were generally more affected than males. Joint sounds were the most prevalent sign (13.5%) followed by restricted opening (4.7%) and opening deviation (3.9%). The amplitude of mouth opening, overbite taken into consideration, was 46.5 mm and 50.2 mm in females and males respectively. TMJ pain and muscle tenderness were rare (0.5%). Reported symptoms were 33%, headache being the most frequent symptom 22%, followed by pain during chewing 14% and hearing TMJ noises 8.7%. Difficulty during jaw opening and jaw locking were rare. Lip/cheek biting was the most common parafunction habit (41%) with females significantly more than males, followed by nail biting (29%). Bruxism and thumb sucking were only 7.4% and 7.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TMD signs were 21.3% with joint sounds being the most prevalent sign. While TMD symptoms were found to be 33% as, with headache being the most prevalent. Among the oral parafunctions, lip/cheek biting was the most prevalent 41% followed by nail biting 29%.