The optimal media for rating dental arch relationships in unilateral cleft lip and palate

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal format for presenting the 5-year olds' Index reference and patient dental models, for the assessment of dental arch relationships in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The research was essentially undertaken in two parts. The first part, to assess the effect the presentation of the reference models has on the reliability and reproducibility of the 5-year olds' Index scores. Reference models were presented in four different formats; plaster models, coloured acrylic models and two digital formats which included three-dimensional digital models (3D) and black & white photographs. These formats were used to categorise plaster models of patients born with UCLP. The second part set out to determine the effect of the presentation of the sample format on the reliability and reproducibility of the 5-year olds' Index scores. Patient models were presented in both 3D digital and plaster models and scored using the reference models in the same two formats as the patient models. The same examiners were used in both parts of the investigation, which comprised experienced and inexperienced examiners. The level of agreement for the digital formats of the 5-year olds' Index was good to very good with the less experienced examiners, in general, demonstrating lower kappa values compared to the experienced examiners. Scoring the 3D digital patient models with the 5-year olds' Index in the same format was associated with a learning curve with general improvements in scores noted on the second occasion. Overjet measure was reported as the most difficult parameter to assess using the 3D digital models followed by assessment of buccal crossbites.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Schwannoma presenting in the soft palate of a nine-year-old boy.

Swellings and tumours within the oral cavity are a common finding, however, benign intra-oral schwannoma or neurolemma is relatively uncommon, especially in younger patients. Involvement of the palate is a rare presentation although there have been a few reported cases relating to the lingual and other tissues. Clinical Relevance: This paper reviews intra-oral schwannomas and presents a case of such a tumour of the soft palate in a paediatric patient and discusses the presenting features, differential diagnoses, along with the management of the condition. </jats:p

The current status of 3D imaging in dental practice

This article aims to describe the current status of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging in dental practice. Advances in this field have made 3D imaging far more accessible in all dental fields. This paper describes methods of imaging dental hard and soft tissues and their clinical uses. In addition, the potential advantages and disadvantages of various systems are discussed, as well as expected future developments. Clinical Relevance: The potential uses of 3D images in dental practice are ever increasing. Imaging systems are now far more accessible for clinical decision-making and patient information. </jats:p