Occlusal Discrepancies Research Articles

Digital analysis of internal fit variation of additively manufactured crown patterns

Aim: The purpose of this study was to digitally quantify the consistency and variation of printed resin crown patterns produced by different 3D printers, aiming to evaluate their clinical relevance and accuracy. This was accomplished by evaluating patterns manufactured using three different 3D printers and resin materials, assessing their fit and adaptation through digital scanning and analysis. The objective was to determine the internal and marginal variations of printed crown resin patterns and to identify the printer and material combinations that produce the most consistent and clinically acceptable results. Methods: A prefabricated typodont tooth was prepared for a crown and scanned using an intraoral scanner. From this scan, a crown was designed and the resulting STL file was exported. This 3D file was manufactured using resins indicated for castable patterns on 3 different printers: FotoDent® Cast with the Carbon M2 printer, Form 3 Castable with the Form 2 printer, and Siraya Tech Cast with the ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro 3D printer. Finally, the crown resin patterns were scanned using an intraoral digital scanner (3Shape TRIOS 3) scanner, and crown adaptation was digitally quantified in GeoMagic software. Clinically relevant significance was determined (marginal gap < 50 µm) between resin patterns printed on different printers. Results: Form 3 Castable/Form 2 printer had the lowest mean internal variation at all measurement areas, 21.07 μm at the occlusal, 104.23 μm at the margin, and 37.98 μm at the axial. FotoDent® Cast/Carbon M2 had the largest marginal variation while Siraya Tech Cast/ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro had the largest occlusal variation. Within each material, the largest internal variation was at the marginal area while the lowest value was in the occlusal area. Conclusions: All printed crowns displayed clinically acceptable ranges, but there was a statistically significant difference in the fit between all printers.

Adult Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment-how stable are the results very long term?

To investigate the post-treatment (Tx) changes (≥ 15 years) in adult Class II patients treated with Herbst appliance and subsequently a multibracket appliance (MBA). Of 51 potential patients 31 could be located and participated (19 II:1 and 12 II:2). At a mean age of 21.8 ± 7.3 years (T0), Herbst-MBA Tx had been started. The mean post-Tx observation period was 19.8 ± 3.6 years. Study models from before and after Tx (T1, mean age: 23.6 ± 7.4 years), after 3.0 ± 2.8 years of retention (T2, mean age: 26.8 ± 8.3 years) as well as after recall (T3, mean age: 43.4 ± 7.5 years) were evaluated using the PAR index as well as standard occlusal variables. Pre-Tx, the mean values of the 31 participants were: PAR score = 26.1 ± 9.6 points, Class II molar relationship (MR) = 0.7 ± 0.2 cusp widths (CW), overjet = 6.9 ± 2.3mm and overbite = 4.8 ± 2.6mm. After Tx, the mean PAR score was 5.3 ± 2.8. A Class I MR (0.0 ± 0.1 CW) was present while overjet and overbite had decreased to 2.1 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.8mm, respectively. At recall (19.8 ± 3.6 years post-Tx), a slight PAR score increase (+ 3.1 points) had occurred (final value: 8.4 ± 3.7); this was mainly due to mild increases in overjet, overbite (final values: 3.3 ± 1.4mm and 2.5 ± 1.7mm) and changes in sagittal MR (0.2 ± 0.2 CW). The sample size and the participation rate as well as the unavailability of a comparable control group can be considered as limitations. In addition, no long-term radiographic data could be obtained, and the retention protocol was not uniform. The majority of these issues, however, should be acceptable to due to the duration of the observation period and the uniqueness of the data. In the present sample, Herbst-MBA Tx enabled Class II correction in adults with very good occlusal long-term stability.

Instrumental Occlusal Analysis in Migraine Patients: A Quantitative Cross Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate possible differences of functional occlusal variables between a group of migraine patients (MG) and a control group (CG). Each group included 50 individuals. Instrumental functional analysis and digital occlusal analysis were performed. Variables examined were condylar displacement from a reference position to maximum intercuspation; angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra-lateral canine guidance; and angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the ipsilateral central incisor guidance and occlusal plane inclination. Self-reported grinding and occlusal index were also investigated. There were statistically significant differences in the extent of retral condylar displacement assessed both clinically [MG: 0.49 mm (SD 0.67 mm), CG: 0.29 mm (SD 0.27 mm), p = 0.012] and digital-mechanically [MG: 1.53 mm (SD 0.95 mm), CG: 0.9 mm (SD 0.66 mm), p = 0.001], the angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra-lateral canine guidance [MG: 13.11° (SD 8.33°), CG: 9.47° (SD 7.08°), p = 0.021 and MG: 12.94° (SD 8.71°), CG: 9.44° (SD 8.70°), p = 0.017], and the occlusal plane inclination [MG: 11.16° (SD 4.66°), CG: 9.09° (SD 4.37°), p = 0.024]. Self-reported grinding (MG: 39/50, CG: 12/50, p < 0.001) and occlusal index [MG: 1.92 (SD 0.46), CG: 0.21 (SD 0.66), p < 0.001] were also significantly higher in migraineurs. Articular and occlusal structures could play a role in migraine and thus should be considered in an interdisciplinary approach.

Assessment of occlusion changes during laboratory phase of relining: An in vitro study.

Assessment of occlusion changes during laboratory phase of relining is essential to evaluate the occlusal discrepancies that could get incorporated in the denture with the use of different relining materials. Since the long term stability and functional success of the denture is heavily influenced by occlusion, an In-vitro study to assess these changes after relining is warranted. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in occlusion during laboratory phase of relining procedure. This is an in vitro study with a total of 30 specimen. A total of 30 maxillary standardized dentures were fabricated after mounting on a semi adjustable articulator. These samples will be divided into three groups based on the relining material used (Autopolymerizing resin, Heat-cure resin, Tissue conditioner). The vertical dimension, Centric contact points and eccentric contact points were measured before and after relining. The variables were tested to see if they had a normal distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric distribution was seen for ECP leading to further comparison using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Non-parametric distribution was found while testing the VD, CCP leading to adoption of Kruskal-wallis test for comparison of groups. Dunn Bonferroni test was done for VD since results were significant. The results of this in-vitro study showed statistically significant difference with respect to change in vertical dimension in all groups pre and post relining (P = 0.005). The centric contact points showed lesser variation in position when comparing the pre to the post relining phase with the use of autopolymerising resins, whereas heat cure resins and tissue conditioners showed statistically significant difference in the centric point contacts post relining. No statistically significant changes were seen in eccentric occlusion post relining in all groups. Tissue conditioners showed minimum mean changes in eccentric contacts. Within the limitations of this study, the use of autopolymerising resins depicted the most stable results with respect to occlusion, for relining of dentures.

Average Force Applied for Individual Tooth in All Ceramic Restoration

Abstract Objectives Occlusion plays an important role in the retention and stability of dental restorations. Aim of this study was to analyze occlusal loading detected on dental elements in patients with unilateral partial edentulism—class III Kennedy, before and immediately after prosthetic treatment with a zirconia-based bridge in maximal intercuspation position with the help of electronic system T-scan III. Materials and Methods The research sample consisted of a total of 60 patients who, based on the preset selection criteria, were divided into two groups: control group with 30 (100%) patients with intact dentition (Gr1) and study group with 30 (100%) patients with unilateral partial edentulism—class III Kennedy, analyzed before prosthetic treatment (Gr2) and immediately after prosthetic treatment with a zirconia-based bridge (Gr3). Results In Gr1, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–14.6 ± 9.9%, 26–11.9 ± 6.8%, and 27–11.7 ± 6.8%. The lowest average value was registered for the teeth number 22–1.4 ± 1.3%, 12–1.9 ± 3.8%, and 13–2.9 ± 2.7%. In the group Gr2, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–12.9 ± 35.6 and 21–9.6 ± 13.9%, whereas the lowest in teeth 24–2.7 ± 5.2 and 27–3.4 ± 6.8. In Gr3, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–11.8 ± 15.4 and 14–9.8 ± 10.9%, whereas the lowest in the tooth 22–2.1 ± 2.6. Conclusion This study demonstrated that all patients with the loss of teeth showed occlusal discrepancies and functional disharmony. During the delivery of zirconia restorations in the future a careful analysis of occlusal contacts should be performed. T-scan III technology reduces the subjective interpretation of occlusal analysis data allowing records and measures the contacts between the teeth.

Management regulations for odontogenic keratocyst: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundReconstruction of the entire dentition with odontogenic keratocyst is a very challenging quandary. Most cases of odontogenic keratocyst are often reported to be benign, resulting in severe occlusal discrepancies with the maxillary and mandibular dentition. Dental radiographs occasionally reveal an uncommon, locally aggressive developing cyst termed as odontogenic keratocyst, which is typically located in the posterior jaw. When this cyst occurs in the anterior region, it is often misdiagnosed with other periapical lesions due to its lack of response to pulp vitality tests.Case presentationThis clinical case scenario demarcates the endodontic management of a patient diagnosed with odontogenic keratocyst. A 37-year-old Indian male patient reported to the department with throbbing pain in the lower left posterior tooth requiring endodontic therapy. This patient also presented with odontogenic keratocyst in the anterior region of the jaw, for which he had undergone surgical rehabilitation. This case report highlights the clinical protocol for the endodontic therapy in patient diagnosed with ododntogenic keratocyst. Masticatory impairment was not visible after the follow-up period and the treatment outcome was successful.ConclusionThis case report details the presentation, characteristic radiographic findings, and endodontic management of a patient with an extremely rare condition of odontogenic keratocyst. The management involves multidisciplinary approach for the rehabilitation.

Understanding the relationship between occlusal discrepancies and their role in temporomandibular disorder: A questionnaire-based research

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) presents as a multifaceted condition that impacts the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, and other related structures. The role of occlusal factors in TMD etiology has been a subject of debate, necessitating further investigation. Aim: This questionnaire-based research aimed to explore the relationship between occlusal discrepancies and their role in TMD. Materials and Methods: The study involved 126 volunteers, comprising 69 females and 57 males, aged between 15 and 40 years, who had no previous history of systemic, musculoskeletal, or neurological disorders. To assess the degree of TMD, the researchers utilized the Fonseca questionnaire, and extra-oral and intra-oral examinations were done to check for occlusal discrepancy which was then classified according to the criteria of Angle’s classification in all three planes along with functional TMJ examination. Results: 55.5% of the population had some of the symptoms of TMJ disorders. Clinical examination showed that 45.2% of the population had tenderness on palpation. Variation of mouth opening was 37.72 ± 0.401 (±1.06%), the right lateral excursive movements were 6.88 ± 0.177 (±2.57%), and left lateral excursive movements were 6.6 ± 0.228 (±3.46%) respectively. The presence of “clicking” or “popping” was noted in 55 (43.6%) participants. Conclusion: The findings suggest that occlusal factors may significantly affect TMD development and symptomatology. Cases with occlusal discrepancies in multiple planes exhibited a significantly high prevalence of signs and symptoms related to TMD.

Comparative evaluation of treatment of angular bone defect related to over-erupted tooth using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) followed by orthodontic intrusion (OI) versus OI followed by GTR: a controlled clinical trial

BackgroundPrematurity resulted from pathological migration of periodontally involved teeth with the loss of vertical stopping points between teeth, which can lead to teeth over eruption with dimensional changes favoring occlusal discrepancies. Therefore, evaluating and comparing the effect of guided tissue regeneration followed by orthodontic intrusion as opposed to orthodontic intrusion tracked by guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of an over-erupted tooth with angular bone loss.MethodsTwenty teeth in ten cases were selected with at least two teeth with vertical over-eruption and angular bone loss with the presence of their opposing. In group one, ten teeth over-erupted were treated by guided tissue regeneration followed by orthodontic intrusion, whereas, in group two, ten teeth over-erupted were treated by orthodontic intrusion followed by guided tissue regeneration. They were evaluated clinically for pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and tooth mobility. Radiographical evaluation assessed by cone beam computed tomography.ResultsClinically, there existed a statistically significant difference (P value ≤ 0.05) in favor of group one at six months post and in favor of group two at one year from re-evaluation regarding pocket depth and tooth mobility. Radiographically, in group one, there was a statistically significant improvement (P value ≤ 0.05) at six months post-guided tissue regeneration or orthodontic intrusion regarding defect depth and dimensional changes of the defect area, with a statistically significant difference (P value ≤ 0.05) in favor of group two at one year from re-evaluation phase regarding defect depth and defect area dimensional changes.ConclusionThere was a short-term improvement in group one, which deteriorated over a long period compared with group two, so it is preferable to start orthodontic intrusion before guided tissue regeneration.

Influence of glazing and aging on the marginal, axial, axio-occlusal, and occlusal fit of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated using additive and subtractive techniques

Studies are sparse on how glazing and aging influence the fit of additively fabricated monolithic zirconia restorations. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of glazing and aging on the fit of 3-unit monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated using different techniques. A total of 32 monolithic zirconia restorations were fabricated for a typodont model by using 4 distinct techniques (subtractive fabrication [SF], stereolithography [SLA], digital light processing [DLP], and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing [LCM]). The silicone replica approach was adopted to measure the discrepancy values for premolar and molar abutments after sintering, glazing, and 1 year of aging. The silicone replicas were sliced into mesiodistal and buccopalatal cross-sections, and digital micrographs of the cross-sections were made with a ×80 stereomicroscope. An inherent measuring program was run to record the discrepancy values (µm). Repeated-measures 2-way ANOVAs with the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to statistically analyze the acquired data. (α=.05). From the repeated measures 2-way ANOVAs, both the glazing×fabrication technique and the aging×fabrication technique interactions were not statistically significant (P>.05). Glazing significantly influenced premolar abutment marginal (P=.022) and occlusal (P=.007) discrepancy values, as well as molar abutment marginal discrepancy values (P=.047). Aging had a statistically significant effect on premolar abutment marginal (P=.008) and occlusal (P=.011) discrepancy values, as well as molar abutment occlusal discrepancy values (P=.039). In both the glazing and aging data, for all areas of interest, statistically significant differences were detected among the fabrication techniques (P<.05). The LCM group had the lowest discrepancy values, followed by the SLA, SF, and DLP groups. The LCM and SLA groups outperformed the other groups in terms of fit accuracy. The glazing and aging procedures altered the discrepancy values. The marginal discrepancy values of all groups were below the threshold of clinical acceptability (<120µm).

Malocclusions, Sleep Bruxism, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Pediatric ADHD Patients: A Prospective Study

Objectives: Literature presents conflicting results regarding malocclusions, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and sleep bruxism in children with ADHD. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these parameters. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 40 consecutive ADHD children referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome. All subjects underwent an orthodontic examination and were screened for OSA and sleep bruxism. Data were compared to a sex- and aged-matched control group. Results: Prevalence of high risk of OSA in children with ADHD was 62.5% compared to 10% in the control group (p < .00001). No differences were found in any of the occlusal variables examined between children with ADHD and controls (p > .05). An increased prevalence of sleep bruxism was observed in ADHD children (40%) compared to controls (7.5%) (p < .001). Conclusions: A higher prevalence of OSA risk and probable sleep bruxism were observed in ADHD patients compared with controls. No significant differences were observed in malocclusions d

Evaluation of Efficacy of Herbert Bone Screw and Lag Screw in Management of Oblique Mandibular Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study.

To assess the efficacy of Herbert cannulated bone screw versus Lag screw in fixation of oblique mandibular fractures. Study composed of two groups of 20 patients each and descriptive statistics were performed with p value set at 0.05 with confidence interval of 95%. Group A was treated by Titanium Lag screws; while, Group B was treated by Titanium Herbert Cannulated Bone Screws for the management of oblique mandibular fractures. Postoperatively, all the patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically by recording the incidence of complications (if any) which included trismus, neurosensory deficit, swelling, infection. Parameters such as occlusal discrepancy, rigid fixation (interfragmentary gap) and duration of surgery were also recorded for all the patients. All the patients were followed for a period of three months. Difference in mouth opening was found to be statistically significant during 1st month follow-up (p-Value-0.002). Postoperatively, the mean interfragmentary gap in Group A was significantly more than Group B (p-Value-0.000). Other parameters like neurosensory deficits, occlusal discrepancies, chewing efficiency, stability of fractured fragments and post-operative complications in terms of swelling, hardware exposure, radiolucency surrounding screw and wound dehiscence did not show any statistically significant difference. The obtained results showed that both lag screws and Herbert cannulated bone screws fulfill the treatment goals of adequate reduction, fixation and stabilization of oblique mandibular fractures. Herbert screws have shown to have better results in terms of interfragmentary gapreduction as compared to lag screws.

Management of patient with occlusal discrepancy and TMD: A case report of a comprehensive approach

Management of patient with occlusal discrepancy and TMD: A case report of a comprehensive approach

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis on the Association of Occlusion with the Temporomandibular Joint Arthralgia in the Partial Denture Wearers-A Retrospective Study.

To analyze the potential association between the occlusion features and the incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia in patients with partial dentures. A total of 101 partial denture wearers were collected, 45 with unilateral TMJ arthralgia diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted. The TMJ asymptomatic group (n = 45) was quantified as 0, while the TMJ arthralgia group (n = 56) was quantified as 1. In total, 13 occlusion variables were analyzed: gender, age, number of prosthetic teeth, number of dentition quadrants with a prosthetic tooth, anterior or posterior prosthesis location in maxillary or mandibular dentition, occluded prosthesis pair, anterior overjet, and overbite relation. Simple and multiple binary logistic models were adopted, accordingly, for the risk impact of them on TMJ arthralgia. Overbite (OR = 2.238) and maxillary anterior prosthesis (OR = 0.305) were entered into the simple binary logistic model; while overbite (OR = 2.774) plus maxillary anterior prosthesis (OR = 0.347), overbite (OR = 3.425) plus unilateral maxillary posterior prosthesis (OR = 4.672), and overbite (OR = 3.476) plus overjet (OR = 0.436) and mandibular anterior prosthesis (OR = 0.177) were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model (all, P < .05). Partial denture wearers with a deep overbite, especially those with a unilateral maxillary posterior prosthesis, had a higher prevalence of unilateral TMJ arthralgia.

Evaluation of occlusal bite force distribution by T-Scan in orthodontic patients with different occlusal characteristics: a cross sectional-observational study

BackgroundThe aim of orthodontic treatment, apart from esthetic and functional corrections, is uniform force distribution. Hence Occlusal analysis using a T scan gives scope for a precisely targeted treatment plan. The T-scan evaluation of occlusal force, time, and location of contacts from initial occlusal contact to maximum intercuspation enables the orthodontist to sequentially balance the occlusal forces on the right and left sides through specific treatment plan options.ObjectiveThe current study aimed to determine the force distribution in the different individuals by using a T-Scan as well as the net discrepancies of forces generated at a maximum intercuspation position in the first molar region between the left and right sides of the mouth.MethodsThis is a descriptive-correlational study that was carried out in Ras Al Khaimah College of Dental Sciences clinics and Ajman University clinics from January 2020 to September 2022 by using the convenience sampling technique. The T-scan III Novus was employed in this investigation to record multi-bite scans for several patients. T-scan was utilised to examine various malocclusions.ResultsThe present study consisted of 158 participants. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the percentage of force between the three types of malocclusions (I, II, and III) on the right molar side (B-16 and B-46) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the overall discrepancy showed a statistically significant difference in the three types of malocclusion classifications (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of force between B-26 and B-36 (p > 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of force between malocclusion classes I and III on the right molar, with a mean difference of 4.11190 (p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in B-46 between Malocclusion Classes I and II, 4.01806 (p < 0.05). Additionally, post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference between malocclusion classes I and III, with a mean difference of -4.79841 (p < 0.05) on the right molar.ConclusionThe T-Scan is a useful tool for assessing occlusal discrepancies and can be helpful during treatment planning and follow-up, especially for orthognathic surgery patients. A T-scan could be used in orthodontic therapy in a simple and efficient way. Also, it turned out to be a useful tool for diagnosing problems and gave us new information about how therapies work. In this study, T-Scan showed that it can measure occlusal forces in timing in an objective, accurate, and repeated manner. The current study found that T-Scan was better able to report the difference in the percentage of force on the right molar side than on the left side.

Discrepancies in the occlusal devices designed by an experienced dental laboratory technician and by 2 artificial intelligence-based automatic programs

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have been developed for different applications, including the automatic design of occlusal devices; however, the design discrepancies of an experienced dental laboratory technician and these AI automatic programs remain unknown. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the overall, intaglio, and occlusal surface discrepancies of the occlusal device designs completed by an experienced dental laboratory technician and two AI automatic design programs. Virtually articulated maxillary and mandibular diagnostic casts were obtained in a standard tessellation language (STL) file format. Three groups were created depending on the operator or program used to design the occlusal devices: an experienced dental laboratory technician (control group) and two AI programs, namely Medit Splints from Medit (Medit group) and Automate from 3Shape A/S (3Shape group) (n=10). To minimize the discrepancies in the parameter designs among the groups tested, the same printing material and design parameters were selected. In the control group, the dental laboratory technician imported the articulated scans into a dental design program (DentalCAD) and designed a maxillary occlusal device. The occlusal device designs were exported in STL format. In the Medit and 3Shape groups, the diagnostic casts were imported into the respective AI programs. The AI programs automatically designed the occlusal device without any further operator intervention. The occlusal device designs were exported in STL format. Among the 10 occlusal designs of the control group, a random design (shuffle deck of cards) was used as a reference file to calculate the overall, intaglio, and occlusal discrepancies in the specimens of the AI groups by using a program (Medit Design). The root mean square (RMS) error was calculated. Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparison tests were used to analyze the trueness of the data. The Levene test was used to assess the precision data (α=.05). Significant overall (P<.001), intaglio (P<.001), and occlusal RMS median value (P<.001) discrepancies were found among the groups. Significant overall RMS median discrepancies were observed between the control and the Medit groups (P<.001) and the control and 3Shape groups (P<.001). Additionally, significant intaglio RMS median discrepancies were found between the control and the Medit groups (P<.001), the Medit and 3Shape groups (P<.001), and the control and 3Shape groups (P=.008). Lastly, significant occlusal RMS median discrepancies were found between the control and the 3Shape groups (P<.001) and the Medit and 3Shape groups (P<.001). The AI-based software programs tested were able to automatically design occlusal devices with less than a 100-µm trueness discrepancy compared with the dental laboratory technician. The Levene test revealed significant overall (P<.001), intaglio (P<.001), and occlusal (P<.001) precision among the groups tested. The use of a dental laboratory technique influenced the overall, intaglio, and occlusal trueness of the occlusal device designs obtained. No differences were observed in the precision of occlusal device designs acquired among the groups tested.

Comparison of bite force evaluation for mandibular angle fracture fixation by conventional miniplates versus new design miniplates: a clinical study.

To evaluate postoperative masticatory efficacy of a new design non-compression titanium miniplate compared to conventional non-compression titanium miniplate on the basis of bite force for treatment of mandibular angle fractures. The prospective study included 20 patients with mandibular angle fractures randomly categorized into 2 groups: Group I, fixation of angle fractures by conventional miniplates, and Group II, fixation of angle fractures by new design miniplates. Evaluation was done for clinical outcome, primarily bite force; radiological outcome; and associated postoperative morbidities at different time intervals. The results showed to be highly significant in terms of mean operating time for plate adaptation and fixation and bite force adaptation (p = 0.003 at follow-up of 6 months) for the newer miniplate compared to the conventional miniplate. No statistically significant difference was seen for postoperative paresthesia, malunion, non-union, occlusal discrepancy, or hardware failure. Within the limits of the study, it appears that the single, monocortical, non-compression, superior border new design miniplate proved to be a successful procedure for treating non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures specifically in terms of enhanced postoperative masticatory efficiency as compared to conventional miniplates. Further clinical studies with larger sample size can derive a more comprehensive conclusion.

Prevalence and risk indicators of primary dentition malocclusion in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia using a new case definition: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion and its linked risk indicators among a group of Saudi preschool children. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on preschool children aged 3 to 5 years residing in Riyadh City, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The study sample included 709 Saudi children of both genders with complete primary dentition. Oral examination was conducted for children to assess the anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions, arch spacings, and oral habits. ResultsThe prevalence of malocclusion was 59.1% among the study participants.A deep overbite and increased overjet were found in 26.23 % and 25.11%, respectively. Arch space problems were reported, including missing primate spaces in 24.12%, missing developmental spacing in 27.93%, and crowding in 14.1%. An association between mothers aged 25 years and younger at childbirth was linked with their child's malocclusion in the primary dentition (p-value of 0.03). ConclusionThe prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion among a specific group of Saudi preschool children was significantly high. Increased overbite and overjet were the most prevalent occlusal discrepancies, followed by arch spacing problems. The younger mother's age at childbirth is significantly associated with her child's malocclusion. The study results can serve as a baseline for future investigations.

Treatment of Class III malocclusion with Balters’ bionator in pediatric and adolescent patients: a narrative review

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that malocclusion ranks third in the priorities of global public dental health issues, given its widespread prevalence, qualifying it as a matter of public health relevance. Anterior crossbite is characterized by the improper positioning of the upper anterior teeth, which overlap inside compared to the lower teeth. This specific occlusal discrepancy requires timely intervention to prevent worsening, potentially progressing to a skeletal stage in adulthood, where correction often demands orthognathic surgical procedures. In this context, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive literature review to illustrate the relevance of early treatment of anterior crossbite using an adaptation of the Bionator appliance by Balters. This method was employed to address Class III malocclusion in the mixed dentition phase. The analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of this approach when implemented early, in order to satisfactorily address this occlusal irregularity.

Modified Blair’s (Transparotid) Approach for Open Reduction of Condylar Fractures - Our Experience

The treatment of condylar fractures is complex and controversial.The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of open reduction of condylar fractures using Modified Blair’s (Transparotid) approach. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted March 2021 to April 2023. Patients reporting to the department with condylar neck/ subcondylar fractures with or without other facial bone fractures and requiring open reduction internal fixation were included in the study. Modified Blair’s (Transparotid) approach was used to expose the condylar fracture site. Intraoperative surgical time of exposure, post-operative variables like swelling, pain, status of occlusion, facial nerve dysfunction, salivary leakage (salivary fistula/sialocele), Frey’s syndrome, greater auricular nerve damage, subjective assessment of scar esthetics were recorded after immediate post-op day 1, after 1st post-op week, after 1st post-op month, after 3rd post-op month and after 6th post-operative month. Results: The study included 36 condylar fractures sites in 30 patients, 24 unilateral and 6 bilateral. The mean average time from incision to exposure of fracture site was 22.5 minutes. Mild occlusal discrepancy was recorded in 3 patients which was corrected with elastic traction in the post-operative period. Transient facial nerve dysfunction was recorded in 6 patients with spontaneous recovery of nerve function within 6 months. No other major complications were noted. Conclusion: The Modified Blairs (transparotid) approach provided sufficient exposure of the condylar fracture site to facilitate anatomical reduction. It is a good technique and provides stable results with low complication rates and acceptable scar.

Use of strain elastography in comparative evaluation of elasticity of masseter muscle in complete denture as against implant supported overdenture.

Introduction The masticatory muscles play an important role in natural function and functional disorders of craniomandibular system. Occlusal variables have an impact on the masticatory muscles' action and strength. The masticatory muscles cannot contract as forcefully as they do when natural teeth are present, which is caused by pathological ageing and tooth loss. Consequently, it can be demonstrated that edentulous patients have lower masticatory cycle amplitude, efficiency, and masticatory force than dentulous individuals. Objectives Using strain elastography, evaluate and compare the elasticity of the masseter muscle in complete edentulous individuals and have undergone rehabilitation with complete dentures against those who have undergone rehabilitation with implant-supported dentures. Methodology Two groups of totally edentulous patients would be chosen. The rehabilitation of one group would involve complete dentures, whereas the rehabilitation of the other group would use implant-supported dentures. At the moment of denture insertion and three months later, strain elastography will be used to scan both sides of the masseter muscle. Both groups' values would be compared. Expected results The study's anticipated result is that patients who receive rehabilitation with implant-supported overdentures have greater masseter muscle elasticity than patients who receive rehabilitation with complete dentures. Conclusion The study would give dental professionals a way to efficiently assess the masseter muscle's elasticity in patients who are completely edentulous. Also, it would compare the flexibility of the masseter muscle between a denture supported by implants and a complete denture.