Concurrent changes in dental anxiety and smoking in parents of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study.

We evaluated associations between changes in dental anxiety and tobacco use, adjusted for general anxiety and depressive symptoms. The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study data, collected at gestational weeks 14 and 34 and at 3 months postpartum, were used. Questionnaires included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL). Smoking was categorized as "stable non-smoking", "started smoking", "quit smoking", and "stable smoking". Changes in smoking and dental anxiety were evaluated "during pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 14 to gestational week 34) in 2442 women and 1346 men and "after pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 34 to 3 months postpartum) in 2008 women and 1095 men. Changes were evaluated in three smoking categories (stable non-smoking, fluctuating, and stable smoking), using data from all three time-points (1979 women and 1049 men). Modeling used repeated measures analysis of covariance. Stable smoking mothers had statistically significantly higher levels of dental anxiety (mean MDAS 12.3-12.6) than non-smoking mothers (mean MDAS 10.1-10.7) or mothers who smoked at some point during pregnancy (mean MDAS 10.8-11.5). A similar tendency was observed in fathers. However, no systematic change in dental anxiety by changes in smoking habits was observed. Those smoking during pregnancy and with high dental anxiety may need special support for smoking cessation.

Associations between pain-related temporomandibular disorders and dental anxiety at 46 years of age in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

OBJECTIVES: The aims were (1) to study the association between dental anxiety (DA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and whether subgroups formed differ in psychological symptoms and pain sensitivity in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 and (2) to confirm the factor structure of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 assessing psychological symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were acquired using questionnaires and clinical examinations at age 46 years (n = 1889). Dental anxiety was assessed with Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Pain-related TMD (myalgia, arthralgia) were assessed according to modified diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. Pressure pain threshold and tolerance were measured with an algometer. Explanatory factor analysis revealed three factors, named 'depression', 'anxiety' and 'distress'. RESULTS: Those with high DA and myalgia and/or arthralgia reported higher depression (mean = 1.52), anxiety (mean = 1.61) and distress (mean = 2.06) scores, and lower pressure pain threshold (mean = 496 kPa) and tolerance (mean = 741 kPa) values than those with only DA (1.22; 1.56; 1.84; 613; 875), TMD (1.21; 1.39; 1.83; 600; 908) or neither (1.12; 1.29; 1.58; 707; 1006), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DA and/or myalgia/arthralgia have similar profiles regarding pain sensitivity and psychological symptoms, the burden being highest among those with DA and a TMD diagnosis.

Effects of headgear timing on dental arch changes from 7 to 18 years of age: a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Dental arch effects after cervical headgear (CHG) treatment have been researched from several different perspectives. However, the long-term effects of CHG timing are still unknown. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the long-term effects of CHG timing on dental arches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 67 children with Angle Class II malocclusion comprised the study group in this trial. The participants were randomized into two equal-sized groups. In the early group (EG, n = 33), treatment was started after the eruption of the first upper molars. In the later-timed group (LG, n = 34), treatment was started 18 months later compared with the early group. Long-term effects were measured from dental casts taken at five time points between 7 and 18 years of age. RESULTS: The total maxillary dental arch length was achieved earlier, the gained length persisted better in the long term, and significantly more space was achieved in EG compared with LG (P = .048). The intermolar width in the maxillary dental arch was more stable and was reached earlier in EG compared with LG (P = .002). The results showed that in terms of total mandibular arch length increases, EG males benefited the most and LG females the least from CHG treatment (P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Both genders benefited from earlier CHG treatment. The maxillary dental arches remained longer, and the final width was gained earlier in EG compared with LG.

The associations of dental aesthetics, oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction with aesthetics in an adult population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the gender-specific associations between dental aesthetics, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and satisfaction with dental aesthetics in an adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 1780 individuals (822 males and 958 females) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). Dental aesthetics were evaluated from digital 3D dental models using the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Layperson and orthodontist panels evaluated the dental aesthetics of a smaller sample (n = 100). OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Satisfaction with dental aesthetics was asked with one separate question. Gender-specific analyses consisted of Mann-Whitney U-tests and Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: More than half of the population had an aesthetically acceptable occlusion, and most of the individuals were satisfied with the aesthetics. The most severe aesthetic impairments were associated with the psychological dimensions of OHIP-14. There were significant but weak associations of AC and satisfaction with aesthetics, and satisfaction with aesthetics and OHRQoL. Significant gender differences were found, men having higher mean AC scores but women reporting lower OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: At the population level, most of the individuals were satisfied with their aesthetics, despite different dental aesthetic conditions. The most severe aesthetic impairments were associated with decreased psychological well-being, women reporting more impacts compared to men.

The relationship of life-course patterns of adiposity with type 2 diabetes, depression, and their comorbidity in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and comorbid depression challenges clinical management particularly in individuals with overweight. We aim to explore the shared etiology, via lifecourse adiposity, between T2D and depression. METHODS: We used data from birth until 46years from Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 6,372; 53.8% females). We conducted multivariate analyses on three outcomes: T2D (4.2%), depression (19.2%) and as comorbidity (1.8%). We conducted (i) Path analysis to clarify time-dependent body mass index (BMI) related pathways, including BMI polygenic risk scores (PRS); and (ii) Cox regression models to assess whether reduction of overweight between 7years and 31years influence T2D, depression and/or comorbidity. The models were tested for covariation with sex, education, smoking, physical activity, and diet score. RESULTS: The odd ratios (OR) of T2D in individuals with depression was 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-2.11], and no change in estimate was observed when adjusted for covariates. T2D and comorbidity showed similar patterns of relationships in the path analyses (P < 0.001). The genetic risk for obesity (PRS BMI) did not show direct effect on T2D or comorbidity in adulthood but indirectly through measures of adiposity in early childhood and mid-adulthood in the path analysis (P < 0.001). Having early-onset of overweight at 7years and 31years showed highest risk of T2D (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.4-6.1) and comorbidity (OR 5.0, 95%CI 2.7-9.5), with mild-to-moderate attenuation with adjustments. Depression showed no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence for overweight since childhood as a risk factor for T2D and co-morbidity between T2D and depression, influenced moderately by lifestyle factors in later life. However, no shared early life adiposity related risk factors were observed between T2D and depression when assessed independently in this Finnish setting.

Prevalence of sagittal molar and canine relationships, asymmetries and midline shift in relation to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a Finnish adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of sagittal relationships, asymmetries and midline shift, and their associations with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1845 subjects participated in a clinical examination at the age of 46. Occlusal measurements were performed using 3D models. Symptoms of TMD were screened using validated questions, and signs and diagnoses of TMD were assessed using a modified protocol of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) and questionnaires. Associations between variables of occlusion and TMD were evaluated with χ2-test and Fisher's exact test and using logistic regression analyses, adjusted for self-reported general health, mental health, bruxism, and rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: The most common sagittal relationships were Class I and normal canine relationship. Half-cusp Class II and post-normal canine relationship were more frequent in females, and Class III and pre-normal canine relationship in males. Deviations from normal cuspid or molar relationships showed a weak but statistically significant association with TMD, especially in females. Half-cusp Class II and Class II relationships were more frequent in relation to joint-related TMD signs and diagnoses while missing canines were associated with pain-related TMD diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings gave some indications that canine relationships are associated with pain-related TMD, whereas Angle II sagittal occlusal relations may associate with joint-related TMD. Occlusal characteristics should therefore be taken into account as one possible associating factor in subjects with TMD.

Malocclusion severity and its associations with oral health-related quality of life in an adult population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate malocclusion severity and its associations with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among middle-aged adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 1786 subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 who attended dental and oral examination as part of the 46-year-old follow-up study. Malocclusion severity was assessed using the Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Peer Assessment Rating index (PAR) from digital 3D dental models. Participants also answered a questionnaire including the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and a question on their satisfaction with occlusal function. Differences between malocclusion severity groups were evaluated for both genders separately. For adjusted models, multivariate Poisson regression models were conducted. RESULTS: In this study population, 31.3% had great or very great orthodontic treatment need according to DHC and the mean PAR total score was 22.05. The most severe malocclusions were associated with OHRQoL, especially the psychosocial and handicap dimensions, and satisfaction with occlusal function. There was a significant difference between genders, men having more severe malocclusion but women reporting more OHRQoL impacts. CONCLUSION: One third of the study population were considered to have severe malocclusion. There was an association between malocclusion severity and OHRQoL in adult population, particularly in women.

Is the oral health-related quality of life associated with quality of life among pregnant Finnish families: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study was to find out if oral health-related quality of life and its dimensions (OHRQoL) are associated with overall quality of life (QoL) among mothers and fathers during pregnancy and whether these two constructs were associated within the family sharing the same living environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data (mothers n = 2580, fathers n = 1467) for this cross-sectional data study were collected from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort study during 2011-2015. OHRQoL was measured using a 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire and QoL by using the WHOQoL-Bref questionnaire. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess the statistical significance of the associations. RESULTS: OHRQoL was weakly associated at the individual level with the overall QoL (mothers r = 0.21, fathers r = 0.22, p < 0.001), but the correlations within families were low for QoL and OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that overall QoL is a different construct than OHRQoL though slightly overlapping.

Comparison of Axis II psychosocial assessment methods of RDC/TMD and DC/TMD as part of DC/TMD-FIN phase II validation studies in tertiary care Finnish TMD pain patients.

BACKGROUND: The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) include Axis II instruments for psychosocial assessment. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to compare the Finnish versions of Axis II psychosocial assessment methods of the RDC/TMD and DC/TMD and to study their internal reliability. METHODS: The sample comprised 197 tertiary care referral TMD pain patients. The associations between RDC/TMD [Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) 1.0, Symptom Check List 90-revised (SCL-90R)] and DC/TMD (GCPS 2.0, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), PHQ-15) assessment instruments were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon Signed Rank s, chi-squared test and gamma statistics. The internal reliability and internal inter-item consistency of SCL-90-R, PHQ-9, PHQ-15 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient values. RESULTS: The DC/TMD and RDC/TMD Axis II psychosocial instruments correlated strongly (p < .001). GCPS 1.0 and GCPS 2.0 grades were similarly distributed based on both criteria. The RDC/TMD psychological instruments had a higher tendency to subclassify patients with more severe symptoms of depression and non-specific physical symptoms compared to DC/TMD. The internal reliability and internal inter-item consistency were high for the psychological assessment instruments. CONCLUSION: The Finnish versions of the RDC/TMD and DC/TMD Axis II psychosocial instruments correlated strongly among tertiary care TMD pain patients. Furthermore, the Axis II psychological assessment instruments indicated high validity and internal inter-item consistency and are applicable in Finnish TMD pain patients as part of other comprehensive specialist level assessments, but further psychometric and cut-off evaluations are still needed.

The reproduction of gender differences in early career choices and professional identity of young dentist in Finland.

INTRODUCTION: For over the last 20 years, approximately 70% of working dentists in Finland have been women. However, there is internal division of the profession along gender lines. Female dentists work more often in the public sector and male dentists in the private sector. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in young dentists' early career choices, specialization plans, values and perceptions of professional identity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were taken from a national e-mail questionnaire study called "Young Dentist," which was sent to 458 dentists who had received their licence to practise dentistry in 2014-2016 from all four universities with dental curricula in Finland. A total of 52% young dentists (n = 238) answered the questionnaire. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results indicated that whereas female dentists were more likely to perceive themselves as comforters, social workers and health promoters, male dentists tended to perceive themselves as technicians. These professional identities were interrelated with early-stage career choices in which female dentists worked more often in the public than in the private sector when compared to male dentists. There were also clear gender differences in the importance of values and the specialization plans of the young dentists. CONCLUSION: Young dentists in Finland make career choices and develop professional identity in accordance with the attributes traditionally associated with cultural ideals related to femininity and masculinity.

Glucose metabolism in midlife predicts participation in working life: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how clinically measured glucose metabolism categories predict registered participation in working life. METHODS: In the 46-year follow-up of Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n=5328, 2342 men and 2986 women), we used oral glucose tolerance tests, surveys and glycated haemoglobin to determine glucose metabolism categorised as normal, pre-diabetes, screen-detected and previous type 2 diabetes (T2D). Consequent participation in working life during the 2-year follow-up period was measured as registered disability, unemployment and employment days, for which incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using Poisson regression, adjusted for baseline employment and socioeconomic, health-related and behavioural factors. RESULTS: In comparison to normal glucose, all categories of impaired glucose metabolism were associated with poorer participation in working life in the unadjusted models. After adjustments, the risks (IRR (95% CI)) of disability days remained heightened by both screen-detected and previous T2D among men (1.3 (1.3 to 1.4) and 1.5 (1.4 to 1.5), respectively), whereas among women the risks were lowered (0.9 (0.8 to 0.9) and 0.9 (0.9 to 1.0), respectively). The risks of unemployment were consistently higher in all categories of impaired glucose metabolism, and were the highest among women with previous T2D (1.6 (1.5 to 1.6)). Correspondingly, the rates of total employment days were lower in relation to screen-detected T2D among men and women (5% and 6%, respectively), and previous T2D (6% and 3%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, impaired glucose metabolism associated with deteriorated working life participation already in middle age. The high prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism emphasises the need for actions to support sustainable working careers.

Gingival tissue human beta-defensin levels in relation to infection and inflammation.

AIM: To profile gingival tissue levels of human beta-defensin (hBD)-2 and hBD-3 in relation to gingival inflammation, Th17-related cytokine concentrations, Porphyromonas gingivalis counts, and gingipain and total protease activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival tissue and subgingival plaque samples were collected from 21 periodontitis patients including 48 periodontal pocket sites with marginal, mild, or moderate to severe inflammation. hBD levels were determined by immunodetection, P. gingivalis counts with real-time polymerase chain reaction, protease activities with fluorogenic substrates, and cytokine concentrations with Luminex technique. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Subgingival plaque counts of P. gingivalis (p = .001) and gingipain activity (p < .001), as well as interleukin (IL)-1ß (p = .012), IL-10 (p = .024), IL-17A (p = .002), IL-17F (p = .006), and IL-23 (p = .036) concentrations were elevated in severely inflamed sites, whereas no change was observed in hBD-2 and hBD-3 levels. Negative correlations were found between protease activity and hBD-2 (p = .033) and hBD-3(p = .003) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Shift in gingival inflammation from marginal to mild stage is related to elevations in subgingival plaque P. gingivalis counts and gingipain activity, but not to tissue hBD levels. Negative correlations between hBDs and total protease activity suggest the degradation of these antimicrobial peptides in progressed inflammation.

Changes in dental fear and its relations to anxiety and depression in the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study.

This study aimed to: (i) evaluate short-term changes in dental fear during a 9-month period among women and men, and (ii) evaluate whether the course and magnitude of changes in dental fear were associated with changes in depression and anxiety. The longitudinal data of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study were used. Out of 3808 women and 2623 men, 1984 women and 1082 men filled in the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) at gestational weeks 14 and 34, and 3 months after childbirth. Other questionnaires used were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90. All scales were analyzed as sum scores. The MDAS was also trichotomized to assess the stability of dental fear. Statistical significances of the changes in dental fear, depression, and general anxiety were evaluated using repeated-measures Friedman tests. Correlation coefficients were used to describe the associations between measures (Spearman) and their changes (Pearson). Dental fear more often increased than decreased, but for the majority it was stable. On average, dental fear, depression, and anxiety symptoms correlated throughout the study. The correlations tended to be stronger with depressive symptoms. However, the relationships between changes in dental fear, depression, and anxiety were not systematic.

Gender-specific associations of malocclusion traits with oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population.

AIM: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate gender-specific associations of different malocclusion traits with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Finnish adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material comprised 1885 subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. A clinical oral examination including registration of occlusion was carried out in connection with a 46-year follow-up examination. The 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Subgroups with increased/decreased overjet, deep bite, open bite, lateral crossbite, and scissor bite were selected for further analysis. Subjects with normal occlusion were selected to form the normal occlusion group. Differences between subgroups and the normal occlusion group were evaluated for both genders separately. Education, number of teeth, caries, and orthodontic treatment history were chosen as confounding variables. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of independent variables on OHRQoL. RESULTS: After adjustments, decreased overjet, open bite, and scissor bite were associated with higher OHIP severity in women (P < 0.01). In men, deep bite was associated with higher OHIP severity (P = 0.007). Different malocclusion traits had associations with some OHIP dimension either in men or women. Orthodontic treatment history had a positive effect on OHRQoL in both genders. CONCLUSION: The associations of malocclusion traits with OHRQoL differed between genders, with women reporting more impacts. Deviations from normal occlusion were generally found to have a negative impact on OHRQoL, but most of the adults with malocclusion seem to adapt to their condition.

Prenatal Maternal Psychological Distress and Offspring Risk for Recurrent Respiratory Infections.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between maternal prenatal psychological distress, comprising depression and anxiety symptoms and relationship quality, and the risk of recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in children up to 2 years of age. Children with RRIs frequently use health care services and antibiotics. Prenatal maternal psychological distress can be one, previously unidentified risk factor for RRIs. STUDY DESIGN: The study population was drawn from a population-based pregnancy cohort in Finland (www.finnbrain.fi). Children with RRIs (n = 204) and a comparison group (n = 1014) were identified by maternal reports at the child age of 12 or 24 months. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Symptom Checklist-90 anxiety subscale, the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used to assess maternal symptoms and parental relationship quality at 34 weeks of gestation. Adjustment for maternal postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms was performed. RESULTS: Maternal prenatal Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.44), Symptom Checklist-90/Anxiety (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.01-1.76), Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2 (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.47), and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.58) total sum scores were associated with child RRIs by the age of 24 months. Greater number of siblings, shorter duration of breastfeeding, and the level of maternal education were also identified as risk factors for child RRIs. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal prenatal psychological distress is linked with a higher risk for child RRIs.

School-level changes in factors related to oral health inequalities after national recommendation on sweet selling.

Aims: In 2007, Finnish authorities gave a national recommendation that schools should not sell sweet products. This study aimed to determine the effects of the national recommendation on school-level intermediary determinants (factors related to oral health inequalities) and if the changes were different according to school-level socio-economic position (SEP). Methods: This ecological and longitudinal study combined school-level data from two independent studies from Finnish upper comprehensive schools (N = 970): the School Health Promotion study (SHPS) and the School Sweet Selling survey (SSSS). The baseline data (SHPS from 2006-2007 and SSSS from 2007) and the post-intervention data (SHPS and SSSS from 2008-2009) were combined into a longitudinal school-level data set (n = 360 and response rate = 37%). The intermediary determinants were: attitudes and access to intoxicants, school health services, school environment, home environment, schools' health-promoting actions (including sweet product selling) and pupils' eating habits. Three equal-sized school-level SEP group - slow, middle and high - were formed. The changes in the intermediary determinants were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. Differences between school SEP groups were analysed the using Kruskal-Wallis test. Longitudinal linear mixed modelling was used to determine the contribution of intermediary determinants to the changes in pupils' eating habits. Results: The national recommendation was effective in decreasing sweet product selling at schools and the effect was equal in each school-level SEP group. Intermediary determinants contributed differently to eating habits in the three SEP groups. Conclusions: A national recommendation seems to be an effective tool in making the school environment healthier without increasing inequalities.

Adolescent with caries and experienced interaction with dental staff.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies about how adolescents experience the interaction during dental visits. The experienced interaction during dental visits will influence how adolescents take care of their oro-dental health, and how they attend at the dentist's office. AIM: To explore the interaction experiences during dental visits of 18-year-olds with or without a history of caries. DESIGN: The dental health status at age 15 years was used as a predictor of subsequent interaction experiences with the dental staff. The dental health status was assessed by the Decayed Missed Filled Teeth index and interaction experiences by the Patient Dental Staff Interaction Questionnaire. RESULTS: Adolescents with a history of caries experienced the interaction at dental visits significantly more often negatively than adolescents with healthy teeth. The association was significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors (sense of coherence, gender, and duration of maternal basic education). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding, encouraging, and appropriate interaction with adolescents with caries may make patients more positive and receptive for treatment and self-care.

Comparison of effects of cervical headgear treatment on skeletal facial changes when the treatment time is altered: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence based on longitudinal information in the field of Class II malocclusion management with cervical headgear (CH), especially in a randomized setting. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to evaluate skeletal facial changes, particularly in vertical dimensions, after Kloehn-type CH treatment in children when the timing of treatment is altered. TRIAL DESIGN: Prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Screened children with Class II malocclusion were randomized in 1:1 ratio to two groups of equal size by sealed-envelope randomization: the early group (EG), where active CH treatment was started at the age of 7.8 years, and the late group (LG), where CH treatment was started at the age of 9.5 years. The active treatment was continued until normal Class I occlusion on first molars was achieved. Cephalograms were taken at three different time points. Changes in cephalometric measurements were compared between groups and genders. Blinding was applicable for outcome evaluation. RESULTS: Of 67 randomized children, 56 completed the study. Upper face height increased during the CH treatment phase, as the parameter N-ANS increased significantly during the active treatments of EG (P < 0.05) and LG (P < 0.05). Also, the parameter NSL-PL increased significantly during the treatment of EG (P < 0.01) and during the treatment of LG (P < 0.01). The Gonial angle decreased significantly in the early CH treatment group compared to the later treatment group (T0-T2: P < 0.01). CH improved the antero-posterior jaw relationship. No harms were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Although the upper face height increased, the mandible showed anterior rotation after CH treatment. The Gonial angle was significantly decreased in the EG compared to the LG. There were gender-specific differences in both sagittal and vertical dimensions when examining interrelations in dimensional changes. The differences found between the early and later treatment groups were not clinically important when the cephalometric results are considered. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02010346).

Dental arch effects after early and later timed cervical headgear treatment-a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cervical headgear (CH) is a commonly used orthodontic appliance and its dentoalveolar changes are known. However, the effects related to gender and timing have gained less attention. OBJECTIVES: To examine dimensions of dental arches among children with Class II occlusion without posterior mandibular rotation according to timing of Kloehn-type CH treatment. TRIAL DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty-seven seven-year-old children with a Class II occlusion were included in the study. The children were randomized into two equal-size groups in 1:1 ratio by sealed-envelope randomization. The early group (EG, n = 33) was treated between T0 and T1 (26 months), right after eruption of the first maxillary molars. The late group (LG, n = 34) was treated between T1 and T2 (24 months). The children were treated with CH until normal Class I occlusion on first molars was achieved. Impressions for dental casts were taken from all participants at T0, T1, and T2. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessors. Changes in dental cast measurements were compared between the groups and genders using t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Of the children, 56 completed the study. The maxillary arch length and the transversal changes between the upper canines and upper first molars were significantly increased in EG at T0-T1 (P < 0.001). At T2, the transversal dimension between the upper first molars was larger (P < 0.05), and in the lower arch the mandibular arch length (P < 0.05) and the transversal dimension between the lower first molars (P < 0.01) were increased in EG males compared to LG males. No harms were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The male gender benefits most from early timing of the CH treatment, showing larger dimensions at the end of the follow-up. The results clearly indicated a wider and longer upper dental arch and spontaneous expansion of the lower dental arch after treatment. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: NCT02010346.

Association of facial sagittal and vertical characteristics with facial aesthetics in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of facial sagittal and vertical dimensions with aesthetic assessment by three panel groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised adult individuals from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). A clinical oral examination including digital facial photographs was performed. The study population was divided into subjects with the lowest and highest values in soft tissue measurements in lower anterior facial height percentage (LAFH%) (60 subjects) and antero-posterior jaw relationship [soft tissue A-point, nasion, and B-point (ANB) angle; 60 subjects] and a control group (30 subjects). Frontal and profile facial photographs were presented to three panel groups: five orthodontists, five dentists, and five laypersons, who evaluated the photographs using the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: This study showed significant differences in VAS mean scores between the panel groups. Curve estimation revealed a significant quadratic association between aesthetic VAS evaluation and ANB angle for all panel groups. The association between ANB angle and perceived facial attractiveness was highest among orthodontists (R2 = 0.276, P = 0.001 for males; R2 = 0.285, P = 0.001 for females). However, no statistically significant association was found between facial attractiveness and LAFH%. CONCLUSION: Facial sagittal dimensions appeared to influence facial aesthetics more than vertical dimensions in middle-aged adults. In their perception of facial aesthetics, orthodontists were more influenced by antero-posterior jaw relationships than dentists and laypersons. The overall perception of facial attractiveness related to facial dimensions appeared to differ between the panel groups in female and male faces.