A Clinician's Perspective on the Accuracy of the Shade Determination of Dental Ceramics-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: No systematic review or meta-analysis has been identified that provides a clinician's perspective on the shade selection process for ceramic restorations. The aim of the present systematic review is to find and systematize the available knowledge by referring to the methods to assess the color of dental ceramics. METHODS: The final search was performed on 10 December 2023 in six search engines. The keywords used in the search strategy were as follows: ("color matching" OR "shade matching" OR "color measurement" AND "porcelain" OR "dental ceramics") AND "dentistry" AND "accuracy". RESULTS: The search strategy identified 139 potential articles. After the screening process, sixteen articles were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the most common method, the visual method, has lower accuracy and repeatability. Devices like spectrophotometers and colorimeters provide precise, repeatable, and objective measurements, but fail to be widely applied in everyday clinical practice. Clinicians should not rely solely on their senses for shade determination, but should turn to quantitative methods. Colorimetric devices connected to mobile applications are an interesting and useful tool. Software and apps based on artificial intelligence are emerging as promising tools, but they require further research.

Orthodontic treatment demand for fixed treatment and aligners among young adults in middle Europe and South America - a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Patients experiencing any malocclusion, may desire for treatment. However, there is no scientific information orthodontic treatment demand and the knowledge of young adults about orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess orthodontic treatment demand in young adults from Poland and Chile, their previous orthodontic experience and their knowledge on fixed and aligner orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The target group comprised people aged 18-30. The sample size was estimated as above 400 for each country. The survey was carried out in Polish and Spanish within 3 months and consisted of 25 questions delivered via social media. Comparisons were made between countries, age subgroups and gender. RESULTS: The response rate was 1,99%, what stands for 1092 responses, 670 from Chile and 422 from Poland, respectively. The percentage of young adults who were already treated was 42,9% in Poland and 25,0% in Chile. The ones planning to have orthodontic treatment within a year counted for 11,8% in Poland and 5,3% in Chile. Most young adults who want to be treated (20,6%) rely on doctor's recommendation on type of appliance while 14,7% of all respondents are interested solely in aligners. Most respondents have heard about aligners (58%). Direct provider-to-customer service without a doctor is not acceptable, neither in Poland (85,1%) nor in Chile (64,8%). Most young adults provided incorrect answers referring various aspects of aligner treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In both countries, patients demand to be treated and monitored by the orthodontist. A high percentage of patients want to be treated exclusively with aligners. Direct-to-consumer orthodontics does not seem attractive to patients. Young adults do not have adequate knowledge referring to aligner treatment. Many people want to be treated despite a previous orthodontic treatment.

Association of Three Genetic Loci with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Polish Children.

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative, demarcated enamel defect of hypomineralization affecting one to four first permanent molars, often with incisor involvement. Its etiology is complex. However, evidence suggests the influence of genetic factors, potentially including the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2889956, rs4811117 and rs13058467, which were previously linked to MIH in a genome-wide association study of German children. The aim was to replicate analyses of possible associations between the SNPs and molar incisor hypomineralization in Polish children. METHODS: The final study group consisted of 778 children aged 126-168 months old. Saliva samples were taken, and genomic DNA was extracted and genotyped using beadchip microarrays. RESULTS: Among the 778 subjects, there were 68 (8.7%) subjects with MIH and 710 (91.3%) subjects without MIH. There were no significant differences in distributions in age, sex, or the frequency of caries in permanent dentition between the MIH and non-MIH groups. The rs2889956, rs4811117, and rs13058467 genotype distributions in the studied group conformed to the expected Hardy-Weinberg equilibria, and there were no significant differences in the distributions of their alleles or genotypes between the MIH and non-MIH groups. CONCLUSION: Our replication study did not confirm highly significant associations between the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2889956, rs4811117, and rs13058467 with molar incisor hypomineralization in Polish children.

Three-dimensional microanalysis of tooth movement during the first 6 months of orthodontic double retention.

INTRODUCTION: This study performed a 3-dimensional analysis of tooth movement during orthodontic retention to assess the effectiveness of double retention (fixed and removable) in preventing undesired tooth movement. METHODS: One hundred randomly selected patients were included at the initiation of double orthodontic retention with fixed retainers and vacuum-formed splints (recommended to be worn 22 h/d) in both arches. Intraoral scans were performed directly (T0), 1 month (n = 88), 3 months (T2) (n = 78), and 6 months (T3) (n = 66) after retainer bonding. Nine reference points were marked on each tooth in every patient. Subsequent scans were superimposed, and point displacement was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software (version 4.2.2; R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). RESULTS: Sample size calculation determined at least 55 patients were needed. The total dropout between T0 and T3 was 34 patients (did not show up for appointment). The median absolute displacement value of a single point between T0 and T3 was 0.015 mm. The most stable teeth were mandibular central incisors, whereas the least stable were mandibular molars. Most tooth displacements occurred between T0 and T2, then slowed down significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Double orthodontic retention prevents major tooth displacements in most patients during the first 6 months of retention; however, larger, unpredictable single-tooth displacement may occur in individual patients.

Influence of Shortened Tongue Frenulum on Tongue Mobility, Speech and Occlusion.

(1) Background: The incidence of ankyloglossia is 0.02-10.7%. Its effect on selected dysfunctions has been described; however, no studies report its impact on several disorders in a group of subjects. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ankyloglossia on swallowing, speech, occlusion and periodontium. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 86 patients with ankyloglossia, and the control group (n = 86) had a normal tongue frenulum. Type of swallowing, tongue mobility, speech, occlusion and periodontium were assessed. (3) Results: Ankyloglossia pertained to 75.6% patients with infantile swallowing and 41.3% patients with mature swallowing. Limited tongue mobility was found in 29.4% subjects with moderate ankyloglossia and 70.6% subjects with severe ankyloglossia. All subjects with mild ankyloglossia and all the controls had normal tongue mobility. The relationship between dysglossia and ankyloglossia severity was statistically significant. Malocclusion or crowding was diagnosed in 62% subjects with ankyloglossia and 21.6% subjects in the control group. No periodontal abnormalities were found in any subject. (4) Conclusions: (1) A short tongue frenulum negatively influences swallowing and is associated with an "infantile swallowing pattern". (2) Moderate or severe ankyloglossia significantly limits tongue mobility. (3) A short tongue frenulum negatively influences speech. (4) Ankyloglossia is associated with higher prevalence of malocclusion.

Morphological Variations and Anomalies of the Sella Turcica on Lateral Cephalograms of Cleft-Palate-Only (CPO) Patients.

Sella turcica abnormalities were reported in malocclusions and clefts. No studies were found on sella turcica abnormalities in CPO patients. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of sella turcica abnormalities on cephalometric radiographs in CPO versus non-cleft orthodontic patients. Cephalograms of CPO patients (n = 89) and controls (n = 89) were analyzed for normal sella turcicae and sella turcica abnormalities. Then, cephalometric analysis was performed using specialized software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rv.4.1.1 package. No variation in or anomaly of the sella turcica was more frequent in CPO compared to non-cleft individuals. Patients with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process had higher interincisal and 1+:Nasion-A angles. Subjects with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process and double contour of the floor had higher Sella-Nasion-A, Sella-Nasion-B and Sella-Nasion-Pogonion and lower ANB. A pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae was more prevalent in males, as was double contour of the floor in females. Subjects with an oblique anterior wall had lower SNB, GntgoAr and NLA. Subjects with a normal sella had higher SNPg, ML-NSL and 1+:NAmm. A normal sella was more prevalent in younger patients. CPO is not associated with sella turcica abnormalities compared to non-cleft orthodontic patients.

Craniofacial Cephalometric Morphology in Caucasian Adult Patients with Cleft Palate Only (CPO).

Orofacial clefts are common birth defects that affect the morphology of the skull. Cleft palate only (CPO) has a different etiology than other types of clefts, and craniofacial morphology in CPO differs from that of UCLP and BCLP. The long-term effect of the cleft and its surgery is visible after growth cessation. However, few studies exist describing cephalometric craniofacial morphology in adults with CPO. The aim of the present study was to describe the cephalometric craniofacial morphology of adult patients with CPO compared to healthy patients. The study included analysis of cephalometric lateral headfilms of 28 adults with CPO and 28 healthy subjects. It was found that the angles of SNA, ANB, 1-:NB angle (°) and Wits appraisal were significantly smaller in CPO, whereas NL-NSL (°), 1+:NA angle (°) and 1+:NA (mm) had significantly higher values in CPO compared to the control group. It has been concluded that CPO in adult patients is characterized by a sagittal jaw discrepancy due to maxillary deficiency, with a tendency for compensatory inclination of the upper and lower incisors.

IRF6 and FGF1 polymorphisms in non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Polish population.

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is the most common developmental defect that significantly affects the morphology and function of the stomatognathic system in children. The etiology of these birth defects is multifactorial, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IRF6 and FGF1 have been associated with NSCL/P. This study aimed to evaluate whether SNPs in IRF6, namely rs2013162, rs642961, rs2235373, and rs34010 in FGF1, are associated with NSCL/P occurrence in the Polish population. The study included 627 participants: 209 children with NSCL/P and 418 healthy controls. DNA was isolated from saliva in the study group and from umbilical cord blood in controls. Genotyping of polymorphisms was performed using quantitative PCR. There was no statistically significant association of IRF6 gene variants with NSCL/P occurrence, although for rs2013162, AA genotype, odds ratio (OR) = 1.16 and for AC genotype, OR = 0.83; for rs642961, AA genotype, OR = 0.84 and for AG genotype, OR = 1.41; and for rs2235373, AA genotype, OR = 0.79 and for AG, OR = 0.85. In the instance of rs34010 polymorphism in FGF1, the presence of the AA genotype was statistically significant in reducing the risk of NSCL/P (OR = 0.31, p = 0.001). Genetic variation in FGF1 is an important risk marker of NSCL/P in the Polish population, which cannot be stated for the polymorphisms in the IRF6 gene.

Attachments for the Orthodontic Aligner Treatment-State of the Art-A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years the burden of aligner treatment has been growing. However, the sole use of aligners is characterized by limitations; thus attachments are bonded to the teeth to improve aligner retention and tooth movement. Nevertheless, it is often still a challenge to clinically achieve the planned movement. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the evidence of the shape, placement and bonding of composite attachments. METHODS: A query was carried out in six databases on 10 December 2022 using the search string ("orthodontics" OR "malocclusion" OR "Tooth movement techniques AND ("aligner*" OR "thermoformed splints" OR "invisible splint*" AND ("attachment*" OR "accessor*" OR "auxill*" AND "position*"). RESULTS: There were 209 potential articles identified. Finally, twenty-six articles were included. Four referred to attachment bonding, and twenty-two comprised the influence of composite attachment on movement efficacy. Quality assessment tools were used according to the study type. CONCLUSIONS: The use of attachments significantly improves the expression of orthodontic movement and aligner retention. It is possible to indicate sites on the teeth where attachments have a better effect on tooth movement and to assess which attachments facilitate movement. The research received no external funding. The PROSPERO database number is CRD42022383276.

Influence of Primary Palatal Surgery on Craniofacial Morphology in Patients with Cleft Palate Only (CPO)-Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cleft palate only (CPO) is the second most prevalent cleft type. Both the cleft and palatal scarring may affect craniofacial growth. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize scientific evidence on effect of palatal surgery on craniofacial morphology in CPO. METHODS: A search was conducted in PubMed, PMC, WoS, Scopus, Embase, using the keywords: "cleft palate" AND ("craniofacial morphology" OR "cephalometric analysis") NOT "lip" with inclusion and exclusion criteria ensuring confident, direct comparison between study groups. The quality assessment was performed with Arrive's scale for radiologic examinations. RESULTS: Of 713 potential articles, 19 were subjected to qualitative analysis and 17 to meta-analysis, which confirmed reduced SNA in unoperated CPO versus non-cleft individuals. No scientific evidence was found directly assessing the effect of surgery on craniofacial morphology. The negative effect of palatal surgery was seen indirectly: in treated CPO versus non-cleft, the size effect of SNA is bigger than in untreated CPO versus non-cleft. A high heterogeneity came from a few non-European publications. CONCLUSIONS: CPO is associated with sagittal maxillary deficiency resulting both from the cleft and from primary surgery, disregarding cleft severity in operated CPO patients. Ethnic differences influence craniofacial morphology in CPO. This research received no external funding. Study protocol number in PROSPERO database: CRD42021268957.

Carotid Artery Calcifications on Panoramic Radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) on panoramic radiographs of Polish dental patients. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs made between 2005 and 2012 in 4000 patients born between 1922 and 1958 were accessed from the server of the Department of Radiology and analyzed for the presence or absence of CACs by a group of trained dentists. RESULTS: The anatomical area covered by the analysis was visible in 2189 images (54.73%). Calcifications in the carotid arteries were found in 468 (21.68%) patients, including 327 (14.94%) unilaterally and 141 (6.44%) bilaterally. CACs were found in 284 (60.68%) women and 184 (39.32%) men. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of CACs detected on panoramic radiographs in patients aged 54 and older was 21.68%, which makes it an important clinical problem.

Pandemic COVID-19 Influence on Adult's Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits and Caries Disease-Literature Review.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The pandemic over the past two years has completely changed people's daily habits with an impact on oral hygiene, eating habits, and oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available literature was reviewed on the PubMed platform and from other sources MEDLINE and Cochrane Reviews. The analysis included comparative and clinical trials as well as pragmatic clinical/randomized controlled trials, and observational studies which focused on the effects of COVID-19 on the dietary habits of the population, oral hygiene, and caries incidence. RESULTS: The analysis shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on dietary habits and an ambiguous impact on oral health habits of the population. The researchers showed that patients' visits were limited only to those necessary, because of fear of infecting with the SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: The literature review shows that the COVID-19 pandemic, by affecting many aspects of everyday life, including eating habits, caring for oral hygiene, and avoiding regular visits to the dentist, may generate an increase in oral diseases. Due to the differences in knowledge results, further research observations in this field are necessary.

How Does Orthodontic Mini-Implant Thread Minidesign Influence the Stability?-Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines are lacking for the use of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) in terms of scientific evidence referring to the choice of proper mini-design. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate to what extent orthodontic mini-implant thread design influences its stability. METHODS: Search was conducted in five search engines on 10 May. Quality assessment was performed using study type specific scales. Whenever possible, meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 118 potential articles. Twenty papers were subjected to qualitative analysis and data from 8 papers-to meta-analysis. Studies included were characterized by high or medium quality. Four studies were considered as low quality. No clinical studies considering the number of threads, threads depth, or TSF have been found in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Minidesign of OMIs seems to influence their stability in the bone. Thread pitch seems to be of special importance for OMIs retention-the more dense thread-the better stability. Thread depth seems to be of low importance for OMIs stability. There is no clear scientific evidence for optimal thread shape factor. Studies present in the literature vary greatly in study design and results reporting. Research received no external funding. Study protocol number in PROSPERO database: CRD42022340970.

Fluoride varnish, ozone and octenidine reduce the incidence of white spot lesions and caries during orthodontic treatment: randomized controlled trial.

This randomized, parallel, controlled trial assessed the effect of fluoride varnish, ozone and octenidine on white spot lesions (WSLs) and caries during orthodontic treatment. Patients were enrolled between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2020 at initiation of orthodontic treatment in Department of Interdisciplinary Dentistry Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. All participants were randomly assigned to four study and one control groups using number random generator. However, investigators were not blinded due to the nature of the study. Groups I, II, III, IV had professional cleaning and varnishing (5% NaF) every 4 weeks. Groups II and IV had in-office ozone therapy before varnishing, groups III and IV received domestic octenidine mouthrinse. Group K had no professional hygienic or prophylactic procedures. WSLs were assessed at T0 and then every 4 weeks (T1-T4) and caries-at T0 and T4. The specific objective was to assess the influence of fluoride varnish, ozone and octenidine on the incidence of white spot lesions and caries during orthodontic treatment. The primary outcome of this report was the highest number of WSLs in group K and the lowest percentage of patients with WSLs in group IV. Each group comprised 30 randomized participants; they were all analyzed. No WSLs were found at T0, but they were stated in all groups at T4. The numbers of patients with WSLs significantly increased between T0-T4 in groups I and K. Group IV had the lowest percentage of patients with WSLs in T1-T4. WSLs in group IV were found no earlier than at T2. Group K had the highest percentage of WSLs at T4: 26%. At T0 all the groups had DMFs above 0 with a significant increase at T4. No side effects of the introduced prophylaxis were observed in any group. Caries is an important problem of fixed orthodontic treatment. Even an extremely intensive prophylaxis could not completely prevent WSLs and caries. Simultaneous application of fluoride varnish, ozone gas exposure and octenidine appears to have a beneficial effect in limiting the development of WSLs.Trial registration: NCT04992481.

The Influence of Periodontal Diseases and the Stimulation of Saliva Secretion on the Course of the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke.

Background and purpose: The course of an ischemic stroke depends on many factors. The influence of periodontal diseases and the stimulation of salivation on the course and severity of stroke remains unresolved. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the severity of ischemic stroke depending on the occurrence of periodontal diseases and saliva stimulation. Methods: The severity of the neurological condition was assessed using the NIHSS scale on days one, three and seven of stroke. The incidence of periodontal diseases was classified using the Hall's scale in the first day of stroke. On days one and seven of stroke, the concentration of IL-1ß, MMP-8, OPG and RANKL in the patients' saliva was assessed using the Elisa technique. At the same time, the level of CRP and the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood were tested on days one, three and seven of the stroke, and the incidence of upper respiratory and urinary tract infections was assessed. Results:100 consecutive patients with their first ever ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study. 56 randomly selected patients were subjected to the stimulation of salivation, the remaining patients were not stimulated. In the study of the severity of the neurological condition using the NIHS scale on days three and seven of stroke, the degree of deficit in patients without periodontal disease significantly improved compared to patients with periodontal disease, respectively (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01). Patients from the stimulated group had more severe neurological deficit at baseline (p = 0.04). On days three and seven of neurological follow-up, the condition of patients from both groups improved with a further distinct advantage of the unstimulated group over the stimulated group, respectively (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001). In patients from both groups, a statistically significant decrease in CRP and lymphocyte levels was observed on day seven in relation to day one. Conclusions: The occurrence of periodontal disease in a patient with stroke affects the severity of stroke. Stimulation of the mouth and salivary glands in these patients may have a positive effect on the course of stroke, taking into account the dynamics of neurological symptoms.

Cytotoxic Potential of Denture Adhesives on Human Fibroblasts-In Vitro Study.

(1) In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the availability of denture adhesives for stabilizing removable dentures. The aim of the present study was to assess the cytotoxicity of three denture adhesives on human fibroblasts. (2) Methods: Three denture adhesives were analyzed. Fibroblast cultures were established for the study and control groups in order to assess the incidence of necrosis and to evaluate the microscopic intracellular alterations induced. Following incubation with (study groups) or without adhesives (control group), trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to determine the number of viable and/or dead cells. Microscopic specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, scanned, digitally processed and then analyzed by a histopathologist. (3) Results: All three denture adhesives analyzed demonstrated various toxic effects in vitro on human fibroblast: quantitative evaluation-45.87-61.13% reduction of cell viability (p = 0.0001) and slight to moderate cytotoxicity in qualitative evaluation. (4) Conclusions: Denture adhesive creams demonstrated a toxic effect on human fibroblasts in vitro in quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In vivo observations are needed to find out if denture adhesives present a cytotoxic effect in patients.

Orthodontic Retention-Protocols and Materials-A Questionnaire Pilot Study among Polish Practitioners.

The aim of the study was to analyze retention protocols and materials for fixed retainers used by clinicians providing orthodontic treatment in Poland. The survey was carried out from February to April 2021. The questionnaire was designed using the Google Forms tool. After validation, the questionnaire was delivered to verified active orthodontists gathered in a closed social media group of 615 members. Finally, 104 answers were received. Answers to individual questions were provided in percentages and tabularized. A chi-squared test of proportion was used to compare: the proportion of clinicians using retainers of different characteristics and the proportions of clinicians indicating the superiority of a given clinical solution. Rectangular steel braided wire was rated as most reliable. However, doctors who declared to use gold chain were mostly solely using this type of wire. Multistranded round wire was rated the worst. Fiber-reinforced composite was mainly used in periodontal patients. The protocols used by Polish orthodontic practitioners relied on double long-term retention with regular follow-up. The most popular material was stainless steel braided rectangular wire bonded with a flowable composite. Most clinicians believed they could maintain the treatment results, but they declared that patients' cooperation was a challenge.

Frictional Properties of the TiNbTaZrO Orthodontic Wire-A Laboratory Comparison to Popular Archwires.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the kinetic frictional force (FF) of the recently produced TiNbTaZrO (Gummetal) orthodontic wire and compare it to the widely used wires of stainless steel (SS), nickel-titanium (NiTi), cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and titanium-molybdenum (TiMo) alloys. METHODS: Five types of 0.016″ × 0.022″ wires were ligated with elastic ligatures to 0.018″ × 0.025″ SS brackets. The dynamic FFs between the brackets and ligated wires were measured utilizing a specialized tensile tester machine. Prior sample sizes for different archwires were conducted using power analysis for the general linear models. The existence of significant differences in FF between examined materials was initially confirmed by the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with further evidence of pairwise differences by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. RESULTS: The pairwise differences between means of kinetic FFs for NiTi, CoCr, and Gummetal wires were not statistically significant (adjusted p-value > 0.05). Stainless steel alloy presented the lowest FF values significantly different from other groups (adjusted p-value < 0.05). On the contrary, TiMo wires showed significantly greater FFs (adjusted p-value < 0.05) than other alloys. CONCLUSIONS: Gummetal orthodontic wire exhibits similar frictional resistance as NiTi and CoCr wires. Bendable TiNbTaZrO wire might be used for sliding mechanics due to its favorable frictional properties.

Association of ABCA4 Gene Polymorphisms with Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate in the Polish Population.

BACKGROUND: Non-syndromic cleft lip with/without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital condition with a complex aetiology reflecting multiple genetic and environmental factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCA4 have been associated with NSCL/P in several studies, although there are some inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate whether two SNPs in ABCA4, namely rs4147811 and rs560426, are associated with NSCL/P occurrence in the Polish population. METHODS: The study included 627 participants: 209 paediatric patients with NSCL/P and 418 healthy newborn controls. DNA was isolated from the saliva of NSCL/P patients and from umbilical cord blood in the controls. Genotyping of rs4147811 and rs560426 was performed using quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The rs4147811 (AG genotype) SNP in ABCA4 was associated with a decreased risk of NSCL/P (odds ratio (OR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.84; p = 0.004), whereas the rs560426 (GG genotype) SNP was associated with an increased risk of NSCL/P (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.31-3.48; p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: This study-based on the correlation between single genetic variants and the occurrence of different phenotypes-might have limited power in detecting relevant, complex inheritance patterns. ORs are often low to moderate when investigating the association of single genes with the risk of a complex trait. Another limitation was the small number of available NSCL/P samples. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that genetic variations in ABCA4 are important risk markers of NSCL/P in the Polish population. Further investigation in a larger study group is warranted.

Sella Turcica Abnormalities, Dental Age and Dental Abnormalities in Polish Children.

The frequency of some sella turcica abnormalities on cephalometric radiographs is age related. Chronological age might not overlap with growth; however, no studies could be found on the association between sellar morphology and dental age. Although an association exists between sella turcica bridging and dental abnormalities, no studies have been found correlating sellar abnormalities other than bridging with dental abnormalities. The aim of this study was to find any correlations between sella turcica abnormalities and dental age or dental abnormalities. METHODS: Lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiographs of 206 children aged 6-15 years were analyzed for sela turcica abnormalities, Demirijan dental age, and dental abnormalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental abnormalities in patients with sela turcica abnormalities was 16.98%, while in those with normal sella, it was 3%. The differences between dental and chronological age were higher in patients with sella turcica abnormalities (p = 0.002). Dental abnormalities were more prevalent (p = 0.001) in patients with sellar abnormalities other than sellar bridging than in those with sellar bridging or normal sella. CONCLUSIONS: Sella turcica abnormalities are correlated with delayed dental age. Dental abnormalities are more frequent in patients with sellar abnormalities. Dental abnormalities are less frequent in subjects with sellar bridges compared to those with other sellar abnormalities.