Background. Late mandibular incisor crowding is a fairly common phenomenon experienced by growing adults. The etiology of late mandibular incisor crowding, however, is controversial and inconclusive. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between mandibular third molar and mandibular incisor crowding using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. Methods. The study consisted of 40 samples of CBCT images divided into two groups (n=20). Group A comprised CBCT images without third molars, and group B included CBCT images with third molars. The images were observed in the axial view and manually marked to calculate the amount of crowding using Little’s irregularity index. The obtained values were statistically analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test. SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results. The results showed a positive correlation between the mandibular third molars and mandibular incisor crowding, which was significant (P=0.033). The mean Little’s irregularity index score for groups A and B were 4.26 and 6.799, respectively (P=0.033). Conclusion. The positive correlation between the two groups suggests an association between the mandibular third molars and mandibular incisor crowding.

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Balasubramaniam A. Vacuum-formed retainers versus lingual-bonded retainers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of stability of treatment outcomes in orthodontically treated patients.

Introduction: Digital study models today, provide the state-of-art infrastructure for the diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontic malocclusions. Its versatility and wide scope of application makes it a valuable alternative to conventional study models. However, affordability and lack of knowledge may be the reasons for its limited use, presently. Hence, it was aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of digital and conventional study models among orthodontists and post-graduate students. Methods: A close-ended self-constructed questionnaire comprising of fifteen questions was administered to 50 orthotists and 50 post-graduate students. Frequency distribution of the answers given by the participants in each domain (knowledge, awareness and practice) was presented graphically. Results: The orthodontists had a better understanding and also were more inclined to digital study model as compared to the post-graduates. Storage and sterilization are the main concerns addressed by the digital study model, whereas conventional study models still remain less expensive. Conclusion: Orthodontists as well as post-graduates possess sufficient knowledge about digital study models, with orthodontists having a slight edge over the post-graduate students.

Every face is unique and this variation also exists between genders. This forms the basis of sexual dimorphism. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between gender and soft tissue of face among the south Indian population. The study sample comprised 30 lateral cephalograms collected between the time period of June 2019 - March 2020, which were divided into 3 groups. FACAD software was used for the analysis of lateral cephalograms to obtain six variables, namely: glabella area (G-G1), subnasal area (A-Sn), Upper lip thickness (J-Ls), Lower lip thickness (I-Li), Labiomental sulcus thickness (B-Sm), Chin area (Pg-Pg1). The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analysed using SPSS software version 23. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were performed between the skeletal malocclusions. Independent t-test was done to compare the variables between the two genders. The obtained results show a mean increase in all the variables of Class II except Lower lip thickness, which was maximum in Class I skeletal malocclusion. The results of One-way ANOVA, however, was statistically insignificant.  Hence, soft tissue characteristics can provide vital information on sexual dimorphism and also aid in the diagnosis of various malocclusions in orthodontics.