Preventive and interceptive orthodontic needs among Syrian children

An epidemiological study on early orthodontic treatment need among eastern Saudi Arabian children in the mixed dentition stage

Estimation of early orthodontic treatment need among children is essential for planning orthodontic interventions in the mixed dentition stages thereby reducing the burden in a publicly funded healthcare system. The present study aimed to assess the early orthodontic treatment need among children with mixed dentition in the Eastern Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi children visiting the outpatient clinics in a University dental setting, and data were collected based on Index for preventive and interceptive orthodontic need (IPION). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The category of 'no treatment need' accounted for 11.3% while 'moderate treatment need' and 'definite treatment need' categories accounted for 29.3% and 59.4% respectively. There was no statistical difference between males and females in the distribution of the three categories of treatment need (p = 0.513). This study demonstrated a very high need for early orthodontic treatment among Saudi children in the mixed dentition stage. Emphasis should be placed on increased awareness and benefits of seeking early orthodontic treatment involving preventive and interceptive procedures in the mixed dentition.

Pedodontists' awareness of orthodontics: An online survey

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to document knowledge, awareness, and ability to provide different aspects of orthodontic treatment currently provided by pedodontists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 14-item online questionnaire was sent to 120 pedodontists in different countries. Responses received within 2 months were analyzed as frequency and percentage.

RESULTS

The response rate was 68.3%. Most respondents demonstrated adequate information about the etiology and diagnosis of different malocclusions and paid attention to patients' facial characteristics. The desire to learn from continuing education programs was higher for preventive and interceptive orthodontics. Space maintainers, habit breakers, management of anterior crossbite, and serial extraction were the orthodontic services most provided by pedodontists.

CONCLUSIONS

Pedodontists should attend to continuing education about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment planning for various malocclusions.

Evaluation of the flexural strength of orthodontic acrylic resin incorporated with propolis nanoparticles: an in vitro study

AIM

Nanopropolis has become the subject of interest in medicine and dentistry as a natural product due to its outstanding properties, particularly antimicrobial activity. This study aimed at investigating the effect of nanopropolis on flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Orthodontic treatment needs of children with high caries using Index for Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Needs (IPION)

AIM

This study aimed to use the Index for Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IPION) in high caries children and to investigate the IPION components that differentiate level of preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment need (P&I Tx need).

METHODS

A sample of 202 children (8-9 years of age) was randomly selected from the schools in urban and rural areas in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand. Dental models, intra-oral photographs, and the examination of oral function were collected and the P&I Tx need was determined according to IPION. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were performed to test the difference in proportions of each component of IPION among levels of P&I Tx need.

RESULTS

Almost all children (96.0%) needed preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment. The characteristics that were significantly different among P&I Tx need groups were primary molar proximal caries, anterior crossbite, lower permanent molar tipping, and abnormal molar relationship (p < 0.05). The major part of the IPION scores in the definite treatment need group came from caries, early loss, and crossbite.

CONCLUSIONS

The P&I Tx need in this group of children was very high. Primary molar proximal caries, anterior crossbite, lower permanent molar tipping, and abnormal molar relationship were the dominant factors that indicated P&I Tx need in these children.