Dental Parameters Research Articles

CORRELATION OF VERTICAL DIMENSION OF OCCLUSION AND VARIOUS SOFT TISSUE LANDMARKS USING LATERAL PROFILE PHOTOGRAPHS

Background: Dentistry’s evolving focus on fixed prostheses contrasts with the relative infancy of the jaw-related concepts in removable complete dentures, particularly in determining the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). The criticality of VDO in prosthetic rehabilitation underscores the need for stable parameters. However, due to the lack of a stable paradigm, the precise determination of VDO remains a contentious issue. This study proposes the utilization of lateral profile photographs (LPPs) to estimate VDO in edentulous patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 50 participants aged 20-30 years with specific dental parameters were selected. LPPs were obtained, and angular measurements were recorded to establish correlations and regression models. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between measured angles and VDO. Strong and positive relationships were identified between Stn-Stsn-Stgn and Stn-Stsn-Stg angles and between Stp-Stg-Stgn and Stp-Stg-Stsn angles. The study’s regression models successfully predicted Stn-Stsn-Stgn and Stp-Stg-Stgn angles using Stn-Stsn-Stg and Stp-Stg-Stsn as predictor variables. Conclusions: The study underlines the potential of LPPs as a practical tool for estimating VDO, presenting an accessible alternative to conventional techniques. The observed correlations emphasize the intricate interplay of craniofacial parameters, reinforcing the importance of accurate VDO determination for successful dental treatments.

Effects of posterior intrusion using skeletal anchorage on treating anterior open bite: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Posterior intrusion with skeletal anchorage is one of the effective methods in the treatment of anterior open bite. Knowing the effects of posterior intrusion, the amount of possible molar intrusion using skeletal anchorage, and its impact on clinical and cephalometric indicators can help the clinician choose the optimal treatment method, especially in borderline surgical cases. In this systematic review, a series of articles were collected through a systematic search in databases, and the titles and summaries of all these articles were reviewed. After removing the irrelevant articles, the full texts of the related articles were read carefully, and their validity was evaluated. Only RCTs and observational studies that complied with PICO questions were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2), ROBINS-I, and GRADE were used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The relevant information on selected articles was extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4 software. The meta-analysis revealed a significant average molar intrusion of 2.89 mm using temporary anchorage devices (TADs). A subgroup analysis showed that miniplates achieved greater intrusion (3.29 mm) compared to miniscrews (2.25 mm) (P=0.03). The level of applied force did not significantly affect the degree of intrusion. Dental parameters such as overbite and overjet were notably altered, with overbite increasing by 4.81 mm and overjet decreasing by 2.06 mm on average. As for the skeletal cephalometric characteristics, SNB, ANB, and SN-Pog increased while mandibular plane angle and lower anterior facial height (LAFH) decreased, and these changes were significant. Meanwhile, SNA and palatal angle changes were not significant. TADs have proved effective in achieving significant intrusion of maxillary molars, leading to marked improvements in dental and skeletal characteristics in patients with open bite malocclusion. Miniplates proved more effective in achieving greater intrusion.

Outcome differences after orthodontic camouflage treatment in hypo- and hyperdivergent patients – A retrospective cephalometric investigation

ObjectivesTo compare differences in outcome in skeletal and dental parameters in hypo- and hyperdivergent Class II patients after extraction of upper first premolars and comprehensive orthodontic treatment.Materials and methods37 Class-II-patients with dental camouflage treatment were divided into a hypo- (n = 18) or a hyperdivergent (n = 19) group depending on the mandibular plane angle (hypo: < 34° or hyper: ≥ 34°). Lateral cephalograms were available before (T1) and after (T2) treatment and were analyzed with customized measurements. Data from a growth survey served as a control and were used to calculate the actual treatment effect. Data were analyzed by one-sample Student’s t-tests and independent Student’s t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe measurements showed similar changes in both groups. The effects were mainly dentoalveolar. Hypodivergent patients showed an almost equal increase in anterior and posterior facial height, while hyperdivergent patients only showed an increase in anterior facial height.ConclusionsIn hyperdivergent patients, the anterior facial height increases despite camouflage treatment. This indicates a tendency towards bite opening and backward rotation of the mandible. Hypodivergent patients do not experience deepening of the bite.Clinical relevanceIn hyperdivergent patients with upper first premolars extraction the anterior facial height increased differently than in hypodivergent patients. This should be considered if a bite opening is a possible contraindication to treatment.

Correlation Between Horizontal and Vertical Skeletal Components in Dental Malocclusions Among the Jazan Population.

The dentoskeletal morphology of various malocclusions has been analyzed in cephalometric studies. It is important to understand the vertical and horizontal components of orthodontic treatment. To provide accurate treatment, an orthodontist needs to understand the facial types of an individual. This study aims to evaluate a correlation between vertical and horizontal components of skeletal and dental malocclusion by assessing cephalometric radiographs of the population of Jazan province. The cephalometric radiographs of 267 eligible participants were assessed digitally. Fourteen skeletal and dental parameters were used to evaluate the association. Reliability was checked with the intra-class coefficient. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Correlations were found between anterior facial height (AFH), posterior facial height (PFH), FH ratio (Jarabak ratio), upper incisor to NA (U1-NA), lower incisor to NB (L1-NB), and upper incisor to the palatal plane (U1/PP). In dental class I, AFH (N-Me) had a strong positive correlation with L1-NB (0.300), U1/PP (0.164), and L1/MP (0.215). In dental class II, AFH negatively correlated with U1-NA (-0.735) and positively correlated with L1-NB (0.292), L1/MP (0.085), and U1-NA. PFH (S-Go) positively correlated with L1-NB (0.525) in class I but negatively correlated in class II. However, a negative relationwas observed between all the vertical and horizontal components in class III. This study suggests potential associations between vertical and horizontal components in developing skeletal and dental discrepancies.

Correlation Between Maxillary Anterior Teeth and Common Facial Measurements.

The symmetry between maxillary anterior teeth and the face holds significant importance. This study assessed and analyzed the relationship between facial parameters and anterior teeth in the maxillary arch of male and female subjects. Specifically, individual width and combined width (CW) measurements of the maxillary anterior teeth were investigated. This study involved a total of 150 dentate Yemeni subjects (74 men and 76 women), whose ages ranged from 18 years old to 30 years old. A maxillary cast was created, and two digital photographs of the face of each subject were taken and analyzed. Digital calipers and AutoCAD were used to gather measurement data of the dental parameters (intercanthal distance [ICD], interpupillary distance [IPD], interalar width [IAW], intercommissural width [ICW], and bizygomatic width [BZW]) and facial parameters (profile distance). Significant correlations were found for the following: IPD and width of six maxillary anterior teeth of each of the study subjects; ICD and their central incisors; and BZW and their canine width measurements. In contrast, IAW and ICW were not correlated with all tooth measurements. Linear regression findings showed that the CW measurement of the four incisors was significantly correlated with all facial parameter measurements, excluding the ICW and IAW in females and the IAW, ICW, and profile distance in males. The IPD and ICD of males and females may be used to determine their CW measurements. The BZW and IPD of males can be used to take precise anthropological measurements of the width of the central canines and incisors. Meanwhile, the IPD distance of females can be used to assess the central and lateral incisor widths.

Posttreatment stability following therapy using passive self-ligating brackets: extraction vs. nonextraction.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lower premolar extraction on posttreatment stability one year following fixed orthodontic treatment with passive self-ligating brackets (Damon system, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA). All patients were treated with fixed orthodontic appliances using passive self-ligating brackets (Damon). For retention, removable Hawley retainers were used. Two groups of patients were included in the study. Each group consisted of 23patients: group Ex consisted of 10male and 13female patients (13.4 ± 1.6years old) with extraction of lower first premolars and group NonEx consisted of 11male and 12female patients (13.4 ± 3.9years old) without dental extractions. The patients' dental models and photographs were assessed at T0(pretreatment), T1(the end of active orthodontic treatment: 3.3 ± 1.0years in the Ex and 2.3 ± 0.8years in the NonEx group) and at T2(1year posttreatment). All lower casts were scanned and the following dental parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups: intercanine width (ICW), anterior arch width (AAW), intermolar width (IMW), Little's irregularity index (LII) and gingival recessions. An increase in ICW (group Ex: 1.20 ± 2.51 mm and group NonEx: 0.84 ± 1.48 mm) by the end of active treatment (T1; P < 0.05), as well as arelapse regarding the ICW (group Ex: -0.1 ± 0.47 mm and group NonEx: -67% ± 0.38 mm) one year post-treatment (T2) were recorded in the samples. Relapse in the non-extraction group was statistically and clinically significant, whereas ICW values remained relatively stable in the extraction group during the posttreatment period (T1-T2). The irregularity index decreased during treatment (group Ex: -8.79 ± 6.36 mm and group NonEx: -5.24 ± 2.99 mm) and relapsed in both groups (group Ex: 0.57 ± 90 mm and group NonEx: 0.27 ± 0.53). The rate of relapse in LII was correlated to the relapse rate of ICW. Areduction of IMW was recorded in the Ex group (-1.89 ± 1.82 mm) during active treatment (P < 0.05), which remained stable 1year posttreatment. AAW increased in both groups (group Ex: 2.77 ± 1.77 mm and group NonEx: 1.77 ± 2.04 mm) throughout active treatment and remained stable at T2. Intergroup comparison revealed that ICW remained stable 1year posttreatment in the Ex group, whereas high relapse of ICW was recorded in the NonEx group. Furthermore, risk of arelapse of LII appears to be higher in cases with arelapse of the ICW.

Gender Dimorphism of Skeletal Measurements and Dental Angle Classification in Orthodontic Patients.

The present study aimed to evaluate gender dimorphism of the skeletal and dental angles and measurements among different types of malocclusions in the Population of Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Cephalometric data were retrieved from the archived records of 272 dental patients, comprising 134 males and 138 females. Skeletal and dental malocclusions in both the sub-groups were digitally studied. The measurement reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate the difference in skeletal and dental parameters between genders. The Chi-square test was done to determine the difference in malocclusion patterns amongst the gender. Statistical significance was noted in dental malocclusion (p-value = 0.003) and facial height, with females having a steeper mandible plan than males. The Sella-nasion-Nasion-Vertical line angles were reported high in females with no statistical significance. Linear cephalometric values were measured higher in males than females, whereas angular values and facial height parameters were lower in females than male. Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that there is a prominent difference measured in facial profiles of males and females with higher facial height in males. Clinical significance and limitations: These clinical outcomes will help orthodontists to analyze the accurate base angles and points to draft proper treatment plans considering the variation in the profile of males and females.

Effects of premolar extraction and orthodontic treatment in adolescents - a retrospective cephalometric study

Objectives To evaluate the cephalometric effects of premolar extraction on skeletal and dental parameters, and on the soft tissues, in patients subsequently treated with fixed appliances. Prevalence and severity of external apical root resorption due to premolar extraction were also examined. Materials and methods The dental records of 79 patients treated with fixed appliances were retrieved (groups: extraction, n = 19; non-extraction, n = 60). Pre- and post-treatment statuses of skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue variables were analyzed on lateral cephalograms to determine change. Periapical radiographs of the maxillary incisors were assessed for external apical root resorption using the Levander & Malmgren index. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the data. Significance was set at p < .05. Results Changes in the protrusion and proclination of the incisors and in lip position were significantly different between the groups. Prevalence of external apical root resorption in the two groups was similar. Conclusions Our findings suggest that extraction therapy affects dentoalveolar traits but not jaw position, nor the risk of root resorption, in patients treated with fixed appliances

Assessment of the mineralisation stages of third molars and validation of Mincer et al.'s age estimation method: A retrospective, cross-sectional study in Western India population.

Age estimation is one of the prime requisites in forensic human identification cases and the criminal justice system. There are several age estimation methods using dental parameters. A method proposed by Mincer et al. which uses the mineralization stages of third molars based on Demirjian's developmental stages is less tested in the Indian population. The present study aimed to assess the developmental status of the third molars and to apply and validate Mincer et al.'s method on the Western India population. A total of 306 orthopantomograms (OPGs) from 128 males and 178 females with a mean age of 16.89 years ± 3.68 were analysed. Demirjian's A-H staging was applied to record the developmental stages of 1100 third molars. Mincer et al.'s mean age of attainment was applied based on the American Whites (Caucasian) population for males and females separately using stages of #18 and #38. There was a slight overestimation of the chronological age (CA) in both #18 and #38. The females showed more accurate estimated age (EA) than males. Mincer et al.'s method is a convenient age estimation method using the third molar's developmental stage. The mean age of attainment mentioned in the original Mincer et al.'s study can be used in the Western Indian population, with a residual value ranging from 0.21 to 0.25 years.

Association of masticatory efficiency with deep carious lesions in children.

Masticatory efficiency is defined as an individual ability to grind and pulverize food material, and can be influenced by many factors. This research aimed to investigate the association between masticatory efficiency and deep carious lesion. The research included 48 children (24 male, 24 female) aged from 3 to 14years. Participants were allocated to two groups; children with no or with only incipient carious lesions were included in the first group (ICDAS levels 0, 1, or 2), and children with bilateral deep carious lesions that are ICDAS levels 4, 5, and 6 were included in the second group. Information on dental parameters (dental status, ICDAS level of each carious lesion), and level of pain (Wong-Baker scale) were collected from each participant. Participants chewed Optosil® test food for 20 masticatory cycles, and chewed particles were analyzed by the optical scanning method. There is a significant difference in masticatory efficiency variables (number of chewed particles, minimal and maximal Feret diameter, Sauter mean diameter, a mean and total surface of particles) between groups. A positive significant correlation is observed between WBS level and time needed for masticatory performance in a group of children with deep carious lesions. Deep carious lesions in children are associated with a decrease in masticatory efficiency. Moreover, children with carious lesions that provoke a higher level of pain take more time for masticatory cycles.

Comparative analysis for variation of skeletal and dental parameters in bilateral cleft palate in central India population – A Nemoceph study

Introduction: An area of dentistry called orthodontics focuses on repositioning crooked teeth and regulating facial development. Orthodontists and oral surgeons use cephalometric analysis as a planning tool for their patient care. Conventional film-based radiography equipment has been replaced with direct digital devices, which have advantages such as reduced patient radiation exposure, immediate radiographic image generation, the removal of the need for darkrooms, and simple image sharing. The second-most typical craniofacial abnormality that results in birth abnormalities is cleft lip and palate. Such patients frequently do not receive cephalometric testing because of their hypoplastic growth and limited development. Research is needed to help plan a standard treatment regimen, perform orthognathic operations, and use a low-radiation analysis technique. Objectives: To evaluate skeletal and dental parameters for cleft lip and palate using Down analysis, Steiner's analysis, and Tweed's analysis using Nemoceph. Methods: Around 50 cases from cleft lip and palate and non-cleft lip and palate will be selected from the orthodontics department of Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital. Steiner's, Down's, and Tweed's analyses will be evaluated using Nemoceph. Further analysis will be conducted using the observational data from the readings. There will be millimetre-based measurements made. Comparative analysis will be done with one-way ANOVA and post hoc statistics and regression analysis will be done for association of demographic variables. Expected outcomes: This study will use the nasion as a stable landmark to evaluate point A in cleft lip and palate patients, making it easier to perform normal cephalometric analysis. This will enable the evaluation of the probable position of point A for performing cephalometric analysis in orthodontics.

Increased Myeloperoxidase Concentrations in Saliva could Reflect Increased Body Mass and Oral Microinflammation.

Increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in saliva are thought to reflect ongoing periodontal inflammation. Less clear is whether and to what extent salivary MPO is increased as a result of systemic inflammation. In the present study, we aimed to determine which demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dental parameters affect the level of MPO in whole mixed saliva in healthy adults with no apparent inflammatory lesions in the oral cavity. Thus, 113 individuals, aged 20-61 years (including 30.1% men and 23.9% smokers), were examined. In the univariate analysis, higher levels of MPO in saliva were found to be associated with age, an increased body mass index (BMI), higher levels of cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, as well as poorer oral hygiene, gingival status, and lower saliva flow. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that the main predictors of MPO concentration in saliva were BMI and stimulated saliva flow rate. Overall, an increase in MPO in saliva could be related to an increase in BMI, possibly as a result of subclinical chronic microinflammation, which also involves the gingiva.

Clinical Relevance of Dental Parameters and Symptoms in Patients Suffering from TMD and Tinnitus and a Randomised Trial Measuring Symptom Relief after Using a Relaxation Device

Aim: Tinnitus is a common symptom in dental patients presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). In this study, 66 patients were examined and underlying variations in dental appearance, jaw position, jaw joint health, radiographic findings, and symptoms were recorded. The patients were randomly placed into either an intervention or a control group to assess the effectiveness of a relaxation device aiming to reduce tinnitus. Method: 100 patients referred for TMD problems and suffering from tinnitus were asked to participate in the study. 66 patients completed two questionnaires before the first consultation with a specialist in orofacial pain and function and 46 of them completed the randomised trial. Results: TMD patients most likely to be suffering from tinnitus had experienced stress, felt tension in the jaw or presented with neck problems. Clinical dental examinations revealed that these patients displayed a deep bite, had a click or scrape sound from their jaw joints and/or had parafunctional habits (grinding or clenching their teeth). Patients in the relaxation device group reported significant improvement at p&lt;0.01 compared with control group after 4 months treatment. Conclusion: This study presents general clinical signs and criteria that also non-dental medical professionals can use as a guide for referring tinnitus patients for specialist dental care. Patients under stress who are clenching or grinding their teeth, have missing teeth, midline shift and experience sounds from their jaw joints could benefit from examination by a dental specialist and the use of a relaxation device.

Comparison of infrazygomatic crest bone screw position using a postero-anterior cephalogram versus cone-beam computed tomography: a cross sectional study

Abstract Background The position of infrazygomatic crest bone screws is an important consideration in determining the success of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the position of infrazygomatic crest (IZC) bone screws in relation to skeletal and dental parameters using postero-anterior (PA) cephalograms and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods A CBCT scan and a PA cephalogram were taken of 19 patients (8 males; 11 females) after IZC bone screw placement. Each CBCT image was reconstructed and oriented using the CS 3D CBCT software (Carestream Dental LLC, Atlanta, USA) and was subsequently analysed. The landmarks were traced on the PA cephalogram. The angulation of the IZC bone screw was measured with respect to three skeletal and two dental landmarks and compared between the two imaging modalities. A paired t-test was applied to compare the means of different variables between the PA cephalogram and CBCT scan. Results The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two imaging modalities with respect to four landmarks, i.e., the inter-jugale plane, the mid sagittal plane, the zygomatic arch and the perpendicular long axis to the 1st molar but a small statistically significant difference was seen with respect to measurements from the facial surface of the 1st molar (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The angulation and position of an IZC bone screw are consistent between the two imaging modalities. A PA cephalogram may be used as a substitute for a CBCT scan to reduce the radiation exposure to patients.

PAOO Technique for The Bimaxillary Protrusion: A Case Report

Background: Bimaxillary protrusion is a common malocclusion that can lead to functional and aesthetic issues. Conventional orthodontic treatment may not always be effective, and surgical approaches can be invasive. The Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) technique is a minimally invasive alternative that involves corticotomy and orthodontic treatment. Objective: This case report aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PAOO technique for the correction of bimaxillary protrusion in a 16-year-old female patient. Methods: The PAOO technique involved corticotomy and piezocision on a 16-year-old female patient undergoing orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance. The patient was being followed up for 18 months after orthodontic appliance placement with premolars extractions but did not get any favorable result and was referred by the Department of Orthodontics to undergo corticotomy procedure. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using cephalometric and occlusal analyses. Results: The PAOO technique significantly improved the patient’s skeletal and dental parameters. The maxillary and mandibular incisors were retracted, resulting in a significant improvement in the patient’s profile. The occlusal analysis showed good intercuspation and a stable occlusion. Conclusion: The PAOO technique is a viable option for the correction of bimaxillary protrusion, as it can achieve significant improvements in skeletal and dental parameters with minimal invasiveness. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and compare the PAOO technique with conventional surgical and orthodontic approaches.

Periodontal Status of Tuberculosis patients - Inter linked with each other

Background: Evidence suggests periodontitis may contribute to the development and progression of respiratory illnesses. However, few studies currently look at the coexistence of periodontitis and tuberculosis. The current study investigates the relationship between periodontal health and tuberculosis. Aim: To assess various clinical dental parameters of periodontal health among patients with and without TB. Methods: The participants in the present case-control study were individuals who obtained informed permission forms to participate when they were patients in the outpatient dentistry department. The current study included 585 patients in total. Three hundred-one individuals with normal pulmonary function were added to the control group, whereas 284 patients with tuberculosis were added to the cases group. The diagnosis of the pulmonary conditions was confirmed using spirometry. Using SPSS software 21, we evaluated the demographics &amp; clinical indicators such as plaque, different gingival parameters of periodontitis, Gingival bleeding, and gingival index (GI), and compared cases and controls. Results: The population comprised two hundred eighty-seven women (49.1%) and 298 men (50.9%). There was a significant association between tuberculosis and periodontitis, and it has been observed that 159 (56%) tuberculosis patients had 6.23 (4.2 – 9.1) times higher effects on oral periodontitis issues (P&lt;0.001*). Patients with gingivitis had a significantly higher number of bleeding, accounting for 241 (72.8), p&lt;0.001. Practical implication: The study suggests that healthcare providers, particularly those involved in the treatment of TB, should consider incorporating oral health screening and assessment as part of the overall care for TB patients. This could help identify and address periodontal issues that may exist, hence dental professionals can play a role in the early detections of TB Conclusion: This study suggest that important relationship between TB and periodontitis. TB patients should be educated about the potential impact of their disease on periodontal health and encouraged to maintain regular dental visit and oral hygiene. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Periodontitis (PD), Gingival bleeding, and gingival index (GI)

A PhD completed. Developments in diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Identification of phenotypes and endotypes contributes to a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology and heterogeneous clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea. The general goal of this dissertation was to determine the added value of the identification and use of potential predictors; risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea and factors influencing treatment outcome. By identifying predictors, the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tools can be increased. In addition, these predictors can provide guidance in choosing from the treatment options, which could subsequently lead to an increase in treatment success. The phenotypes studied in this dissertation are: snoring sound, dental parameters and positional dependency. The predictive value of specific manoeuvres and tools during sleep endoscopy for treatment success with a mandibular repositioning device was also studied. Finally, the innovative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, hypoglossal nerve stimulation was investigated.

Association between constitution, axiography, orthodontic cast analysis, and upper body posture in women aged 31 to 40 years

ObjectiveWhether it is primarily the spine that reacts with pain to the negative consequences of everyday stress and possibly the temporomandibular system as a result (ascending chain), or whether incorrect stress in the dental area has an influence on body geometry (descending chain), is still a controversially discussed topic. The aim of this study is to investigate possible relationships between constitutional, axiographic, and dental parameters with upper body posture.Material and methodsA total of 106 subjectively healthy women between 31 and 40 years of age voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection was done by filling out a questionnaire with constitutional and anamnestic parameters and by evaluating orthodontic casts, axiographic measurements, and video raster stereographic measurements. These data were analyzed using correlations and group comparisons, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsPositive correlations were shown between the constitutional factors of body weight and BMI and the lumbar bending angle (p = 0.01), the kyphosis angle (p = 0.001), and lordosis angle (weight p = 0.05; BMI p = 0.03). In the cast analysis, regardless of the direction of the midline shift (left/right/none), a left lateral tilt can be seen which is greatest at 2.12° with a left midline shift. In addition, the elevated pelvic side correlates with the side of the displacement of the jaw, with the stronger manifestation being on the left side. With a vertical anterior bite in the normal range, the kyphosis angle is 48.09°, while with a deep bite, it is 60.92°, and with an open bite, it is 62.47°; thus, the group in the normal range differs significantly (p = 0.01) from the other two. The greater the protrusion, the smaller the sagittal plane angles (kyphosis angle, lumbar bending angle, each p = 0.03), and the more dorsal the posture (p = 0.04). The lordosis angle differs significantly (p = 0.001) between the group of subjects with a protrusion in the normal range (52.34°) and the group with an increased advancement of the mandible (41.79°).ConclusionThere is a correlation between body weight, BMI, midline shift, and protrusion, as well as the vertical anterior step and upper body posture in women between 31 and 40 years of age. Interdisciplinary functional examinations of the temporomandibular musculature, and also sustained orthodontic treatment, can contribute to an improvement in upper body posture.

Assessing the morphological characteristics of teeth and dental arches as potential predictors of dental crowding.

The early detection of dental crowding and its potential for aggravation is important during the clinical examination of mixed dentition patients, and these desiderates can be addressed by including among the clinically assessed items a series of accessible morphological characteristics of teeth and dental arches. The present study investigates possible correlations between morphological features of permanent teeth, widths of dental arches, and the onset of dental crowding during mixed dentition. A selected group of 100 class I dental casts on mixed dentition was analyzed. The dental arches were grouped as spaced, normally aligned, and crowded. The dental parameters consisted of mesiodistal dimensions of permanent teeth and specific morphological features of permanent incisors and first molars. The anterior and posterior arch widths according to Pont indices were measured. Statistical analysis of data showed that mesiodistal dimensions of the permanent upper central incisors and lower incisors are significantly larger on severely crowded arches than on normally aligned arches; increased differences between mesiodistal dimensions of central and lateral permanent upper incisors and the presence of semi-shavel incisors and Carabelli cusps are associated with a greater extent of anterior crowding. The severely crowded arches presented significantly narrower anterior and posterior arch widths. Increased mesiodistal dimensions of permanent incisors, the presence of incisors shoveling, the Carabelli cusps on upper first permanent molars, and narrowing of dental arches during the early mixed dentition period were associated with severe dental crowding in class I cases.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Periodontitis—Machine Learning and Statistical Analyses of the Dental, Oral, Medical Epidemiological (DOME) Big Data Study

This study aimed to analyze the associations of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with dental parameters while controlling for socio-demographics, health-related habits, and each of the diseases comprising metabolic syndrome (MetS), its consequences, and related conditions. We analyzed data from the dental, oral, and medical epidemiological (DOME) cross-sectional records-based study that combines comprehensive socio-demographic, medical, and dental databases of a nationally representative sample of military personnel for one year. Analysis included statistical and machine learning models. The study included 132,529 subjects; of these, 318 (0.2%) were diagnosed with OSA. The following parameters maintained a statistically significant positive association with OSA in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis (descending order from highest to lowest OR): obesity (OR = 3.104 (2.178–4.422)), male sex (OR = 2.41 (1.25–4.63)), periodontal disease (OR = 2.01 (1.38–2.91)), smoking (OR = 1.45 (1.05–1.99)), and age (OR = 1.143 (1.119–1.168)). Features importance generated by the XGBoost machine learning algorithm were age, obesity, and male sex (located on places 1–3), which are well-known risk factors of OSA, as well as periodontal disease (fourth place) and delivered dental fillings (fifth place). The Area Under Curve (AUC) of the model was 0.868 and the accuracy was 0.92. Altogether, the findings supported the main hypothesis of the study, which was that OSA is linked to dental morbidity, in particular to periodontitis. The findings highlight the need for dental evaluation as part of the workup of OSA patients and emphasizes the need for dental and general medical authorities to collaborate by exchanging knowledge about dental and systemic morbidities and their associations. The study also highlights the necessity for a comprehensive holistic risk management strategy that takes systemic and dental diseases into account.