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To analyze bite force distribution in subjects with different occlusal characteristics. This prospective study included 132 candidates (50 males, 82 females) seeking orthodontic treatment, who were divided into four groups based on Angle's classification of malocclusion. T-Scan® III Version 7.0 was used to record their relative distribution of bite forces, which were compared using gender, Angle's occlusal classification, overjet, overbite, space analysis, sagittal, and transverse skeletal relations variables. ANOVA revealed significant differences in posterior/anterior bite force ratios between sagittal dental and skeletal relationships, overjet, and overbite groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between different space analysis and transverse relationship groups (p > 0.05) or between genders (p > 0.05). Subjects with Class III, decreased overjet and decreased overbite displayed higher bite force in posterior teeth compared to other groups. This feature must be considered when evaluating patients with dental and periodontal pathologies that might be affected by excessive tooth stress, especially in subjects with oral parafunctions and bruxism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study compared and contrasted the morphological characteristics of Class I, II and III malocclusions in an adolescent Saudi population. Adolescent Saudis with Angle's Class I, II and III malocclusions were selected from orthodontic patients' records. Angular and linear measurements were compared between the three groups. Cephalometric analysis was performed using the VistadentOC® software. Multifactorial ANOVA for angular and linear measurements between and within groups. Orthodontic records of 300 patients were included. There was no significant difference between and within groups in age and distribution of Angle's classification, p > 0.05. Multifactorial ANOVA showed that there were significant interactions between gender and malocclusions in skeletal, dental and soft tissue measurements, p < 0.05. There were significant differences in the sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements between groups, p < 0.05. The dental measurements were also significantly different in most of the measurements (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were significantly different readings among the groups in the soft tissue analysis. Morphological characteristics of adolescent Saudis show unique differences between gender and malocclusions, more so in Class III malocclusions. Class II and III malocclusions also show skeletal differences amongst the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgO nanoparticles have been recently discovered as an antibacterial, however, they limited by property degradation due to agglomeration. The addition of a coating agent, such as a zein polymer, is effective in preventing agglomeration without affecting nanosized properties. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial property of MgO nanoparticles when coated with a zein polymer against several oral bacteria and fungi. This was done by utilizing various assessment techniques. The ultimate aim is to use these nanoparticles in dental preparations. The antimicrobial activity of zein-coated MgO nanoparticles at different concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2% were tested against four different microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis (gram positive bacteria), and Candida albicans (as oral fungus). Two different techniques were utilized: the Kirby-Bauer test, and a modified direct contact test. The results indicated that the antibacterial effect of 1% or 2% zein-coated MgO nanowires were statistically significant (p<0.05) against the four organisms studied: S. mutans, S. aureus, E. faecalis and C. albicans. Zein-coated MgO nanoparticles are a new human friendly and potent antimicrobial agent that can be incorporated in the formulation of a variety of new dental materials and products that should provide improvements in dental care and oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare efficacy, side effects, patient compliance, and preference between two types of custom-made mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs) in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methodology: This prospective, randomized, crossover study of 12 patients with mild to moderate OSA compared a titratable and a non-titratable MAA. Each patient was fitted with both appliances in a random order with a washout period of two weeks. Efficacy, side effects, compliance, and preference were evaluated by a questionnaire. All patients underwent overnight home sleep recordings prior to and after the use of each appliance in order to objectively assess sleep quality in terms of the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), snoring frequency and oxygen desaturation index.Results: Treatment successes (relief of symptoms and/or reduction of AHI to <10/h) were reported with both types of appliances. No compliance failure was reported, and in most patients, the side effects were mild, and improved with time.Conclusion: Both types of oral appliances were effective treatments for patients with mild to moderate OSA, with fewer side effects and higher patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem The effectiveness of adhesives in enhancing several functional aspects of complete denture performance has been well established. The direct influence of adhesives on occlusal contact simultaneity has not yet been investigated. Purpose The purpose of this crossover clinical trial was to evaluate quantitatively the influence of adhesives on occlusal balance by recording timed occlusal contacts; namely occlusion time (OT) and disocclusion time during right (DT-right) and left (DT-left) excursions by using computerized occlusal analysis. Material and methods A crossover clinical trial was adopted. Assessments were carried out while participants (n=49) wore their dentures first without then with adhesives. Computerized occlusal analysis using the T-Scan III system was conducted to perform baseline computer-guided occlusal adjustment for conventionally fabricated dentures. Retention and stability assessment using the modified Kapur index and recording of OT and DT-right and DT-left values using the T-Scan III were subsequently carried out for all dentures, first without adhesives and then after application of adhesive. All T-Scan procedures were carried out by the same clinician. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the Kapur index scores and occlusal parameters (α=.05). Results Stability and retention of conventional dentures ranged initially from good to very good. However, adhesive application resulted in significant improvement ( P <.001) in stability and retention and a significant decrease in duration of all occlusal parameters (OT [ P =.003], DT-right [ P =.003], and DT-left [ P =.008]). Conclusions Adhesives significantly decreased OT and DT durations in initially well-fitting complete dentures with fairly well balanced occlusion, and further enhanced denture stability and occlusal contact simultaneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem: Surface roughness and internal porosity are 2 potential risk factors that threaten the biocompatibility and long-term mechanical stability of cast partial removable dental prostheses frameworks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the material, of conventional wax patterns, and the recently introduced light-polymerized patterns on the initial surface roughness and internal porosity of the cobalt-chromium castings of partial removable dental prostheses. Material and methods: Twenty-eight identical partial removable dental prosthesis frameworks were fabricated on a cast of a maxillary Kennedy Class III modification 1 partially edentulous patient. Fourteen frameworks were fabricated from each pattern material. The initial surface roughness, Ra (μm), of the resultant castings was measured with a profilometer. Radiographs of the castings were made on dental occlusal films with a dental x-ray unit with the following exposure conditions: tube voltage 70 kV; exposure time 1.0 seconds; tube current 7 mA; and source-film distance 35 cm. The number and size of porosities in the 3 main components (clasp units, major connectors, denture base meshwork) were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted with the independent sample t test for surface roughness and the Mann Whitney test for internal porosity (α=.05). Results: The statistical analysis of mean surface roughness and internal porosity revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups. Conclusions: The surface roughness and internal porosity of frameworks fabricated from conventional wax and Liwa patterns were comparable, with no significant differences between the 2 pattern materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background There is a paucity of recent data on osteomyelitis of the jaws particularly in the Saudi population. Therefore, The purpose of the present retrospective study was to determine and update the informations associated with osteomyelitis of the jaws in the Saudi population. Patients and methods Patients with inflammation of the jaws who attended King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 2000 to December 2010 underwent a retrospective chart review for osteomyelitis of the jaws. Moreover, the charts of patients registered at the faculty of dentistry oral surgery clinics and in many medical centers in Jeddah during the same period were also reviewed for the same purpose. Results One thousand patients out of 3000 reviewed showed jaw bone involvement. Only 300 of 1000 patients showed actual inflammatory jaw bone conditions; 42 of them met the criteria for osteomyelitis of the jaws. The mean age was 58 years. The most common risk factors associated with osteomyelitis of the jaws were tooth extraction, orofacial malignancy and radiotherapy, and bisphosphonates use. The most common symptoms were pain, exposed bone/plate and cheek swelling. Aerobic (GP 84%, GN 42%) and anaerobic (GP 53%, GN 27%) bacteria were identified. Antibiotics were given to 34% of patients for more than 4 weeks intravenously. Five patients achieved full recovery. Limited recovery was associated with orofacial malignancy and radiotherapy (p= 0.06). Conclusions Radiotherapy for orofacial malignancy has emerged as a major risk factor for osteomyelitis of the jaws. Only orofacial malignancy and radiotherapy predicted limited recovery. The length of antibiotic therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy did not predict treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]