Background and aim Determination of skeletal maturity and bone age from cervical vertebrae has been well documented. Most methods described use subjective evaluation of morphological characteristics of cervical vertebrae and may be prone to variability and error. A few objective methods have also been developed, specific for certain populations and genders. The aim of this study was to establish and validate an objective method to determine cervical vertebral bone age from lateral cephalometric radiographs, for Asian South Indian patients of both genders. Methods Ninety boys and 90 girls between 9 and 15 years of age were recruited, and their lateral cephalograms were taken. Using measurements made from the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, a formula to determine cervical vertebral bone age was derived using stepwise regression analysis. To validate the formula, a separate sample of 30 boys and 30 girls was chosen, and hand-wrist radiographs and lateral cephalograms were obtained. Cervical vertebral bone age (CVBA) was determined by applying the formula derived. Bone age was also calculated using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method. The bone ages determined by both methods were compared to each other and chronological age, using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc analysis, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results The formulae derived in the current study to determine CVBA differed for both genders. No statistically significant difference was found between CVBA, bone age derived by the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method, and chronological age for both boys (p value = 0.425) and girls (p value = 0.995). A moderate to strong positive correlation was found between CVBA, bone age, and chronological age. Conclusion The formulae derived in this study were validated and are reliable for objectively determining cervical vertebral bone age and skeletal maturation from lateral cephalograms for Asian South Indian patients of both genders.

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Background: For its synergistic effects in producing skeletal changes as well as to lessen the proclination of the lower incisors, which is a common negative result of mandibular advancement, fixed functional appliances with skeletal anchorage have recently been used. Aim: Objective was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects with fixed functional appliances with and without skeletal anchorage. Methods: Electronic database search and manual search were performed up to 2021, April in four databases namely The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Lilac, and Google Scholar. RCTs that employed the use of fixed functional appliances in Class II malocclusion with and without skeletal anchoring were collected. Two co-authors independently extracted the data, and a pre-designed template was followed during the data extraction process. Data including inclusion and exclusion criteria; study design, the year of publication; age and gender of the patients; type of fixed functional device; stage of skeletal maturation; size and site of mini-implant or miniplate placement, amount of force applied in grams or Newtons; method of study outcome assessment (2D or 3D); and follow up were collected. The skeletal and dentoalveolar parameters were extracted. Results: The risk of bias was evaluated, and the SMD and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. Four RCTs were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The review involved data of 179 Class II individuals. The results of a random-effects meta-analysis showed that the SNB differed significantly from the control group (SMD = 0.50 (95% CI –1.55 to –0.10)). No significant differences noted between the two groups in terms of lower incisor inclination and mandibular length changes [SMD = –0.04 (95% CI −2.06 to 1.98) and –1.33 (95% CI −3.28 to 0.62), respectively]. The studies under this were not able to provide enough data to draw any conclusions about the effects of using skeletal anchorage with FFA. Conclusion: According to the evidence that is currently available, using FFA coupled with skeletal anchorage does not appear to have any superior skeletal effects than those without skeletal anchorage.

Objectives Proper application of the cephalometric norms for tetragon analysis for better understanding, diagnosis, and management of dentofacial deformities in the ethnic population. Materials and methods A total of 204 subjects, inclusive of males (102) and females (102), were selected randomly from the outpatient department of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, in the age group ranging from 18 to 25 years, fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Assessment of each lateral cephalogram was done using tetragon analysis to evaluate the cephalometric values for individuals with class I occlusion using the FACAD® 3.4.0.3 A software. Results Statistically significant differences were found for all parameters between the ethnic population and the Caucasian norms. Four out of 14 parameters were found to be significantly different between male and female in the ethnic population. Conclusion This study indicates that the local ethnic population have more prognathic maxillary and mandibular jaws, converging tendency of the jaw bases (resulting in reduced lower anterior facial height and horizontal growth pattern) as indicated by the analysis done in the tetragon and the trigon, and increased proclination of the upper and lower incisors. How to cite this article Gupta N, Gupta G, Umasankar K, Sundari KKS. Establishing the Cephalometric Values for Tetragon Analysis in Patients with Class I Occlusion: A Cephalometric Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(7):597-600.

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is currently being universally utilized for orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and various research projects. However, there have been varied opinions regarding the appropriate use of CBCTs in the field of orthodontics. The knowledge and awareness about using CBCT in circumstantial diagnoses are not clearly understood and certain situations are still debatable, hence this study was performed to rank the knowledge among practitioners and graduate students across India. Materials and Methods: A nation-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive survey was conducted on 559 orthodontist and orthodontic postgraduate students and 18 questions were put forward to assess the knowledge and awareness. All of the 18 questions were then critically analyzed individually and descriptively concluded with appropriate references. Result and Conclusion: The survey showed that there were varying levels of awareness and it could be concluded that orthodontist needs to constantly update their knowledge and skills in interpreting and utilizing a CBCT. Furthermore, the need for bringing out a scientific and evidence-based national guideline for the appropriate use of CBCT is recommended.