Two-dimensional cephalometry is widely used for monitoring orthodontic treatments and for quantifying the outcome of maxillofacial surgery. Despite careful use of a cephalostat, successive radiographs might differ due to slight differences in patient posture. This study evaluates the reliability of lateral cephalometric measurements and estimates the impact of patient positioning on this reliability. We studied cephalograms of 104 patients; 31 of them had two radiographs because the first was deemed unsuitable for cephalometric analysis. Using AudaxCeph 3.0 (Audax, Ljubljana, Slovenia), two observers traced each cephalogram twice, one month apart. We evaluated intra- and interobserver agreement via Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable difference (SDD). First, we studied the reliability of the hard tissue part of the Tweed-Merrifield analysis for 73 single cephalograms and for the better ones of patients with two exposures. Then, we studied 31 unsatisfactory cephalograms, and the ones recorded at improved patient posture. Although intraobserver bias was less than 0.5° or 0.3 mm, interobserver bias was significant for most measurements. Intraobserver reliability was high (ICC > 0.9), whereas interobserver reliability was good (ICC > 0.83) except for FMPA, FMIA and OP. Head rotations and inclinations had little impact on reliability (e.g., interobserver SDD decreased for 3 of 11 measurements). We conclude that averaging the positions of bilateral structures enables a reliable cephalometric analysis in spite of imprecise patient posture. Retaking cephalograms is ethically questionable in such cases.

Aim of our study. To evaluate the difference between sensory detection threshold reactions of teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, determined by electrical and thermal pulp testing. Material and methods. After a selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 patients with a mean age of 19,3+/- 3,6 years old who presented to the Center for Integrated Dental Medicine of the Faculty of Dental Medicine from Târgu Mureș for orthodontic treatment had been included in this study. The reactions to thermal and electrical pulp testing were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment and during the contention period. Results. The application of orthodontic force immediately increased the response threshold which peaked after 8 weeks. Conclusions. Based on these results we conclude that dental specialists should interpret with caution the results of electric pulp testing in teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances as the cold tests with ethyl chloride are more reliable.

Background: Previous studies regarding various types of malocclusions have found correlations between the angle of the base of the skull and prognathism. Aim of the study: This cephalometric study sought to investigate the function of the cranium base angle in different types of malocclusion on a group of Romanian subjects. Materials and methods: Forty-four cephalometric radiographs were selected from patients referred to orthodontic treatment. The cephalometric records were digitized, and with the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 software 22 landmarks have been marked on each radiograph. A number of linear and angular variables were calculated. Results: The angle of the base of the skull was found to be higher in Class II Division 1 subjects compared to the Class I group. The cranial base lengths, N-S and S-Ba, were significantly larger in both categories of Class II malocclusion than in Class I patients, but measurements were comparable in Class I and Class III. The SNA angle showed no considerable variation between Class I subjects and the other groups. SNA-SNP was significantly

The aim of our study is to measure the prevalence of oral leukoplakia in a selected population group in association with variables as gender, age, smoking and alcohol intake. The mucosal lesions were diagnosed and classified according to internationally accepted criteria. Results showed that the majority of oral leukoplakia belonged to homogenous type and only o few were non-homogenous, with a prevalence of 3.32% 1.10% respectively, a difference that was statistically significant. The most frequent location of oral leukoplakia was the oral mucosa of the cheek, lower lip, tongue and floor of the oral cavity. Our conclusion was that oral leukoplakia occurred more frequently in men over the age of 45 and smoking and alcohol abuse were positive correlated factors.

Throughout orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is particularly important and must be rigorously controlled throughout therapeutic act. The aim of our clinical study was to examine the periodontal status of patients before, during and after orthodontic appliances are used. 50 patients were selected, plaque index, gingival index, modified papillae bleeding index and clinical probing depth was evaluated on anchorage teeth, separately those with orthodontic bands and tubes. One of the most common findings during this kind of treatment is gingival alteration in the posterior region. Our practical observations showed a different status of these alterations at patients wearing bands on the anchorage teeth versus those with buccal tubes. Using some of the indices which describes the periodontal status at adult and adolescent patients, we found out that adolescents present a higher plaque index, and the accumulation of dental plaque is more severe when bands are used in both categories. Another finding, which is very important in everyday practice is that gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation decrease one month after debonding. Keywords: Orthodontic treatment, periodontal condition IntroductionThe accumulation of plaque is influenced by numerous factors such as diet, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, saliva, the composition of the microbial flora and immunological factors.