[Sagittal photogrammetric evaluation of the soft tissue profile between two different racial groups: a comparative study]

INTRODUCTION

Facial soft-tissue analyses made from photographic records (photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissues) showed interracial dimorphism. Standard of these facial analyses, originally obtained from Caucasian might not be appropriate for the diagnosis and treatment planning of other groups of orthodontic patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the sagittal photogrammetric soft tissue profile characteristics between Senegalese and Moroccan adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in a group of Senegalese and Moroccan students in the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Dakar. Standardized facial-profile photographs were taken with each student in natural head position, centric relation, and relaxed lip posture. Twenty four linear parameters were measured on paper sheet using a graduated ruler. For each variable mean and SD were calculated. In addition independent samples t-test was performed to detect sexual and racial dimorphism. Results were regarded as significant at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

Senegalese subjects had significantly more lips protrusion than Moroccan who had significantly a more elongated and more anterior positioned nose, a more chin prominence and a tendency to cutaneous class II than Senegalese.

CONCLUSION

Further studies including different age groups subjects would allow having longitudinal data according to age.

[Relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the sagittal cephalometric measurements]

INTRODUCTION

The role of obstructive tonsils in the sagittal dimension of the skeleton-dental abnormalities is widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. Data on the probable relationship between obstructive tonsils and the presence of these abnormalities were subjective. The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the sagittal cephalometric measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in children aged between 6 to 12 years divided into 2 groups (A and B) according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. Cephalometric measurements were recorded on each child. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. At Student test was used to compare quantitative variables according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. Significance was set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

Subjects with obstructive tonsils (group B) are significantly more trend to have a convex facial profile and a skeletal class II with more mandibular retrusion and retroclined incisor compared with subjects without obstructive tonsils (group A).

CONCLUSION

Early evaluation of children with obstructive tonsils can prevent sagittal dimension of the squeleto-dental abnormalities caused by upper airway obstruction. Thus late and more aggressive treatments which are not always as efficient as when they were performed during childhood will be avoided.

[Relationships between the dental arches measurements and the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF): a cross sectional study on 78 Senegalese teenagers]

INTRODUCTION

Upper airways obstruction can result in the reduction of the transversal dimensions of the maxillary arch which affect the vertical and the sagittal dimensions. The PNIF measure is an objec- tive and cheap way to assess the upper airways permeability. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PNIF and dental arch sizes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy eight patients (40 girls and 38 boys) age ranged 10-15 years were included in this cross sectional study. The PNIF was measured with a Youlten peak flow meter (Clement Clarke International, London, United Kingdom). The sagittal, vertical and transversal dimensions of the dental arches were evaluated on dental casts with a digital caliper (Mitutoyo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). T test was used to assess differences in PNIF and dental arches variables between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female). The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the dental arches sizes and the PNIF. The significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

PNIF rate was higher in girls than in boys but the difference was not significant. There were sexual dimorphism regarding the anterior and total lengths of the upper arch, the total length of the lower arch and the maxillary intermolar width which are significantly more important for boys (p respectively equal to 0.05; 0.03; 0.04 and 0.04). The PNIF was significantly and negatively correlated with the total length of the upper arch (r = -0.25). The others measurements did not show significant correlation with PNIF.

CONCLUSION

Others parameters are needed to complement the peak nasal inspiratory flow rate for the respiratory disorders related dental arches sizes abnormalities diagnosis.

[Passive correction of an anterior open bite related to non-nutritive sucking habits: report of a case]

The term anterior open bite refers to a vertical space between the upper and lower front teeth in maximum intercuspation. This malocclusal trait can accompany many malocclusions of the Angle's classification. Two types of anterior open bite have been described: skeletal and dental open bite. The latter may have Non Nutritive Sucking Habits (NNSH) as causal factor and is deemed to aggravate without treatment. This article presents an interceptive approach based on the use of a fixed passive appliance interfering with sucking habit. It consists of a crib soldered to bands adjusted to the maxillary first permanent or temporary second molars. The device was globally well accepted by the patient and has been effective in breaking the sucking habit and subsequently in closing the bite after only 5 month. When psychological approach is not effective, a fixed deterrent device may be recommended for weaning children off nonnutritive sucking habits.

[Cephalometric features of patients referred for orthodontic treatment at the Dentistry Department of Dakar University]

INTRODUCTION

Each ethnic group has its own characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty two lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross sectional study. All lateral cephalometric films were traced on a transparent cellulose acetate sheet by the same operator. Conventional cephalomebic analysis was performed with 17 measurements (6 linear and 11 angular) t test was used to assess differences in age and cephalometric variable between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female). A P value of < or = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between Senegalese men and women. This study shows an increase in the maxillary protrusion and a decrease in the mandibular protrusion with his corollary of skeletal class II. The mean of the vertical dimension measurements suggest a hyperdivergence. Protrusive lips were associated with incisors protrusion.

CONCLUSION

These results which show morphological differences between Senegalese subjects and other populations consolidate the idea that the racial and ethnic characteristics must be taken into account during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

[Treating five cases of Class III skeletal brachygnatia maxilla with the Delaire mask]

Class III skeletal abnormalities are known as sagittal defects and they are recognized by a hollow profile, which is an unesthaetical morphological distorsion often ill--accepted by the patient, a severe disability. Due to the large number of clinical patterns, it is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis. Class Ill skeletal abnormalities involving a maxillary brachygnatia are caused by an insufficient development of the jawbone. Treatment will therefore consist in boosting growth of the lower back section of the jawbone. The external device known as Delaire mask which stimulates growth of the lower back section of the jaw is particularly recommended to achieve this. This piece of research set out to assess the effectiveness of this method based on five of our patients. Outstanding results were obtained, namely alveolar ridge slided forward on the jawbone, improved profile (a cutaneous Class I is obtained), and a disappearance of the occlusion, along with a correction of the inverted backward bite. When adequately prescribed, the use of the Delaire mask, as opposed to corrective surgery, leads to a slow and gradual improvement. Furthermore, results achieved among young children blend into their own natural growth. By resorting to early treatment with the mask, it is possible to avoid falling back on complex surgery, which would almost necessarily be of the orthognatic type among adults.