The white Caucasian group followed a pattern that has previously been reported in other studies. For Black-British and Arabian/Indian groups' findings were inconsistent and no specific pattern emerged for different degrees of hypodontia.

Enamel demineralization and white-spot lesions (WSLs) around the orthodontic brackets are common clinical complications after orthodontic fixed appliance therapy. WSLs form mainly due to plaque deposition around the brackets during the orthodontic treatment period. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of two different remineralization agents on WSLs, which are “Clinpro 5000 and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief”. 27 caries-free human premolar teeth were collected after extraction for orthodontic purposes. The crowns were set in acrylic resin, and the entire surfaces were coated with nail varnish apart from an area of 4 × 4 mm on the buccal surface. The surface microhardness (SMH) was measured using the Vickers microhardness testing machine at baseline, after demineralization, and after treatment. Then, the different SMH values were statistically analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. All samples were immersed in demineralizing solution for ten days to create WSLs, and then the teeth were allocated randomly into one of the three groups: Group 1 (control group-immersed in artificial saliva), Group 2 (treated with Colgate sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste), and Group 3 (Clinpro 5000 toothpaste). Cycles of treatment were done for 5 minutes every 12 hours for 14 days. The samples were stored in freshly prepared artificial saliva between cycles. The mixed-effects model was used to quantify the effect of different remineralization agents. All statistics were computed using STATA software (version14.1; Stata, College Station, TX). All statistical tests were two-tailed and interpreted at the 0.05 significance level. Both agents improved the surface hardness. Clinpro 5000 improved the surface hardness by 12.7 ( P value 0.012), and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief improved surface hardness by 18.2 ( P value <0.0001), However when both treatments are compared with each other, there was no statistical significance among them. When compared to the control group, both treatments “Clinpro™ 5000 and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief” have significantly improved enamel’s SMH.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different age groups and ethnicities. According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is the third most common abnormal dental condition. AIM: This study aims to establish the prevalence of malocclusion among schoolchildren in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Saudi schoolchildren, 12-15 years of age, of both genders, randomly selected from 15 schools in different regions of Makkah. Molar and canine relationships were examined, in addition to traits such as crowding, spacing, overjet, overbite, cross-bite, scissor bite, and maxillary diastema. RESULTS: The most prevalent molar relationship was Class I (52.3%), followed by Class II (25%), and Class III (20.5%). Crowding was the most prevalent malocclusion trait (74%), and scissor bite was the least common (2.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in most of the recorded criteria (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Among schoolchildren in Makkah, Class I molar relationship was the most prevalent type of occlusion, and the most prevalent malocclusion trait was crowding.

Background: Children and adolescents show a different perception of dental esthetics. This study aimed at comparing the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between children and adolescents living in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia and links their preference to differences in age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried among 234 subjects categorized into two groups according to age range 6–12 and 15–18 years old selected randomly from six different schools of Makkah and Jeddah province, Saudi Arabia. A chart of photos of five different orthodontic appliances was introduced to each subject to choose the most suitable esthetic device in their opinion supported by a self-administered questionnaire. The data collected were entered using Microsoft Excel program. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical program version 17. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as a level for significance. Chi-Square test was used to evaluate the difference of esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between two age groups. Results: Among the 234 subjects studied the age groups 6–12 years old contributed 49.6% and the age group 15–18 years old contributed 50.4% of the total subjects. The chi-square analysis showed a significant difference in esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between the two age groups, the majority of children (49%) choose a metallic appliance with colored elastics as they look attractive 49.6%, while adolescents choose regular metallic brackets 47.4%. Other factors, such as gender, socioeconomic status, previous orthodontic treatment, and family history of orthodontic treatment did not show any significant statistical difference. Conclusion: The patient preference for selection of orthodontic appliances was found to be affected by age. The study finding could be taken into consideration during the treatment planning to improve patient cooperation.

No abstract