Laypersons' Esthetic Perception of Different Dentogingival Characteristics Based on Smile Dynamics: Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to evaluate laypersons' esthetic perception of different dentogingival characteristics based on smile dynamics. Six voluntary models were selected, with only one presenting dentogingival characteristics within esthetic standards: white teeth, good alignment, and adequate gingival contour. Two videos were then produced. One video focused on the mouth, whereas the other focused on the entire face of the model, to ensure that the dynamics of the smile could be evaluated. For the evaluation, 200 laypeople were asked to rank the models from first to sixth place in their order of preference. Laypeople were required to justify their reasons for choosing the first and last places. The obtained data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The results showed that smile and face dynamics influenced the perception of dentogingival characteristics and facial esthetics. No significant changes were observed. However, a gummy smile accompanied by dental alterations was observed in the video of the mouth and was masked by the facial set exposed in the video of the face. A diastema between the central incisors was decisive for negative evaluation of both the mouth and face. The standard model was rated as the most pleasing. Smiles and facial dynamics influence the perception of dentogingival characteristics. Smile and facial dynamics influence the perception of dentogingival alterations among Brazilian laypeople. Diastema is an alteration that interferes with the isolated evaluation of the lower third of the face and the facial set.

Shaping Ability of ProTaper Next, WaveOne, and Reciproc in Simulated Root Canals.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare the shaping and preservation of the original curvature of simulated curved root canals using the following instruments: Reciproc (Rcp), WaveOne (Wo), and the ProTaper Next system (Ptn). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 resin blocks with simulated curved root canals were divided into three groups (n = 15), prepared using the Rcp (R25), Wo (25/0.8), and Ptn (X2) instruments. Standardized photographs were taken before and after canal instrumentation. After the superimposition of the images, the amount of resin removed from the curvature's inner and outer walls was measured at six apical levels, at intervals of 1 mm. The canals' angles of curvature before and after instrumentation were subtracted. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the instruments in terms of the total amount of resin removed of the inner or outer walls of the apical curvature (p > 0.05). The Rcp instruments provided the best resin removed ratios between the walls. The means of the change in angle were as follows: Wo = 2.15°, Ptn = 0.92°, and Rcp = 0.21°. WaveOne caused significantly higher deviations than Rcp. CONCLUSION: All of the instruments demonstrated a tendency to straighten the simulated root canal. Instruments that use rotary movement achieved an effect similar to that of the reciprocating instruments in relation to change in angle. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Deviations from the original shape of the root canal could have a negative impact on the quality of a filling and consequently on the success of the endodontic treatment.

Development of a short form of the Brazilian Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

PURPOSE: This study presents the Brazilian short form of the P-CPQ. METHODS: Data from a representative sample of 702 parents/caregivers of children were randomly divided in two subsamples. A development sample (n = 502) was used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and a validation sample (n = 200) was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA was used to determine the hypothetical factor structure and internal consistency. The CFA was applied to test the factor structure of the original P-CPQ, alternative models and the validity and reliability of the Brazilian short form of the P-CPQ. RESULTS: A 3-factor model (alternative model 2) had a factor structure with high factor loadings, acceptable fit indices (χ(2)/df = 2.38; GFI = 0.90; CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.87; AGFI = 0.85; SRMR = 0.07) and both convergent and discriminant validity (Pearson bivariate zero order correlations among factors <0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian P-CPQ with three subscales and 13 items appears to be a valid short version to be used in further studies to evaluate parents/caregivers' perceptions of children's oral health-related quality of life.

Degree of dental anxiety in children with and without toothache: prospective assessment.

BACKGROUND: Few prospective studies on the anxiety of children in the dental office have been published. AIMS: To monitor dental anxiety levels in children with and without previous experience with toothache over a period of six consecutive visits. DESIGN: A longitudinal study was carried out involving 167 children treated at a public dental service. Levels of anxiety in the dental setting were assessed in children without toothache (G1) and those with toothache (G2) using the modified Venham picture test (VPT). Data acquisition was carried out over a 6-week period, with each child treated in the dental office once a week. Six assessments of anxiety were performed in the waiting room prior to dental treatment. RESULTS: A significant reduction in anxiety scores occurred between appointments in both groups. In the inter-group comparison, G2 had significantly higher anxiety scores than G1. Although statistically significant reductions in anxiety scores occurred through to the fifth appointment, a tendency toward stagnation in anxiety scores was observed beginning with the fourth appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety scores were reduced over the course of six appointments. Children with toothache had higher levels of dental anxiety than those that had never experienced toothache.

Association between childhood dental experiences and dental fear among dental, psychology and mathematics undergraduates in Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between childhood dental experiences and dental fear in adulthood among dentistry, psychology and mathematics undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study of 1,256 students from the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was performed. Students responded to the Brazilian version of the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) and a questionnaire regarding previous dental experiences. Both the DFS and the questionnaire were self-administered. Association was tested using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis, with a 5% significance level. Dentistry undergraduates reported lower scores than psychology (p < 0.001) and mathematics undergraduates (p < 0.05) for all three dimensions of the DFS. Negative dental experiences in childhood was associated with dimensions of Avoidance (B = 2.70, p < 0.001), Physiological arousal (B = 1.42, p < 0.001) and Fears of specific stimuli/situations (B = 3.44, p < 0.001). The reason for first visit to dentist was associated with dimensions of Physiological arousal (B = 0.76, p < 0.01) and Fears of specific stimuli/situations (B = 1.29, p < 0.01). Dentists should be encouraged to evaluate the dental fear of their patients before treatment. The DFS has been found to be an effective instrument for this purpose.

Lesões não-cariosas na dentição decídua: relato de casos clínicos / Noncarious lesions in primary teeth: case reports

Este artigo relata três casos clínicos de erosão e atrição de dentes decíduos, em crianças na faixa etária entre 5 e 10 anos, atendidas na Clínica de Odontopediatria - UFSC. Após o diagnóstico clínico-radiográfico, o plano de tratamento variou para cada caso, utilizando-se de aplicação de fluoretos em diferentes concentrações, confecção de placa de proteção noturna, aconselhamento dietético e, principalmente, acompanhamento longitudinal com retornos mensais. É cada vez mais frequente a ocorrência de lesões não-cariosas em idades precoces que podem comprometer a unidade dente decíduo/germe do permanente e o sistema estomatognático como um todo. Portanto, o diagnóstico precoce e a instituição de um plano de tratamento adequado revestem-se de grande importância.