Boley Gauge Research Articles

Comparison of Face Anthropometry and Digital 2D-Face Photogrammetry as Methods for Predicting Vertical Dimension of Occlusion.

To determine the values of 15 craniofacial linear distances in the Serbian ethnic group using and comparing two methods of face-anthropometric and digital 2D-face-photogrammetric measurement and to determine the correlations between distances that can be predictive or can serve as proxy for occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). A total of 90 adults were selected. Facial distance as a tool to measure the OVD was measured as Sn-Gn (the distance between the septum of the nose [Sn] and the tip of the chin [Gn]). Face-anthropometric measurements were made with a Boley gauge (Buffalo Dental). Digital 2D-photogrammetric facial measurements were performed using the computer program Dr Ceph (FYI Technologies). The mean value for the distance Sn-Gn was 63.55 using face-anthropometric measurement (Sn-Gn[f]) and 63.56 using 2D-face-photogrammetic measurement (Sn-Gn[ph]) Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Sn-Gn(f) depended on ExL-ExR(f) P = .001; ZyL-ZyR(f) P = .077; N-Sn(f) P = .096; Sn-Sto(f) P = .043; and sex. Analysis also identified that Sn-Gn(ph) depended on ExL-ExR(ph) P < .001; EnL-EnR(ph) P = .029; N-Sn(ph) P = .013; Sn-Sto(ph) P = .001; and sex. A comparison of facial anthropometry and digital 2D-facial photogrammetry revealed no statistical significance differences in the values obtained and showed that facial photogrammetry could be as reliable a method as facial anthropometry.

Accuracy, Precision, and Efficiency of Three-Dimensional (3D) Dental Lab Scanners: A Comparative Study of Two Systems

Purpose: To compare the accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, and time efficiency between two digital lab scanners (inEos X5 Sirona and KaVo SMD ARCTICA CAD/CAM Scanners) by the traditional method using a digital caliper. Methods: Pair of dental casts (upper and lower) were duplicated using an elastic putty mold to make ten copies of each. Following that, a total of twenty models were scanned in each scanner (Sirona and KaVo) separately by three different calibrated operators. Each operator repeated the scan at an interval of 48 hours. Fifteen measurements for each model were obtained in three different planes (vertical, horizontal, and transfers) following the same protocol. Measurements were obtained manually using a Boley gauge and digitally by the scanner company software. The two scanners that were assessed were; Sirona and KaVo indirect lab Scanners. Results: The coefficient of variations was between 1%- 8%, although statistically significant in some groups, but clinically the differences were insignificant and within the accepted range. Correlations between the inter and Intra operator reliability were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient in Tables 5-6. The reliability of the increased distance of the measurement seems more consistent. The variations of Correlations among operators increased as the distance measured decreased, even though all operators were calibrated respectively. Operators’ feedback was that KaVo was easier to learn. However, timewise Sirona seemed more efficient. The average time for the Sirona scanner was less than half a minute with average scanner time (4.3 and 3.8 minutes). Based on various parameters recorded, both scanners proved to be accurate with no clinically significant differences detected between the groups. Conclusion: Both scanners proved to be accurate with no clinically significant differences detected between the groups. These two scanners were reliable tools to scan and reproduce digital dental records. The inEos X5 Sirona Scanner seemed to be more efficient time-wise than the KaVo SMD ARCTICA CAD/CAM Scanners.

Comparison of three different instruments for orthodontic study model analysis

INTRODUCTION: A proper model analysis forms a vital part of the orthodontic diagnosis process, but it remains a time-consuming procedure. In day-to-day practice, many orthodontists assess the models subjectively, without applying analytical tests, due to the time it takes to do proper model analysis.1,2 Plaster dental models have long been the gold standard for orthodontic study model analysis and to calculate the Bolton index for tooth size disproportions, as well as intra-arch space discrepancies.3,4 Vernier callipers or needle pointed dividers are traditionally used to perform measurements on dental models.5 More recently digital orthodontic study models that are computer-based have been developed and have the potential to replace the traditional plaster orthodontic models.6 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to do model analysis on one hundred orthodontic cases by making use of three different measuring tools. The objective was to see if a difference exists with regards to the measurements produced by the three different instruments and to compare the instruments with each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three different instruments were used to measure Ave values on one hundred orthodontic study models. The three instruments included a Boley Gauge, Digital Vernier Calliper and Carestream 3600 scanner with accompanying software. The five values measured on the study models were: maxillary intercanine width, maxillary intermolar width, mesio-distal width of tooth 11, mesio-distal width of tooth 46 and mesio-distal width of tooth 41. RESULTS: The statistical analysis performed showed that the difference in measurements produced by the three instruments were not statistically significant for the inter-molar width (p = 0.849), intercanine width (p = 0.657), mesio-distal width of tooth 11 (p = 0.178) and mesio-distal width of tooth 41 (p = 0.240 The difference in measurements for the mesio-distal width of tooth 46 were statistically significant (p&lt;0.01). However no clinically significant difference was found when the measurements produced by the three instruments were compared. CONCLUSIONS: All three of the instruments produced accurate measurements and can be used confidently when doing a comprehensive study model analysis for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The values produced were similar for all three instruments with insignificant differences between the three.

Positioning of iris in an ocular prosthesis: A systematic review.

Aim:To evaluate different methods, techniques, and concepts documented in the literature to assess iris positioning accurately to the related dimensions needed to effectuate maxillofacial rehabilitation of ocular prosthesis.Settings and Design:This systematic review was conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines which is the most opted reporting protocol.Materials and Methods:Two electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane Library) were searched for manuscripts published from 1969 till September 30, 2019. An electronic search (of peer review restricted to English language dental literature was conducted to identify the relevant scientific article on iris positioning in maxillofacial prostheses. Two observers independently read the abstracts and selected 17 full text articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria.Statistical Analysis Used:No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity of data obtained.Results:All the 17 documented articles related to determination of the iris positioning to perform maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation depicting the use of a strip of plastic template, a Boley's gauge, a millimeter ruler, a pupillometer, window light, an ocular locator with fixed caliper, inverted anatomic tracings, a transparent graph grid were reviewed systematically.Conclusion:Currently, there is no evidence in the form of a systematic review of the available literature discussing the best technique available for perfectly matching the iris positioning. However, the latest techniques making use of digital technology such as digital photography, is believed to be more precise for iris positioning in the ocular prosthesis.

Lingual function in children with anterior open bite: A case-control study

To determine the association between the position of the tongue and phonation among individuals with normal vertical overbite (NVO) and anterior open bite (AOB). This was a case-control study of 132 students with AOB and 132 controls with NVO between the ages of 8 and 16years old. The presence of AOB was determined during a clinical examination using a Boley gauge, phonation (speech) was assessed with an articulation test, which was analysed using a classification table of Spanish consonants spoken in Colombia, and tongue contact during swallowing was determined with the Payne test. Associations were determined between AOB and the position of the tongue upon swallowing and during speech (Chi2 test of independence, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitey U test, P<0.005). Finally, a logistic regression model was performed, with AOB as the dependent variable. We found associations between AOB and the presence of lingual interposition, distortion, lingual thrust, protrusion of the tongue, contact with palatine rugae, and type of dentition (P<0.05). According to the logistic regression model, the presence of lingual thrust (odds ratio (OR): 0.067; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009-0.518) and contact with the palatine rugae (OR: 0.420; 0.216-0.818) behave as protective factors associated with the presence of AOB, and the presence of distortion was found to be a risk factor (OR: 10.751; 95%CI: 5.658-20.427). Lingual thrust, interposition, and protrusion are associated with AOB. Lingual thrust and contact of the tongue with the palatine rugae behave as protective factors, and the presence of distortion acts as a risk factor.

Proportions of maxillary anterior teeth relative to each other and to golden standard in Chitwan Medical College

Introduction: One of the most important aspects of aesthetic dentistry while restoring or replacing maxillary anterior teeth is the creation of harmonious proportion between the widths of them. The appearance of anterior teeth is criti­cal for an attractive face and pleasing smile. The dimensional determination of maxillary anterior teeth is an important factor for both, esthetic and function.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 140 dentate subjects. Out of the 140 subjects, 70 (50%) were males and 70 (50%) were females. The age of the patients in this study ranged from 18 to 50 years. Maxillary impressions of selected subjects were made with an irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth was measured from the casts with a Boley gauge.&#x0D; Results: The mean width ratios were 0.83 for right LI/CI and 0.85 for left LI/CI, 1.12 for right CN/LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI in total population. The mean width ratios in male group were 0.83 for right LI/CI and 0.87 for left LI/CI, 1.14 for right CN/ LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI. Similarly, in female group the mean width ratios were 0.82 for right LI/CI and 0.83 for left LI/CI, 1.1 for right CN/LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI.&#x0D; Conclusion: In the evaluation of LI/CI, CN/LI, WLRs golden proportion was not found in left and right for both sexes.

Size discrepancies in molars and first key to optimal occlusion.

Objective:The aim of this research project was to determine whether the sizes of the first molars allow clinicians to achieve the first goal of an ideal clinical outcome.Material and Methods:Seventy-eight sets of dental casts that have been presented to the American Board of Orthodontics were evaluated. A Boley gauge was used to measure the length from the mesiobuccal cusp to the distobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar and the length from the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first molar to the occlusal embrasure between the mandibular first and second molars. These two measurements were taken on both sides of each set of dental casts for a total of four measurements per set.Results:The maxillary measurements ranged from 3.6 to 6.9 mm with an average of 5.2 mm. The mandibular measurements ranged from 5.0 to 8.0 mm with an average of 6.5 mm. The data were tested for normality and found to be equally distributed. A t-test revealed significant differences in tooth sizes between maxillary and mandibular first molars on both sides. On average, the mesiodistal length measured on maxillary first molars was about 80% of that of their mandibular counterparts. Only 5 of the 78 sets of dental casts evaluated had equal maxillary and mandibular measurements on one side (either left or right), and none of them had equal measurements on both sides.Conclusion:Clinicians have to understand that tooth size discrepancies do exist in patients and that these discrepancies make the completion of a perfect case challenging.

A comparative study to find out the relationship between the inner inter-canthal distance, interpupillary distance, inter-commissural width, inter-alar width, and the width of maxillary anterior teeth in Aryans and Mongoloids.

BackgroundOne of the most confusing and difficult aspects of complete denture prosthodontics is the selection of appropriately sized maxillary anterior denture teeth. Various guidelines have been suggested for determining the size of anterior teeth, but different opinions have been reported regarding their significance. In the study reported here, the relationships between facial measurements and the width of maxillary anterior teeth in two ethnic groups, namely Aryans and Mongoloids, were determined.ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to determine the inner inter-canthal distance (ICAD), inter-pupillary distance (IPD), inter-commissural width (ICOW), inter-alar width (IAW), and the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth (CW) in Aryans and Mongoloids and to determine the relationships between these measurements.Materials and methodsImpressions of the teeth of 170 dentulous subjects (85 males and 85 females) were made with alginate then Type IV gypsum product was poured in. Measurements of the cast maxillary anterior teeth at their widest dimension (contact areas) were made with the Boley gauge. ICAD, IPD, ICOW, and IAW distances were also measured with a Boley gauge.ResultsFor all 170 subjects, 85 Aryans and 85 Mongoloids, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) for IAW, IPD, ICOW, ICAD, and CW was calculated. In Aryans, highly significant (P<0.001) but weak correlations were found between CW and IAW, IPD, and ICOW. In Mongoloids, a highly significant (P<0.001) and weak correlation was found only between CW and IPD.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, the results suggest that the IAW, IPD, and ICOW for Aryans and IPD for Mongoloids can be used as a preliminary method for determining the width of the maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients.

Correlation between Facial Measurements and Occlusal Vertical Dimension: An Anthropometric Study in Two Ethnic Groups of Nepal

Establishment of proper occlusal vertical dimension is the important yet daunting task for successful prosthodontic therapy for function, esthetics and comfort to the edentulous patients. In the current study the relationship of various distances between facial landmarks to the OVD was tested in two ethnic groups of Nepal, viz. Aryans and Mongoloids. The result of this study can be useful in determining proper OVD in the patients who have lost the OVD. The aim of the study was to find the correlation between facial landmarks and OVD. Materials and methods: The OVD was measured using a Boley gauge from the prominent part of chin and nose. Other facial landmarks were also measured using the calipers in 200 adult volunteers. Results: The Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was determined. OVD was significantly (p≤0.05) correlated with rima oris to pupil distance (r = 0.557 in whole population, r = 0.577 in Aryans and 0.466 in Mongoloids). Conclusions: The distance between rima oris to pupil distance has higher correlation to OVD than other facial measurements.

Course of the Mandibular Incisive Canal and Its Impact on Harvesting Symphysis Bone Grafts

To characterize the anatomic course of the mandibular incisive canal to define parameters for harvesting autogenous bone from the symphysis of the mandible. A series of osteotomies were completed between the mental foramina in the anterior mandibles of 19 cadavers. Methylene blue dye was used to help identify the incisive canal. From the canal, distances to key adjacent landmarks were measured with a Boley gauge to 0.1 mm. Measurements included distances from the mandibular incisive canal to the buccal cortex, the lingual cortex, the inferior border of the mandible, the apices of the teeth, and the buccal cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of the teeth. The canal decreased in diameter from lateral to medial. It tended to be closer to the buccal cortical bone than to the lingual cortex (P < .001) and was, at times, directly abutting the buccal cortex (average distance to buccal cortex, 3.5 mm). The canal maintained a relatively constant distance from the apices of the teeth (approximately 7 to 8 mm), coursing inferiorly under the longer canines bilaterally. The canal became increasingly difficult to identify toward the midline, likely dispersing into microscopic tributaries. The authors suggest several modifications to the standard surgical approach to the symphysis area during the harvest of bone grafts. When the goal is to avoid the mandibular incisive canal, osteotomies should not exceed a depth of 4 mm, should be at least 5 mm anterior to the mental foramen, and 9 mm below the root apices (or 23 mm below the lowest facial CEJ) and should maintain the contour of the mandible's inferior border. Alternatively, some degree of canal compromise can be accepted and larger grafts can be obtained by increasing the depth of the harvest in the horizontal dimension or decreasing the distance from the osteotomy to the root apices (or the CEJ) in the vertical dimension.

Anatomic Analysis of the Conchal Bowl Cartilage

The conchal bowl is a portion of auricular cartilage commonly used as an autologous graft for various maxillofacial procedures. Few studies have attempted to describe the anatomy of this region in detail, particularly in relation to the curvature of the conchal bowl. The present study has provided detailed information about the anatomy of the auricular cartilage in the conchal bowl region that could assist in the surgical design of graft harvesting. A total of 35 pairs of cadaver ears without gross deformity (15 male, 20 female; aged 39 to 99 years) were dissected to completely expose the cartilage skeleton. Each cartilage was stabilized, and the conchal bowl was mapped. The starting reference point was defined as the intersection of the lateral border of the antihelix and the superiormost aspect of the inferior crux. A prefabricated grid was then used to imprint a 4 × 5 matrix of pinpoint ink spots on the surface of each cartilage, with 6-mm increments between each spot. The grid's y and x axes were then aligned with the landmarks above. Next, a MicroScribe 3-dimensional digitizer (ghost3d.com) was used to capture the 3-dimensional coordinates for each point on the ear's surface and the coordinates were transferred into an Excel spreadsheet. After digitization, a Boley gauge was used to measure the thickness of the cartilage at each premarked spot. The gathered data points and measurements were examined to describe our parameters of interest (ie, depth, thickness, and curvature). The average maximum conchal bowl depth was 10.5 ± 3.0 mm in the female ears and 10.7 ± 2.5 mm in the male ears. In general, the conchal bowl depth at each point did not differ significantly between the males and females. The mean cartilage thickness ranged from 0.77 to 1.79 mm (mean 1.15 ± 0.26) in the females and 0.95 to 1.45 mm (mean 1.25 ± 0.23) in the males. Both genders showed an increase in the conchal bowl depth from inferiorly to superiorly and from posteriorly to anteriorly. The cartilage thickness also increased from posteriorly to anteriorly; however, the exact shape is complex. A detailed understanding of the facial anatomy is important in the practice of facial surgery. The results we have presented will provide surgeons with information on the overall dimensions, thickness, and curvature of the conchal bowl that could allow more advantageous donor site selection.

Assessment of Thickness of Palatal Masticatory Mucosa and Maximum Graft Dimensions at Palatal Vault Associated with Age and Gender – A Clinical Study

Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease which leads to alveolar bone loss, followed by exposure of root surfaces, which results in an unaesthetic appearance. Palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as a donor tissue for root coverage procedures, to achieve an aesthetic appearance and to meet patient's needs. Obtaining sufficient volume of tissue without injuring the vessels is necessary. Purpose of this study was to determine thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa in association with age and gender in healthy subjects who were aged 14-59 years. Thirtysix healthy subjects were included under two groups (aged 14-29 years and 30-59 years). Each group consisted of 9 males and nine females. Transgingival probing was done by using a UNC-15 (University of North Carolina) periodontal probe under LA (local anaesthesia) and measurements were taken from 15 different sites on palatal masticatory mucosa. Maximum available length and height of the palatal vault were also measured. All measurements were made by using a Boley gauge to the nearest millimetre. Students t-test was used to determine the difference in mucosal thickness between two groups. Two-way ANOVA test was used to measure the height of palatal vault between the groups. The results showed that younger age group had thinner palatal masticatory mucosa of thickness which was between 2.3 mm to 2.65 mm and that younger females had thinner mucosa than males. The mean height which was measured from second premolar area to the second molar area was significantly greater in men (14.03 mm) than in women (13.25 mm). Palatal masticatory mucosa was thicker in older age group than in younger age group and it was thin in females as compared to that in males. The most appropriate donor site for carrying out grafting procedures is distal canine to mid palatal aspect of 1st molar area, with minimum height of 5 mm to 8 mm in the premolar area in all cases.

Estimating the size of unerupted canine and premolars in a mixed Indian population

Introduction: This study was carried out to determine the correlation between the sum of the mandibular permanent incisors and the combined mesiodistal crown diameters of the maxillary and mandibular canine and premolars in a sample of mixed Indian subjects, examine the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston method of prediction in a mixed Indian population and develop a new prediction method for this specific population. Materials and Methods: The dental models of the dentition of 251 mixed Indian patients below the age of 21 years, who had upper and lower permanent canines and premolars erupted were selected for this study. All the measurements were made by an observer with modified Boley gauge with Vernier caliper. Results: The differences between the predicted widths of the canine and premolars with the Tanaka and Johnston equations and the actual widths were highly statistically significant, as indicated by t-tests. The actual widths of the maxillary canine and premolars showed a significant difference in size (P = 0.0001) from the widths predicted by the Tanaka and Johnston equation, as did the canine and premolars in the mandible (P = 0.0003). Conclusion: The current findings suggest that the accuracy of originally derived Tanaka and Johnston mixed dentition analysis method can be increased using a newly derived regression equations based on a local mixed Indian population.

The significance of biometric parameters in determining anterior teeth width

An important element of prosthetic treatment of edentulous patients is selecting the size of anterior artificial teeth that will restore the natural harmony of one's dento-labial structure as well as the whole face. The main objective of this study was to determine the correlation between the inner canthal distance (ICD) and interalar width (IAW) on one side and the width of both central incisors (CIW), the width of central and lateral incisors (CLIW), the width of anterior teeth (ATW), the width between the canine cusps (CCW), which may be useful in clinical practice. A total of 89 subjects comprising 23 male and 66 female were studied. Their age ranged from 19 to 34 years with the mean of 25 years. Only the subjects with the preserved natural dentition were included in the sample. All facial and intraoral tooth measurements were made with a Boley Gauge (Buffalo Dental Manufacturing Co., Brooklyn NY, USA) having a resolution of 0.1mm. A moderate correlation was established between the interalar width and combined width of anterior teeth and canine cusp width (r = 0.439, r = 0.374). A low correlation was established between the inner canthal distance and the width of anterior teeth and canine cusp width (r = 0.335, r = 0.303). The differences between the two genders were highly significant for all the parameters (p < 0.01). The measured facial distances and width of anterior teeth were higher in men than in women. The results of this study suggest that the examined interalar width and inner canthal distance cannot be considered reliable guidelines in the selection of artificial upper anterior teeth. However, they may be used as a useful additional factor combined with other methods for objective tooth selection. The final decision should be made while working on dentures fitting models with the patient's consent.

Inhibition of bacterial growth around gutta percha cones by different antimicrobial solutions using antibiotic sensitivity test (An in vitro study)

Background: Decontamination of gutta percha cones was important factor for success of root canal treatment. The aim of the present in vitro study was to identify and to compare the antimicrobial effect of following disinfection solutions: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, Iodine, tetracycline hydrochloride solution, EDTA & formocresol mixed with zinc oxide eugenol, on E faecalis, E coli and Candida albicans using sensitivity test Materials and Methods: Three types of microorganisms were isolated from infected root canals (E faecalis, E coli and Candida albicans) and cultured on Mueller Hinton agar petri-dishes. Disinfection of gutta percha cones done by immersion in six disinfection solutions (six groups), the groups are: distill water (used as control group), 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, Iodine, tetracycline hydrochloride solution, EDTA & formocresol mixed with Zinc oxide eugenol. The immersion times were 5 min. and the incubation was aerobically at 37 °C for 24 hr. for bacterial species and at 28°C for 48 hr. for candida albicans. After incubation, zones of inhibition (no growth of bacteria) were examined around the gutta percha cones & diameters of the zones were measured with a boley gauge. The means of inhibition zones for each group were measures and statistically analyzed among groups using ANOVA and LSD tests at 0.05 significance level. Results: There is highly significant differences (P=0.000) among all the tested groups. 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate showed the maximum antibacterial efficacy (broader zones of inhibition) against E faecalis. Compound of formocresol + Zinc oxide eugenol showed the maximum antibacterial efficacy against Candida albicans, and E coli. The minimum antibacterial efficacy against Candida albicans occurred with tetracycline group, while against E faecalis and E coli occurred with EDTA group Conclusion: All the tested materials had antibacterial efficacy against Candida albicans, E faecalis and E coli; but chlorhexidine gluconate and compound of formocresol & Zinc oxide eugenol, are more effective agents for a rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones in five minutes.

Prediction of the size of unerupted canines and premolars in an Iranian population

One of the important aspects of diagnosis and treatment planning in the mixed dentition is estimation of the size of unerupted permanent canines and premolars. One of the most commonly used the prediction methods are Tanaka and Johnston, which are based on data from a sample of Northern European descent children. The accuracy of this method when applied to a different ethnic population is questionable. The aim of this study was to determine the modified equations from Tanaka and Johnston for Iranian population. This study was an analytic and cross-sectional investigation with the randomized cluster sampling in Ahwaz. Fifty four students of 14-18 years age (32 girls, 22 boys) were selected between 320 students and plaster models of their maxillary and mandibular arches were prepared. Subjects had fully erupted teeth, class I canine and molar relationship and presented no proximal caries or fillings, morphological anomalies, missing teeth or occlusal abrasion, and bruxism. The mesiodistal crown diameters of the permanent teeth were measured with using the sharpened boley gauge (accuracy 0.01 mm). The data were analyzed by using the regression correlation analyses and t-test. The size of permanent canines and premolars were larger in maxilla than mandible and males than females. These values in Iran were different from other countries. In this study to predict the space (in mm) required for alignment of unerupted canine and premolars in Iranian children, halve the sum of mesiodistal dimension of the four mandibular incisors and add the respective constants 10.5 for upper jaw and 10 for lower jaw.

Prevalence of developmental maxillary midline diastema in Taiwanese children

Background/purposeMidline diastema in mixed dentition is a concern for both parents and children; therefore, determining the timing of closure of developmental diastema is essential for clinical practice. Data on midline diastema in Taiwanese children are scant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of maxillary midline diastema in different age groups of children in Taiwan and to determine the time of closure of the developmental diastema. Materials and methodsThe sample population comprised elementary school children in Taichung City, Taiwan, whose ages were between 6 and 12 years. We screened a total of 1136 children and selected 917 for this study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of both permanent maxillary central incisors and absence of obvious dental or dentofacial abnormalities. Children who had a history of orthodontic treatment or crown restoration of anterior teeth were excluded. Diastema widths were measured clinically with a Boley gauge. ResultsThe prevalence of diastema was 64.6% among 6-year-old children but only 14.3% among the 12-year-olds. The prevalence of diastema was higher in boys than girls after the age of 9. There were statistically significant differences between boys and girls in the prevalence of diastema at ages 9 and 12. The mean size of diastema was 1.9 mm for 6-year-olds and 1.21 mm for 12-year-old children, indicating a significant reduction of diastema size with age. Before the eruption of lateral incisors, the prevalence of midline diastema was 60.4% among all children, and it declined to 14.5% after the eruption of canines. ConclusionThe prevalence of midline diastema decreased with age. It also declined with lateral incisor and canine eruption; it was 14.5 % after canine eruption. Therefore the orthodontic intervention of diastema should be delayed until canine eruption.

A Comparison of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Direct Measurement in the Examination of the Mandibular Canal and Adjacent Structures

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to assess the ability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning to measure distances from the apices of selected posterior teeth to the mandibular canal. Measurements were taken from the apices of all posterior teeth that were superior to the mandibular canal. Methods A pilot study was performed to determine the scanning parameters that produced the most diagnostic image and the best dissection technique. Twelve human hemimandibles with posterior teeth were scanned at .20 voxels on an I-CAT Classic CBCT device (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA), and the scans were exported in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. The scans were examined in InVivo Dental software (Anatomage, San Jose, CA), and measurements were taken from the apex of each root along its long axis to the upper portion of the mandibular canal. The specimens were dissected under a dental operating microscope, and analogous direct measurements were taken with a Boley gauge. All measurements were taken in triplicate at least 1 week apart by one individual (TSK). The results were averaged and the data separated into matching pairs for statistical analysis. Results There was no statistical difference (α = .05) between the methods of measurement according to the Wilcoxon matched pairs test (p = 0.676). For the anatomic measurements, the intra-rater correlation coefficient (ICC) was .980 and for the CBCT it was .949, indicating that both methods were highly reproducible. Both measurement methods were highly predictive of and highly correlated to each other according to regression and correlation analysis, respectively. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the I-CAT Classic can be used to measure distances from the apices of the posterior teeth to the mandibular canal as accurately as direct anatomic dissection.

Dental Anomaly Patterns (DAP)

Dental Anomaly Patterns (DAP)

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of polyether impression materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of polyether impression materials using the agar diffusion test. Three different types of polyether impression materials (P2, Penta Soft and Penta) were tested to determine their ability to inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The areas of inhibition zones were measured visually with a 0.1-mm incremental Boley gauge. In all groups, none of the samples of the P2 polyether impression material exhibited antibacterial or antifungal activity against any of the microorganisms. All Penta Soft and Penta samples exhibited antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and S. aureus, and only Penta samples exhibited antifungal effect against C. albicans, which decreased progressively as the setting time of the material increased.