Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aim: Among different treatments of patients with Class III malocclusion , orthopedic protraction of maxilla has been known as an effective method in mixed dentition period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric changes of Cl III patients in mixed dentition period following face mask therapy and slow maxillary expansion.

Materials and Methods: This was a before-after study which was conducted on 10 children in mixed dentition period, who had class III malocclusion and maxillary deficiency according to the Stiener and Mc Namara's analysis. The patients were all treated by protraction face mask and slow maxillary expansion. The cephalometric changes of maxilla , mandible and dental relations during the treatment were analyzed by Paired sample T Test. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significant.

Results: The overjet increasement was 1.7mm. Co. ANS distance improvement was 5.6mm, Ptm.ANS distance increasing was 3mm, and ultimately improvement of Gf.s distance was 1.5mm which were all statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, face mask therapy with slow maxillary expansion is able to improve the horizotal position of maxilla, in patients with Cl III malocclusion , in mixed dentition period.

Background and Aims: One of the common human evolutionary anomalies is dental Missing. Evolution of dental system is toward deduction of teeth number. The Missing of third molar is interesting subject for dentists and genetic researches because of its variety in different races. Consideration of bilateral effect of third molar Missing with jaw relation is an important subject. The aim of this study was to evaluate the third molar missing in Cl I and Cl II skeletal (without rotation) and comparison of them together.

Materials and Methods: The patients of the orthodontic department of school of Dentistry (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) were analyzed. About 121 patients had Cl I and 60 patients had ClI jaw relation. This relation identified based on cephalometric lateral radiographic ANB corner angle. Patient who had rotation in maxilla or mandible based on SN-Go Gn angle were excluded. The incidence of third molars agenesis in individual dentition quadrants, upper and lower jaw and right and left side of dentition was examined from panoramic radiography. AChi-square test was used for statistical analysis of data.

Results: Missing of one or more third molar in skeletal Cl I and Cl II was 43% and 33.3%, respectively. Missing of one or more third molar in Cl II was fewer than Cl I, but no statistically significant differences were seen between them.

Conclusion: There was not a direct relationship between jaw relation and third molar Missing.

Background and Aims: Electric pulp testing is used for diagnosis of the pulp status. This test is technique sensitive and hence may elicit positive or negative false response in case of inaccurate use. The optimal site for placement of the probe tip has not been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulp tester probe placement site on the response of maxillary teeth.
Materials and Methods: A total of 378 teeth (126 central incisors, 126 lateral incisors and 126 canines) in 67 voluntary 20-35 year-old patients were selected. Three sites on each tooth (incisal edge, labial and lingual surfaces) were tested with an electrical pulp tester and responses were recorded. Data were analyzed by Repeated Measure ANOVA test.
Results: The central teeth showed significantly lower sensation threshold than lateral and canine teeth (P<0.001). The incisal edge of tooth were significantly more sensitive compared to labial and lingual surfaces (P=0.008).
Conclusion: This study showed that the optimum site for placement of pulp tester probe was incisal edge.