Role of Orthodontics in Forensic Odontology- A Social Responsibility.

Orthodontics like any other specialty has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Forensic odontology often requires an interdisciplinary approach towards dentistry for the purpose of proper diagnosis of cases. In cases where the forensic odontologist has to establish a person's identity, an orthodontist can be of great help at times. Teeth, with their anatomic/physiologic variations and therapy such as orthodontic treatment, restorations and prosthesis may record information that remains throughout life and beyond. The teeth may also be used as weapons for defense or offense and as such may leave information about the identity of the biter at the time of crime. Forensic odontology also plays an important role in the recognition of crime and abuse among people of all ages. Orthodontists like all other dental professionals can play a major role by maintaining proper dental records and thus providing important or vital information or clues to the legal authorities in order to help them in their search.

Partial Edentulism based on Kennedy's classifcation: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of different Kennedy's classes of partial edentulism during 18 months period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were clinically examined for various Kennedy's classes of partial edentulism in the outpatient department (OPD), prosthodontics, GPRDCH, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh). RESULTS: Of the total 1,420 OPD patients, Kennedy's class III was the most frequent classification encountered (62%) and followed by Kennedy's class I (18%), class II (11%), and class IV (9%) in decreasing order. CONCLUSION: The patients with various Kennedy's classes of partial edentulism can be offered various treatment modalities like removable cast partial dentures, fixed partial dentures, over dentures and implant supported dentures. This study can be crucial for screening the population for incidence of tooth loss as a factor of gender and age. Clinical significance: Tooth loss appears to have an important role in the loss of esthetics and mastication. Study of incidence of various classes of partial edentulism provides clinically useful information for dental training and continuing education.

Behavior shaping of complete denture patient: a theoretical approach.

The psychological status of a geriatric patient undergoing complete denture treatment is one of the key determinants of the success of prosthesis. Hence, the understanding and behavior management of such patients is of paramount importance for any clinician aspiring to be a successful in practice. Even though several attempts have been made to understand the effects of psychology of patients undergoing this particular treatment on the final outcome of treatment, no single theory or classification has been proposed so far as to be able to completely understand the thought process of geriatric patients. The aim of this paper is to propose a theoretical approach, a step by step guide to clinicians to better understand the thoughts, aspirations and expectations of complete denture patients and their effects and consequences in different patients, when not met with.