A Computerized Simulation of the Occlusal Surface in Equine Cheek Teeth: A Simplified Model

Equine mastication, as well as dental wear patterns, is highly important for the development of treatments in equine dentistry. During the last decades, the stress and strain distributions of equine teeth have been successfully simulated using finite element analysis. Yet, to date, there is no simulation available for dental tooth wear in equines. In this study, we developed a simplified two-dimensional computer simulation of dental wear. It provides a first tentative explanation for the development of the marked physiological inclination of the occlusal surface and for pathological conditions such as sharp enamel points in equine cheek teeth. The mechanical properties of the dental structures as well as the movement of the mandible during the equine chewing cycle were simulated according to previously published data. The simulation setup was optimized in preliminary test runs. Further simulations were conducted varying the lateral excursion of the mandible and the presence or absence of incisor contact during the chewing cycle. The results of simulations showed clear analogies to tooth wear patterns in living equids, including the formation of wear abnormalities. Our analysis indicates that small variations in the pattern of movement during the masticatory cycle, as well as incisor contacts, are leading to marked changes in the occlusal tooth wear patterns. This opens new research avenues to better understand the development of dental wear abnormalities in equines and might have serious implications on captive animal health, welfare, and longevity.

Restorative Management and Treatment of Pseudo-Class III Malocclusion

Introduction. One of the challenges that clinicians encounter in the dental office is treating occlusal discrepancies. Malocclusion has been classified into three main classes that were further classified by researchers into more detailed subclasses later on. Pseudo-class III malocclusion has been called apparent or positional class III malocclusion, and its treatment usually consists of different modalities depending on how early the case is treated. When early orthodontic intervention was not possible, the restorative treatment becomes an excellent alternative especially when the teeth require restorative rehabilitation. Treatment. In this case report, the patient was suffering from dental wear, multiple failed old restorations, and edge-to-edge occlusal relationship which could be classified as pseudo-class III malocclusion. The patient’s esthetic complaint was addressed with full-coverage lithium disilicate and monolithic zirconia restorations that were successful in reestablishing the patient’s occlusal relationship and were able to eliminate the biological manifestations of dental caries. Conclusion. We were able to provide an alternative to orthodontic treatment where esthetic and functional needs of the patient were met after careful diagnosis and proper management. This clinical approach will give chance to treat patients suffering from minor occlusal discrepancies that require restorative intervention without the need to go through orthodontic therapy.

Dental Erosion in Obese Patients before and after Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Obese patients are at risk of dental erosion due to micronutrient deficiency, consumption of soft drinks, gastric reflux disease and vomiting. The present study evaluates the presence of dental erosion in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery using the BEWE (basic erosive wear examination) scoring system. A total of 62 patients with severe obesity were included in the analysis, 31 in the control group (without bariatric surgery) and 31 in the surgery group (after bariatric surgery). BEWE scores did not vary between groups. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 19 patients in the control group and three in the surgery group (p < 0.001). The serum calcium and vitamin D values were significantly higher in the surgery group (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 consecutively). All patients after bariatric surgery showed compliance with supplements, including vitamin D and calcium daily. Patients after bariatric surgery were less likely to drink soft drinks regularly (p = 0.026). Obese patients, before or after bariatric surgery, are at risk for erosive dental wear. However, with sufficient education prior to surgery and consistent intake of vitamin and mineral supplements, significant erosive dental wear after bariatric surgery could be avoided. Regular dental examination should be included in the check-up and follow-up program.

Orthodontic Inclined Plane Application Using a Visible Light Cure Acrylic Material for Treatment of Linguoverted Mandibular Canine Teeth

Malocclusion is a common problem in dogs. Linguoverted canine teeth (class I malocclusion) can cause palatal defects, oronasal fistulae, dental wear, and periodontal disease. Mandibular distoclusion (class II malocclusion), in which the mandibular arch occludes caudal to its normal position relative to the maxillary arch, can further contribute to lingual displacement of mandibular canine teeth. Traditionally, a flowable self-curing bisacrylic composite material has been used. The method described here uses a light cure acrylic denture base material utilizing multiple customized segments to construct the appliance to the desired shape and size necessary to achieve a functional incline plane.

dogs of Roman Vindolanda, Part IV: Large sighthounds and guard and utility dogs

In this report we investigate the origin and nature of morphological diversity in domestic dogs utilizing a database of over 1,000 recent and ancient canid skulls and skeletons. Integrated skull–skeleton analysis reveals eight functional groups, giving a clear picture of the extent and kind of morphological diversity produced by dog breeders in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia beginning in the Neolithic and intensifying about 2,100 years ago during the late Iron Age and Roman Era. We report nearly complete associated remains of a large sighthound from Vindolanda, a Roman-era fort–village site in northern England. With this we compare skulls of other sighthounds, and contrast them with remains of guard dogs from Vindolanda and other archaeological sites. The shape of jaw rami, relative size of teeth and state of dental wear, and the size and proportions of postcranial elements are the best differentiators of large dog morphotypes, while most skull parameters are less useful. The central section of the basicranium in ancient sighthounds (parameter Px which measures juvenilization) is little different from wolves, whereas in some modern breeds it is noticeably longer. By contrast, many ancient guard dogs have Px shorter than in wolves and show moderate juvenilization. Gracile sighthounds appear in the archaeological record in the Neolithic, while the earliest robust guard dogs appear later, in Iron Age sites. Building on results of previous work (Bennett & Timm, 2018) we continue to find intriguing similarities between west Asian dog

The effect of commercial herbal toothpastes on dental wear: a comparative evaluation by Optical coherence tomography

The purpose of this study was to compare the tooth wear in function of the use of different commercial herbal toothpastes through the analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Twenty bovine teeth were obtained and distributed in 4 groups (n = 5) according to the dentifrice used: G1: Captive Nature (Chamomile, Xylitol, Juá and Salvia); G2: Suavetex Content (Turmeric); G3: Colgate Triple Action (positive control); G4: distilled water (negative control). The samples were painted in the half of the fragment with nail polish so that only half of the fragment was brushed. The simulated brushing (20,000 cycles) was performed with linear movements, under static axial load of 200g and speed of 4.5 cycles per second. After this step, an analysis was performed through OCT and and the images obtained were evaluated to identify possible changes in the specimen surface. According to the qualitative analysis of the OCT images, enamel wear was not observed, since all measurements were null. Regarding the evaluation of dentin, surface wear was observed in all groups except G4, but G3 had the highest number of samples with surface wear around 21.32%. All dentifrices had abrasive wear on the dentin surface to a greater or lesser extent, but there was no wear on the enamel surface.