Sella turcica size in subjects with clefts: Longitudinal cephalometric measurements

The purpose of this study was to examine the size of sella turcica in cleft subjects from the age of 4-33 years by using standardized serial lateral radiographic cepholgrams. Forty-nine subjects with cleft of the lip and/or palate were included; 24 unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 17 bilateral cleft of the lip and palate (BCLP), 6 cleft of the lip (CL), and 2 cleft palate only (CP). The length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were measured and the mean values were analyzed longitudinally. The results show that when comparing mean dimensional changes of sella turcica between cleft groups, an increase in the diameter of sella turcica was apparent with growth, more so than length and depth. Subjects with UCLP displayed the largest dimensional changes in depth and diameter of sella turcica with age (+0.04167, +0.04167), while subjects with BCLP showed a reduction in the mean length and depth (-0.05882 mm, -0.05882 mm). Significant variations were found in the length, depth and diameter of sella turcica between cleft groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001 respectively). When the affect of age was studied, a positive tendency towards an increase in the linear dimensions of depth and diameter of sella turcica was evident as age increased (P < 0.001). We can conclude that the diameter of sella turcica shows the largest change with growth, and that an increase in dimensional change (depth and diameter) in sella turcica occurs in cleft subjects up until the age of 25 years old.King Saud Universit

Sella Turcica Morphology and Dimensions in Cleft Subjects

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate sella turcica morphology, calculate its size in cleft subjects, and compare it with noncleft subjects. MATERIALS: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 95 cleft and 190 noncleft individuals. Radiographs were divided into two groups by age: 11 to 14 years of age, 15 years and above. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The morphology of the sella turcica was categorized into six shapes; whereas, the size of the sella turcica was measured in terms of length, depth, and diameter in millimeters. RESULTS: The sella turcica was abnormal in shape in the majority of cleft subjects when compared with noncleft subjects (p= .0000), more so in subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate and bilateral cleft lip and palate (p= .0000, p= .020, respectively). Depth of sella turcica was smaller in unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects (p= .037). A smaller sella turcica size (length, depth, diameter) was evident in cleft subjects as compared with noncleft subjects (p= .037, p= .004, p= .000, respectively). Age correlated positively with an increase in sella turcica size in both noncleft and cleft subjects (p= .000, p= .009, p= .000). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of cleft subjects displayed an abnormal appearance of sella turcica when compared with noncleft subjects. A smaller depth of sella turcica was associated with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The sella turcica was smaller in size in cleft subjects than in noncleft subjects. Sella turcica size increased with age in subjects with and without clefts.King Saud Universit

Class II division 1 Malocclusions: The subdivision Problem

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of subdivisions, in Class II division 1 malocclusions. Sixty patients seeking orthodontic treatment at the dental college of King Saud University were selected. The results revealed that 45% of Class II division 1 patients examined had subdivisions. The most commonly affected side was the right (66.7%). Mandibular shift upon closure was noted in 36% of the subdivision cases. Mandibular asymmetry was noted in 62.6% of the patients. It can be concluded from this study that subdivisions are a frequent finding in Class II division 1 malocclusions. Appropriate diagnosis of these cases should be done early in the mixed dentition phase, to avoid developing dental or skeletal asymmetries that can persist throughout adulthood.King Saud Universit

Evaluation of the Social Impact of Cleft lip and Palate on Parents and Patients and their Level of Satisfaction of Treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the social impact of cleft lip and palate on both patients and parents, and to rate their overall level of satisfaction with their treatment. Two target groups were selected. The first group consisted of 34 parents of children with cleft lip and palate, while the second group consisted of 23 patients with clefts over 15 years of age who could answer the questions without the assistance of their parents. Both groups were asked to fill out 2 separate questionnaires. The results showed that 85.3% of the parents and 73.9% of the patients had no change in their social life. Approximately 68% of the parents felt that there was no change in the family cohesiveness. Eighty-seven percent thought that their academic performance was not affected by their clefts. When satisfaction with treatment was rated, 87% of the patients and 75.8% of the parents were satisfied about the overall appearance. We can conclude from this study that even though parents experienced shock and grief in their initial reaction, the majority had no change in their social lives or family cohesiveness. Most parents and patients were satisfied about the overall appearance of the face and treatment.King Saud Universit

Mathematical analyses of dental arch curvature in normal occlusion.

Objective: To present a comprehensive mathematical analysis of dental arch curvature in subjects with normal occlusion. Materials & Methods: The materials studied were 40 sets of upper and lower plaster dental casts of subjects presenting with normal occlusion. The sample was equally divided into males and females with an age range from 18 to 25 years old. Curve fitting analyses was carried out and four main categories of functions were considered: Beta function, natural cubic splines, polynomial equations, and Hermite cubic splines. Results: The polynomial function (4th order) was found to be a reasonable analysis when the objective is to describe the general smooth curvature of the dental arch, while a Hermite cubic spline is more appropriate when it is desired to track arch irregularities, such as evaluating treatment changes. Conclusion: Due to its advantage in providing a more naturally smooth curve, the 4th order polynomial function may be used as a guide to fabricate customized arch wires, or even an entire fixed orthodontic appliance system.King Saud Universit

Apresentação de um programa de computador para calcular a discrepância de tamanho dentário de Bolton Presentation of a computer program to calculate the Bolton’s tooth size discrepancy

O diagnóstico da discrepância de tamanho dentário de Bolton é de fundamental importância para a boa finalização do tratamento ortodôntico. Por meio da medição dos dentes, com o auxílio de um paquímetro digital e a inserção dos valores no programa de computador desenvolvido e apresentado pelos autores, o trabalho do ortodontista fica mais simples, pois não é necessário realizar nenhum cálculo matemático ou auxiliar-se de nenhuma tabela de valores, eliminando-se a probabilidade de erros. Além disso, o programa apresenta a localização da discrepância por segmento - total, anterior e posterior - e individual - por elemento dentário, permitindo assim maior precisão na planificação das estratégias para a resolução dos problemas, caminhando para um tratamento ortodôntico de sucesso.<br>The diagnosis of the Bolton’s Tooth Size Discrepancy is of fundamental importance for the good orthodontics finalization. Through the measurement of the teeth with the aid of a digital caliper and the insert of the values in the computer program developed by the authors and which that it will be presented in this article, the orthodontist’s work is simpler, because it is not necessary to accomplish any mathematical calculation or to aid of any table of values, eliminating the probability of mistakes. Besides, the program presents the location of the discrepancy for segment - overall, anterior and posterior - and individual - for dental element, allowing larger precision in the planning of the strategies for the resolution of the problems and walking for a success orthodontic treatment