The Sella Turcica dimensions in 12-year-old Southern Chinese: a cross-sectional study

The objective of the study was to measure the dimensions of the sella turcica in southern Chinese population. This retrospective study measured dimensions of sella turcica from lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained from the University of Hong Kong research database with a total of 582 (277 females and 305 males) 12-year-old southern Chinese children, who were randomly selected from schools in Hong Kong. Measurements were made using ImageJ (V1.45s) software for Windows with Frankfurt plane as the horizontal reference direction. Dimensions between genders were compared using Student’s t-tests. The current study found the antero-posterior length and width were 9.13 mm (SD 2.05) and 9.76 mm (SD 1.54), respectively. The sella was highest posteriorly (7.97 mm; SD 1.75 mm) and shortest anteriorly (7.56 mm; SD 1.42). Sella height anterior, sella height median and sella area were greater (p<0.05) in females by 0.53 mm, 0.24 mm and 3.48 mm2, respectively. In conclusion, this study provides the reference parameters for the dimensions of sella turcica for the Southern Chinese population

Prevalence, extent and severity of the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among Malaysian adolescents

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, extent and severity of the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDA) among Malaysian adolescents especially those with self-perceived malocclusion, and to determine if age and gender affected their PIDA. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on 12-17 year old schoolchildren from schools across Malaysia selected via a multi-stage sampling method. The questionnaire included the Malaysian Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (Malaysian PIDA) questionnaire and the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC). The Malaysian PIDA measured four domains: (Dental Self Confidence, 6 items; Social Impact, 8 items; Psychological Impact, 6 items; and Aesthetic Concern, 2 items) to assess impacts on the oral health-related quality of life specific to malocclusion. While the IOTN-AC comprised a 10-point photographic scale to assess self-perceived malocclusion. Data analysis using SPSS version 20 was involved using complete data on 901 participants. The prevalence of PIDA was 90.0% while prevalence associated with self-perceived malocclusion was 96.0%. Impact of dental aesthetics was highest on the psychological wellbeing of the adolescents, followed by their self-confidence. In terms of the extent of impact, 14.0% reported significant impact on all four domains and 19.2% were associated with self-perceived malocclusion. The prevalence of impacts was higher in younger adolescents and females. In terms of the extent and severity of impacts, younger adolescents reported higher impacts but with small effect sizes, while differences between boys and girls were not significant

User acceptance of a touchless sterile system to control virtual orthodontic study models

Introduction In this article, we present an evaluation of user acceptance of our innovative hand-gesture-based touchless sterile system for interaction with and control of a set of 3-dimensional digitized orthodontic study models using the Kinect motion-capture sensor (Microsoft, Redmond, Wash). Methods The system was tested on a cohort of 201 participants. Using our validated questionnaire, the participants evaluated 7 hand-gesture-based commands that allowed the user to adjust the model in size, position, and aspect and to switch the image on the screen to view the maxillary arch, the mandibular arch, or models in occlusion. Participants' responses were assessed using Rasch analysis so that their perceptions of the usefulness of the hand gestures for the commands could be directly referenced against their acceptance of the gestures. Their perceptions of the potential value of this system for cross-infection control were also evaluated. Results Most participants endorsed these commands as accurate. Our designated hand gestures for these commands were generally accepted. We also found a positive and significant correlation between our participants' level of awareness of cross infection and their endorsement to use this system in clinical practice. Conclusions This study supports the adoption of this promising development for a sterile touch-free patient record-management system

Validity and Reproducibility of the 3D VECTRA Photogrammetric Surface Imaging System for the Maxillofacial Anthropometric Measurement on Cleft Patients

Objectives To validate the accuracy and reproducibility of linear measurements of three-dimensional (3D) images and to compare the measurements with direct anthropometry method on cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. Materials and Methods Twenty-six linear facial measurements were derived from 25 standardized surface landmarks obtained from 37 cleft patients (mean age 23.84 years, standard deviation ±6.02). They were taken manually with calipers and compared it with the digitally calculated distance on the 3D images captured using VECTRA M5-360̊ Imaging System with pre-marked landmarks. Another pair of 26 linear measurements were computed on the 3D images 2 weeks apart for intra- and inter-observer agreements. Statistical analyses used were paired t–test, the Bland-Altman analysis and the intra-class correlation coefficient index (ICC). Results Generally most of the linear measurements have no statistically significant difference between proposed method and direct anthropometry linear measurements. Nevertheless, bias of the 3D imaging system presents in the linear measurements of the nose width, and the upper vermillion height. The measurements’ mean biases were within 2 mm but the 95% limits of agreement were more than 2mm. Intra- and inter-observer measurements generally showed good reproducibility. Four inter-observer measurements, the upper and lower face heights, nose width and pronasale to left alar base were just slightly clinically significance. Conclusions Measurements obtained from this 3D imaging system is valid and reproducible for evaluating CLP patient. Clinical relevance The system is suitable to be used in clinical setting for cleft patients. However, training of the operator is strictly advisable

Comparing retainers constructed on conventional stone models and on 3D printed models: a randomized crossover clinical study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare vacuum-formed thermoplastic retainers (VFRs) constructed on stone models (VFR-CV) and those constructed on three-dimensional (3D) printed models (VFR-3D) based on patients’ perspective and post-treatment stability. Study design: The research was designed as a crossover, randomized control trial. Materials and methods: Subjects comprised patients receiving fixed appliances at a teaching institution and indicated for VFRs. Post-treatment stone models were scanned with a structured-light scanner. A fused deposition modelling machine was used to construct acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)-based replicas from the 3D scanned images. VFRs were fabricated on the original stone and printed models. Analysis comprised independent t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance. Randomization: Subjects were allocated to two groups using Latin squares methods and simple randomization. A week after debond, subjects received either VFR-CV first (group A) or VFR-3D first (group B) for 3 months, then the interventions were crossed over for another 3 months. Blinding: In this single-blinded study, subjects were assigned a blinding code for data entry; data were analysed by a third party. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measured was oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) based on Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Secondary outcome was post-treatment stability measured using Little’s Irregularity Index (LII). Results: A total of 30 subjects (15 in each group) were recruited but 3 dropped out. Analysis included 13 subjects from group A and 14 subjects from group B. Group A showed an increase in LII (P < 0.05) after wearing VFR-CV and VFR-3D, whereas group B had no significant increase in LII after wearing both VFRs. Both groups reported significant improvement in OHRQoL after the first intervention but no significant differences after the second intervention. LII changes and OHIP-14 scores at T2 and T3 between groups, and overall between the retainers were not significantly different. No harm was reported during the study. Conclusion: VFRs made on ABS-based 3D printed models showed no differences in terms of patients’ OHRQoL and stability compared with conventionally made retainers. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved

Age and Gender Are Associated with the Component of Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire in Young People: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) The aim of the study was to investigate the association between age, gender, and the component of psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDAQ) in Malaysian young people. (2) Cross-sectional data on the PIDAQ (comprised of dental self-confidence, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concern variables) of Malaysian youth (n = 1425) recruited through multi-stage sampling were analyzed for mediation and moderated mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro on SPSS software. (3) Participants (mean age 16.0 &plusmn; 2.8) represented 54.8% of girls and 45.2% of boys. In the mediation model, psychological impact and aesthetic concern completely mediated the effects of social impact on dental self-confidence. In the moderated mediation model, social impact directly influenced dental self-confidence amongst participants at one standard deviation below the sample mean age and among boys. However, psychological impact completely mediated the influence of social impact on dental self-confidence amongst participants at the sample mean age and at one standard deviation above the sample mean ages, and among girls. Neither age nor gender moderated the effect of aesthetic concern on dental self-confidence. (4) Age and gender moderated the influence of social impact and psychological impact on dental self-confidence

Age and Gender Are Associated with the Component of Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire in Young People: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) The aim of the study was to investigate the association between age, gender, and the component of psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDAQ) in Malaysian young people. (2) Cross-sectional data on the PIDAQ (comprised of dental self-confidence, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concern variables) of Malaysian youth (n = 1425) recruited through multi-stage sampling were analyzed for mediation and moderated mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro on SPSS software. (3) Participants (mean age 16.0 ± 2.8) represented 54.8% of girls and 45.2% of boys. In the mediation model, psychological impact and aesthetic concern completely mediated the effects of social impact on dental self-confidence. In the moderated mediation model, social impact directly influenced dental self-confidence amongst participants at one standard deviation below the sample mean age and among boys. However, psychological impact completely mediated the influence of social impact on dental self-confidence amongst participants at the sample mean age and at one standard deviation above the sample mean ages, and among girls. Neither age nor gender moderated the effect of aesthetic concern on dental self-confidence. (4) Age and gender moderated the influence of social impact and psychological impact on dental self-confidence

Prevalence, Extent and Severity of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics among Malaysian Adolescents

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, extent and severity of the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDA) among Malaysian adolescents especially those with self-perceived malocclusion, and to determine if age and gender affected their PIDA. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on 12-17 year old schoolchildren from schools across Malaysia selected via a multi-stage sampling method. The questionnaire included the Malaysian Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (Malaysian PIDA) questionnaire and the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC). The Malaysian PIDA measured four domains: (Dental Self Confidence, 6 items; Social Impact, 8 items; Psychological Impact, 6 items; and Aesthetic Concern, 2 items) to assess impacts on the oral health-related quality of life specific to malocclusion. While the IOTN-AC comprised a 10-point photographic scale to assess self-perceived malocclusion. Data analysis using SPSS version 20 was involved using complete data on 901 participants. The prevalence of Pion was 90.0% while prevalence associated with self-perceived malocclusion was 96.0%. Impact of dental aesthetics was highest on the psychological wellbeing of the adolescents, followed by their self-confidence. In terms of the extent of impact, 14.0% reported significant impact on all four domains and 192% were associated with self-perceived malocclusion. The prevalence of impacts was higher in younger adolescents and females. In terms of the extent and severity of impacts, younger adolescents reported higher impacts but with small effect sizes, while differences between boys and girls were not significant