Prevalence and Pattern of Hypodontia among Croatian Orthodontic Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of hypodontia in the permanent dentition among Croatian orthodontic patients. The occurrence was evaluated concerning gender, specific missing teeth, the location, pattern of distribution in the maxillary and mandibular arches and sagittal and vertical skeletal pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 194 patients (75 males and 119 females) from the Department of Orthodontics, Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb. Based on the severity of hypodontia the sample was divided into mild (1-2 missing teeth), moderate (3-5 missing teeth) and severe groups (6 or more missing teeth). The location of missing teeth was used to further divide the sample into anterior (intercanine region), posterior (premolars and molars) and anteroposterior groups. In addition, jaw localization of hypodontia was also considered. RESULTS: Permanent dentition hypodontia among Croatian orthodontic patients was found to be generally mild (80%), and a distribution was similar in the maxilla (39%) and the mandible (41%), as well as in the anterior and posterior segments of dental arch (44%). The number of missing teeth per person ranged from 1 to 12, with no significant difference between genders. The severity and location of hypodontia did not differ significantly between the genders, as well as in between the categories of sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns. CONCLUSION: Present results suggest that the treatment plan for patients with hypodontia in permanent dentition should be individualized and adjusted for each case.

Impact of oral hygiene instructions on plaque index in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study, which consisted of a motivational lecture and hands-on training, was to evaluate the role of oral hygiene education for adolescents. METHODS: The study population included sixty-two high school students between fourteen and fifteen years of age (thirty males and thirty-two females). The response rate was 76.5%. The measurement of oral hygiene level was performed using the modified Green Vermilion Index (GVI). The values were recorded at baseline, one week, three months, and six months after education through motivational lecture and hands-on training was performed. Descriptive and nonparametric statistical methods were used in statistical analysis. Level of significance was 0.05. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, the GVI of all examined subjects was 3.52 (SD = 0.70). One week after the motivational lecture and training, it decreased to 2.64 (SD = 0.69). Three months later, the level of plaque index had the lowest value (1.44; SD = 0.66). At the end of the study the level of plaque index increased to 2.52 (SD = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: A significant oral hygiene improvement in adolescents as a result of education was presented. However, due to a decline in oral hygiene level six months after the education, there is a need for educational programmes continuity.

Linear Predictors of Facial Rotation Pattern in Croatian Subjects with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether the linear measures of the maxilla, mandible and cranial base were predictors of facial growth rotation in a Croatian population with Class III malocclusion by cephalometric radiographic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined sample consisted of pretreatment lateral cephalometric records of 201 (111 females and 90 males) untreated Class III patients of Caucasian Croatian ancestry from the Department of Orthodontics at Zagreb University. The measurements were divided into five categories for analysis: cranial base, skeletal maxillary and skeletal mandibular relationships, sagittal intermaxillary and vertical relationships. Five multiple linear regression models were used to identify predictors of facial rotation pattern. RESULTS: The effective length of the mandible was the most important predictor of facial rotation pattern, with the increased length largerly predisposing the tendency to the vertical growth pattern. No significant dichotomy was found regarding gender apart from the fourth model in which the posterior rotation of maxilla is related to female gender. CONCLUSION: These predictors could help orthodontists determine timing and therapy for Croatian patients with Class III malocclusions.