AIMS: This study searched the effects of fluoridated toothpaste on the enamel surface of deciduous molars eroded by different pediatric liquid medicaments which were encircled by orthodontic bands by gravimetric analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A suitable orthodontic band was used to band each of the 110 non-carious exfoliated deciduous molars, and stored in artificial saliva. These teeth were divided randomly into fluoridated and non-fluoridated groups (50 teeth each), and 10 teeth were used as negative controls. The enamel surface of the fluoridated group was swabbed with fluoridated toothpaste for 5 minutes twice daily. Each group was subdivided into five clusters of 10 teeth each according to the type of medication used which included paracetamol, Adol, amoxicillin, Medazole (ME), and Viton (VI) according to a specific immersion cycle. The erosion induced in the enamel for all the teeth was evaluated by gravimetric analysis for different intervals. RESULTS: The results showed that the weight loss increased with increasing exposure to liquid medication for all groups, but this increase was smaller in the fluoridated group. The highest mean weight loss after 28 days was in VI, and the lowest was in ME (0.145 [0.005] mg; 0.08 [0.008] mg), respectively. CONCLUSION: The fluoridated toothpaste significantly reduced medically eroded enamel by oral medical syrups. The gravimetric method is valid for the detection of erosion on banded deciduous molars.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of Mobile Application-Based Software for chair side cephalometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 20 patients (10 males and 10 females) were selected randomly and were traced manually and also using Application-based software (One Ceph). 20 angular and three linear parameters were measured both manually and with the software in all the patients. Inter and intra-operator reliability of one ceph was evaluated and the measured parameters were statistically compared with the manual method (Gold Standard). RESULT: The accuracy of angular and linear values was compared for all 23 parameters and our results showed no significant difference in the two methods used for most of the measurements. Three of the measurements [Angle of convexity (N-A; A-Pog); ANB angle; Upper Incisor to NA (Angular)] did show a statistically significant difference though these were clinically irrelevant. CONCLUSION: Application-based cephalometric analysis can be an effective clinical diagnostic tool for chair-side cephalometric evaluation of orthodontic patient.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate the ability of three different customized lingual appliance systems in achieving predicted results with respect to the mesiodistal crown tip, labiolingual crown inclination, in–out position of Maxillary permanent anterior teeth, and Maxillary arch form. METHODS: Three commercial houses: Incognito, iLingual 3D, and Lingual matrix were analysed in this study. The final sample size consisted of 42 cases. Fourteen digital prediction and posttreatment models of the maxillary arch were provided by three orthodontic offices each using a different system. Discrepancies between the prediction and posttreatment model in mesiodistal tip, labiolingual inclination, in–out position of anterior teeth, and arch form were analyzed. RESULTS: Incognito displayed the highest accuracy in all parameters except for in–out positioning. Lingual Matrix showed greater precision in achieving planned mesiodistal positions than labiolingual inclination while it was just the opposite for iLingual 3D. All three systems proved to be clinically reliable in achieving the predicted in–out positions of permanent Maxillary anterior teeth. CONCLUSION: These systems were considerably accurate in achieving planned treatment goals with minute deviations from the predicted value.

OBJECTIVE: Stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires are commonly used in fixed orthodontic appliances. Orthodontists often prescribe fluoride gel to avoid demineralization of teeth. This study investigated the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on the tensile properties, surface morphology and surface chemical composition of stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires. METHODS: Forty samples of stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires were examined, twenty for each type. Each wire type was divided into four subgroups. The first subgroup was not immersed in fluoride gel and considered as control, while the other three subgroups were immersed in 10 mL of fluoride gel for different periods of time. Then, the wires were removed from the gel, rinsed in a distilled water and left to dry. The ultimate tensile force of each wire was measured using a tensile testing machine. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to examine the control and 24 h immersed subgroups. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance ANOVA showed that there were no significant differences in the ultimate tensile forces between control and fluoride-treated subgroups (P = 0.172 for SS wires and P = 0.672 for NiTi wires). However, changes in the surface morphology and elemental composition of wires were shown by the SEM and EDX. CONCLUSIONS: Although immersion of stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires in the fluoride gel did not affect their tensile properties, however, surface deterioration was evident. So, further investigations are recommended to study the effect of these changes on the oral health of patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to clinically evaluate and compare 0.016-inch superelastic nickel–titanium (NiTi) and 0.016-inch heat-activated nickel–titanium (NiTi) archwires in terms of alignment efficiency, root resorption, and pain intensity. METHOD: A total of 20 patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment, having Little's irregularity index of 5–8, and requiring first premolar extractions were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive two different archwires (0.016-inch superelastic NiTi or 0.016-inch thermoelastic NiTi). Good-quality impressions were taken of the lower arch before archwire placement (T0) and at every month after that till the alignment was complete. The rate of tooth alignment was measured on casts by determining Little's irregularity index. The pain experienced by the patient was assessed 24 hours and 1 week after the placement of the archwire on a visual analogue scale. Cone beam computed tomographic radiographs of lower anterior teeth were taken before and after alignment to assess root resorption. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS software (version 20.0). The level of significance was kept at 5%. RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference in the aligning efficiency of superelastic and heat-activated NiTi wires. (p = 0.45). The Mann Whitney U test showed that superelastic NiTi wires had statistically significant higher VAS scores than heat-activated NiTi at 24 hours and 1-week interval (p < 0.05). Student's t-test indicated greater root resorption with superelastic NiTi but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both the wires showed similar aligning efficiency and resulting root resorption. Superelastic NiTi was observed to produce more pain compared to heat-activated NiTi in the aligning phase.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Ozonated Olive Oil Gel, Chlorhexidine gel, and Amflor (Fluoridated) mouthwash on reducing the count of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy evaluated at different time intervals. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) based on antimicrobial agents used (Group 1: Ozonated olive oil gel; Group 2: Chlorhexidine gel; Group 3: Fluoridated mouthwash). Elastomeric modules from brackets were collected at T₀ (Fresh samples) and T₁ (2^nd week) and T₂ (4^th week) for assessment of the microbial growth. These collected modules were cultured and evaluated for the presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli and numbers of colonies were counted at each interval. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Level of significance was kept at 5%. Intra-group and inter-group comparison between pretreatment, 2^nd week and 4^th week was done for each group using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: There was presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli during orthodontic treatment which progressively increased from T_o to T₁ and then declined from T₁ to T_2. The colony counts were maximum for Fluoridated mouthwash and least for Chlorhexidine and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All three antimicrobial agents used were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Chlorhexidine proved to be more efficacious whereas Fluoridated mouthwash proved to be least effective against both Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria.

BACKGROUNDS: Bleaching procedure can be companied before, during, or after orthodontic treatments. However, the risk of compromised bond strength of brackets to bleached enamels is in debate. This study tried to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of bonded metal brackets to the previously bleached enamels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 60 extracted, sound, human premolars were mounted vertically in cylindrical molds. The samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15): Control (C); at-home bleached by 20% carbamide peroxide (HB); in-office bleached by 45% carbamide peroxide (OB); and in-office bleached by 40% hydrogen peroxide activated with diode laser (L-OB). Sixty stainless steel brackets were bonded by no-primer adhesive resin (OrthoCem). Then SBS of bonded brackets was measured after 5000 thermal cycles at 5°C and 55°C. Finally, the collected data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD tests by using SPPS software at a significant level of 0.05 (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Group C showed significantly higher SBS values (all P < 0.001); however, there were no significant differences in SBS compared to other tests' groups with each other (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SBS of bonded orthodontic brackets were compromised after bleaching with 20% and 40% of carbamide peroxide. Diode laser activation may not eliminate the negative effect of bleaching agents on SBS of bonded orthodontic brackets, neither.

AIM: To evaluate the stress changes in the maxilla during fixed functional appliance use using three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) stress analysis. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxilla was constructed using the images generated from the cone-beam computed tomography of a patient treated for Class II malocclusion with a fixed functional orthodontic appliance. The FEM was used to study the stress changes seen in the maxilla, which were evaluated in the form of highest von Mises stress and maximum principal stress before and after the application of fixed functional appliance. RESULTS: Higher areas of stress were seen in the model of the maxilla with the fixed functional appliance (140 MPa) compared to that in the resting stage (58.99 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the maximum principal stress and von Mises stress in the posterior regions of the maxilla and maxillary teeth was seen. The stresses seen were double than that without the appliance. A high distalization force on the maxilla was seen with the fixed functional appliance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this split-mouth single-centered, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficiency of corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics in rapid canine retraction. METHODS: The sample consisted of 10 patients (15–25 years old) requiring extraction of the maxillary first premolars with subsequent canine retraction. The patients' right sides were randomly assigned to either the corticotomy (experimental) or control groups. Corticotomy cuts and perforations were performed and canine retraction was initiated bilaterally with closed-coil nickel-titanium springs that applied 150 g of force. The following variables were examined till the end of canine retraction on both sides: Rate of canine retraction, canine root resorption, and patient perception of the procedure. The rate of canine retraction was assessed every month using study models while root resorption was evaluated using CBCT. Patient's perception was evaluated using a 100 mm VAS. RESULT: Mean time taken for full completion of canine retraction: 5.7 months (test) and 7.1 months (control). Mean root resorption: 0.53 ± 0.10 (control) and 0.24 mm ± 0.10 (test). Mean VAS scores: 16 ± 3.94 (24 hours) and 2 ± 2.58 (1 week) at control side and 46.50 ± 6.69 (24 hours) and 2 ± 2.58 (1 week) at test. CONCLUSION: There was an overall reduction in the time taken for canine retraction with corticotomy; however, an increase in the rate of canine retraction in the corticotomy-facilitated method was evident only for the first four months, compared to the conventional method. Less root resorption was observed in corticotomy-facilitated method than conventional method. Pain perception was more for corticotomy-facilitated method than conventional method at 24 hours, but similar after one week.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the level of mothers' knowledge toward cleft lip and palate and their experience concerning presurgical orthopedic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study where the mothers were invited to complete a self-administered validated and reliable questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions that aimed to assess mother's knowledge related to the most prevalent aspects of cleft lip and palate anomaly itself and additionally, questions associated with presurgical orthopedic treatment as an adjunct therapy. Descriptive statistics were used to define the characteristics of the study variables. Chi-square test was utilized to assess relationships between categorical variables. RESULTS: Totally, 145 mothers completed the survey (response rate was 73%). Forty-six (46%) of the mothers provided an incomplete or improper definition of the anomaly and 35 (24%) claimed that they know the cause of the anomaly. The majority of mothers did not identify family history as a risk factor; consanguinity was identified in 29% (n = 42). Of the total, 58 mothers (40%) agreed that dental management of CLP requires teamwork and the majority (n = 126, 87%) recognized the plastic surgeon as the most important specialist. Mothers aged 20-30 years old (n = 42, 53%), and those who are university graduates (n = 38, 48%), as well as employed mothers (n = 52, 66%) have in general a higher degree of knowledge regarding cleft lip and palate (P < 0.001). More than half of the mothers (n = 70, 57%) reported that presurgical orthopedic treatment was useful and needed for their infants. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the mothers reported a high level of knowledge about cleft lip and palate and they experienced the usefulness of the orthopedic appliances for their infants. However, there was uncertainty in some parts such as definition, diagnosis, causes, and risk factors for cleft lip and palate. Therefore, understanding the causes of cleft lip and palate, as well as comprehensive education concerning the essential role of the orthopedic appliances to improve cleft lip and palate are crucial for mothers to improve their infants' quality of life.

Since the World Health Organization broadened its definition of health, beyond biological boundaries, to include physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) became common outcome measure in clinical trials and epidemiological studies in Dentistry and Medicine. It is not surprising, therefore, to see quality of life as one of the programs of the Saudi 2030 vision. That said, it can be difficult to interpret the findings of OHRQoL research if the measures used were not appropriately adapted and validated in the population being studied. In this review article, the concept of cross-cultural adaptation of OHRQoL and its use in the Saudi context, as applied to orthodontic research, was discussed. An electronic search in PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted. A second search was conducted to locate methodological papers discussing cross-cultural adaptation and translations. Appraisal of relevant research was conducted to provide a better understanding of the process of adapting OHRQoL measures to assess the impact of malocclusion and dentofacial abnormalities on quality of life. This review pointed out important methodological concerns that warrant considerations during the translation and adaptation of OHRQoL measures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the trends in the use of fixed appliance and accelerated orthodontics to decrease the treatment duration. Further, this study aimed to assess the effect of demographic factors on the participant's choice of treatment modality. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in the form of questionnaire-based online survey especially designed and distributed to 265 orthodontists via email. The questions aimed to collect basic information about the participants and respondents' choices for decreasing the treatment duration. The data were analyzed according to gender, level of academic education and years of clinical experience using Chi-square test. RESULTS: A response rate of 85.2% was reported. Most of the orthodontists aimed to reduce the treatment duration by the biomechanical (66.8%) and surgical approaches (27.4%). The use of sliding mechanics (69.4%) and one-step retraction was more common (66.3%). MBT bracket prescription was more prevalent (51.7%), followed by Roth (41.1%). Conventional brackets were used more than self-ligating brackets, and aesthetic brackets were avoided by one third of the respondents. NiTi wires were the most commonly used wires during the alignment stage (44.2%). However, the effect of gender, years of clinical experience and specialty level of education showed some effects on the use of certain techniques and clinical practice of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the orthodontists aimed to decrease orthodontic treatment duration by using biomechanical and surgical approaches. Gender and clinical experience to a certain extent affected the participants' choice during orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness of orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria about the COVID-19 pandemic and the appropriate infection control measures required to mitigate its spread in orthodontic practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study of orthodontists and orthodontic residents. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. Data collection was via an online questionnaire designed using Google forms and these were sent to the phone numbers of study participants. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS : A total of 73 respondents with a mean age of 43.41 ± 9.21 years participated in the study. About 90% of the respondents had a very good knowledge of COVID-19, including its etiology, modes of transmission, signs, and symptoms. However, very few respondents were aware of the less common symptoms such as skin rash (16.4%) and red eyes (26%). Over 80% of the respondents knew the appropriate measures to take to prevent the spread of the virus in the dental clinic, in addition to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to use. CONCLUSION: The respondents had a very good knowledge of the basic epidemiology of COVID-19 and the means of prevention of its transmission in the dental clinic. However, there was limited knowledge of the less common symptoms of the infection. In addition, majority of the respondents had a very good idea of the appropriate PPE to be used.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a cost-saving innovative audience response system (ARS) that permits typing texts and compare its efficiency to the paper-based method in case-based learning (CBL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthodontic clinical cases were presented to 149 undergraduate dental students for discussion among teammates. Responses were collected using ARS-based and paper-based. ARS was constructed from an online survey platform (Google forms) then QR code was created for easy and fast access. Students used their cellphones to scan code, view questions, discuss, type, and submit answers within 10 minutes. Feedbacks were collected using a feedback survey. Outcome measures included the number of words, spelling mistakes, time required by the instructor to read submissions, and activity time compliance. RESULTS: The average number of words submitted by females in ARS-based 47 ± 8 was significantly higher than 35 ± 16 paper-based, and male ARS-based 36 ± 18 (P < 0.05). ARS-based submissions required significantly less time to read compared to paper-based among whole group, females, males (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.001), respectively. Spelling mistakes were lower 1 ± 1 in ARS-based compared to paper-based 2 ± 2. The ARS-based first submission was (-4.28) minutes before the deadline, while paper-based last submission was (+2.19) minutes after (P < 0.05). ARS-based submissions were 12.5 seconds faster to read than paper-based (P < 0.001). Out of 56.4% of respondents, 63.1% preferred using ARS-based and 80% agreed that it provided immediate feedback, with high overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This innovated ARS was found to facilitate CBL. It is superior in time and cost-saving to paper-based and other ARSs. It could be useful in distance learning especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the intra and inter-rater reliability, reproducibility, and validity of a new guide called the “Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Maxillary Canine Impaction (CBCT-MCI),” designed to assess the position, severity, and predictability of the maxillary canine impaction (MCI) treatment intervention using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective radiographic review of 44 patients with unilateral or bilateral MCI. A total of 56 maxillary impacted canines' CBCT radiographs were analyzed using the new CBCT-MCI guide, with each of its 10 items scored. The total scores of the 10 items were then compared to a scale to predict the best treatment intervention of MCI: normal spontaneous eruption, surgical-orthodontic traction, or surgical extraction. Radiologists and orthodontists have developed, tested, and retested the CBCT-MCI guide on the same 56 maxillary impacted canines using CBCT radiographs to check its reliability and reproducibility using the Kappa coefficient. Furthermore, the validity of this guide was tested by comparing the predicted best treatment intervention with the actual treatment administered to the assessed impacted maxillary canine using the Kappa coefficient and percentage of agreement using cross-tabulation. RESULTS: The result of this study showed significantly strong Kappa values of intra-rater agreement (k = 0.91, (P < 0.0001) and inter-rater agreement (k = 0.84, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, testing the relationship between the two MCI treatment interventions using cross-tabulation, the agreement percentages between the predicated and actual treatment plans of the assessed MCI ranged between 70% and 95.5% with a significantly strong Kappa value (k = 0.82, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the CBCT-MCI guide is capable of producing accurate, reliable, and reproducible results in assessing and predicting the type of orthodontic treatment intervention of MCI in a simple, quick, and efficient way.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surface topography and roughness of orthodontic arch wire materials, including low-friction titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), conventional TMA, and stainless-steel arch wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surface topography was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A total of 24 wire specimens were used for the AFM scans {8 low-friction TMA (TMA-Low), 8 conventional TMA (TMA-C), and 8 stainless steel (SS)} (Ormco, Orange, CA, USA), measuring 0.016 × 0.022 inches. The conventional and low-friction TMA arch wires served as the test groups, while the stainless-steel arch wire served as the control group. RESULTS: Surface roughness evaluation using AFM revealed that the highest mean of all three roughness parameters was found in the TMA-C group followed by the TMA-Low and SS arch wires in descending order. Pairwise comparison of the mean values showed that the mean value of the SS arch wire material is statistically significantly lower than the mean values of the other two arch wire materials (TMA-C and TMA-Low). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of TMA-C and TMA-Low arch wires. CONCLUSION: The SS arch wire showed the smoothest surface topography among the alloys and had statistically significantly lower roughness values than the TMA-C and TMA-Low groups. Low-friction TMA arch wire is still considered to be inferior to stainless steel arch wire.

OBJECTIVE: To search the effects of Curve of Spee (COS) flatting on the stresses and displacement on the different mandible landmarks and lower teeth during posterior teeth loading using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional hemi mandibular model was created from real selected mandible. The lower teeth was aligned originally in a curved form with 2.4 mm depth at the cusp tip of the second premolar. Another replica with flat aligned teeth was formed to confirm the analysis by up righting premolars and molars. A load was applied at mesio-buccal cusp of the lower first molar on both models, and the resultant stresses and displacements on the mandibular landmarks and the lower teeth were tested. RESULTS: Von mises over the mandible was higher in flat than in curve model. The highest stress levels were detected at the Mesio-buccal cusp tip of first molar for flat and curved simulation (5053, 3304) Mpa respectively. Mesio-distally, the teeth displacement was higher in curve model than in flat one. The maximum distal displacement, in flat model, was seen in central and lateral incisors. While, in curve model, the maximum distal displacement was grasped within first and second premolars. CONCLUSIONS: Flatting the COS magnify the stresses over whole mandible and reduce lower teeth displacement mesio-distally. We speculated that the readjustment of the COS after orthodontic treatment could reduce the stress and displacements on the lower anterior teeth and decrease the lower anterior teeth crowding relapse.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and test the validity and reliability of an Arabic version of the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics questionnaire (PIDAQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The original English version was translated into Arabic, back-translated, pre-tested, and cross-culturally adapted before being administered to 205 individuals aged between 18–30 years from Medina, Saudi Arabia. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to test internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess test–retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed using factor analysis, and convergent validity was tested by comparing PIDAQ scores to the aesthetic components of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC), while discriminant validity was assessed by comparing PIDAQ scores to participants' self-evaluation of orthodontic treatment need. Gender and age differences in the PIDAQ score were assessed. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.940, corrected item-total correlation coefficients were between 0.509 and 0.719, and the ICC was 0.937. Principal component factor analysis extracted three domains, and factor loading ranged from 0.563 to 0.843. Total PIDAQ score and subscale scores had significant correlations with the DAI and IOTN-AC. The questionnaire discriminated well between participants who had a perceived need for orthodontic treatment and those with no perceived need. There were no significant age or gender differences in participants' PIDAQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the PIDAQ had excellent psychometric properties with sufficient reliability and validity to be used for the assessment of the orthodontic-related quality of life in young Arab adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practice of using orthodontic brackets as tooth decorations among dental offices and patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey using 2 questionnaires. The first included 14 doctor questions where 300 dental offices in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were contacted by phone. The second questionnaire included 22 patient questions where 50 patients who currently have or have had decorative braces answered the questions online. RESULTS: Out of 250 dental offices that responded, 91 offices (36.4%) answered “yes” to offering decorative braces. Most dentists use metal brackets (96.3%) on both the upper and lower arches (98.8%) and ligate a wire (83.8%) using colored elastomeric ligatures. Out of 50 patients who answered the patient questions, 28 patients (56%) were females and the mean age was 19.84 years (±2.32). 37 (74%) patients reported that their decorative braces were not placed by dentists and mostly by over the counter glue. Finally, 62% reported they were not satisfied, and 84% said they would not recommend getting decorative braces to their family and friends. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the use of decorative braces is prevalent, and most are not being placed by dentist. As healthcare providers, we are obliged to educate the public of potential harm that can result when decorative braces are used, to hopefully limit the spread of this unfortunate practice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the orthodontic treatment outcome among patients with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study comprised a sample of 80 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (39 males and 41 females) with complete pretreatment and posttreatment orthodontic records. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities. Group 1 (n = 55), nonsurgical (consisted of patients treated with comprehensive orthodontics) and Group 2 (n = 25), surgical (with presurgical orthodontics followed by maxillary advancement orthognathic surgery). PAR score was evaluated on pretreatment and posttreatment study models for both groups. RESULTS: The mean percentage change for the weighted PAR score of Group 1 and Group 2 was 76.79 ± 20.27% and 82.37 ± 11.38%, respectively. Out of the total sample of 80 cases; 62 (77.5%) cases were “greatly improved,” 16 (20%) cases were “improved,” and 2 (2.5%) showed “worse/no improvement.” Nearly 72.5% of cases in Group 1 and 88% in Group 2 were greatly improved. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in PAR score in both groups was satisfactory as more than 70% of the patients were in the greatly improved category. The results of the PAR index revealed a high occlusal outcome of orthodontic treatment rendered by the department for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demineralization around orthodontic brackets cured by conventional method and transillumination method. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty freshly extracted human premolar teeth were divided into four groups. Group 1: Brackets bonded with conventional method of bonding by curing labially for 40 sec. Group 2: Brackets bonded with transillumination method of bonding for 50 sec. Group 3: Brackets bonded with conventional method of bonding by curing labially for 20 sec followed by 30 sec of transillumination. Group 4: Brackets bonded with transillumination method of bonding for 30 sec followed by labial curing for 20 sec. Ground sections were prepared of each tooth and microleakage was evaluated using a binocular microscope at 40× magnification (Olympus BX53) and an image was taken using a digital camera (Olympus EPL3) connected to the microscope. The images were analyzed using Magnus Pro Image software. Scores were assigned to different degrees of microleakage at the demineralization zone around enamel-adhesive-bracket complex at the occlusal, middle, and gingival margins using linear measurement tool. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Level of significance was kept at 5%. Intragroup comparison was done using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U-tests for pairwise comparison. RESULTS: Group 4 showed least mean demineralization in occlusal, middle, and cervical areas as compared to other groups and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transillumination can be employed as a method synergistically with conventional curing to achieve minimum amount of demineralization during fixed orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors (LIs) and to find out its variability in relation to gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out between January 2017 and December 2017. Orthopantomographs (OPGs) and lateral cephalographs record search of all orthodontic adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 years were taken from the archival records of the department. Orthopantomographs helped to diagnose the presence of unilateral/bilateral maxillary lateral incisors while the ANB angle was calculated from the lateral cephalographs to divide the subjects into various skeletal malocclusions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 17.0). The frequencies were compared with the help of the Chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The frequency of missing upper laterals among the male patients was 0.9%, however, 2.8% of the female patients were having missing maxillary lateral incisors. Based on gender, 62.16% had a bilateral expression of missing upper laterals, 16.21% had left unilateral expression, and 21.62% had right unilateral expression. Furthermore, skeletal class I malocclusion had a prevalence of 54.16% of bilateral missing lateral incisors in upper arch as compared to 40% of left unilateral expression and 37.5% of right unilateral expression whereas in skeletal class II malocclusion, the prevalence of right unilateral expression was 37.5% as compared to bilateral expression which was 33.33%. The left unilateral expression in skeletal class II malocclusion was found to be only 20%. The highest prevalence of missing laterals in skeletal class III malocclusion was left unilateral expression which was around 40%. The prevalence of right unilateral expression was 25% whereas the bilateral absence of upper laterals in skeletal class III malocclusion was 12.5%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate for congenitally missing upper lateral incisors in the orthodontic adolescent population aged 12 to 18 years was found to be 3.77% in the present study while females were found to have a greater percentage of agenesis of the upper lateral incisors (2.8%) as compared to the males (0.9%).