Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), often associated with dentinogenesis imperfecta type I (DI-I), leads to structural alterations such as early pulp obliteration in primary teeth. This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical radiographs (PXR) in assessing pulp chamber volume and morphology in primary molars of children with OI, with and without DI. An observational in vitro case–control study was conducted on primary molars from children with OI (DI and non-DI groups) and healthy controls. Dental dimensions and pulpal measurements were obtained from PXR and CBCT. Three-dimensional volumetric reconstructions were generated using 3D Slicer to quantify pulp chamber volume. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and generalized linear models adjusted for tooth type, sex, and age. Sixty-six molars were included: 20 with DI, 23 without DI, and 23 controls. Molars from OI patients with DI showed significantly reduced pulp volume compared with both OI without DI and controls (p < 0.001). Type III OI was associated with the lowest pulp volumes, independently of age, sex, and tooth type (p = 0.003). CBCT measurements demonstrated superior agreement with anatomical dimensions compared with PXR (ICC up to 0.99). Three-dimensional reconstructions revealed dysmorphic and partially obliterated pulp chambers in DI-affected molars. Primary molars of children with OI and DI present significant pulp volume reduction and morphological alterations, particularly in severe OI phenotypes. CBCT provides reliable quantitative assessment and may serve as a complementary diagnostic tool for identifying DI-related pulpal changes. • Patients with OI and DI often present structural alterations in the pulp chamber of primary teeth. • CBCT, as a minimally invasive technique, helps assess pulp chamber morphology in OI patients. • This study shows reduced pulp chamber volume in primary molars of OI types III–IV compared with type I and controls.

Fixed-appliance therapy during occlusal guidance in children increases the risk of enamel demineralization, often presenting as white spot lesions (WSLs). This study evaluated the clinical performance of a hydroxyapatite-inducing coating (Bio Coat Ca) for preventing new WSLs and improving pre-existing hypomineralization in pediatric patients. This study evaluated 18 polycarbonate brackets bonded in three children undergoing occlusal guidance therapy. Bio Coat Ca was applied to labial enamel surfaces prior to bonding with Super Bond. Clinical outcomes included bracket retention, incidence of new WSLs, and changes in pre-existing hypomineralized enamel. Standardized intraoral photographs were analyzed using ImageJ to quantify lesion area ratios before and after treatment. Bracket survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Of the 18 polycarbonate brackets evaluated, with five bond failures within 377 days (overall retention 72.2 %). This retention rate is comparable to previously reported outcomes for polycarbonate brackets, indicating that Bio Coat Ca does not compromise bonding performance. No new WSLs were observed in any case. Pre-existing hypomineralized areas decreased markedly, with lesion area ratios reduced to 11.76 %, 11.83 %, and 0.34 % in the three cases, respectively. A single application of a calcium-releasing bioactive coating prior to bracket bonding was associated with the absence of new WSLs and the improvement of pre-existing enamel hypomineralization in children, without compromising bracket adhesion. This approach may be particularly beneficial for pediatric patients with limited cooperation or special health care needs.

Hypodontia can be defined as the developmental absence of one or more teeth, excluding third molars. It can affect both primary and permanent dentitions and lead to challenges in aesthetics, speech and masticatory function as well as emotional and social wellbeing. This review will explore the background to hypodontia and assess its impact on the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children. There is limited literature that assesses the OHRQoL in younger age groups with hypodontia (<11 years of age) and the effect of oral rehabilitation on OHRQoL in children. Conclusions : Further research on the impact of treatment on patient satisfaction and the OHRQoL in children during their mixed dentition phase is necessary to guide the development of management strategies tailored to the unique needs of children with hypodontia.