The formation of white spot lesions or enamel demineralization around fixed orthodontic attachments is a common complication during and following fixed orthodontic treatment, which mars the result of a successfully completed case. This article is a contemporary review of the risk factors, preventive methods and fate of these orthodontics scars. The importance of excellent oral hygiene practice during fixed orthodontic treatment must be explained. Preventive programs must be emphasized to all orthodontic patients. Suggestions are offered in the literature for ways to prevent this condition from manifesting itself.

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Introduction:Various components of fixed orthodontic appliances are continuously interacting with saliva and other fluids in the mouth releasing various metal ions including nickel and chromium that can cause damaging effects if their concentration exceeds above the toxic dose.Aim:To determine and compare the level of nickel and chromium in the saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at different time periods.Materials and Methods:The sample of saliva of 13 patients was taken at different time periods that is: Group 1 (before appliance placement), Group II, III, and IV (after 1-week, 1-month, and 3 months of appliance placement respectively). The fixed appliance comprised of brackets, bands, buccal tubes, lingual sheath, transpalatal arch and wires composed of Ni-Ti and stainless steel. The level of ions was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectro-photometry. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistical Analysis Software (Version 15.0).Results:Level of nickel and chromium in saliva was highest in Group II and lowest in Groups I for both the ions. On comparison among different Groups, it was statistically significant for all the groups (<0.001) except between Group III and Group IV.Conclusion:The release of nickel and chromium was maximum at 1-week and then the level gradually declined. These values were well below the toxic dose of these ions. The results should be viewed with caution in subjects with Ni hypersensitivity.

a b s t r a c tObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cephalometric measurements obtained from computerized tracing of direct digital radiographs and hand tracing of their digital radiographic printouts. Material and methods: The soft-and hard-copies of pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 40 subjects (both males and females) within the age group of 10e30 years, irrespective of the type of malocclusion were taken. Total 26 measurements (13 linear and 13 angular) were obtained using both the manual and the digital technique. for angular measurements). While amongst the angular measurements, only occlusal plane angle showed statistically significant difference between the two techniques that was not clinically acceptable.

Mouth breathingMaxillary sinus volume CBCT DICOM a b s t r a c t Aims: Nose being the primary mode of air intake in humans can be obstructed in certain conditions and mouth takes over the process of breathing. As a result, there is a reduced or complete loss of function of nose, which shows underdevelopment or stunted growth (change in form). This can lead to impaired pneumatization that can result in dimensional changes in the sinus.Objective: To assess volume alterations in maxillary sinus as secondary and as compensatory mechanism to altered functional matrices by comparing overall maxillary sinus volume of mouth breathers with normal breathers in the age group 12e14 years and to evaluate effect of gender on maxillary sinus volume.Material and method: Maxillary sinus volume calculated using manual segmentation method from CBCT scans of 25 normal breathers and 25 mouth breathers were compared.Results: Mean maxillary sinus volume of mouth breathers was significantly less than normal breathers ( p < 0.05). Conclusion:Mouth breathers showed lesser maxillary sinus volume but it is still uncertain whether the reduction in the volume of maxillary sinus is because the form of the maxillary sinus is affected due to improper functioning of nasal cavity or due to the underlying pathological condition resulting in poorly growing sinus.