Progressive changes in arch width from primary to early mixed dentition period: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate, on a longitudinal basis, the changes in intercanine and intermolar widths form the primary to the early mixed dentition periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 children aged 4-5 years, with normal occlusion without any proximal caries or any dental anomalies, were selected. The impressions were recorded and casts were prepared. Intercanine and intermolar widths were measured on these dental casts with the help of a digital vernier calliper. After 3 years follow-up, the impressions were recorded again and dental casts were prepared. Intercanine and intermolar widths were measured again at this stage and were compared with the baseline data using the paired t-test and the chi square test. RESULTS: There is a significant increase in the intercanine (3.93 + 1.70 mm) and intermolar width (1.49 + 1.77 mm) during the transition period from primary to early mixed dentition in both the arches and both the sexes. The gender-wise comparison showed a greater increase in males than in females, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A thorough knowledge of growth changes during various stages of the mixed dentition period are important for a pediatric dentist to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning during preventive and interceptive orthodontics.

Functional restoration by excision arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint ankylosis--a report of 35 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long term functional results of excision arthroplasty in treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes 35 patients of TMJ ankylosis who were treated by excision arthroplasty and followed for a maximum period of eight years after surgery. Past trauma was documented as a major etiological factor in 63% cases. Fibrous ankylosis & unilateral involvement was found to be more common. Peroperatively a gap of 1 1/2 to 2 cm was created. The results were assessed according to a criteria based on inter-incial month opening, deviation of jaw and complications. They were satisfactory in 29 cases and there were 3 recurrences. CONCLUSION: Childhood trauma is a major cause of TMJ ankylosis in India. Long term results of excision arthroplasty are satisfactory & comparable to other surgical modalities that are in vogue, provided the patients are operated when young, the ankylosis is in early stage, gap created is adequate and post operative exercise regimen is followed diligently.