Nasal Morphology as an Indicator of Maxillomandibular Skeletal Pattern.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of nasal morphology with maxillary and mandibular patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthodontics, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry and Qamar Dental Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, , Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry and Darul Sehat Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from January to June, 2022. METHODOLOGY: The pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 120 patients, aged 18-35 years were included in the study. Eleven nasal parameters were traced on lateral cephalograms and correlated with four maxillary and mandibular skeletal parameters by Pearson correlation coefficient test using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Nasal bone length and nasal base angle showed a negative correlation with maxillary and mandibular position. Nasal upward tip angle was correlated positively with maxillary position whereas nasal tip angle was found to be negatively correlated with maxillary length. A negative correlation was observed between nasolabial angle and mandibular position. Nasal bone angle depicted a positive correlation with maxillary position and a negative correlation with jaw lengths and mandibular inclination. CONCLUSION: Nasal morphology has a strong correlation with maxillary as well as mandibular base lengths and position but not with inclination of the jaws. The acquaintance of the relationship of different nasal parameters with jaw parameters might be helpful in diagnosis and treatment planning and to attain the favourable treatment outcomes in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, orthopedic interventions, orthognathic, genioplasty, rhinoplasty, profiloplasty and other procedures. KEY WORDS: Nasal morphology, Maxillomandibular skeletal pattern, Jaw length, Jaw position, Jaw inclination.

Reliability Of Orthopantomogram In Comparison To Lateral Cephalogram For Linear Mandibular Measurements.

Background: Mandibular asymmetries are commonly seen as asymmetric traits among orthodontic and orthognathic patients which require bilateral mandibular assessment for diagnosis and treatment. An orthopantomogram can be used to measure and compare right and left sides of mandible. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of left and right sides of orthopantomogram for determining the linear mandibular measurements and to check whether these values are identical with the values of linear mandibular measurements determined from lateral cephalogram. Methods: Orthopantomogram and lateral cephalogram were taken from 118 patients of age group 12-35 years from Orthodontic department, Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry and Darul Sehat Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Linear mandibular measurements were detected and compared between orthopantomograms and lateral cephalograms. Right and the left sides of orthopantomograms were compared for all of the linear mandibular parameters by using paired t-test. Independent sample t-test was performed for the comparison between orthopantomogram and lateral cephalogram using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed when orthopantomograms were compared with lateral cephalograms for mandibular body length (p=0.000) and total mandibular length (p=0.000). No statistically significant difference was found between orthopantomograms and lateral cephalograms for ramus height (p=0.226, p=0.177). Neither any significant difference was observed between right and left sides of an orthopantomogram. Conclusion: An orthopantomogram can be used to evaluate vertical mandibular measurements as reliably as a lateral cephalogram. However, it is required for clinicians to be vigilant when determining horizontal mandibular measurements from orthopantomograms as they are unpredictable.

Alexithymia Predicts Cognitive Deficits In Patients With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Most of the orthodontic cases require a long period of retention which is usually carried out with the help of fixed retainers (FR). One of the downsides of FR is that these are prone to breakages. The aim of the present study was to identify the frequency and factors associated with failure of fixed spiral wire retainers.. METHODS: A retrospective crosssectional study was conducted using orthodontic files and dental casts of 126 patients from dental clinics of a tertiary care hospital. Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate the frequency and most common site of breakages. Chi-square test was applied to compare the frequency of breakages among age groups and different retainer spans. Independent sample ttest was used to compare the mean overbite in retainer breakage and retainer intact groups. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The frequency of retainer breakage was found to be 53.1%. Maxillary retainer breakages were found in 41.3% subjects whereas mandibular retainer failed in 22.2% subjects. The mean survival time of retainer was 8.91±4.57 months. The detachment of the retainer from the tooth surface was the most common occurrence (86%). The most common site of retainer breakage was maxillary canine (32.5%) and mandibular central incisor (12.7%). All the subjects who had retainers extending till maxillary molars encountered breakages.. CONCLUSIONS: A longer retainer span is associated with a greater risk of breakage. Failure rate in the maxillary arch was higher than the mandibular arch. The most common sites were the maxillary canine and mandibular central incisor. The most common pattern was wire detachment.

Evaluation of conformity of preformed orthodontic archwires and dental arch form.

INTRODUCTION: The alterations in the arch form during treatment are dictated by the dimensions of the archwires. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the mean arch dimensions of a sample of Pakistani subjects and to evaluate the conformity of preformed archwires with mandibular arch form. METHODS: The dental records of 1,500 adult subjects were evaluated. The mandibular casts of 42 subjects (males = females = 21) with balanced facial profile, Class I occlusion, ideal overjet and overbite were included. Brackets were bonded on all teeth. Arch dimensions were evaluated at canines, first premolars, second premolars, first and second molars, with digital vernier calipers. The arch widths at the level of aforementioned teeth were evaluated on the digitized archwires, using the mean arch depths of the subjects. RESULTS: In males, the archwires were found to be wider at canines and premolars, and significantly narrower at first (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 2.03 - 5.74) and second molars (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 2.29 - 7.73) as compared to the arch dimensions of the mandibular casts. In females, the archwires were significantly narrower at canines (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 1.4 - 3.97), and first (p= 0.02, 95% CI = 0.402 - 4.41) and second molars (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 1.76 - 6.13). CONCLUSION: No single commercially available archwires evaluated in the present study conformed to the arch dimensions of our subjects. Utilization of the currently available archwires may result in unwarranted modification of arch form, which may lead to unstable post-treatment teeth position.

The association between palatal rugae pattern and dental malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: Palatal rugae complete its development during early intrauterine life, whereas dental malocclusions in permanent dentition establishes several years into the post-natal life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of present study was to determine if there is an association between the palatal rugae pattern and Angle's classes of malocclusion. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 184 patients. The sample was divided into the following groups: Class I, Class II div. 1, Class II div. 2, and Class III. The number of palatal rugae was recorded, bilaterally. The length, pattern and orientation of three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the study sample was 17.8 ± 5.4 years. The mean number of the palatal rugae was 11.18 ± 2.5, with significant differences among different malocclusion groups. The length of the first rugae on left side and third rugae on both sides varied significantly among the groups (p< 0.05). Similarly, the pattern of palatal rugae was also found to be significantly different among the malocclusion groups. The right sided rugae did not have any significant difference in the orientation in different malocclusion groups; however, the left sided rugae showed significant differences among the four malocclusion groups (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed subtle differences in the palatal rugae pattern among the Angle's classes of malocclusion. Similarly, the length and orientation of some rugae were also found to be significantly different between malocclusion groups.

The association between palatal rugae pattern and dental malocclusion

ABSTRACT Introduction: Palatal rugae complete its development during early intrauterine life, whereas dental malocclusions in permanent dentition establishes several years into the post-natal life. Objective: The objective of present study was to determine if there is an association between the palatal rugae pattern and Angle's classes of malocclusion. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 184 patients. The sample was divided into the following groups: Class I, Class II div. 1, Class II div. 2, and Class III. The number of palatal rugae was recorded, bilaterally. The length, pattern and orientation of three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides were recorded. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 17.8 ± 5.4 years. The mean number of the palatal rugae was 11.18 ± 2.5, with significant differences among different malocclusion groups. The length of the first rugae on left side and third rugae on both sides varied significantly among the groups (p< 0.05). Similarly, the pattern of palatal rugae was also found to be significantly different among the malocclusion groups. The right sided rugae did not have any significant difference in the orientation in different malocclusion groups; however, the left sided rugae showed significant differences among the four malocclusion groups (p< 0.001). Conclusions: The current study showed subtle differences in the palatal rugae pattern among the Angle's classes of malocclusion. Similarly, the length and orientation of some rugae were also found to be significantly different between malocclusion groups.

RESUMO Introdução: as rugas palatinas completam seu desenvolvimento ainda no início da vida intrauterina, enquanto as más oclusões dentárias na dentição permanente se estabelecem após vários anos de vida pós-natal. Objetivos: o presente estudo foi planejado para determinar se há associação entre o padrão das rugas palatinas e as más oclusões, segundo a classificação Angle. Métodos: um estudo transversal foi conduzido a partir dos modelos dentários pré-tratamento de 184 pacientes. A amostra foi dividida em quatro grupos: Classe I; Classe II, divisão 1; Classe II, divisão 2 e Classe III. O número de rugas palatinas foi registrado bilateralmente. O comprimento, padrão e a orientação das três rugas primárias mais anteriores de ambos os lados foram registrados. Resultados: a idade média da amostra desse estudo foi de 17,8 ± 5,4 anos. O número médio de rugas palatinas foi de 11,18 ± 2,5, com diferenças significativas entre os grupos de más oclusões. O comprimento da primeira ruga do lado esquerdo e da terceira ruga em ambos os lados variou significativamente entre os grupos (p< 0,05). De forma semelhante, o padrão das rugas palatinas também mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos com diferentes má oclusões. As rugas do lado direito não apresentaram nenhuma diferença significativa de orientação nos diferentes grupos; no entanto, as rugas do lado esquerdo apresentaram diferenças significativas nos grupos estudados (p< 0,001). Conclusões: o presente estudo demonstrou diferenças sutis quanto ao padrão das rugas palatinas entre as classes de má oclusão definidas por Angle. Do mesmo modo, o comprimento e a orientação de algumas rugas também se apresentaram consideravelmente diferentes entre os grupos com diferentes má oclusões.

Evaluation of conformity of preformed orthodontic archwires and dental arch form

ABSTRACT Introduction: The alterations in the arch form during treatment are dictated by the dimensions of the archwires. Objective: This study aimed to determine the mean arch dimensions of a sample of Pakistani subjects and to evaluate the conformity of preformed archwires with mandibular arch form. Methods: The dental records of 1,500 adult subjects were evaluated. The mandibular casts of 42 subjects (males = females = 21) with balanced facial profile, Class I occlusion, ideal overjet and overbite were included. Brackets were bonded on all teeth. Arch dimensions were evaluated at canines, first premolars, second premolars, first and second molars, with digital vernier calipers. The arch widths at the level of aforementioned teeth were evaluated on the digitized archwires, using the mean arch depths of the subjects. Results: In males, the archwires were found to be wider at canines and premolars, and significantly narrower at first (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 2.03 - 5.74) and second molars (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 2.29 - 7.73) as compared to the arch dimensions of the mandibular casts. In females, the archwires were significantly narrower at canines (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 1.4 - 3.97), and first (p= 0.02, 95% CI = 0.402 - 4.41) and second molars (p< 0.001, 95% CI = 1.76 - 6.13). Conclusion: No single commercially available archwires evaluated in the present study conformed to the arch dimensions of our subjects. Utilization of the currently available archwires may result in unwarranted modification of arch form, which may lead to unstable post-treatment teeth position.

RESUMO Introdução: as alterações no formato da arcada dentária durante o tratamento são ditadas pelas dimensões do arco ortodôntico. Objetivo: o presente estudo teve como objetivos determinar a dimensão média das arcadas dentárias de pacientes paquistaneses e avaliar a conformidade entre diferentes arcos ortodônticos pré-fabricados e o formato da arcada inferior. Métodos: os registros odontológicos de 1.500 pacientes adultos foram analisados e, desses, foram selecionados modelos de gesso de 42 pacientes (21 de cada sexo, masculino e feminino) com perfil facial equilibrado, Classe I de Angle, sobressaliência e sobremordida adequadas. Foram, então, colados braquetes ortodônticos em todos os dentes. Utilizando um paquímetro digital, as dimensões das arcadas foram avaliadas nos seguintes dentes: caninos, primeiros pré-molares, segundos pré-molares, primeiros e segundos molares. Utilizando-se a profundidade média das arcadas dos pacientes, as larguras das arcadas, no nível dos dentes acima mencionados, foram comparadas aos arcos ortodônticos digitalizados. Resultados: nos homens, a largura do arco ortodôntico, em comparação às dimensões dos modelos de gesso inferiores, foi maior nos caninos e pré-molares e significativamente menor nos primeiros molares (p< 0,001, IC 95% = 2,03 - 5,74) e segundos molares (p< 0,001, IC 95% = 2,29 - 7,73). Nas mulheres, os arcos ortodônticos foram significativamente mais estreitos nos caninos (p< 0,001, IC 95% = 1,4 - 3,97), primeiros molares (p= 0,02, IC 95% = 0,402 - 4,41) e segundos molares (p< 0,001, IC 95% = 1,76 - 6,13). Conclusão: nenhum dos arcos ortodônticos comercialmente disponíveis avaliados no presente estudo esteve em conformidade com as dimensões das arcadas dos pacientes da amostra. O uso dos arcos ortodônticos atualmente disponíveis pode resultar em modificações indesejáveis no formato da arcada, e pode levar à instabilidade na posição dos dentes após o tratamento.

The maxillary incisor display at rest: analysis of the underlying components

ABSTRACT Introduction: Maxillary incisal display is one of the most important attributes of smile esthetics. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between maxillary incisal display at rest (MIDR) and various soft tissue, hard tissue and dental components. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 subjects (75 males, 75 females) aged 18-30 years. The MIDR was recorded from the pretreatment orthodontic records. The following parameters were assessed on lateral cephalograms: ANB angle, mandibular plane angle, palatal plane angle, lower anterior and total anterior facial heights, upper incisor inclination, upper anterior dentoalveolar height, and upper lip length, thickness and protrusion. The relationship between MIDR and various skeletal, dental and soft tissue components was assessed using linear regression analyses. Results: The mean MIDR was significantly greater in females than males (p = 0.011). A significant positive correlation was found between MIDR and ANB angle, mandibular plane angle and lower anterior facial height. A significant negative correlation was found between MIDR and upper lip length and thickness. Linear regression analysis showed that upper lip length was the strongest predictor of MIDR, explaining 29.7% of variance in MIDR. A multiple linear regression model based on mandibular plane angle, lower anterior facial height, upper lip length and upper lip thickness explained about 63.4% of variance in MIDR. Conclusions: Incisal display at rest was generally greater in females than males. Multiple factors play a role in determining MIDR, nevertheless upper lip length was found to be the strongest predictor of variations in MIDR.

RESUMO Introdução: a exposição dos incisivos superiores é um dos fatores mais importantes na estética do sorriso. Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a relação entre a exposição dos incisivos superiores em repouso (EISR) e diferentes componentes em tecidos moles, tecidos duros e dentários. Métodos: um estudo transversal foi conduzido com 150 pacientes (75 homens, 75 mulheres), com idades entre 18 e 30 anos. A EISR foi obtida nos registros pré-tratamento ortodôntico. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados nas radiografias laterais: ângulo ANB; ângulo do plano mandibular; ângulo do plano palatino; altura facial anterior inferior; altura facial anterior total; inclinação dos incisivos superiores; altura dentoalveolar anterior superior; comprimento, espessura e protrusão do lábio superior. A relação entre a EISR e os diferentes componentes esqueléticos, dentários e em tecidos moles foi analisada por meio de uma análise de regressão linear. Resultados: a EISR média foi significativamente maior nas mulheres do que nos homens (p= 0,011). Foi encontrada correlação positiva significativa entre a EISR e: o ângulo ANB, ângulo do plano mandibular e a altura facial anterior inferior. Uma correlação negativa significativa foi encontrada entre a EISR e o comprimento e a espessura do lábio superior. A análise de regressão linear mostrou que o comprimento do lábio superior foi o maior preditor da EISR, explicando 29,7% das variações na exposição dos incisivos superiores em repouso. Um modelo de regressão linear múltipla baseado no ângulo do plano mandibular, na altura facial anterior inferior, comprimento do lábio superior e espessura do lábio superior explicou cerca de 63,4% das variações na EISR. Conclusões: a exposição dos incisivos em repouso foi, de um modo geral, maior nas mulheres do que nos homens. Múltiplos fatores exercem influência na quantidade da exposição dos incisivos superiores em repouso; porém, o comprimento do lábio superior foi identificado como o maior preditor das variações na EISR.

Diagnostic validity of different cephalometric analyses for assessment of the sagittal skeletal pattern.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous cephalometric analyses have been proposed to diagnose the sagittal discrepancy of the craniofacial structures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of different skeletal analyses for the identification of sagittal skeletal pattern. METHODS: A total of 146 subjects (males = 77; females = 69; mean age = 23.6 ± 4.6 years) were included. The ANB angle, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, AB plane angle, Downs angle of convexity and W angle were used to assess the anteroposterior skeletal pattern on lateral cephalograms. The sample was classified into Class I, II and III groups as determined by the diagnostic results of majority of the parameters. The validity and reliability of the aforementioned analyses were determined using Kappa statistics, sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: A substantial agreement was present between ANB angle and the diagnosis made by the final group (k = 0.802). In the Class I group, Downs angle of convexity showed the highest sensitivity (0.968), whereas ANB showed the highest PPV (0.910). In the Class II group, ANB angle showed the highest sensitivity (0.928) and PPV (0.951). In the Class III group, the ANB angle, the Wits appraisal and the Beta angle showed the highest sensitivity (0.902), whereas the Downs angle of convexity and the ANB angle showed the highest PPV (1.00). CONCLUSION: The ANB angle was found to be the most valid and reliable indicator in all sagittal groups. Downs angle of convexity, Wits appraisal and Beta angle may be used as valid indicators to assess the Class III sagittal pattern.

Reliability and validity of maxillary and sphenoid Sinus morphological variations in the assessment of Skeletal maturity.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed at assessing the relationship between growth changes in maxillary (MS) and sphenoid sinus (SS) and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) and to evaluate their reliability and validity in assessing the skeletal maturity of an individual. METHODS: A crosssectional study was conducted on the pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 224 patients (males=116, females=108) aged 8-17 years. MS and SS heights, widths and indices were evaluated. The subjects were classified according to six stages based on CVM using Baccetti's method. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare MS and SS measurements at different cervical stages for each gender. Kappa statistics, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to test the diagnostic accuracy of MS and SS indices. RESULTS: The MS and SS indices varied significantly (p<0.001) at different cervical stages for both gender. Kappa statistics showed significant agreement using MS (p<0.001) and SS indices (p<0.05). The diagnostic performance of MS index (Sensitivity ≥71%) was found to be better than SS index (Sensitivity ≥65%).. CONCLUSIONS: The MS height, width and index in genders and SS height, width and index in males and only SS width and index in females were significantly associated with the CVM stages. The validity of MS and SS indices were comparable for females; whereas, the MS index offers significant advantage over SS index for the assessment of growth status of males.

Assessment of skeletal maturity using the calcification stages of permanent mandibular teeth.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the growth status of patients is essential to formulate and initiate a precise treatment plan. This study aimed at determining the role of calcification of permanent mandibular teeth for the assessment of skeletal maturity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using lateral cephalograms and dental panoramic radiographs of 360 patients (ages 7-18 years) equally divided into six groups according to cervical vertebral maturation stages. Skeletal age was determined using Baccetti et al. method and dental age was calculated using Nolla and Demirjian methods. RESULTS: Mean chronological stage at CS5 revealed a significant difference between male and female subjects (p= 0.003), which showed that the latter achieved skeletal maturity one year earlier than the former. A significant difference (p= 0.007) was found for dental age using Nolla's stages at CS3, which showed females demonstrated a dental age of 1.4 years less than males. Mandibular canine showed the highest correlation with Demirjian index (DI) in males (rho = 0.818) and females (rho = 0.833). Mandibular second premolar showed the highest correlation with Nolla's stages in males (rho = 0.654) and females (rho = 0.664). CONCLUSION: Comparisons between sexes revealed that females are skeletally and dentally advanced. The DI indicated stage F and Nolla's stages identified stages 9, 10 to be indicative of CS2-3 for the mandibular canine and stages F and G and 9-10 for CS2-3 for the first premolars, second premolars and second molars, respectively.

Diagnostic validity of different cephalometric analyses for assessment of the sagittal skeletal pattern

Abstract Introduction: Numerous cephalometric analyses have been proposed to diagnose the sagittal discrepancy of the craniofacial structures. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of different skeletal analyses for the identification of sagittal skeletal pattern. Methods: A total of 146 subjects (males = 77; females = 69; mean age = 23.6 ± 4.6 years) were included. The ANB angle, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, AB plane angle, Downs angle of convexity and W angle were used to assess the anteroposterior skeletal pattern on lateral cephalograms. The sample was classified into Class I, II and III groups as determined by the diagnostic results of majority of the parameters. The validity and reliability of the aforementioned analyses were determined using Kappa statistics, sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). Results: A substantial agreement was present between ANB angle and the diagnosis made by the final group (k = 0.802). In the Class I group, Downs angle of convexity showed the highest sensitivity (0.968), whereas ANB showed the highest PPV (0.910). In the Class II group, ANB angle showed the highest sensitivity (0.928) and PPV (0.951). In the Class III group, the ANB angle, the Wits appraisal and the Beta angle showed the highest sensitivity (0.902), whereas the Downs angle of convexity and the ANB angle showed the highest PPV (1.00). Conclusion: The ANB angle was found to be the most valid and reliable indicator in all sagittal groups. Downs angle of convexity, Wits appraisal and Beta angle may be used as valid indicators to assess the Class III sagittal pattern.

Resumo Introdução: numerosas análises cefalométricas foram propostas para diagnosticar a discrepância sagital das estruturas craniofaciais. Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a confiabilidade e validade de diferentes análises esqueléticas para a identificação do padrão esquelético sagital. Métodos: foram incluídos 146 indivíduos (homens = 77; mulheres = 69; idade média = 23,6 ± 4,6 anos). O ângulo ANB, a avaliação de Wits, o ângulo Beta, o ângulo do plano AB, o ângulo de convexidade de Downs e o ângulo W foram utilizados para avaliar o padrão esquelético anteroposterior em cefalogramas laterais. A amostra foi classificada nos grupos Classe I, II e III, conforme os resultados diagnósticos da maioria dos parâmetros. A validade e a confiabilidade das análises acima mencionadas foram determinadas usando estatísticas Kappa, sensibilidade e valor preditivo positivo (VPP). Resultados: foi encontrada uma concordância significativa entre o ângulo ANB e o diagnóstico feito pelo grupo final (k = 0,802). No grupo Classe I, o ângulo de convexidade de Downs mostrou a maior sensibilidade (0,968), enquanto o ANB apresentou o maior VPP (0,910). No grupo Classe II, o ângulo ANB mostrou a maior sensibilidade (0,928) e o maior VPP (0,951). No grupo Classe III, o ângulo ANB, a avaliação de Wits e o ângulo Beta apresentaram a maior sensibilidade (0,902), enquanto o ângulo de convexidade de Downs e o ângulo ANB apresentaram o maior VPP (1,00). Conclusão: o ângulo ANB foi considerado o indicador mais válido e confiável em todos os grupos sagitais. O ângulo de convexidade de Downs, a avaliação de Wits e o ângulo Beta podem ser usados como indicadores válidos para avaliar o padrão sagital de Classe III.

Factors affecting treatment decisions for Class I malocclusions.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment planning requires skill and expertise with considerable practice variations. The aims of this study were to review retrospectively the pretreatment records of patients with Class I malocclusion and to identify variables that could play a role in the treatment decision. METHODS: From the available records of 1500 orthdontic patients, the pretreatment records of 202 patients were selected at random. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and the surviving records were divided into extraction (n = 92) and nonextraction (n = 92) treatment groups. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue measurements were obtained from pretreatment lateral cephalograms and dental casts of subjects with bilateral Class I molar relationships. Data were statistically analyzed by binary logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The results showed that the variables of lower anterior facial height, E-plane to upper lip, and maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations were significantly increased in the extraction group (P <0.05), whereas spacing in the mandibular arch and increased overbite were statistically significant in the nonextraction treatment group (P <0.05). According to the model, the odds of nonextraction treatment are 1.29 and 1.24 times that of extraction treatment for every 1-mm increase in overbite and spacing in the mandibular arch, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical facial pattern, overbite, mandibular tooth size-arch length discrepancy, lip position, and maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations are a few of the important variables that should not be overlooked when planning orthodontic treatment. The findings of this study could facilitate the treatment planning process for patients with Class I malocclusion.

Assessment of skeletal maturity using the calcification stages of permanent mandibular teeth

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge of the growth status of patients is essential to formulate and initiate a precise treatment plan. This study aimed at determining the role of calcification of permanent mandibular teeth for the assessment of skeletal maturity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using lateral cephalograms and dental panoramic radiographs of 360 patients (ages 7-18 years) equally divided into six groups according to cervical vertebral maturation stages. Skeletal age was determined using Baccetti et al. method and dental age was calculated using Nolla and Demirjian methods. Results: Mean chronological stage at CS5 revealed a significant difference between male and female subjects (p= 0.003), which showed that the latter achieved skeletal maturity one year earlier than the former. A significant difference (p= 0.007) was found for dental age using Nolla's stages at CS3, which showed females demonstrated a dental age of 1.4 years less than males. Mandibular canine showed the highest correlation with Demirjian index (DI) in males (rho = 0.818) and females (rho = 0.833). Mandibular second premolar showed the highest correlation with Nolla's stages in males (rho = 0.654) and females (rho = 0.664). Conclusion: Comparisons between sexes revealed that females are skeletally and dentally advanced. The DI indicated stage F and Nolla's stages identified stages 9, 10 to be indicative of CS2-3 for the mandibular canine and stages F and G and 9-10 for CS2-3 for the first premolars, second premolars and second molars, respectively.

Resumo Introdução: o conhecimento acerca do status de crescimento dos pacientes é essencial para se formular e iniciar um plano de tratamento preciso. Esse estudo teve como meta determinar a correlação entre a calcificação dos dentes inferiores permanentes e a avaliação da maturação esquelética. Métodos: um estudo transversal foi conduzido utilizando-se radiografias laterais e panorâmicas das arcadas de 360 pacientes (idades entre 7 e 18 anos), igualmente divididos em seis grupos, de acordo com os estágios de maturação esquelética das vértebras cervicais. A idade esquelética foi determinada utilizando-se o método de Baccetti, e a idade dentária foi calculada utilizando-se os métodos de Nolla e Demirjian. Resultados: o estágio cronológico médio em CS5 revelou uma diferença significativa entre os indivíduos do sexo masculino e do feminino (p= 0,003), demonstrando que as meninas alcançavam a maturação esquelética um ano antes dos meninos. Encontrou-se uma diferença significativa (p= 0,007) para a idade dentária utilizando-se os estágios de Nolla em CS3, o que revelou que as meninas exibiam uma idade dentária 1,4 anos inferior à dos meninos. Os caninos inferiores demonstraram a maior correlação com o índice de Demirjian (DI) tanto em indivíduos do sexo masculino (rho = 0,818) quanto do feminino (rho = 0,833). Já os segundos pré-molares inferiores revelaram a maior correlação com os estágios de Nolla, tanto em meninos (rho = 0,654) quanto em meninas (rho = 0,664). Conclusão: as comparações entre os sexos revelaram que as mulheres são mais precoces tanto no desenvolvimento dentário quanto no esquelético. O DI indicou o estágio F, e o método de Nolla identificou os estágios 9 e 10 como indicativos de CS2-3, para os caninos inferiores; e os estágios F e G, e 9 e 10 para CS2-3, para os primeiros e segundos pré-molares, e segundos molares, respectivamente.

Factors Affecting Treatment Duration - A Dilemma In Orthodontics.

BACKGROUND: One of the first concerns of new orthodontic patients, apart from the outcome, is the duration of treatment. A better understanding of orthodontic treatment duration as well as factors affecting the treatment duration is useful for efficient patient counselling and improved clinical practice. Hence, the objectives of this study are to compare the treatment durations of subjects with Class I and Class II division 1 (II/1) malocclusions, and to identify the factors affecting the treatment duration of these malocclusions. METHODS: This was a chart review conducted in the orthodontic department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The study sample comprised of 120 subjects and data were recorded from their treatment records. ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc were performed to determine the difference in treatment durations of Class I and Class II/1 malocclusions, whereas multiple linear regression was applied to identify the factors affecting the treatment duration. A level of significance (p≤0.05) was used for the statistical tests. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the treatment durations of Class I and Class II/1 non-extraction (p=0.007), Class I non-extraction and Class II/1 extraction (p=0.001), and Class I and II/1 extraction (p=0.004) groups. The factors significantly increasing the treatment duration included missed appointments, breakages, and lower incisor proclination. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment of Class II/1 malocclusion lasts longer than that of Class I malocclusion. Prolonged treatment time is associated with missed appointments, band/bracket debonds and increased lower incisor inclination. The variance in treatment time can be explained most significantly by number of missed appointments and breakages.

Evaluation Of Apical Root Resorption In Endodontically Treated And Vital Teeth In Adult Orthodontic Subjects.

BACKGROUND: External apical root resorption (EARR) is one of the detrimental outcomes of an orthodontic treatment. The study was aimed to compare the mean EARR between endodontically treated and its contralateral vital tooth in adult orthodontic subjects. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects were included in the study. EARR was evaluated on pretreatment and post-treatment orthopantomograms using Rogan Delft View Pro-X software. Equal number of endodontically treated and their contralateral vital teeth were evaluated. Linge and Linge method was used to evaluate the pretreatment and post-treatment root lengths. For comparison of EARR between genders, treatment type and vital versus endodontically treated teeth, Mann-Whitney U Test was applied. Spearman correlation was applied to determine the correlation of EARR with age of the patient, duration of treatment and pretreatment root length. A probability value of ≤0.05 was kept as statistically significant. RESULTS: Vital teeth showed more root resorption as compared to endodontically treated teeth and in females as compared to males. A weak positive correlation was found between the root resorption and patient's age & pretreatment root length. In vital teeth, a weak negative correlation was appeared between root resorption and duration of the treatment. However, none of these correlations were significant. CONCLUSIONS: EARR appeared to be greater in vital as compared to the root filled teeth and in females as compared to the males. However, EARR was not significantly correlated with duration of treatment, age of patient and pretreatment root length.

The maxillary incisor display at rest: analysis of the underlying components.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary incisal display is one of the most important attributes of smile esthetics. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between maxillary incisal display at rest (MIDR) and various soft tissue, hard tissue and dental components. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 subjects (75 males, 75 females) aged 18-30 years. The MIDR was recorded from the pretreatment orthodontic records. The following parameters were assessed on lateral cephalograms: ANB angle, mandibular plane angle, palatal plane angle, lower anterior and total anterior facial heights, upper incisor inclination, upper anterior dentoalveolar height, and upper lip length, thickness and protrusion. The relationship between MIDR and various skeletal, dental and soft tissue components was assessed using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The mean MIDR was significantly greater in females than males (p = 0.011). A significant positive correlation was found between MIDR and ANB angle, mandibular plane angle and lower anterior facial height. A significant negative correlation was found between MIDR and upper lip length and thickness. Linear regression analysis showed that upper lip length was the strongest predictor of MIDR, explaining 29.7% of variance in MIDR. A multiple linear regression model based on mandibular plane angle, lower anterior facial height, upper lip length and upper lip thickness explained about 63.4% of variance in MIDR. CONCLUSIONS: Incisal display at rest was generally greater in females than males. Multiple factors play a role in determining MIDR, nevertheless upper lip length was found to be the strongest predictor of variations in MIDR.

Improvement in Peer Assessment Rating scores after nonextraction, premolar extraction, and mandibular incisor extraction treatments in patients with Class I malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: Different treatment protocols implemented for correction of Class I malocclusion aim at achieving ideal occlusal characteristics. This study was planned to evaluate the improvement in the occlusal characteristics of Class I patients treated with nonextraction (NE), all first premolar extractions (PME), and mandibular incisor extraction (MIE) as assessed by the percentage of improvement in Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the pretreatment and posttreatment dental casts of 108 subjects with Class I malocclusion. The total sample was divided into 3 equal groups according to the treatment protocol implemented: NE, PME, and MIE. The mean pretreatment and posttreatment PAR scores, and the percentages of improvement were compared among the 3 treatment modalities using Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunnett T3 tests. RESULTS: The mean percentages of improvement in the PAR score were 75.8% ± 25.8% in the NE group, 73.1% ± 19.4% in the PME group, and 70.6% ± 24.1% in the MIE group. There was no significant difference (P = 0.351) in the percentages of improvement in PAR scores among the 3 treatment modalities. However, the mean pretreatment and posttreatment PAR scores varied significantly (P <0.001) in the 3 groups. The average pretreatment and posttreatment PAR scores were highest in the MIE group and lowest in the NE group. CONCLUSIONS: The comparable percentages of improvement in PAR scores among the 3 groups denote that equivalent occlusal corrections were achieved in Class I patients treated with the NE, PME, and MIE protocols.

The duration of pubertal growth peak among three skeletal classes.

INTRODUCTION:: Pubertal growth peak is closely associated with a rapid increase in mandibular length and offers a wide range of therapeutic modifiability. OBJECTIVE:: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the mean ages of onset and duration of pubertal growth peak among three skeletal classes. METHODS:: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using lateral cephalograms of 230 subjects with growth potential (110 males, 120 females). Subjects were categorized into three classes (Class I = 81, Class II = 82, Class III = 67), according to the sagittal relationship established between the maxilla and the mandible. The cervical vertebral maturation stage was recorded by means of Baccetti's method. The mean ages at CS3 and CS4 and the CS3-CS4 age interval were compared between boys and girls and among three skeletal classes. RESULTS:: Pubertal growth peak occurred on average four months earlier in girls than boys (p = 0.050). The average duration of pubertal growth peak was 11 months in Class I, seven months in Class II and 17 months in Class III subjects. Interclass differences were highly significant (Cohen's d > 0.08). However, no significant difference was found in the timing of pubertal growth peak onset among three skeletal classes (p = 0.126 in boys, p = 0.262 in girls). CONCLUSIONS:: Girls enter pubertal growth peak on average four months earlier than boys. Moreover, the duration of pubertal growth peak is on average four months shorter in Class II and six months longer in Class III subjects as compared to Class I subjects.

Reliability of overbite depth indicator (ODI) and anteroposterior dysplasia indicator (APDI) in the assessment of different vertical and sagittal dental malocclusions: a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

INTRODUCTION:: Differential diagnosis of skeletal and dental relationships is crucial for planning orthodontic treatment. Overbite depth indicator (ODI) and anteroposterior dysplasia indicator (APDI) had been introduced in the past for assessment of vertical and sagittal jaw relationships, respectively. OBJECTIVE:: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of ODI and APDI in overbite and Angle malocclusions, as well as assess their diagnostic reliability among males and females of different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS:: This study was conducted using pretreatment dental casts and lateral cephalograms of 90 subjects. For ODI, subjects were divided into three groups based on overbite (normal overbite, open bite and deep bite). Likewise, the same subjects were divided for APDI into three groups, based on Angle's malocclusion classification (dental Class I, II and III malocclusions). Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparison of study parameters regarding sex and different age groups. The mean values of ODI and APDI were compared among study groups by means of Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunnet T3 tests. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to test diagnostic reliability. RESULTS:: Insignificant differences were found for ODI and APDI angles, particularly in regards to sex and age. Significant intergroup differences were found in different overbite groups and Angle's classification for ODI and APDI, respectively (p < 0.001). ROC showed 91% and 88% constancy with dental pattern in ODI and APDI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: ODI can reliably differentiate deep bite versus normal overbite and deep bite versus open bite. APDI can reliably differentiate dental Class I, II and III malocclusions.