Maxillary first premolar shape (and not size) as an indicator of sexual dimorphism: A 2D geomorphometric study.

Introduction: The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the morphological form of the maxillary first premolar using 2D geomorphometry and evaluate the sexually dimorphic characteristics. Methods: The present study was carried out on standardized photographs of right Maxillary first premolar from 120 dental casts (60 male and 60 females). Twenty landmarks (based on geometric and anatomic evidence) were marked on the tooth using TPSdig software and analysed using Morpho J applying procrustes analysis and discriminant function analysis. Results: The results showed similar centroid sizes between gender (p = 0.541). Procrustes ANOVA for shape analysis showed a greater dimorphism between sexs (f value of 1.35; p value=0.0793).  Discriminant function analysis based on the procrustes coordinates showed an overall accuracy of 74.2 % in classifying sex based on the landmark coordinates with correct classification of  48/60 (80.00%) females and 41/60 (68.33) males. Conclusion: Shape of the tooth can be measured objectively using geometric morphometric methods which can be utilized to identify the sex of an individual. The enamel is derived from ectoderm and once formed does not change during the life. The tooth's structure and shape are determined by the sex chromosomes, which is well represented as sexual dimorphism. The study evaluates the occlusal and contact area morphology of premolars. These are important parameters considered during restorative treatment, functional rehabilitation and forensic investigations.

Surgical management of garre's osteomyelitis in an 8-year-old child.

Chronic non-suppurative osteomyelitis, also known as Garre's osteomyelitis is a well-described pathologic entity in dental literature. We present here a case report of a unilateral hard bony swelling of the lower jaw associated with infection. Radiograph revealed the pathognomic feature of 'onion skin' appearance. Surgical recontouring of the lower jaw was performed since there was no evidence of bone remodelling after removal of the infected tooth.

Tooth shade variation in Indian population: An objective guide to age estimation.

INTRODUCTION: The color of the teeth is affected by chronological age due to the variations of the hard and soft tissue structure of the teeth. There are very few studies have assessed the shade of the Enamel and correlated it with the age changes. Hence the study aimed to assess the enamel shade with the aging in the individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The central incisors of 388 individuals (5-78 years) were assessed for tooth color using a VITA 3D master shade guide and the Hue, Value and Chroma were noted. Mean grey values of the teeth were obtained by image manipulation using Image J software and normalized using the values obtained from the 18% contrast grey card. Chi square tests and linear regression analysis is used to find associations with age and tooth shade variations.Results: The teeth had higher score of Hue, Value and Chroma in older individuals. The tooth shade tended to shift towards redder hue with older age group. Simple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of age with normalized grey value in association with the shade parameters. (r = 0.717, SEE = 12.322 years)Conclusion: Tooth color changes with age and the mean age in grey values and shade guides can be a useful tool for age estimation.

Comparison of Contamination of Low-Frictional Elastomeric Rings with That of Conventional Elastomeric Rings by Streptococcus mutans - An In-vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of brackets and ligatures has been shown to be related to an increase in gingival inflammation and increased risk of decalcification. The various measures were taken to reduce the plaque accumulation and also lot of efforts were made by manufacturers that reduced the binding friction between the ligature rings and arch wire that facilitated easy sliding of the tooth through the wire. The low frictional ligatures rings manufactured by different manufacturers presumed to attract fewer bacteria due to greater reduction in surface roughness. Our study aimed to evaluate whether the low frictional elastomeric rings accumulate fewer bacteria than conventional ligature rings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (15 males and 15 females) who underwent fixed appliance therapy were selected. The study was done using split-mouth design. In each volunteer, synergy low frictional elastomeric rings were tied to brackets bonded to the maxillary premolar on the right side and mandibular premolar on the left side. Conventional elastomeric rings that served as control group were tied to the contralateral teeth, with the same design. Samples were collected after four weeks (28 days) and cultured for bacteria Streptococcus mutans. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between Streptococcus mutans count in low frictional elastomeric rings with that of conventional rings. CONCLUSION: We concluded that adherence of Streptococcus mutans is similar in both synergy low frictional elastomeric rings and conventional clear elastomeric rings and thus the manufacturer's claim of minimal bacterial adherence was discarded.

Versatile retraction mechanics: Implant assisted en-masse retraction with a boot loop.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this paper is to explain the versatility offered by the use of arch wires with boot loops in retraction mechanics while taking direct anchorage from mini-screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials include the mini screws placed at the appropriate location and retraction arches made of 0.019 X 0.025 SS with boot loops placed distal to the lateral incisors. Mini screw provides a stable anchorage for enmasse retraction of the anterior teeth with the help of a boot loop using sliding and/or loop mechanics. RESULTS: The arch wires with boot loops have a definite advantage over the soldered/crimpable hooks because of the versatility it offers during the process of retraction. CONCLUSION: An innovative approach combining the advantages of absolute anchorage using mini implants and a retraction arch with boot loop is presented here.

Head Strap Double Fluid Level Device: An Innovative and User Friendly Design to Record Natural Head Position (NHP).

Head positions can be oriented in a standardized position when the patient stands upright and focusses his/her eyes into a point in infinity. This is the natural head position. This position offers the maximum reproducibility and correlates well with the clinical picture offered to the diagnostician. This article describes an innovative and user friendly method to record natural head position using the head strap double fluid level device, a design modified from the popular fluid level device by Showfety, Vig and Matteson.

Interdisciplinary Approach for Management of Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Case Report.

Maxillary lateral incisors are frequently found congenitally missing, and their replacement has to be done prosthodontically. However, there are a variety of treatment options; a justified solution after orthodontic correction is the use of Maryland Bridges. Following is a case report of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors and an impacted canine and their orthodontic correction followed by prosthetic replacement of the lateral incisors using Maryland bridges.

An Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation of an Adult Mutilated Dentition with Multiple Missing Permanent Teeth--A Case Report.

Adult orthodontics has been an area of increasing focus in recent times. Comprehensive treatment of adults is more challenging due to a myriad of problems that coexist in an adult that makes treatment planning more challenging. A large number of individuals seek dental care because of aesthetic reasons, that is, the desire to look more attractive by improving their smiles. The role an attractive smile plays on a person's self-image and confidence cannot be overemphasized. Evaluating and treating patients for the purpose of smile design often involves a multi-discipline approach. Achieving an ideal smile may require orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, periodontal therapy, including soft tissue repositioning and bone re-contouring, cosmetic dentistry, and plastic surgery. This aesthetic approach to patient care produces the best dental and dental-facial beauty. This paper describes a case report in which an orthodontist, an endodontist, and a prosthodontist worked as a team to improve the patients smile and confidence.

Evaluation of hyoid bone position and its correlation with pharyngeal airway space in different types of skeletal malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The hyoid bone and its relation with the pharyngeal space in health and disease has been an intriguing subject for years. AIM: This study attempts to evaluate the hyoid bone position and to ascertain any correlations with pharyngeal airway space in skeletal class I, II, and III malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: McNamara's airway analysis was carried out to assess the upper and lower airway widths and Hyoid triangle analysis by Bibby and Preston was carried out to determine the position of the hyoid bone. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation was found between the lower airway and horizontal distance from the hyoid bone to the retrognathion in class I skeletal pattern with average growth pattern.