Search

A case report of tooth agenesis and excessive intraarch space due to tooth size discrepancies and malformed teeth is presented. Interdisciplinary treatment including orthodontics, implant surgery, prosthodontics, and laboratory fabrication with dissimilar restoration and material types was used to accomplish an esthetic and functional outcome. Proper diagnosis of individual tooth width and proportion were key elements in treatment. Clinical Significance: Knowledge and understanding of the relationships of the mandibular to maxillary anterior teeth and shade management of dissimilar restoration types will allow the interdisciplinary team to achieve the desired esthetic restorative result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the impact of fixed labial orthodontic appliances on speech sound production. Materials and Methods: Speech evaluations were performed on 23 patients with fixed labial appliances. Evaluations were performed immediately prior to appliance insertion, immediately following insertion, and 1 and 2 months post insertion. Baseline dental/skeletal variables were correlated with the ability to accommodate the presence of the appliances. Results: Appliance effects were variable: 44% of the subjects were unaffected, 39% were temporarily affected but adapted within 2 months, and 17% of patients showed persistent sound errors at 2 months. Resolution of acquired sound errors was noted by 8 months post-appliance removal. Maladaptation to appliances was correlated to severity of malocclusion as determined by the Grainger's Treatment Priority Index. Sibilant sounds, most notably /s/, were affected most often. Conclusions: (1) Insertion of fixed labial appliances has an effect on speech sound production. (2) Sibilant and stopped sounds are affected, with /s/ being affected most often. (3) Accommodation to fixed appliances depends on the severity of malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]