Evaluation of maxillary sinus dimensions and volume using cone beam computed tomography in patients with unilaterally displaced palatal and buccal maxillary canines

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions and volume in unilaterally displaced palatal and buccal maxillary canines.

METHODS

CBCT images for 133 patients were included in the study. Maxillary canines were unilaterally displaced palatally in 83 patients (PDCs) and buccally in 50 patients(BDCs). The following variables were measured: canine position in relation to MS walls, MS pneumatization and MS dimensions and volume.

RESULTS

MS was extended to the incisor region in 10% and 13% and to the canine region in 48% and 23% in BDCs and PDCs subjects, respectively. In BDC subjects, maxillary canine crown tip was more laterally (24.23 mm compared to 22.93 mm (p < 0.05)) and closer vertically (5.82 mm compared to 9.58 mm (p < 0.001)) to the MS, maxillary canine root tip was closer to the MS anterior (0 mm compared to 1.64 mm (p < 0.05)) and lateral (19.70 mm compared to 22.02 mm (p < 0.001)) walls and the MS volume (11.57mm³ compared to 9.09 mm³ (p < 0.001)) was increased in the displaced side compared to the non-displaced side. In PDC subjects, a significant difference between the displaced and non-displaced sides was detected in the vertical (3.28 mm compared to 5.89 mm (p < 0.001)) and lateral (21.63 mm compared to 24.25 mm (p < 0.001)) position of maxillary canine to the MS wall, the anterior (- 0.84 mm compared to 1.13 mm (p < 0.05)) and lateral (20.48 mm compared to 22.44 mm (p < 0.001)) position of canine root tip to the MS and the MS volume (7.71mm³ compared to 9.14mm³ (p < 0.001)). PDC sides differed from BDC sides in the lateral and vertical position of canine crown tip to MS and in MS volume. PDC showed negative association with MS volume and anteroposterior skeletal relationship and a positive association with MS height.

CONCLUSIONS

PDCs subjects have a reduced MS volume and BDCs subjects have an increased MS volume. PDCs are associated with reduced MS volume, increased MS height and Class III skeletal relationship.

Smile microesthetics as perceived by dental professionals and laypersons

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the perception of different dental professionals and laypersons toward altered gingival characteristics (microesthetics) and to identify those characteristics that are most negatively and positively rated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A smiling photograph of a female dental student was selected and digitally manipulated to create changes in different microesthetic parameters. These altered images were rated by the following five groups: 120 orthodontists, 45 periodontists, 49 prosthodontists, 130 general dentists, and 172 laypersons. Smile esthetics scores were calculated, and comparisons between groups were performed using the univariate general linear model.

RESULTS

The presence of black triangles between the upper incisors was the most negatively rated, and the ideal smile was the most positively rated. Significant differences were detected in the rating scores among the different study groups (P < .05). Orthodontists, prosthodontists, and general dentists scored the presence of a black triangle in the smile as the least attractive, whereas periodontists and laypersons perceived the inflamed gingiva and pigmented gingiva as the least attractive, respectively. Dental specialists tended to give the altered smile images lower scores than the laypersons.

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal smile and that with black triangles between the upper incisors were rated as the most and the least attractive smiles, respectively. Orthodontists, prosthodontists, and general dentists scored the presence of black triangles in the smile as the least attractive, whereas periodontists and laypersons perceived the inflamed gingiva and pigmented gingiva as the least attractive smiles, respectively. Dental specialists tended to give the altered smile images lower scores than the laypersons.

Bite force changes after surgical correction of mandibular prognathism in subjects with increased vertical dimension : A prospective clinical trial

PURPOSE

Occlusal bite force (OBF) is the most important parameter in assessing biting efficiency. The aim of this study was to record OBF changes after surgical correction of high angle maxillary/mandibular (Max/Mand) class III patients and to compare these with that recorded in class III patients with average Max/Mand angle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially included were 42 patients with severe class III skeletal malocclusion who were scheduled for orthodontic surgery: group 1-22 patients with increased vertical relationship scheduled for bimaxillary surgery; group 2-20 patients with average vertical relationship scheduled for mandibular setback only. OBF measurements before surgery (T0), at debonding (T1) and at least 3 months after debonding (T2) were recorded using a portable occlusal force gauge. The following were also measured: maximum OBF (MOBF) achieved by the subject on each side, averaged OBF on each side (AOBF) and maximum OBF at the incisal region (MIOBF). At T2, only 33 patients (group 1: 17 and group 2: 16) were included in the analysis due to loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

MOBF increased significantly in group 1, while no significant changes were detected in group 2. MIOBF increased after surgical correction in both groups. Significant increase in MIOBF was observed at T1 (P < 0.001) followed by an insignificant decrease during the observation period (3-6 months after treatment; P > 0.05). The two groups differed significantly in MOBF at T1 and T2, while no statistically significant differences were detected between the groups for MIOBF changes at the various time intervals (P > 0.05). The number of posterior teeth with occlusal contacts increased in both groups. Relapse was detected in group 1 where the number of posterior teeth in contact decreased during the observation period (T1-T2).

CONCLUSION

OBF greatly improved after surgical correction of the vertical morphology. Correction of high angle mandibular prognathism improves oral function in addition to esthetics.