The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of malocclusion on the oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL) of schoolchildren aged 8-12 years old in Southern Brazil. A two-stage cluster procedure was used to select 1,199 children in 20 public and private schools in Pelotas/Brazil. Cross-sectional data was collected, consisting of a socioeconomic questionnaire to parents, children's interview and clinical oral examination. The clinical variables were obtained from clinical examination, and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) was assessed during children's interview. To measure malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need the Dental Aesthetic Index was used. For data analysis multiple Poisson regression models estimating the rate ratios (RR) and their respective confidence intervals (95%CI) were used. Among 1,206 participants, 789 were aged 8-10 years and 417 between 11-12 years. The orthodontic treatment need was higher among the younger children (44.6%) than in the older ones (35.0%) (p value ≤0.05). There was a significant association in the CPQ social and emotional domains with malocclusion in the older schoolchildren. In the adjusted analysis (for socioeconomics and clinical variables) the effect of very severe malocclusion on OHRQoL was confirmed in both 8-10 and 11-12 age groups (RR(95%CI) of 1.24(1.02;1.51) and 1.28(1.01;1.62), respectively). The findings demonstrated that children with very severe malocclusion experienced greater negative impact on OHRQoL compared to those with mild or no malocclusion. The results suggest that malocclusion impacts the quality of life. The higher impact occurs in the social and emotional well-being domains.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess technical preferences of general dental practitioners when restoring anterior composite restorations. How the level of clinical experience or post-graduate training infuenced their options was also tested. Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire with general dental practitioners (GDPs) (n=276) in Southern Brazil. Information regarding post graduation training (specialization, master's or PhD degree) and linical experience (years since completing graduation) were gathered. The options regarding anterior composite restorations (type of composite, adhesive system, light curing unit, polishing procedures and rubber dam use) were collected. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and associations were tested. ResultsResponse rate was 68% (187). GDPs selected microhybrid composite (52%) and 2-step total etch adhesive system (77%). LED was the preferred method of activation for 72.8%. Immediate polishing was preferred by 75%, using a combination of techniques. Most of the respondents (74.3%) did not use rubber dam. More experienced clinicians used more halogen lights (p<0.022), performed more light monitoring (p<0.001) and were resistant to use rubber dam (p<0.012). Dentists with post-graduation training used 3-etch-and-rinse system more frequently (p<0.04), usually monitored light intensity (p<0.014) and placed rubber dam more frequently (p<0.044). ConclusionsHybrid composite, simplifed adhesives, LED units and immediate polishing were preferred by Southern Brazilian dentists for anterior composite restorations. Few dentists used rubber dam to perform composite restorations in anterior teeth. Clinical experience and post-graduation training infuenced the dentists' choices.

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A maloclusão é definida como uma irregularidade dos dentes, ocupando a terceira maior prevalência entre as patologias orais. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de maloclusão e a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico em escolares de 8 a 12 anos do município de Pelotas (RS), relacionando-as com dados demográficos e socioeconômicos. Material e métodos: Uma amostra de 1206 crianças de 20 escolas da rede pública e privada de Pelotas (RS) foi avaliada. Foi aplicado questionário aos pais para obtenção de dados demográficos e socioeconômicos. Dentistas treinados avaliaram maloclusão e necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico, pelo critério Dental Aesthetic Index. Para análise dos dados, os testes qui[1]quadrado, qui-quadrado de tendência linear e regressão de Poisson bruta e ajustada foram utilizados para associações entre desfecho e exposições, estimando-se as razões de prevalência e seus intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: 83,7% apresentavam algum tipo de maloclusão, porém a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico foi de 40,6% (mandatório em 9,7%). Espaçamento no segmento anterior (50,4%) e apinhamento (35,9%) foram as maloclusões mais prevalentes. Observou-se diminuição com a idade e da proporção de crianças com algum tipo de maloclusão. A análise ajustada mostrou que apenas a idade, e não características socioeconômicas, influenciou na necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico. Conclusão: A prevalência de maloclusão foi alta e, apesar de a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico ter diminuído dos 8 aos 12 anos, continua elevada. Os resultados sugerem que o papel de medidas preventivas e interceptativas deva ser reforçado, especialmente na rede pública, como maneira efetiva de reduzir a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico.