Esthetic Dentistry Research Articles

The Midline Supernumerary Tooth – Mesiodens: A Case Series

Supernumerary teeth have been proposed to be one of the most significant dental defects affecting the primary and early mixed dentition. These teeth can cause poor facial and dental aesthetics, as well as many pathological problems for the development of permanent dentition. Mesiodens are the extra teeth that have erupted or not yet erupted in the maxilla between the central incisors. Early identification and treatment are necessary to mitigate the negative effects of the mesiodens dentoalveolar structures. This case series discusses three different cases for the presence of supernumerary teeth leading to discomfort and aesthetic concerns. Extraction of the supernumerary teeth was performed to reduce future complications and was further suggested for orthodontic correction. Key Words: Children, Mesiodens, Supernumerary tooth

Evaluation of the colour stability of different ceramic materials with two thicknesses

Society places a great emphasis on aesthetics, & there is a constant rise in the demands placed on dental restorations' aesthetics. The aim of this in-vitro research was to study the impact of the finishing protocol on the color stability parameter of different glass-ceramic materials with two different thicknesses, before & after thermocyling. One hundred twelve specimens had been prepared with standard dimensions of one mm & two mm thickness & ten mm diameter for the four different glass-ceramic materials. The ceramic specimens had been separated into 4groups according to ceramic material (n=28): IPS e.max Press, CeraMotion, Rosetta SP & CeltraPress, each group had been subdivided into two sub-groups according to the specimen thickness (n=14): 1 mm and 2 mm. Each sub-group was further split into 2 divisions according to the finishing protocol (n=7): glazed only & polished then glazed. The results of our study all samples have shown color change within visually perceptible but clinically acceptable level (more than 1 and less than 3.7), emax glazed samples (1mm&2mm) together with emax glazed and polished samples (1mm) have shown significantly higher ΔE beyond the clinically acceptable level. Increasing ceramic thickness from 1 mm to 2 mm has shown better color stability in Emax group. Polishing before glazing increased color stability in Emax while decreased it in Celtra.

A comparative assessment of dento-facial aesthetics among dental, medical, nursing and physiotherapy students in a college of health sciences

There is increased awareness and concerns about dentofacial aesthetics in most population. We sought to determine the self-assessment of dental aesthetics and perceived treatment need among a group of health professions trainees and compare the same with the researcher’s report using the Aesthetic component (AC) of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This was a cross-sectional study of undergraduates in our College of Health Sciences. The researcher was calibrated. Subjects supplied their socio-demographic details, responses on perception of their teeth, and smile on a self-administered questionnaire. Additionally, respondents selected and documented a picture that best matches theirs from the AC of the IOTN chart, while the researcher did the same and compared the scores. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16.0.: 121 students were studied. 59% were previous dental clinic attendees. The majority (80.2%) usually females rated their smile pleasant. 69.4% expressed satisfaction with the appearance of their teeth. Male and female subjects differed significantly in the ratings of their smile and teeth; with significantly more females rating themselves better than average. Subjects’ scores differ significantly from the researcher’s; most subjects rated their occlusion better especially females (p<0.001), physiotherapy students(p=0.0016), and previous clinic attendees(p=0.02). The odds of correct self-assessment increased by 1.6 with respondents' gender and department.: While dental students are well suited for dento-facial aesthetic assessment, there is a need to introduce aspects of dental aesthetics and orthodontic treatment need appraisal among other oral health subjects to curricula in college of health science.

An Assessment of the Subjective Psychological and Social Effects of Malocclusion-Related Dental Aesthetics and Its Influence on Body Self-Image and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults.

Malocclusionhas a psychological impactrelated to the patient's age. It also influences the quality of life.This research aims to test the null hypothesis that there is no association between the self-perceived psychosocial impacts of dental aesthetics with the severity of malocclusion, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and self-image of the body in young adults seeking orthodontic treatment. A convenience sample of young adults between 19 and 30 years old was selected for the study.The severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs were evaluated using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) were used to evaluate the self-perceived effects of malocclusion. The Kruskal-Wallis test is used to analyze the distribution of components with different grades of DAI.Spearman's correlation test evaluated the correlation between independent variables and their domains. The study utilized stepwise multiple linear regression analysis to assess the predictive value of independent factors on the PIDAQ and its domains. A total of 181 subjects with a mean age of24.4 ± 1.5 years, 42% males and 58% females, participated inthis study. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between all variables (OHIP-14, DAI, and BSS) and PIDAQ. There were significant correlations between the independent variables and the total score of PIDAQ (R2 = 0.16), psychological impact (R2 = 0.09), and social impact (R2 = 0.18), as well as dental self-confidence (R2 = 0.21) and aesthetic concern (R2 = 0.16). In young adults, the self-perceived impact of dental aesthetics is moderated by the severity of malocclusion, oral health-related quality of life, and body satisfaction. The null hypothesis is rejected.

Color Differences of Polimerized Resin-Based Composites and Corresponding Shade Guides

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the colors (A2, A3 and A3.5) of polymerized resin-based composites (RBCs) with respect to the shade numbers within each product line and the VITAPAN Classical® shade guide they purported to represent. Methods: Three A-shades (A2, A3 and A3.5) from four RBC products (Harmonize®, Empress® Direct®, Grandio® and Filtek® 500) were compared within the VITAPAN Classical® shade guide and within their own commercial shade guide. Nine disk-shaped specimens, 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, were prepared for each RBC color (three of each color). The color measurements were made according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale (quantifying L*c*h*a*b* values) using a Vita Easyshade Compact IV® digital spectrophotometer. We calculated the CIEDE2000 color differences between polymerized composites and shade guides, as well as between composites. The values obtained from composites and samples of the color guides in the CIE L*a*b* space were represented by ICC3D software (Version 1.2.9) Results: The ANOVA test verified the existence of statistically significant differences between composites for the same shades (p &lt; 0.05) except for shade A2. CIEDE2000 color differences between composites and the VITAPAN Classical® shade guide ranged from 3.5 to 13.1 depending on the composite and the shade. Conclusions: There were color differences among the polymerized resin-based composites, between these and their own shade guides/manufacturer’s commercial guides, and between the former and the corresponding samples of the VITAPAN Classical® shade guide. Clinical significance: Color selection when performing an aesthetic dental restoration is essential for the clinician and the patient to obtain an optimal result. Taking into account the color difference (∆E00) for each composite with the VITAPAN Classical® shade guide or with the manufacturers’ commercial guide allows for more precision with shade selection in aesthetic dentistry.

The effect of somatic pain and comorbid mental distress on oral health-related quality of life in orthodontic patients.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of somatic pain in orthodontic patients and determine whether somatic pain contributes to worsening oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) through the mediating effect of psychological discomfort. Scale measurements and analyses were conducted on a cohort of 769 orthodontic outpatients, encompassing Patient Health Questionnaire-15-pain (PHQ-15-P), Hua-Xi Emotional-Distress Index (HEI), Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Among the respondents, 56.3% (N = 433) reported somatic pain and 20.0% (N = 154) had mental discomfort based on PHQ-15-P and HEI scores. Patients with somatic pain symptoms had significantly higher scores of HEI and OHIP-14 (P < 0.001), and higher PHQ-15-P and HEI scores emerged as statistically significant predictors of lower OHIP-14 scores (P < 0.001). HEI scores which assessed anxiety and depression partially mediated the correlation between PHQ-15-P and OHIP-14 scores, of which anxiety accounted for 52.9% of the overall mediation effect, dominating the indirect effect. Orthodontic patients reporting somatic pains were at a significantly higher risk of worsening OHRQoL during treatment, and this adverse effect is partially mediated by anxiety and depression. Our findings highlight the necessity for the assessment of general health and mental well-being during orthodontic interventions. To prevent delays in treating general disorders and the potential failure of orthodontic treatments, we encourage increased attentiveness towards patients with somatic symptoms and consideration of the adverse effects of comorbid mental distress.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ МАКРО- И МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТНОГО СОСТАВА РОТОВОЙ ЖИДКОСТИ ПРИ ПРОВЕДЕНИИ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО ОТБЕЛИВАНИЯ ЗУБОВ

Aesthetic dentistry is one of the up-to-date trends in dentistry. There are a lot of methods targeted at eliminating discoloration, including teeth whitening. The dentist’s task is to choose the optimal whitening system. Patients, especially those who work in hazardous industries, are also interested in getting a snowwhite smile. The authors have conducted a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of a chemical activation system with a 37% concentration of hydrogen peroxide (USA) with a chemical activation system with a 35% concentration of carbamide peroxide (Russia). Changes in the chemical composition of oral fluid were revealed after the professional whitening procedure. The subject of the study is the chemical composition of oral fluid. The goal is to study the chemical composition of oral fluid during teeth whitening procedures. Methodology. The studies were carried out on the basis of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Privolzhsky Research Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Center for Biotic Medicine” of Dr. A.V. Skalny, State budgetary institution of the Ryazan region “Dental Clinic No. 1” (Ryazan). The study involved 50 patients of both sexes from 23 to 45 years old, who were employees of an aircraft repair plant in Ryazan. Patients were divided into two groups. A chemical study of oral fluid was performed for 50 people before teeth whitening and for 15 people, in the control group, after teeth whitening. Results. Determined macro- and micro elements differed in quantitative content between the studied groups. Comparing the obtained data of the concentration of elements in saliva with the results of the work of other researchers, we can conclude that there is a scattering in the results according to the literature, possibly due to the different “microelement” status of the regions in which the sample donors live. Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate that both whitening systems have a pronounced effect on the chemical composition of the oral fluid, while the system based on 37% hydrogen peroxide led to a greater degree of normalization of the level of chemical elements in the oral fluid.

Synthesis and clinical efficacy of novel jasmine titania tooth whitening gel on color, surface roughness and morphology

ObjectiveTo analyze the beneficial role of novel jasmine titania tooth whitening gel on the color, surface roughness and morphology of human tooth enamel, concerning age. MethodsGreen dentistry incorporating Jasmine flower extract was used to fabricate titania (titanium oxide) nanoparticles whose physicochemical characteristics were evaluated through X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in order to produce a novel jasmine tooth whitening gel. This whitening gel was applied on maxillary central incisors ranging between 20 and 50 years, which were investigated for color change, surface roughness and morphology. ResultsThe titania nanoparticles depicted 100 % pure anatase phase, 30.3 nm size and a spherical shape with no impurities. The color change (whitening) was found to be maximum in tooth enamel from the youngest age group (20 years), but minimum for the oldest age group (50 years) (p = 0.001). No significant change in surface roughness or morphology of tooth enamel belonging to the youngest age group (20 years) (p = 0.111) and middle age group (p > 0.05) was observed, but it was statistically significant in the teeth belonging to the ultra-middle age group (40 years) and the oldest age group (50 years) (p = 0.001). ConclusionNovel jasmine titania tooth whitening gel containing titania (titanium oxide) nanoparticles prepared by jasmine flower extract revealed potent whitening effects in all the age groups without affecting their surface roughness or morphology. Clinical significanceThe latest trends emerging in aesthetic dentistry show the demand for cosmetic procedures, especially tooth whitening, is enhanced. This novel jasmine titania tooth whitening gel was potent enough to whiten the enamel belonging to different age groups without enhancing the surface roughness or adversely affecting the surface morphology.

Are changes in malocclusion associated with adulthood psychosocial well-being?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal psychosocial effects of changes in malocclusion from adolescence to adulthood on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), self-rated dental appearance, and overall life satisfaction. The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study is a longitudinal birth cohort study of 1037 children born at Queen Mary Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand, between April 1, 1972 and March 31, 1973. Data on their health and development, including dental examinations, has since been collected periodically. Malocclusion severity was measured using the Dental Aesthetic Index in participants aged 15 and 45 years (data collected at age 18 years was supplemented for data missing at age 15 years). Other data collected included clinically assessed oral health (dental caries and periodontal disease experience) and self-rated dental appearance, OHRQOL, life satisfaction, and personality traits. Malocclusion data were available for 868 participants in adolescence and 834 aged 45 years. For those with a severe handicapping malocclusion at 15 years old, 46.6% who received orthodontic treatment transitioned to a resolved (ie, mild-moderate) malocclusion when aged 45 years, whereas only 16.2% of those who did not receive orthodontic treatment made that transition. A transition to a worse malocclusion was associated with impacts on OHRQOL when aged 45 years in the subdomains of functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and physical disability as well as worse self-ratings of dental appearance, and these findings were held after adjusting for potential confounders. Malocclusion was not associated with overall life satisfaction. Maintenance of acceptable occlusion after orthodontic treatment requires a strong emphasis on achieving and maintaining excellent dental health and avoiding chronic oral conditions such as dental caries and tooth loss. The long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment may diminish by midlife unless good dental health is maintained. Orthodontists have the responsibility to raise awareness among their patients on how to maintain good oral health after orthodontic treatment.

Effect of Polishing and Universal Bonding Application on Mercury Release from Aged Amalgam after Exposure to Bleaching Agents.

Objectives: Teeth bleaching is an accepted and modern treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching agents may affect amalgam restorations and increase mercury release; therefore, patients are at increased risk of mercury exposure in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polishing and universal bonding application on mercury release from aged amalgams exposed to bleaching. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, 64 dental amalgam specimens with dimensions of 3×5×10 were prepared and divided into two experimental and control groups. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and received one of the following treatments: no intervention, surface bonding, polishing, or polishing and surface bonding. Subsequently, the samples were immersed in bleaching agent containing 7% hydrogen peroxide and the amount of mercury released after 96h was measured. The results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α≤0.05). Results: The results showed that the type of solution (P<0.05) and surface treatment (P<0.001) significantly affected the level of mercury release. However, there was no significant interaction between surface treatment methods in the bleaching group and those in the phosphate buffer group (P=0.621). Conclusion: Bleaching agents were found to enhance mercury release from dental amalgam. The application of polishing and universal bonding on amalgam surfaces exhibited significant effects on the reduction of the mercury release.

Veneers on Devitalized Teeth: The Role of Adhesive Dentistry in Aesthetic and Functional Therapies

Devitalized teeth present a unique challenge in aesthetic dentistry, often exhibiting aesthetic issues such as color variations, shape changes, or structural fragility. In response to these challenges, dental veneers emerge as a promising solution to restore both the aesthetics and functionality of devitalized teeth. While chemical teeth whitening is the primary treatment approach for dental discolorations, some prove resistant, occasionally necessitating prosthetic interventions. This article aims to explore the application of ceramic veneers as an aesthetic and conservative solution to address the challenges associated with devitalized teeth. We will delve into the procedural steps, technological advancements, and clinical considerations guiding this contemporary practice in aesthetic dentistry.

Orthodontic Status and Association with Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life-A Study of 16-Year-Old Norwegians with a Cleft Lip and Palate.

To assess the association between clinical orthodontic indicators and oral-health-related quality of life, adjusted for socio-demographic factors, focusing on 16-year-old patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). One hundred and twenty-two patients with CL/P, representing cleft-lip (CL), cleft-palate (CP), unilateral/bilateral cleft-lip-palate (UCLP/BCLP), enrolled in the national CLP-Team, Bergen, Norway. A cross-sectional study by two orthodontists assessing the number of teeth, intermaxillary sagittal relation (ANB-angle), dental arch and occlusion of 16-year-old patients with CL/P. All completed a digital questionnaire including self-reported socio-demographic variables, OHIP-14 questionnaire and dental aesthetics. Cross-tabulations with Pearson's Chi-square test were used to identify associations between self-reported OHRQoL and socio-demographic and clinical indicators. Multiple variable analyses were conducted with binary logistic regression analysis using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess associations between OHRQoL and clinical indicators adjusted for socio-demographic variables. Ethical approval was granted by the regional ethics committee. Patients with UCLP and BCLP had poorer clinical indicators compared to patients with CL and CP (p < 0.05). A total of 80% of the patients had OHIP-14 > 0. The highest oral impact was reported for psychological domains and articulation and the least for functional domains. Respondents with BCLP and those with poor intermaxillary relationships (ANB < 0°) reported a high impact on OHRQoL (p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations between other clinical indicators and socio-demographic variables such as gender, educational aspiration, and place of residence were reported. The study revealed an association between severe cleft diagnosis, missing teeth, misaligned teeth, negative overjet, and poor OHRQoL, but a statistically significant association was found only between OHRQoL and poor intermaxillary sagittal relations (unfavorable profile). To improve OHRQoL among patients with clefts, there is a need for an individual follow-up and prioritization of oral healthcare.

Evaluation of E-max Porcelain Veneer Failures: A Retrospective Study.

Aim This retrospective study aimed to evaluate if E-max veneers over five years caused changes in gingival, periodontal health, and veneer failures. Background As aesthetic dentistry progresses, dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular in both general and specialized dental practices. Due to technological advancements in dental ceramics and adhesive systems, porcelain veneers have become a highly sought-after solution for improving aesthetics in dental patients. The success of porcelain laminate veneers, a commonly used method for aesthetic restoration, relies on various factors. E-max veneers are frequently utilized, with their long-term durability contingent upon factors such as color stability, resistance to abrasion, as well as good compressive, tensile, and shear strength, along with maintaining marginal integrity. Methodology In this study, data was collected through a checklist form used to record clinical parameters. The clinical parameters evaluated were inflammation and bleeding on probing (BOP). The gingival health was evaluated by gingival index, gingival color, texture, and bleeding on probing, and periodontal health was evaluated by the pocket depth and radiographic evaluations. Finally, the veneer was visually inspected for chipping, staining, and debonding history. The score for most of the cases ranged between 0-1, with only 10 cases displaying moderate gingival inflammation and BOP (Gingival Index 2). Siemens Orthopantomogram (OPG) systems were used for radiological evaluation and documentation of cases. E-max porcelain veneers were only included in the research. Results Out of 28 patients, each with 6-to-10-unit veneer cases was examined, 18 patients (64.3%) displayed healthy gingival status with no bleeding area recorded in none of the veneers amongst the 6 to 10 units. In 10 patients (35.7%) most of the veneers had inflamed gingival tissue that was bleeding on probing. The majority revealed the presence of stippling (92.9%), absence of recession (96.4%), and pocket depth (67.9%). Half of our participants had their veneer for more than five years (50%) and the majority presented with no significant changes in veneer recorded like marginal staining, debonding, or chipping (89.3%). Conclusion Multiple factors such as patient selection, proper treatment planning, and design, including material selection, play a significant role in the long-lasting success of ceramic veneers. The retrospective study indicated that proper oral hygiene measures are vital for the long-term sustainability of E max veneers.

Study of artificial intelligence and its awareness in dental mainly aesthetic dentistry and prosthodontics

: Each day there is a new research. Similarly in dental profession with recent advances, artificial intelligence is a new trend. It's for better accurate superior health care. This makes dental diagnosis treatment plan better and successful. : This study is to assess the awareness and knowledge of artificial intelligence in dental profession. : this cross sectional study was done by questionnaire in 100 dental professionals. This was to know their knowledge and awareness in artificial intelligence. : very few dental professionals know of artificially intelligence. Those who know actually know v little. : Attempt should be made to know more about artificial intelligence. Its new application and more uses of artificial intelligence can be done in dental in future.

Modalities used to gain space in dental arch

Most of orthodontic patients seek treatment to improve their facial and dental esthetics which is compromised due to variety of malocclusions. Malocclusion can be caused by skeletal or dental factors. Dental malocclusion includes crowding, spacing, increased overjet, and overbite, rotations of teeth etc. Correction of some malocclusions like crowding and increased overjet needs space in the dental arch. There are various methods for creating space in the dental arch such as proximal stripping, distalization of molars, extractions, expansion of arch, and proclination of anterior teeth, and derotation of posterior teeth. In this article, we will briefly discuss about these methods.

Comparative Assessment of Gingival Depigmentation Using Scalpel Versus Microneedling With Ascorbic Acid: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Gingival pigmentation (GP), characterized by the presence of melanin in the gingival tissues, is a common aesthetic concern in dental practice. While it poses no inherent health risks, the visible discoloration may cause psychological distress for individuals seeking optimal dental aesthetics. Understanding the efficacy of various methods is essential for refining treatment strategies and enhancing patient satisfaction in the realm of gingival depigmentation (GD). Aim The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of scalpel and microneedling (MN) with ascorbic acid in the treatment of GD. Materials and methods Sixteen patients who had a complaint of GP were included in the study, of whom eight were allocated for depigmentation with a scalpel, and the other eight patients were treated with the MN technique with ascorbic acid. Postoperative wound healing scores were evaluated on the first and seventh days, respectively. The intensity of depigmentation was assessed at baseline, in the first month, and at the end of the third month, respectively. Results The mean Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) score at baseline was 2.65±0.16 and 2.61±0.17 in the surgical and microneedling groups with ascorbic acid, respectively. The mean DOPI score at the end of the third month was 1.67±0.39 and 0.87±0.17 in the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups at the end of the first and third months, respectively, where MN with ascorbic acid showed aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Patients treated with the scalpel technique showed incomplete healing and ulceration on the first and seventh days after the procedure when compared to the MN technique with ascorbic acid. The healing index scores were statistically significant in the MN with ascorbic acid group. Conclusion The MN technique with ascorbic acid is a successful technique for treating GD. It showed aesthetically gratifying outcomes when compared to the conventional surgical technique.

Contextual and individual factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in deprived 12-year-old schoolchildren: A cohort study.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children and adolescents have been acknowledged as of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between contextual and individual characteristics and TDIs in 12-year-old schoolchildren. A cohort study was conducted with 355 schoolchildren living in deprived communities in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Contextual factors (place of residence and socio-economic indicators) and individual characteristics, including sex, family income, parents/guardians years of schooling, overjet and open bite (Dental Aesthetic Index), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale), oral health beliefs, social support (Social Support Appraisals) were assessed at baseline. TDIs were measured at baseline and at 2-year follow-up using the O'Brien Index. Data were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The baseline prevalence of TDIs was 17.6% and the incidence of TDIs at 2-year follow-up was 26.8%. Better psychosocial status had a direct protective effect on the incidence of TDIs (β = -.184). Better contextual characteristics (β = -.135) and greater overjet (β = -.203) were directly associated with poor psychosocial status. Higher schooling of parents/guardians directly predicted better psychosocial status (β = .154). Psychosocial status mediated the relationship of greater overjet (β = .036), contextual factors (β = .024) and parental/guardian schooling (β = -.027) with TDIs. Contextual factors and individual characteristics predicted TDIs. Psychosocial status was a relevant individual attribute in the causal network of TDIs, due to the direct effect on the incidence of TDIs as well as a mediator on the influence of contextual factors, overjet and parents/guardians schooling on the incidence of TDIs.

Description of the concern for dental aesthetics in dental students from UNIANDES, Ecuador

Oral diseases have a significant impact on aesthetics and well-being, particularly affecting adolescents. This developmental phase is marked by noticeable physical and psychological changes, where self-image and social perception become crucial and can adversely influence self-esteem. The study conducted in May 2023 at UNIANDES University, Ecuador, aimed to describe the oral health of dental students, analyzing how dental aesthetics affects perfectionism and self-worth. Classified as descriptive, observational, prospective, and cross-sectional, detailed questionnaires were administered to first-, fifth, and sixth-semester students, providing in-depth insight into the interaction of these factors in a university setting. The study found that concern for dental aesthetics increases with academic progression. Students in advanced semesters show a growing concern for the appearance of their teeth and are more willing to seek cosmetic dental treatments. This attitude is accompanied by a more frequent comparison with the teeth of others and an awareness of the social impact of their dental aesthetics. Such findings highlight a direct correlation between the level of study and dental self-perception, emphasizing the need to include psychosocial support in dental training. It is concluded that progress in the dentistry career entails a greater self-criticism of dental aesthetics, highlighting the importance of educational strategies to manage expectations and promote mental health

Self-perceived oral health and orofacial aesthetics of cleft patients

PurposeTo evaluate the self-perceived oral health and aesthetics of the dentition and jaw in patients with different types of oral cleft, measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Additionally, to compare the results of the PROMs between cleft lip and or/palate (CL/P) patients and non-affected controls.Methods420 CL/P patients treated at the cleft team of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, were included, and 138 non-cleft patients were recruited as control-group. Patient’s perceptions were retrospectively evaluated using the CLEFT-Q Teeth for dental aesthetics at ages 8, 12 and 22, CLEFT-Q Jaw for jaw aesthetics at ages 12 and 22, and the Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Oral Symptoms Subscale (COHIP-OSS) for oral health at ages 8 and 12. One-way ANOVA was used to compare differences in oral health and aesthetic perceptions among age-groups, cleft types, as well as between cases and controls.ResultsCL/P patients were significantly less satisfied than controls with their dental aesthetics (p = 0.001). CL/P patients reported significantly lower satisfaction on CLEFT-Q Teeth scores at ages 8 and 12, than at 22 years (p < 0.001). Patients with the most extensive cleft phenotype, Cleft Lip and Palate (CLAP), reported lowest satisfaction on the CLEFT-Q Teeth. No differences in perceptions of oral health nor in aesthetics of the jaw were found in the different cleft types, ages, nor in study versus control group.ConclusionThis study found differences in self-perceived dental aesthetics: CL/P patients are less satisfied than non-affected controls. CLAP patients are least satisfied, but satisfaction increases with age.

Revamping the Peg Smile with Composites

Abstract Patient’s expectations for esthetic dentistry have risen in recent years. Having the perfect smile is becoming a goal, as celebrities and public figure’s appearances have undoubtedly improved as a result of smile correction. This case report is unique, as this type of restoration enhances smiles by a conservative and economic approach. The main clinical finding of the present case was smaller shape and size of medially inclined laterals when compared to other teeth, so the diagnosis was peg-shaped laterals, which are the most common but rare too dental form aberration that can distort the harmony of smile and affect patient psychology. Treatment options can vary depending on no prep or prep type of modification. Composites are of no preparation type of restoration, that can easily solve the esthetic issue of peg-shaped teeth, and boost up the patient satisfaction level for the treatment. The present case involves bilateral peg-shaped lateral incisors as a developmental anomaly treated with composites.