Objective: To determine the perception of orthodontists and laypersons regarding the size of the dark spaces in the buccal corridors and how that affects smile esthetics in individuals with long and short faces. Materials and Methods: Images of eight smiling individuals were modified to create five sizes of dark spaces in the buccal corridors (2%, 10%, 15%, 22%, and 28%) and were submitted to a group of laypersons and a group of orthodontists. Results: Laypersons were more critical in their evaluation than orthodontists. Laypersons could not distinguish the gradation of dark spaces in the buccal corridor unless it was very plain. Orthodontists perceived this gradation beginning at 15%. Female evaluators were more critical than male evaluators in both groups. Conclusions: The presence or absence of dark spaces in the buccal corridors has little influence over smile esthetics. While this aspect must be considered in the orthodontic diagnosis, there is no justification for expanding the buccal corridor to eliminate dark spaces unless they are very evident. (Angle Orthod. 2011;81:86-90.)

Several epidemiological studies have analyzed the association between oral health and social development. However, the use of different variables assessing socioeconomic status impairs the comparative analysis of their findings. The present study describes how recent dental studies have classified population segments according to categories of social stratification. We selected 86 papers on social determinants of dental caries or periodontal conditions, and published in MEDLINE-indexed journals from 1990 to 2001. The studies used different strategies to stratify populations, but occupation, schooling, and income were the most frequently assessed variables. Ethnic differentials, characteristics of households and schools, and access to material resources were also frequently appraised. We also observed a large portion of Brazilian studies focusing on socioeconomic differentials in the distribution of caries and periodontal disease. Knowledge of strategies for social stratification can improve the understanding of factors associated with dental diseases, fostering further studies and allowing the comparison of their results.

ResumoIntrodução: o relato de caso apresentado descreve um tratamento ortodôntico auxiliado por miniplacas, de uma paciente adulta que apresentava mordida aberta anterior acentuada, rotação horária da mandíbula, biprotrusão e ausência de selamento labial. Após a extração dos primeiros molares e retração dentária superior e inferior, associada ao controle vertical propiciado pelas placas, ocorreu uma pequena rotação anti-horária da mandíbula e a correção da mordida aberta anterior, com significativa melhora facial. Objetivo: o presente relato corrobora as evidências atuais quanto à eficiência do uso de miniplacas de titânio como ancoragem temporária, especialmente em situações de correções de grande amplitude, envolvendo um problema vertical.Palavras-chave: Miniplaca de ancoragem. Implantes de ancoragem. Exodontia de molares. Mordida aberta anterior. Biprotrusão. * Mestre em Ortodontia pela USP -Bauru/SP. Doutor em Ortodontia pela UNESP -Araraquara/SP. Professor Abstract Introduction: The case report presented describes an orthodontic treatment supported by miniplates of an adult female patient who presented severe anterior openbite, clockwise rotation of the mandible, biprotrusion and the absence of labial sealing. After extraction of first molars and maxillary and mandibulary dental retraction, associated with vertical control provided by the miniplates, the anterior openbite was corrected with a little anti-clockwise rotation, resulting in a significant improve on facial appearance. Aim: This case report confirms the efficiency of titanium miniplates as temporary anchorage, especially in situations where great corrections are needed, involving a vertical problem.