BackgroundMolar incisor hypomineralisation is defined as the hypomineralisation of systemic origin of one to four permanent first molars, and frequently associated with affected incisors. Till date, there is no data available on molar incisor hypomineralisation in any parts of Nepal.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and characteristics of Molar incisor hypomineralisation in 7 to 12 years old school children of Kavre.MethodA total of 749 school children of age 7 to 12 years from four different randomly selected schools with at least one of the first permanent molars fully or partially erupted were evaluated using European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria for molar incisor hypomineralisation. The examinations were conducted at respective schools by a single calibrated examiner.ResultMolar incisor hypomineralisation was present in 13.7% of children. No gender differences were found.The mild type of defect (without structural loss of tooth) was the most prevalent type of molar incisor hypomineralisation with white/creamy demarcated opacities more frequent than yellow/brown demarcated opacities. Post eruptive breakdown was more in boys than in girls and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, maxillary molars were affected more than mandibular molars and this difference was also statistically significant (p<0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation in Kavre was 13.7%.Demarcated opacities were more prevalent than breakdown. The hypomineralised defect was more prevalent in maxillary teeth than in mandibular teeth. The severity of defect increased with age and there was no difference in prevalence between girls and boys.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(1) 2014: 38-42

Introduction: Different bracket systems are available in the market claiming to have some advantage over the other. Conventional brackets and the self-ligating brackets are the most common. Though both the systems work basically similarly, the difference between the two system is principally in the ligating technique. The advantage of conventional brackets claimed are faster tooth movements and improved oral health of the patient. Materials & Method: A total number of 20 patients were shorted from the waiting list meeting the selection criteria. With the help of random number generator, two groups with 10 subjects each were created for conventional brackets (0.022 Slot MBT brackets) and self-ligating brackets (0.022 Slot DAMON prescription) respectively. The patients were blinded regarding the selection of the brackets. The brackets were bonded according to the random number allocation. After the bonding, the periodontal parameters i.e. gingival index (GI), plaque Index (PI) were measured again at an interval of 60 (T1) and 120 days (T2). Periodontal indices were calculated by summing the mean score of each examined tooth and dividing by the number of the evaluated teeth. Data collection was done with the help of a periodontal probe. All the records were taken by the same periodontist to avoid inter-examiner variability. To reassure that there is no any intra-examiner variation for periodontal status, the same periodontist re-measured the periodontal parameters again of 10 individuals selected randomly after 7 days from the initial measurements. To examine the intra-examination variability, Dahlberg’s formula was used between the two readings taken at a span of 7 days of the same subjects. The mean value of Plaque index and Gingival index was checked for normal distribution applying Kolmogorov- Smirnov test. One-way ANOVA test was applied for comparison between and within groups for plaque index and Gingival index during three different period in Conventional brackets and Self-ligating brackets. Post hoc Bonferroni test was applied for multiple comparison. Independent t-test was applied for comparison between conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets to compare the plaque index and gingival index. All data were test were analyzed at P<0.05. Result: There was no any significant difference between T0 and T1 and between T1 and T2 in both the conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets. However, there was statistical difference between the time period from T0 to T2. There was also no any significant difference between conventional bracket and self-ligating brackets in terms of plaque index and gingival index. Conclusion: There are no advantages of self-ligating brackets over conventional brackets in terms of periodontal status.

Introduction: Sagittal jaw relationship is an important parameter for orthodontic treatment planning. Angular and linear measurements both have been proposed and used in orthodontic cephalometrics to assess the sagittal jaw relationships. However, angular measurement has been questioned over the years for its reliability as a result of changes in facial height, jaw inclination and the variable positions of Nasion. So, the objective of our study was to assess the linear anteroposterior jaw relation in a sample of Nepali population using occlusal (Wits appraisal) and palatal planes as reference lines.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the lateral cephalogram of 101 individuals visiting the Department of Orthodontics, Kantipur Dental College, Kathmandu, Nepal. Individuals with Class I skeletal relation were selected using convenience sampling method. Radiographs were standardised and traced. Occlusal and palatal planes were drawn that were bisected by the perpendicular lines from Point A and Point B. The linear distances between the intersections were measured to determine sagittal jaw relations.Results: In Nepali individuals with normal ANB angle (3.05°±2.511°), the sagittal jaw relation with reference to occlusal (Wits appraisal) and palatal planes were found to be 0.203±3.343mm and 3.574±4.074mm respectively.Conclusions: Various methods has been proposed and used to assess the sagittal jaw relation and each method has its own strength and limitations. So, it is well advised to use additional cephalometric analysis whenever possible before arriving at any diagnosis and treatment plans. Keywords: ANB angle; Nepal; palatal plane; Wits appraisal.