Deep Overbite Research Articles

Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Mixed Dentition Malocclusion in Children Aged 6-12 Years in Jinzhou, China.

To investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations and related risk factors of malocclusion in schoolchildren of Jinzhou City, China. A total of 2162 children aged 6-12 years were randomly selected from various districts of Jinzhou. Conventional clinical examination was performed by stomatologists, and the results were described based on different clinical manifestations of malocclusion and individual normal occlusion. Further, a questionnaire survey completed by children's parents or guardians provided the demographic data, lifestyle, and oral habits. The distribution of individual normal occlusion and malocclusion was documented in percentage, and Pearson's Χ2 was used for two-factor analysis. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS software (version 25.0) with a significance level of α = 0.05. A total of 1129 boys and 1033 girls were included in this study, i.e. 52.2% and 47.8% of the total number of children, respectively. The prevalence of malocclusion in children aged 6-12 years old in Jinzhou was 67.9%, of which crowded dentition was the most common form, with a prevalence of 71.8%, followed by deep overbite, anterior crossbite, dental spacing, deep overjet, anterior edge-to-edge occlusion, and anterior open bite. In the logistic regression model, the results showed that BMI index had little effect on the occurrence of malocclusion (p > 0.05), while dental caries, bad oral habits, retained primary teeth, and a low labial frenum were all related to the occurrence of malocclusion (p < 0.05). Moreover, the higher frequency and duration of bad oral habits were associated with a higher likelihood of malocclusion. The prevalence of malocclusion in children aged 6-12 years in Jinzhou is high. In addition, bad oral habits (such as lip biting, tongue thrusting, biting/gnawing objects, unilateral chin supporting, and unilateral mastication) and other related risk factors (such as dental caries, mouth breathing, retention of primary teeth, and low labial frenum, etc) were associated with malocclusion.

Cephalometric evaluation of deep overbite correction using anterior bite turbos.

To evaluate the outcome of treating deep overbite (OB) using anterior bite elevators concurrently with a pre-adjusted edgewise appliance. The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) cephalometric analysis was used to isolate tipping movement of upper (TUI) and lower incisors (TLI), bodily tooth movement of upper (BUI), and lower incisors (BLI), as well as vertical skeletal changes in the anterior region of the maxilla (MXSK) and mandible (MNSK). Thirty treated subjects were examined at pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) and compared to an untreated control group matched on age, sex, and Angle malocclusion from the Bolton Brush Growth Study Collection (CWRU, Cleveland, Ohio). Overbite (OB) in the treated group was decreased significantly (P < .001) (-5.6 mm) compared to controls. Statistically significant (P < .001) changes were found for BUI (-0.7 mm), TUI (0.9 mm), TLI (-1.4 mm), BLI (-1.1 mm), and MNSK (-1.6 mm). Most of the overbite correction was in the lower arch and included tipping and intrusion of the lower incisors along with an increase in lower vertical facial height. Deep OB correction was achieved efficiently using anterior bite elevators with pre-adjusted edgewise appliance. Correction using bite turbos would be a treatment option for individuals presenting with decreased lower facial height and deep bite.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Malocclusion among Preschool Children in Huizhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This survey examined the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors in 3- to 5-year-old children in Huizhou, China. Children were recruited from 21 kindergartens using a multistage sampling method. Two examiners performed oral examinations on the children, assessing occlusal traits, including primary molar and canine relationship, overjet, crossbite, overbite, anterior open bite, scissor bite, midline deviation, crowding, and spacing. Caries experience was recorded. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to collect background information and oral health-related habits. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression were conducted. The study invited 1485 children and eventually recruited 1454 (52.9% boys; response rate: 97.9%). The prevalence of malocclusion was 68.3%, and deep overbite was found in 48.6% of the children. Children who had lip-biting habits had a higher prevalence of deep overbite than those who did not (OR = 2.36, p < 0.05). Children who had digit-sucking habits and dental caries in anterior maxillary teeth had a lower prevalence of deep overbite than those who did not (OR = 0.73 and 0.70, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, over half of the children in Huizhou who participated in the study had malocclusion. Dental caries in anterior maxillary teeth, digit-sucking, and lip-biting were the associated factors of deep overbite.

Postępowanie kliniczne w amelogenesis imperfecta w wieku rozwojowym – przypadki kliniczne

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary defect of enamel. It can affect both the primary and permanent dentition. It manifests as: change in enamel structure, shape of teeth, severe malocclusion and can also co-occur with changes in other tissues derived from the ectoderm. In the literature there are several classifications of this disease, the two main ones are the four-stage classification according to Witkop (1988) and the two-stage classification according to Sundell, distinguishing the form associated with enamel hypoplasia and enamel hypomineralization. The aim of this paper is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with amelogenesis imperfecta at the developmental age, based on three clinical cases. Three cases were chosen to represent patients with AI: 1) hypoplastic type of AI in 14-year-old girl, 2) hypoplastic type of AI in 12-year-old girl with distoocclusion and retrusion of upper incisors, 3) hypoplastic type of AI in 13-year-old boy with deep overbite and functional retrognathia. Presented methods of treatment were selected depending on the form of lesions, patient’s age and coexisting malocclusion. Direct reconstruction with composite materials was used – free-hand, as well as the technique of indirect reconstruction with steel crowns combined with use of functional orthodontic appliances. Dental treatment in patients with AI should be interdisciplinary. The choice of treatment method depends on the coexisting disorders. It aims to eliminate caries associated with enamel development defects and to correct occlusal conditions, as well as to improve the psychosocial functioning of patients by improving the aesthetics of the teeth.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser in Reducing Root Resorption of the Upper Incisors During Intrusion Movement Using Mini-Implants in Adult Patients With Deep Overbite: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Deep bite is a common characteristic of malocclusion, and many methods are used to treat it, including mini-implants used for the intrusion of the upper incisors. Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is an inevitable and unexpected side effect of orthodontic therapy. However, resorption of the root could be affected by the type of tooth movement, such as intrusion. Several studies have indicated the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in accelerating orthodontic movement, but studies that have evaluated the role of this laser in reducing the risk of OIIRR have been limited. This trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing the resorption of the roots of the upper incisors during their intrusion in the context of deep bite correction. Thirty patients (13 males, 17 females; mean age 22.4±3.37 years) with deep overbite were recruited and allocated to the laser or the control groups. Mini-implants were inserted between the roots of the upper central incisors and the lateral incisors from the labial aspect at the gingival-mucosal junction on both sides with a force of 40 g on each side through an NiTi coil spring. A low-level laser (Ga-Al-As) with 808 nm wavelength in a continuous mode, with the parameters250 milliwattpower output, 4 Joules/point energy density, and 16 seconds irradiation per point, was applied to the root of each of the upper incisors. The laser was applied on the first day of the upper incisor intrusion (T1), then on days 3, 7, and 14 of the first month. In the second month, the laser was applied every 15 days, adjusting the spring strength every four weeks until the end of the intrusion stage (T2), which was determined by reaching a normal overbite. As for patients in the control group, the strength of the nickel-titanium springs was adjusted every four weeks to the required strength of 40 g on each end until reaching a normal overbite. There was a volumetric decrease in both groups' upper central and lateral incisors roots, and this decrease was statistically significant (P<0.001). However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in each central and lateral incisor volume root (P=0.345 and 0.263 for U1 and U2, respectively). Also, both groups had a linear decrease in upper central and lateral incisors roots, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). At the same time, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in each central and lateral incisor root length (P=0.343 and 0.461for U1 and U2, respectively). The low-level laser irradiation using the current protocol did not significantly affect the amount of root resorption induced by incisor intrusion in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Treatment approach to patients with distal malocclusion complicated by temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome

Research is effective sequencing of measures for orthodontic treatment active period and unfavorable course of retention period predictors in patients with distal malocclusion, complicated by temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome. The retrospective study consists of 102 case reports of patients from 18 to 37 (average age is 26.75±3.25 years) with distal malocclusion (Angle Class II division 2 subdivision) associated with temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome. Cases of successful treatment were 30.4% (n=31), semi-successful - 42.2% (n=43), semi-unsuccessful - 18.6% (n=19), unsuccessful - 8.8% (n=9). ANOVA analysis of orthodontic treatment stages reveals main risk factors for pain syndrome recurrence in retention period. The ineffective morphofunctional compensation and unsuccessful orthodontic treatment predictors are: incomplete pain syndrome elimination, persistent masticatory muscles dysfunction, distal malocclusion recurrence, condylar process distal position recurrence, deep overbite, upper incisors retroinclination for more than 15°, single posterior tooth interference. Thus, pain syndrome recurrence prevention in retention orthodontic treatment period includes pain and masticatory muscles dysfunction elimination in pre-treatment period, physiological dental occlusion and condylar process central position in active period.

Comparative Evaluation of Rate of Intrusion and Amount of Periapical Root Resorption with Temporary Anchorage Devices and Connecticut Intrusion Arch in Adult PopulationA Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Deep bite is a complaint where there is an increase the in the vertical overlap between the upper and lower arch front teeth. Deep bite is a relatively short face with a square gonial angle and flat mandibular plane are related to the skeletal dimensions that influence this condition. An untreated, deep overbite leads to the problems such as: abnormally increased wear and harm to the teeth, periodontal complains issues with occluding and chewing food, headaches and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), painful sores or ulcers, loss of tooth structure and tooth itself. There are various treatment modalities which aid in correction of these anomalies. Such as: mini screw implants Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) and various intrusion arches. Need of the Study: Due to the paucity of evidence regarding rate of intrusion and the correlation of root resorption with use of bilateral TADs and Connecticut Intrusion Arch (CIA), with the aid of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), the present study will be conducted to provide an insight into the efficacy of both treatment modalities to correct deep bite and identify which of the two modalities provide less damage to the root and surrounding structure. Materials and Methods: The following prospective interventional study will be conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The duration of study will be two years. A sample of 20 patients will be split into two groups to perform the study. Bilateral TADs will be implanted in group A, while CIA will be placed in group B to allow for the intrusion of front teeth. All the patients will be started with initial levelling and alignment using MBT 0.022” bracket prescription. After leveling and alignment miniscrew implants (TADs) will be placed in the labial cortical plates in between the lateral and canine bilaterally in Group A and CIA will be placed in patients allotted to Group B. CBCT records will be collected in the following time intervals: Before applying intrusion mechanics (T0 ), After one month of applying intrusion mechanics (T1 ), three months after applying intrusion mechanics; (T2 ) six months after applying intrusion mechanics (T3 ). Rate of intrusion and amount of root resorption will be assessed and compared between these time intervals. Expected Outcome: The rate of intrusion using different intrusion mechanics have been assessed by other studies, however, they have not been correlated with the amount of root resorption caused by these technique. Therefore, the present study intends to evaluate and compare the rate of intrusion and the amount of root resorption of maxillary anterior teeth using TADs and CIA and thereby assessing better modality in correction of deep bite.

Multidisciplinary Retreatment of Skeletal Class II Malocclusion with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Multiple Prosthesis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder syndrome, especially in the middle-aged, obese men population. Patients suffer from an interrupted sleep at night, which could be life-threatening. Treatment alternatives include continuous positive airway pressure, mandible advanced device, nasal surgery and maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery. This article presented a patient who came with chief complaints of lower jaw retrusion, poor sleep quality, unsatisfactory occlusion and old prosthesis. The patient had declined the surgical-orthodontics in 12 years ago, and went for another camouflage orthodontic treatment with extraction of teeth and multiple prosthesis. He presented with skeletal Class II with retrognathic mandible and uncoordinated upper dental midline with facial midline. Intraorally, he demonstrated deep overbite, splinted upper anterior prothesis, some missing teeth with space closure in previous camouflage treatment as well as 36, 37 implant prosthesis. Functionally, he had mild OSA with smaller airway dimension. He received two-jaw surgical-orthodontics and surgery-first approach, LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies for maxilla-mandible complex counter-clockwise rotation with advancement. Postsurgical full mouth orthodontic treatment was to improve dental alignment and space distribution. For the poor prognosis of anterior tooth, forced eruption was performed to maintain and induce alveolar bony height and width before tooth extraction. Previous implant prosthesis was used for a stationary landmark for dental occlusion correction. Through proper evaluation and good communication with the surgeon, prosthodontist and periodontist, this patient was well recovered from OSA with functional interdigitation, fair prosthodontic condition and esthetic appearance.

Intrusion of mandibular incisors using single mini-implant –A finite element study

A deep bite is a complex orthodontic problem that is a common feature of many malocclusions. Depending on the diagnosis, a deep overbite can be corrected. Mini implants can be used for the true intrusion of anterior teeth. FEA is a computer based numerical simulation technique used to calculate deflection, stress and displacement. To analyze stress distribution pattern and displacement of mandibular incisors when intrusive forces are applied using three dimensional finite element analysis. To compare intrusion of lower anterior teeth when ‘V’ pattern force and straight vertical pattern force are applied. A three dimensional finite element model was constructed to simulate mandibular teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The displacement of individual tooth (central and lateral incisors) on three-dimensional planes and the von Mises stress distribution were compared. Intrusive forces when applied to four mandibular anterior teeth remarkable tipping of the labial segment was seen when straight vertical elastics were used as compared to the ‘V’ shaped elastics. Within the limits of this study, predictable intrusion with minimum labial tipping is seen using single implant using V pattern elastics.

"Zirconia Straight Wire Appliance Combined with Flat Bite Plate for the Treatment of Lingual Tipping Deep Overbite with Undersized Lateral Incisors"

Patient Jiang, Female,25 years old, came to the clinic for irregular teeth. The case was reported as lingual tipping deep overbite with maxillary undersized lateral incisors, which the patient did not accept to restore the malocclusion morphology by denture, resulting in the selection of extraction of bilateral maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular second premolars, and orthodontic treatment by zirconia straight wire appliances combined with flat bite plate.

Non-surgical Treatment of a Late Adolescent Patient with Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Using Clear Aligners: A Case Report

Background/Introduction: There are a variety of treatment modalities for orthodontic treatment of patients with skeletal Class II malocclusions in late adolescence. These treatment modalities may include surgical intervention, camouflage treatment, functional appliances, extraction of teeth, and/or Class II elastics mechanics. Most Class II mechanics produce retroclination of the upper incisors and proclination of lower incisors. These dentoalveolar effects limit the possibility for forward mandibular projection/growth, hence minimizing skeletal improvement. Case Presentation: To present a unique case report that was treated with a new perspective in maximizing skeletal improvement in a late adolescent male with skeletal Class II malocclusion and deep overbite. A 15-year-old male presented with a skeletal Class II pattern due to mandibular retrognathism was treated with non-extraction, non-surgical technique using clear aligners in two phases. Phase 1 was designed to decompensate the compensated inclination of his anterior teeth, and phase II was planned to correct his skeletal and dental Class II malocclusion/mal relation. Results: Maxillary incisors decompensation of the inclination of the upper and lower incisors and posterior teeth intrusion allowed forward mandibular projection that led to skeletal and dental correction of his malocclusion and improvement of his chin forward projection. Conclusion: This case report shows successful treatment of a Class II malocclusion in alate adolescent male. This method could perhaps be used for similar cases, avoiding the need to extract teeth or include surgical intervention.

Orthodontic status of children with cerebral palsy in Arkhangelsk

Relevance. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common disease, which causes early disability in children and affects their dental status. The absence of malocclusion prevalence situational analysis precludes good planning of orthodontic care in the comprehensive rehabilitation of children and adolescents with CP. The study aimed to assess the orthodontic status in Arkhangelsk children and adolescents with primary, mixed and permanent dentition to ground the inclusion of an orthodontist in a multidisciplinary team. Materials and methods. In 2021, the study examined 110 children and adolescents aged 11 months to 17 years with confirmed CP undergoing treatment at the Arkhangelsk Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Center. We performed an oral examination, interviewed parents (guardians) on bad habits in children and adolescents, objectively examined and assessed the orthodontic status and functional impairment (chewing, swallowing, breathing). Results. The prevalence of malocclusion in children and adolescents with CP is 100%. Malocclusion was detected in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions. We diagnosed distal occlusion (75.4%), open bite in primary teeth (66.6%), deep overbite in permanent dentition (60.1%), severe overjet (71.8%) and unilateral crossbite (3.6%). Conclusion. The results suggest reconsidering approaches to dental pathology prevention and treatment in spastic CP. Early diagnosis of initial malocclusion and customized preventive measures are essential in comprehensive treatment and prevention programs.

INCIDENCE OF DEEP BITE IN DENTAL CLASS 1 PATIENTS WITH VERTICAL MAXILLARY EXCESS SEEKING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Deep bite / Deep overbite is excessive vertical overlapping of mandibular incisors by the maxillary incisors in a centric occlusion. The incisal edges of the lower teeth should contact slightly at or above the cingulum of the upper teeth, which would be approximating 1-3mm overbite. Deep bite is the most common malocclusion in children and adults. The excessive overbite is a complex orthodontic problem that may involve a particular group of teeth or whole dentition or maxilla and mandible. This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried at the UG students clinic and Department of orthodontics. Case records of all the cases were tabulated and after applying the inclusion criteria 19 case records with Class 1 dental occlusion patients with vertical maxillary excess were collected. This data was tabulated and analysed in SPSS and descriptive statistics were performed. The results gave information that 68% of them were females showing high female predilection. Age limit was not mentioned because people of all ages were included in the study. Results showed less male predilection with 32% than females. The study concluded that most of the Female patients were incident to Deep bite in Dental Class 1 with vertical maxillary excess seeking orthodontic treatment. It is widely accepted that correction of deep bite is easier to accomplish and more stable when done on growing patients than those with no appreciable growth remaining. Adults often need only correction of excessive overbite either due to its isolated nature or a demand for limited treatment. In adults, this treatment is often part of periodontal, restorative or temporomandibular joint therapy.

Nonsurgical management of class II division 1 malocclusion in an adult patient using fixed functional appliance: A case report

This case report highlights the effective and efficient usage of fixed functional appliance in the management of class II div 1 malocclusion with retrognathic mandible and deep overbite in an adult individual. Orthognathic surgery and Orthodontic camouflage with premolar extraction were not considered in the present case. The Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA type 2) was considered due to ease of fabrication, placing it simultaneously along with fixed mechanotherapy.

A survey of orthodontic clear aligner practices among orthodontists

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to survey orthodontic clear aligner therapy (CAT) practices among orthodontists in Australia. A pilot-tested electronic questionnaire was distributed to 434 full members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists. Questions were related to demographics, use and choice of aligners, digital treatment planning, patient selection, treatment protocols, refinements/finishing, retention, and patient-reported aligner issues. Factors regarding the decision not to provide CAT were also surveyed. The response rate was 54.6%. Most orthodontists (93.13%) provided CAT, which made up 24.17% of their annual orthodontic caseload. The median percentage of initial digital treatment plans (DTP) approved without changes was 0, with 4-6 changes reported by 24.14%. Orthodontists reported a mean of 2.02 ± 1.76 refinements per patient. Orthodontists were least comfortable treating patients with bilateral crossbite (71.28%) and deep overbite (62.56%). DTP challenges regarding tooth attachments and tooth positions and issues regarding patient compliance with CAT wear protocols were commonly reported. More than 1 CAT system was used by most (63.92%), with in-house systems used by 21.63%. Orthodontists rarely or never (63.68%) performed premolar extraction treatment with CAT. Adjunctive interproximal reduction was reportedly mostly carried out to relieve crowding and reduce open gingival embrasures. The view that fixed appliances provide better outcomes was a major influence (71.43%) on the decision for those who did not provide any CAT. CAT practices among orthodontists varied. Further research is required to investigate the challenges in effective CAT provision highlighted in this survey.

Evaluation of condyle-fossa relationships in skeletal Class I malocclusion with variable degrees of deep overbite and open bite

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) position and shape between skeletal Class I subjects with different degrees of deep overbite or open bite and unaffected peers. Methods Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 90 participants, equally divided into deep bite, open bite, and control groups (DBG, OBG, and CG, respectively), were analyzed. The DBG and OBG were further subdivided into three subgroups based on the severity. Linear and angular measurements were used to determine the positional and morphological characteristics of the TMJ. Results DBG showed significantly larger superior joint space, anterior inclination of the condyle, and articular eminence inclination than CG and OBG. The severity of deep bite and open bite significantly influenced the TMJ position and morphology. Conclusion In severe deep overbite and open bite cases, there were considerable alterations in TMJ components, most likely as a result of functional demands.

Multi-Loop Edge Wise Arch Wire Technique (MEAW) – A Review

Anterior open bite treatment is considered to be a complex treatment in the field of orthodontics. Orthognathic surgery is often the treatment of choice for these types of malocclusions and prognosis of the results are still questionable. With the introduction of Multiloop edgewise archwire therapy, treatment of open bite has started showing efficient results. Moreover, MEAW is versatile as it is capable of correcting various malocclusions as well such as Class II, Class III, deep overbite, and malocclusions with marked midline deviations. Since the advent of the MEAW, its treatment modality has been used worldwide and numerous reports of successful results have been published. Some orthodontists have described the MEAW technique as “magical” or “unbelievable,” but it certainly is not. The diagnosis and treatment plan must be correct and construction of the MEAW must be precise to deliver the necessary forces to move the teeth to an optimal, stable relationship.Hence this article aims to review the multiloop edge wise arch wire technique in detail along with its biomechanics.

Comparison of cephalometric measurements of the Twin Block and A6 appliances in the treatment of Class II malocclusion: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BackgroundSkeletal Class II malocclusion is a common malocclusion that seriously affects patients’ profile and occlusal function. The key to treatment is to use functional appliances guide the mandible forward. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of traditional functional appliance Twin Block (TB) and invisible functional appliance (A6).MethodsIn the retrospective cohort study, 46 patients with Class II Division 1 mandibular retrognathia (23 females, 23 males; mean age 13.66±4.25 years) from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were selected. They were divided into A6 group and TB group according to the type of appliance guided mandibular forward used in orthodontic treatment (n=23 each; average treatment time 9.82±3.52 months). Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and at the end of each treatment, and paired t-test or paired rank-sum tests were performed when appropriate to detect any statistical significance at the level of α=0.05.ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients were similar. Treatment with both appliances helped correct Class II malocclusion, improve the discrepancy between the maxilla and mandible, reduce the labial inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth, and relieve the deep overbite. A comparison of the treatment effects of the TB and A6 groups showed that the A6 had a better effect when moving Point A backward, and performed better in the abduction of the anterior teeth. TB group has more advantages than A6 group in moving forward point B and improving the nasolabial angle.ConclusionsBoth the A6 and TB can significantly improve Class II malocclusion. A6 showed an obvious advantage in moving Point A backward and adducting the anterior teeth, which better corrects a skeletal Class II malocclusion.

Occlusal features of 5-year-old Greek children: a cross-sectional national study

BackgroundOcclusal characteristics of the primary dentition are crucial in predicting and determining permanent tooth alignment and occlusion. The aim of our study was to determine the occlusal characteristics of the primary dentition of 5-year-old children in Greece through a national pathfinder survey.MethodsA stratified cluster sample of 1222 5-year-old children was selected according to the WHO guidelines for national pathfinder surveys. Five occlusal traits were registered clinically in centric occlusion, separately for the left and right sides: sagittal relationships of the second primary molars and primary canines, overjet, overbite, crossbite, and maxillary and mandibular spacing.ResultsMost children showed a flush terminal plane of primary second molars (44.8%), a class I primary canine relationship (52.2%) and normal overjet (46.4%), but a high prevalence of Class II canine relationship (25.6%) and overjet (37.8%) were also observed. A normal overbite was found in 40% of the children and 40% had a deep overbite. Spacing was apparent in both maxilla (71.1% of children) and mandible (56.4%). The prevalence of open bite and distal step molar relationship significantly rose in children with non-nutritive sucking habits.ConclusionsΝon-nutritive habits were associated to altered occlusal features. No sex significant differences were found in either the sagittal relationships of second primary molars and primary canines, or overjet, overbite, crossbite and spacing.

Efficacy of Bite Opening in Begg's Technique

Introduction: With the introduction of Begg’s, technique there isopening up of deep anterior overbite by depressing both upper and lower anterior teeth in their sockets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of bite Opening by the Begg technique during the first stage of treatment cephalometrically. Materials and Methods: Materials for the study consisted of thirty pre-treatment and end of stage 1 cephalograms taken of patients treated with Begg mechanics. Tracing of the radiographs of Class I, Class II division 1 and Class II subdivision malocclusion cases were made and reference planes were drawn. The difference between the pre-treatment and stage-I measurements for all the sixteen parameters were analysed statistically. The student paired t-test was applied to determine the level of significance. Results: The estimation of apparent bite opening due to lower incisor proclination was derived using correlation coefficient and the regression equation was estimated. Overbite is reduced markedly with a mean of 4.66 +/- 1.637 mm, which is statistically highly significant. The result showed an apparent bite opening with a mean value of 1.97+2.44 mm which is statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Overbite was reduced markedly in all the cases with this technique used by Begg’s and mandibular incisors showed a marked amount of intrusion, which accounts for 63.6% of bite opening which is found to be the primary factor contributing to correction of deep overbites.