OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of malocclusion and requirement for orthodontic treatment in the Saudi region of Hail city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 520 Saudi participants between 7 and 12 years from Hail city were used in the research, all of whom were selected using a simple randomization method. For every participant, various malocclusion variables such as molar, canine, and incisor relationship, overjet, overbite, open bite, cross bite, scissor cross bite, and the score for the orthodontic treatment need [Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)] were recorded. A light source was used for examination, in addition to mouth mirrors, a calibrated ruler, and a portable dental chair. RESULTS: The prevalence of class I molar relationship was 70.4%, with class II being 21.3% and class III being 8.3%. As for the incisor relationships, class I was found at a prevalence of 72.5%, class II at 19.8%, and class III at 7.7%. Additionally, the following malocclusion characteristics were also found: deep overbite (>4 mm) (16.2%), increased overjet (>4 mm) (14.4%), posterior cross bite (13.3%), anterior open bite (7.7%), anterior cross bite (5.2%), scissor bite (4%), and posterior open bite (0.6%). A total of 4.4% were identified as requiring orthodontic treatment. Grades 1 and 2 were 25.5% and 58.5%, respectively. There was a significant relationship found between grades 3 and 4, and the anterior open bite, cross bite, and scissor bite. CONCLUSION: This research showed that class I malocclusion was most dominant, followed by classes II and III, respectively. When the Hail city school pupils in the study were assessed for IOTN index, grades 3 and 4 were found to be highly related to anterior open bite, cross bite, and scissor bite.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of canine retraction using modified Marcotte and T-loop retraction springs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four subjects with a treatment plan involving bilateral extractions of upper first premolars were included in the study. A split-mouth design was used to randomly allocate opposite quadrants to either modified Marcotte spring (MS) or T-loop spring (TLS) for canine retraction. Cephalometric radiographs and models were used to measure the rate of canine retraction (primary outcome) and compare the angular/rotational changes in the canines and anchorage loss in molars (secondary outcomes) following retraction. Subjective assessment of pain and discomfort was compared using visual analog scale (VAS). Paired and independent t-tests were used to evaluate changes. RESULTS: The mean amount and rate of retraction of the canine were found to be significantly higher for MS (3.56 ± 0.696 mm and 1.188 ± 0.232 mm, respectively) when compared with TLS (2.125 ± 0.472 mm and 0.71 ± 0.157 mm, respectively). Distopalatal rotation of the canine was also significantly lesser for MS (2.42°±1.868°) than TLS (5.65° ±2.84°, P < 0.001). However, the amount of anchorage loss and canine tipping were significantly higher for MS. Statistically significant higher values in the VAS score for TLS indicated greater discomfort. CONCLUSION: MS exhibited increased rate of retraction and rotation control when compared with TLS during sectional canine retraction. Patient comfort was better for MS as evidenced by the VAS scores. However, the amount of tipping and anchorage loss obtained with MS were significantly higher than TLS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraoral conditions and fluoride mouthwashes on mechanical properties and surface characteristics of different types of titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of TMA wires of dimension 0.017” × 0.025” [1. Standard TMA (TMA), 2. ion-implanted, low-friction TMA (LF) and 3. Colored, Honey Dew TMA (HD)] were tested in three conditions as three groups; A) Control (as received), B) No fluoride (following intraoral use without fluoride) and C) Fluoride (following intraoral use with fluoride rinses). Surface roughness was evaluated using 3D Optical Profilometer. Three point bending tests were done to evaluate load deflection characteristics (LDR), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and Young's modulus (E). Statistical evaluation was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni multiple comparison, and paired t-tests. RESULTS: Control group TMA exhibited significantly higher surface roughness, peak height, and LDR as well as lower UTS and E when compared to LF and HD (P < 0.001). In nonfluoride group, the surface roughness and LDR increased significantly for all three types of wires (P < 0.001). The UTS and E showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). Additional use of fluoride mouthwashes (fluoride group) further increased surface roughness and LDR and decreased the UTS and E (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ion-implanted LF/HD varieties had better surface smoothness, lower LDR, higher UTS, and higher E than standard TMA in the control group, pointing towards a better efficiency of these wires. Intraoral conditions significantly increased surface roughness and deteriorated mechanical properties of all types of TMA wires. With the use of daily fluoride mouthwashes, the deterioration was much worse.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate and critically appraise the quality of the currently available literature regarding the morphological, postural, and functional changes observed in individuals following glossectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search without restrictions in eight databases (including grey literature) and hand searching from inception until March 2018 was performed. Data on morphological, postural, and functional changes after glossectomy were reviewed. Methodological quality was evaluated using the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of intervention tool. RESULTS: Out of 835 initially identified unique records, only three articles following patients for 1 year after glossectomy fulfilled the selection criteria. Overall, no significant morphological, postural, and functional changes were observed. Only the distance between the dorsum and the nasal line increased and the freeway space decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, no significant differences were noted in the medium term, in terms of dentofacial structures adaptation and tongue function following glossectomy. Further research is warranted in order to elucidate the consequences of the altered oral environment.

OBJECTIVES: Leptin, a polypeptide which is related to body fat regulation, is also found to have a role in the inflammatory reaction. The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of leptin in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) during orthodontic force application and to correlate its concentration to rate of tooth movement. METHODS: Twenty orthodontic patients (10 males and 10 females) were selected for the study. Leptin concentration was measured at T0, before force application; T1, one hour after force application; T2, one day after force application; T3, one week after force application; T4, one month after force application. GCF was collected using filter paper strips from the distal aspect of gingival sulcus of the right maxillary canine distalized by an active lace-backs of tooth movement was measured on dental casts, before and one month after force application. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction and Pearson's correlation test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean GCF leptin concentration increased from T0 to T1, rose to a peak at T2, then declined to a minimum value at T3 and then increased to a value at T4, closer to the base line value (T0), and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was positive correlation of the overall mean leptin concentration to rate of tooth movement (correlation coefficient = 0.634). CONCLUSION: There was a biphasic change in GCF leptin concentration during one cycle of orthodontic force application. There was a positive correlation between the GCF leptin concentration and rate of tooth movement.