The Law of Minimum Vertical Dimension: Evidence for Improvement of Dental Occlusion

Dual Esthetic Enhancement of Class III Profile and Gummy Smile With Facial Esthetic Bone Augmentation and Orthodontic Therapy

OBJECTIVE

This case report examines the combination of orthodontic treatment and bone augmentation using an interdisciplinary approach to simultaneously improve a gummy smile and Class III facial profile. The subject is a 26-year-old female presenting with a gummy smile, congenitally missing teeth, an open bite tendency, and a Class III profile with a left-deviated mandible.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The interdisciplinary treatment included lingual inclination of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth to improve the gummy smile, facial esthetic bone augmentation (FABA) to enhance facial esthetics, and implant therapy for the missing teeth. Additionally, interdisciplinary treatment objectives and postoperative facial profile predictions were planned using the Dual Incisal Positioning (DIP) method.

CONCLUSION

The desired facial profile was achieved, with esthetic improvements in both the gummy smile and Class III profile. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that combines the DIP and FABA methods to address multifaceted dental and facial esthetic challenges.

Mandibular Kinematics on an Orthodontic Population Assessed with an Optical Jaw Tracking System: A Comparative Study

Objective: To evaluate mandibular kinematics in an orthodontic population using the Modjaw® optical jaw tracking system. Materials and methods: A total of 154 orthodontic patients underwent mandibular kinematic analysis using the Modjaw® system. ANB values determined skeletal classification, while dental classification was assessed on digital casts. The Modjaw® records were taken as instructed by the manufacturer, and data collected from the readings included the discrepancy between centric occlusion and maximum intercuspation, maximum opening, Bennett angles, and sagittal condylar guidance. The presence or absence of temporomandibular disorders was determined by the DC-TMD questionnaires. Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations were applied for the statistical analysis. Results: Significant differences in mandibular kinematics were observed between skeletal classes, particularly in CO-MI discrepancies, Bennett angles, and maximum opening (p < 0.05). TMD symptoms were associated with higher absolute CO-MI discrepancies but did not significantly alter other kinematic parameters. Weak correlations were found between sagittal condylar guidance and anterior guidance variables. Conclusions: Mandibular kinematics differ by skeletal classification, with Class III patients demonstrating distinct patterns. While TMD symptoms impact CO-MI discrepancies, overall mandibular dynamics remain consistent.

Combined Therapy for Associated Orofacial Disorders-A Challenging Case Report

Health promotion and disease prevention link intricately with lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, physical activity, and good sleep quality. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and associated disorders can take away sleep and well-being depending on the form and intensity that affect the individual. A multidisciplinary effort has contributed to significant health advances, improving clinical outcomes concerning TMJ dysfunction. This report presents the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian female physical educator with a good healthy diet with complaints of tooth tightening, constant TMJ and neck pain, and tinnitus. The patient was treated with inferior occlusal splint placement and selective occlusal adjustments based on neuro-occlusal rehabilitation. The patient reported relief of pain symptoms with occlusal and body balance, discontinued analgesic medication, and maintained the occlusal splint to practice sports and sleep due to the perception of improved physical performance and sleep, and quality of life. Based on this report, it is necessary to analyze the causes and define the effects of different disorders to establish their diagnosis and treatment and changing patterns to reestablish functional balance.