Sample Of Orthodontic Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of Incisor Position in a Sample of Orthodontic Patients.

To achieve a successful result, the orthodontist must use a systematic approach to plan the orthodontic treatment. Defining the correct position of the upper and lower incisors and evaluating their relationship with intermaxillary discrepancy and facial divergence have been recognized as the starting point for the diagnostic decision regarding extractions and anchorage requirements. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between intermaxillary discrepancy (ANPg^), mandibular inclination (SN^GoGn), lip incompetence, and the positioning of the upper and lower incisors (UIPs and LIPs) in a group of orthodontic patients. This retrospective study included 290 lateral cephalograms in 122 males (42.1%) and 168 females (57.9%) aged 8 to 53 years (median 14; interquartile range IQR 12-17). Data were analyzed by means of one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and linear regression analysis. This study showed a statistically significant increase in LIP values in patients with lip incompetence (p < 0.001). Moreover, the distribution of LIPs in groups with various SN^GoGn and ANPg^ angles was significantly different (p < 0.001). The regression analysis also showed a positive association between the LIP and SN^GoGn and between the LIP and ANPg^. The LIP presented a statistically significant difference in patients with and without lip incompetence, which varied significantly in subjects with different sagittal malocclusions and vertical face patterns.

The Prevalence of Root Resorption in a Sample of Orthodontic Patients Treated in Private Clinics in Sulaimani City/ A Retrospective Study

Objective: Root resorption is an inevitable consequence of orthodontic treatment. This retrospective study aimed to determine theprevalence of root resorption secondary to orthodontic treatment in private clinics in Sulaimani City, Iraq and to compare the difference in the amount of root resorption between varying teeth, regions of the mouth, and the upper and lower arches in order to lessen or eliminate unsolicited and undue impediments.&#x0D; Methods: Among the 465 cases with available data, treated in private clinics of the participating practitioners, only 92 were fullyeligible for study. Pre-operative lateral cephalograms were measured using Eastman Analysis on WebCeph. A customized frame wascreated on AutoCAD and pre and post-operative orthopantomograms were measured for root resorption only if they fitted into theframe. Intra and inter-observer reliability were performed to ensure optimal accuracy in the measurements. The millimetermeasurements of root resorption were converted into percentages to identify the prevalence of root resorption in Sulaimani City.&#x0D; Results: The root resorption in the different individual teeth resulted in a significant relationship with orthodontic treatment. Factorssuch as age, gender, and duration of treatment were not significantly associated with root resorption. The results of the upper and lower arches indicated no significant differences between the arches. The incisors showed more significant resorption when compared to canines.&#x0D; Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment affects the prevalence and severity of root resorption. Age, gender, and duration of treatment have no significant relation with apical root resorption. Different regions of the mouth encounter varying degrees of apical root resorption. Even in the anterior teeth, incisors are more prone to resorption than canines.

The prevalence and distribution of hypodontia inorthodontic patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction: The need for this study on the prevalence of hypodontia in a sample of orthodontic patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina arises from the fact that in the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia as a previously defined, growing global problem and that it could emphasize the importance of its early diagnosis, as this is still the best standard for preventing the occurrence of complications due to a lack of teeth. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in orthodontic patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The study was conducted in the Orthodontic Department of the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Dentistry, with the Center for Clinical Dentistry. The study included all patients who presented to the Orthodontic Department in the period from January 2020 to March 2023 and whose diagnostic protocol included panoramic radiographs, which were analyzed for the purposes of this study. The sample consisted of the orthopantomography radiographs of 5084 patients (2031 males and 3053 females). Results: Hypodontia was found in 6.77% of orthodontic patients, of which 38.4% were male patients and 61.6% were female. The teeth most frequently affected by hypodontia were the second premolars (68.15%). After stratifying the sample by jaw, the most common hypodontic tooth was the second premolar in the mandible and the lateral incisor in the maxilla. Conclusion: We can conclude that the prevalence of hypodontia in orthodontic patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its distribution are very similar to the general population. The results of this study may help to improve the early diagnosis of hypodontia as a growing problem, which may reduce the complications that may arise from missing a tooth.

Comparisons of Dental Anomalies in Orthodontic Patients with Impacted Maxillary and Mandibular Canines.

To assess the presence and possible associations between the type of dental anomalies and maxillary and mandibular canine impactions in orthodontic patients treated for canine impaction, panoramic radiographs of orthodontic patients treated for canine impaction were assessed for the presence of associated dental anomalies. A random sample of orthodontic patients without canine impaction matched for age and gender served as controls. Descriptive and exact inferential statistics were implemented in order to assess potential associations between canine impaction and dental anomalies. A total of 102 orthodontic patients with 70 maxillary (MaxCI) and 32 mandibular (ManCI) canine impactions were assessed. The control group included 117 orthodontic patients. Dental anomalies were present in more than 50% of patients with impacted canines and in 20% of the controls. Tooth agenesis was significantly more common in the MaxCI group when compared to the ManCI group, while supernumerary teeth and canine transmigration were registered more often in the ManCI group. When compared to the control group, peg-shaped maxillary lateral incisors and tooth agenesis were significantly more prevalent in the MaxCI group, while canine transmigration, supernumerary teeth, the agenesis of mandibular incisors and tooth transpositions were significantly more prevalent in the ManCI group. The impaction of other teeth was significantly more common in both canine impaction groups when compared to the controls. The prevalence of dental anomalies in orthodontic patients with impacted canines was higher than in orthodontic patients without canine impaction. Different types of tooth anomalies were found in the MaxCI and ManCI groups.

Is There a Correlation between Gingival Display and Incisal Inclination in a Gummy Smile? Study on Cephalometric Parameters.

Excessive gingival display or "gummy smile" is a clinical condition where a maxillary gum shows between the inferior line of the superior lip and the gingival line of the incisive superior during a spontaneous smile. The aim of this research was to understand the various skeletal and dentoalveolar components contributing to a gummy smile in a sample of 120 patients. This retrospective case-control study had the primary objectives of analyzing the existence of a correlation between the presence of gingival exposure and the alteration of the inclination of the upper incisors with respect to the Frankfurt plane, the Palatine plane (bi-spinal) and to the NA line in a sample of orthodontic patients, and also evaluating the association with skeletal, dental, and aesthetic cephalometric parameters. In our study, it's emerged a correlation between the gingival exposure and the presence of alterations to incisal torque in the vestibular direction and the quantity of maxillary gingiva evident during the smile, which is correlated in particular to the Is-Sts distance, overjet and overbite. The major indicative data, therefore, are related to the vertical position of the upper incisors, in particular with respect to the upper lip and to the sagittal position.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients Receiving Orthodontic Treatment.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the provision of dental treatment in a timely manner including orthodontic treatment. The objective of this study was to assess challenges encountered by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment during the pandemic and their attitude toward managing these challenges. A cross-sectional sample of orthodontic patients at Prince Rashid Hospital in the north of Jordan was recruited to participate in a self-administered questionnaire that included questions related to orthodontic problems encountered during the lockdown, ways to overcome these problems, and concerns about their treatment. A total of 120 patients participated, 40 males and 80 females. Most participants (n = 86) had a fixed orthodontic appliance, who reported various orthodontic problems (82%), but the most common problems reported were exposed wire endings and loosening of brackets. Likewise, the most commonly reported problem among those with removable appliances (n = 34) was a broken or loose appliance (60%). However, patients of both types of appliances ignored the problem and waited until the re-opening of dental offices. Further, most patients missed at least one appointment for different reasons and three-quarters of them (76.6%) did not communicate with their orthodontists during the lockdown. Patients expressed their disagreement with the closure of dental offices during the pandemic because of their concern of a prolonged waiting to receive another appointment. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on orthodontic care and the maintenance of appointments during the lockdown periods. Patients varied in ways they managed their orthodontic problems, including their commitment to communicate with the dentists or maintain their appointments. Hence, patients should be trained on how to manage the appliance problems when they need and encourage them to accept distant communication during the emergencies.

The Prevalence of Hypodontia and Hyperdontia in Orthodontic Patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypodontia and hyperdontia among a group of orthodontic patients. This cross sectional study was conducted using radiographs of 4256 patients (2032 males and 2224 females) who attended the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Sarajevo. Radiographs were examined for the prevalence of hypodontia and hyperdontia in permanent dentition. Hypodontia was recorded when a tooth was absent on the panoramic radiograph and hyperdontia was recorded as an increased number of teeth above that described by normal dental formula. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency and percentage, and differences between groups were tested using the χ2 test, or Fisher exact test. In the sample of orthodontic patients, 4.08% subjects had a least one dental anomaly, hypodontia or hyperdontia. The observed prevalence of hypodontia was in 3.42% subjects, and it was more prevalent in females than in male subjects. The observed prevalence of hyperdontia was in 0.65% subjects and hyperdontia was more common in males than female subjects. By early diagnosis of a reduced or increased number of teeth, various modes of therapy with a multidisciplinary approach may be performed to correct the aesthetic and functional problems caused by hypodontia or hyperdontia.

Canine Transposition - Prevalence, Distribution and Treatment Considerations among Orthodontic Patients.

To determine the prevalence and distribution of canine transposition in a sample of orthodontic patients and present treatment alternatives and outcome. The records of 3000 consecutively treated orthodontic patients from a university clinic were surveyed to detect canine transposition in both dental arches. The data was recorded according to gender, age, number and location. Canine transpositions were detected in 15 subjects, 3 (20%) males and 12 (80%) females presenting a prevalence of 0.5%. Of them, 6 were between the maxillary canine and first premolar, 7 between the maxillary canine and lateral incisor, 2 transpositions were between the mandibular canine and the lateral incisor. A female to male ratio of 4:1 with left side predominance was found. Treatment options include extracting the transposed teeth, maintaining them in their transposed position, or repositioning them in their normal place within the dental arch. The prevalence of canine transposition in the present sample was found to be 0.5% with a greater frequency in the maxilla. Treatment options include extraction of one of the transposed teeth, alignment of the teeth in their transposed position or correction of the anomaly. The latter gives the best esthetic outcome.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in a Sample of Orthodontic Patients in Erbil City

Objective: Dental anomalies are abnormal morphological development of dentition during various periods of tooth development and have an important role in the development of various kinds of malocclusions. If dental anomalies not diagnosed, they can make dental and orthodontic treatment more difficult. So, orthodontists and the general dental practitioner must investigate patients carefully. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies in a sample of orthodontic patients in Erbil city using orthopantomogram.` &#x0D; Methods: Four hundred fifty-eight orthopantomograms of orthodontic patients with age of 16-40 years evaluated to determine the prevalence and distribution of the hypodontia, impaction, microdontia, and supernumerary tooth.&#x0D; Results: 15.06% orthodontic patients: 21 males and 48 females had at least one dental anomaly. Impaction and hypodontia were the most common dental anomalies with no significant difference between genders. Maxillary canines were more commonly impacted tooth, whereas maxillary lateral incisors were the most common tooth agenesis among genders.&#x0D; Conclusions: Impaction was the most prevalent dental anomaly, and maxillary canines were the most involved teeth and are in agreement with many studies among various populations. The most frequently missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors. However, mandibular 2nd premolar was the most common hypodontia in some studies.

Prevalence of Dental Midline Shifting in a Sample of Orthodontic Patients in Erbil City

Aim of the study: the study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental midline shifting in a group of orthodontic patients.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was conducted on 506 orthodontic patients (183 boys and 323 girls), between13-40 years old, who came to orthodontic department, college of dentistry. The data collected from orthodontic records were analyzed according to the gender, type of dentition and Angle Classes of malocclusion. Dental Midline shifting was observed on patient with respect to patient’s facial midline. SPSS version 20.0 for windows was used for data analyses using Chi-square Pearson tests and Fischer exact tests. Level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: Around half of the total orthodontic patients had dental midline shifting (49.41 %) which was greater in the maxilla (25.89%) than the mandible (23.52%) slightly. The prevalence of dental midline shifting was more in girls (30.2%), with permanent dentition (48.02%) and with Class I (26.28%) and Class II (18.18) malocclusion.&#x0D; Conclusions: The prevalence of maxillary-mandibular dental midlines was seen in around half of orthodontic patients only. Class I patients were found to have maximum dental midline shift.

Prevalence of hypodontia of permanent dentition in a sample of orthodontic patients In Erbil City: An orthopantomograph study

Background and objective: Developmentally missing teeth include hypodontia, oligodontia, and anodontia. In the case of absence of one or more teeth or supernumerary one, the need for treatment is very great. Aesthetic concerns, periodontal diseases and malocclusion are some of the complications following hypodontia. This study aimed to find out the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in Erbil orthodontic patients in relation to the side, jaw, tooth types and gender. Methods: Orthopantomograms of 600 patients (10-34 years old), seeking orthodontic treatment from different orthodontic clinics in Erbil city between 2014 and 2015 were evaluated. A tooth diagnosed as congenitally missing when cannot be identified or discerned radiographically on the basis of calcification and there is no evidence of extraction. Results: The prevalence of hypodontia was 6.66%. Maxillary lateral incisors were most frequently missing (42.68%), followed by mandibular second premolars (19.51%). Hypodontia was more frequently found in females with no statistically significant difference. 62.5% of hypodontia located in maxilla while 27.5% located in the mandible and only 10% was in both arches in the same patient. Conclusion: The pattern and prevalence of hypodontia are different among races and ethnic groups. The prevalence of hypodontia in Erbil orthodontic patients was 6.6%. Upper lateral incisor was the most frequently missing teeth. Tooth agenesis in the upper arch was more prevalent than in the lower arch.

Risk factors for tobacco susceptibility in an orthodontic population: An exploratory study.

Tobacco use is related to increased periodontal disease, tooth loss, and decreased success of orthodontic appliances, and it may inhibit orthodontic tooth movement. Most smokers start during adolescence. Since most cessation attempts fail, prevention appears necessary. A cross-sectional sample of orthodontic patients reported hypothesized risk factors for smoking and susceptibility to tobacco use initiation. Exploratory analyses regressed susceptibility to tobacco initiation on each hypothesized predictor variable in a separate logistic model that included a standard set of covariates. Significant odds ratios (OR) were found for the presence of a smoker in the home (OR, 2.168; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.144-4.107), a friend having no-smoking rules in his or her home and car (OR, 0.337; 95% CI, 0.128-0.886), having been offered a cigarette (OR, 4.526; 95% CI, 1.190-17.207), and exposure to tobacco advertisements (OR, 1.910; 95% CI, 1.044-3.496). Peer, family, and environmental factors appear to increase children's susceptibility to smoking in orthodontic populations. Attention to such factors could help dental clinicians to more effectively identify susceptible young patients in need of antismoking advice. Prospective and experimental studies are required to confirm the role that dental clinicians might play in youth smoking prevention.

Bolton discrepancy among patients with anterior open bite malocclusion

IntroductionSeveral investigators studied Bolton's discrepancy in relation to different types of malocclusions, but no studies were found investigating Bolton's discrepancy in open bite cases. The aim of the present study was mainly to determine tooth size discrepancy in a sample of orthodontic patients with open bite malocclusion and to test any correlation between open bite and anterior, posterior, and overall ratios. MethodEighty-four study models of patients with open bite (42 females and 42 males) and 33 study models of ideal occlusion as control (18 females and 15 males) were selected. The mesiodistal width of upper and lower teeth, excluding second and third molars, was measured using a digital calliper, and the anterior, posterior, and overall ratios were calculated. ResultsThe anterior, posterior, and overall ratios for the open bite Saudi sample was 77.14 (SD 3.27), 104.5 (SD 4.80), and 90.46 (SD 3.90), respectively. The Student's t test showed no significant difference between the open bite and control groups in all ratios. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed no significant correlations between open bite and anterior ratio, total ratio, and posterior ratio. ConclusionEven though the anterior, posterior, and overall ratios are not significantly different from control or Bolton's ratios, open bite cases require a close evaluation of tooth size discrepancy in all anterior, posterior, and total ratios to achieve ideal occlusion.

Patient's Satisfaction with Orthodontic Treatment in Sulaimani City

Objectives: The aim of the study: The objective of this study is to evaluate the patient’s satisfaction with orthodontic treatment for a sample of orthodontic patients treated in Sulaimani city and identify the possible factors that may affect the satisfaction with their dentition and profile after treatment.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study where 581 patients had consecutively completed active orthodontic treatment in Sulaimani Governorate, those patients were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, only 500 patients were included (178 males and 322 females; mean age, 25.5; standard deviation [SD], 9.5. All the patients were treated with full fixed appliances, some in combination with removable and functional appliances. (57.2%) were very satisfied with the orthodontist, (33.8%) were very satisfied with improvement in the facial appearance, 80.8% were very satisfied with improvement in alignment of teeth, 24.8% were very satisfied with improvement in chewing, 43% were very satisfied with improvement in cleaning, 24 4.8% were very satisfied with the color of the teeth, 29% were very satisfied with the speech quality, 32.4% were very satisfied with the total treatment time, 39.8% were very satisfied with the number of visits per month, 8.4% were very satisfied with time that one appointment lasts, 1.4% were very satisfied with waiting time at each appointment, 21.8% were very satisfied with the service of orthodontic staff in clinic or hospital.&#x0D; Conclusions: Personality and satisfaction were correlated, but no correlation was found between gender and patient satisfaction. Also, patients with high neuroticism scores who treated orthodontically were linked with lower levels of satisfaction with the dentition. Beside satisfaction with oral comfort, general performance, eating capacities, and pain dimensions during orthodontic treatment had definitive effects on total satisfaction. On the other side, most of them were unsatisfied with waiting for each appointment.

Nonparametric methods.

When the normality assumption for a parametric test is not met, we have 2 options: we can try to find a transformation to normality for the data, or we can use the equivalent nonparametric method, which has more relaxed assumptions about the data. The inferences from transformed data do not change; however, interpretation can be challenging. Nonparametric methods use ranks to relax the assumption and facilitate testing, but the use of ranks results in loss of information. For this reason, nonparametric methods are usually limited to hypothesis testing rather than estimation of effects. If the data are not normally distributed, a corresponding nonparametric test can be used, such as the median test or the rank sum test (Mann–Whitney U test). The median test is based on the use of medians, and the rank sum test evaluates whether 2 independent samples are from populations with the same distribution. Confidence intervals can be calculated, but this is not as straightforward as with normally distributed data; those tests are mainly used for hypothesis testing. The results with the median test and the rank sum test to compare, for example, the ages of a hypothetical sample of orthodontic patients across the sexes are shown in Table I, Table II respectively, and both tests indicate that the ages between the female and male participants differ significantly.Table IMedian test comparing ages between male and female patientsGreater than the medianSexTotalFemaleMaleNo33538Yes191736Total522274Pearson chi-square (df = 1) = 10.2681; P = 0.001.Continuity corrected: Pearson chi-square (1) = 8.7023; P = 0.003.df = degrees of freedom. Open table in a new tab Table IIRank sum test∗Also known as 2-sample Wilcoxon rank sum or Mann–Whitney U test. comparing ages between male and female patientsSexObservationsRank sumExpectedFemale521,688.51,950Male221,086.5825Combined742,7752,775Unadjusted variance = 7150.00.Adjustment for ties = −36.95.---------Adjusted variance = 7113.05.Ho: age (sex = female) = age (sex = male).z = –3.101; P > |z| = 0.0019.∗ Also known as 2-sample Wilcoxon rank sum or Mann–Whitney U test. Open table in a new tab Pearson chi-square (df = 1) = 10.2681; P = 0.001. Continuity corrected: Pearson chi-square (1) = 8.7023; P = 0.003. df = degrees of freedom. Unadjusted variance = 7150.00. Adjustment for ties = −36.95. --------- Adjusted variance = 7113.05. Ho: age (sex = female) = age (sex = male). z = –3.101; P > |z| = 0.0019. The Figure shows common nonparametric tests for continuous data; as you can see, there is also a nonparametric test for paired data (Wilcoxon signed rank test).

ANB, Wits And Molar Relationship, Do They Correlate In Orthodontic Patients?

Objective: To determine the association between the anteroposterior relationship of the dental arch and the jawbase in a random sample of orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: 478 pretreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs and study models were evaluated. Cephalometric analysis using Dolphin software to measure the ANB angle and Wits appraisal was performed, and Angle’s classification was evaluated. Results: The agreement of the sagittal classification of the dental arch was higher with the anteroposterior relationship of the jaw-base using ANB angle (57.7%) than with Wits appraisal (43.7%). Agreement of molar relation and both ANB and Wits was higher in Class I cases (79.5% and 84% respectively). The correlation coefficient value between ANB and Wits was 0.727. A statistical significant regression between ANB and Wits was found. Conclusions: It is evident that the Angle classification of occlusion will not reveal the full picture of the dentofacial deformity, and the three methods of anteroposterior classification agree in only one out of every three individuals.

Prevalence of incidental maxillary sinus findings in Italian orthodontic patients: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of incidental maxillary sinus findings in a large sample of orthodontic patients by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a wide field of view and assess the relationships of such abnormalities with age and gender.MethodsFive hundred thirteen CBCT scans obtained for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in a Northern Italian population (N = 513; 292 female and 221 male subjects; 1,026 maxillary sinuses) were studied. The frequencies of pseudocysts and mucosal thickening of the maxillary sinus were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of age and gender on these abnormalities.ResultsPseudocysts were detected in 52 patients (10.1%) and 59 sinuses (5.75%). Mucosal thickening was observed in 206 patients (40.1%) and 258 sinuses (25.1%). Gender and age were significantly associated with pseudocysts (p = 0.027) and mucosal thickening (p < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsHalf of the orthodontic patients had incidental maxillary sinus findings. Men were more likely to show pseudocysts, and older patients (aged 41 - 60 years) were more likely to show mucosal thickening.

The pattern of malocclusion in a sample of orthodontic patients from Turkey

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of individual traits of malocclusion in a sample of Turkish orthodontic patients. The present study was based on the examination of dental casts, intraoral photographs and panoramic radiographs of 1507 orthodontic patients (884 females and 623 males). The relationship of the first upper and lower molars according to the Angle's classification, overjet, overbite, crowding, spacing, posterior crossbite, scissor bite, maxillary median diastema were examined. The Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests were used to determine potential differences in the distribution of malocclusion when stratified by gender. The study demonstrated that only 52 (3.5%) of the subjects had normal occlusion. Class I malocclusion was found in 626 (41.5%), Class II Division 1 in 435 (28.9%), Class II Division 2 in 142 (9.4%) and Class III malocclusion in 252 (16.7%) subjects of all examined. Normal overbite, normal overjet, crossbite on both sides and severe crowding in the upper dental arch were observed more frequently in females (P<0.05), however, increased overbite and moderate crowding in the upper dental arch were observed more frequently in males (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that crowding in the upper and lower dental arches in a sample of Turkish population was the most frequent of all anomalies recorded with ranges of 70.0% and 47.3%, respectively.

Prevalence of Nickel Allergy and Longitudinal Evaluation of Periodontal Abnormalities in Orthodontic Allergic Patients

To determine the prevalence of nickel allergy in a sample of orthodontic patients and longitudinally compare the clinical periodontal status of these individuals with that of a group of nonallergic patients. The initial sample consisted of 96 patients selected randomly from a databank of patients who sought orthodontic care at a teaching institution. Following the selection and beginning of treatment, periodontal status was assessed over a 12-month period (one evaluation every 3 months-T(1), T(2,) T(3,) T(4)) using the Loe index. The evaluations were performed blindly by a single, calibrated examiner and were followed by prophylaxis and orientation regarding oral hygiene. The prevalence of nickel allergy was determined by the patch test 9 months after the beginning of treatment and occurred in 16 individuals (17.2%). Two groups were then established: the allergic group (AG, n = 16) and the age-paired nonallergic control group (NAG, n = 16). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Friedman's analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests (P < or = .05). Significant differences were present between groups at the T(3) and T(4) evaluations for the LOE index (P = .045 and .009), with allergic individuals showing higher mean values than nonallergic individuals (hyperplasia, change in color, and bleeding). No significant differences were found in the intragroup evaluations between the four evaluations (P > .05). The results suggest a cumulative effect from nickel throughout orthodontic treatment associated with clinically significant periodontal abnormalities in allergic individuals over time.

Growth in root length of the mandibular canine and premolars in a mixed‐longitudinal orthodontic sample

Numerous studies of dental development focusing on eruption (clinical emergence) exist in the literature, but fewer studies examine dental development as a process extending across years or decades, and root development is commonly assessed using fractional root lengths. Here, we examine the growth of mandibular canine and premolar roots in a mixed-longitudinal sample of orthodontic patients (77 females and 74 males) from north central Texas. Multilevel models are generated for root lengths as a percentage of total tooth lengths (within films) as well as for absolute root lengths (across films). As a percentage of tooth length, roots grow with decreasing velocity through time between 7 and 14 years of age. More complex patterns appear for absolute growth in root length, with girls showing an earlier maximum growth rate for the canine than for the premolars. Substitution of dental age for chronological age reduces between-subject variation (assessed at age 11), especially for boys. A better understanding of dental maturation, including root length growth, should allow improved prediction models.