Objective: Mid-maxillary osteodistraction (MMOD) is a novel technique. This study seeks to assess the occlusal and functional improvement of patients with midfacial hypoplasia secondary to cleft lip and palate. Design: This was done as a retrospective study at the Regional Cleft Centre of the Teaching Hospital-Karapitiya (THK). Participants: A total of 81 patient records were accessed on those who underwent MMOD with a tooth-borne intraoral device from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016, at THK. Methods: Records of the patients included pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms, study models, speech assessments, and photographs. Results: An advancement ranging from 5 to 12 mm (mean, 8.14 mm) was achieved in all patients; 80% (n = 63) and 87.65% (n = 71) showed improvement in consonant production and quality of speech. These were statistically significant (P < .05). With regard to the Peer Assessment Rating score assessing the occlusal improvement, 97.6% showed an improvement whereas only 2 patients showed no improvement. There was a significant improvement in sella (S), nasion (N), and point A (SNA) angle; point A, the nasion, and point B (ANB) angle; and the maxillary length over the treatment period (P < .05). The change in the ANB angle and maxillary length significantly differed between genders with males having a comparatively higher improvement. The profile improvements were noteworthy on the profile photographs. Conclusion: This relatively novel approach to maxillary advancement by maxillary distraction using a combined surgical and modified orthodontic technique has proven to be successful. This protocol and the technique have improved function, occlusion, and the aesthetics.

Aim To compare the plaque removal ability of two designs of interdental toothbrushes (IDTBs) [“tube-like” IDTB = TT and “conical” IDTB = CT] in the posterior part of the mouth in adult patients. Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 107 adult patients who were in the periodontal maintenance phase having completed treatment for “chronic mild–moderate gingivitis.” Each selected patient was subjected to plaque scoring in the posterior sextants. Four sites per tooth were scored after plaque disclosing. The percentage of plaque was calculated. One of the two designs of IDTBs (TT or CT) was randomly assigned for each patient. They were instructed to carry out eight strokes back-and-forth in the relevant interdental spaces, following demonstration of the technique on a model. The interdental surfaces were reexamined for remaining plaque, and the plaque score was taken. The percentage of reduction of plaque after using the IDTB was calculated. Results The mean interdental plaque score for the “TT design” group (n = 56) was 82% initially, whereas the same for “CT design” group (n = 51) was 78%, and this difference was not significant statistically. Following use of TT design, the plaque score in this group was reduced to 24%, which is a 71% reduction from the initial plaque score. This reduction was significant statistically (p < 0.004; t-test). The CT design also showed a dramatic reduction (79%) in plaque score following use of this design (p < 0.007; t-test). Conclusion Although both designs (CT and TT) were highly effective in posterior interdental spaces, the CT design appeared to be better than TT design in controlling interdental plaque. How to cite this article Tilakaratne A, Perera KL, Jayasinghe VP. Comparison of Effectiveness of Two Designs of Interdental Toothbrushes in removing Dental Plaque. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2017;6(1):17-21.

Introduction: Mixed dentition space analysis necessitates accurate prediction of size of the unerupted permanent teeth. The methods commonly employed are the radiographs, correlation and regression equations, or a combination. Much interest was developed on the application of prediction tables and regression equations to avoid the radiation exposure. However, the predicted values and equations have been reported to be inaccurate on populations other than on which they were developed on. We intended to evaluate the applicability of the Moyer’s probability table and Tanaka Johnston equation in estimating the mesiodistal widths of mandibular and maxillary permanent canines and premolars in adolescents of the Galle District. Material and Methods: Data were collected from study models of 318 randomly selected school students aged 13– 16 years with fully erupted, intact dentitions and no significant malocclusion. The measurements were obtained by a digital caliper with a Vernier scale calibrated to the nearest 0.01 mm. The data were subjected to statistical analysis to compare the actual and predicted values from Moyer’s probability table and Tanaka Johnston equation. Results: There was a statistically significant difference when Pearson correlation two-tailed significance test was used. The actual mesiodistal width of permanent canines and premolars and predicted widths from Moyer’s probability chart at all levels for males and females showed a statistically significant difference at 0.01 level. The values from Tanaka Johnston equation also showed a statistically significant difference at P = 0.01/R = 0.47. Conclusion: Moyer’s prediction table and Tanaka Johnston equation must be carefully used for children in Galle District, Sri Lanka. Therefore, it might be safer to develop regression equations for our population.

Aims To compare the blood lipid levels of periodontitis group (of different severities) with a nonperiodontitis group and to evaluate any influence of periodontal treatment in altering blood lipid levels. Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 83 patients with periodontitis in the “test” group and a matched “control” group of 40, free of periodontitis according to predetermined selection criteria. All subjects underwent periodontal assessments and blood lipid estimation prior to treatment planning, following which they received active periodontal treatment/oral prophylaxis. Twelve weeks after treatment, periodontal reevaluations were carried out and blood lipids were reassessed for preand posttreatment comparisons. Results Increases in lipid levels were observed in the periodontitis group compared to the nonperiodontitis group at baseline. The test group had 5% higher mean total cholesterol than the control group at pretreatment/preintervention (albeit not significant: Student's t), while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Ch) was 6.6% higher in the test group than the control group (95% confidence interval). Mean triglycerides (Tri-G) were 5.7% higher in the control group than the test group, yet without statistical significance. All types of lipids in both the groups had decreased following periodontal therapy, while Tri-G levels demonstrated an opposite effect. Conclusion Patients with generalized severe periodontitis had higher LDL-Ch values than those with generalized mildmoderate periodontitis. Periodontal care was effective in lowering unfavorable serum lipids. Prompt control of periodontal inflammation would minimize development of deep periodontal infection and cardiovascular risk. How to cite this article Tilakaratne A, Perera WKL, Amaratunga EAAP, Sivakanesan R. Effects of Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Treatment on the Lipid Profile: A Sri Lankan Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2016;5(2):127-132. Source of support University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka (Research Grant Number RG/2009/40/D).