Ectopic permanent molar is a condition in which the permanent tooth deviates from its normal path of eruption. The etiology of this eruption anomaly is multifactorial, with both general and local factors. The principal results suggest that a valid indicator of irreversible consequences is the degree of impaction of the first permanent molar. Self-correction is most common between the ages of 7 and 8, after which help may be required. Accordingly, early management can assist in preventing subsequent potential challenges that could interfere with maintaining a balanced occlusion. Several variables, including the degree of mesial tilting, the level of root resorption, and the condition of the second primary molar, may be crucial in choosing the most effective method of treatment. Interproximal wedging and distal tipping are the two basic therapeutic strategies for ectopic permanent molars. Additionally, the use of fixed or removable appliances might also be required. Delaying treatment until a later stage is not recommended because early diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ectopic permanent molars, including their prevalence, etiologic factors, self-correction rates, clinical implications for adjacent teeth, and various treatment techniques, that emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention in the successful management of ectopic permanent molars. In addition, it highlights the importance of future research into the contributing variables of irreversible ectopic molar outcomes.

A new era in 3-dimensional analysis has begun with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics, which promises to provide a more thorough understanding of the craniofacial skeletal architecture. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the transverse basal arches discrepancy and dental compensation by utilizing CBCT width analysis. An observational study was conducted to retrospectively review 88 CBCT scans of patients presented to dental clinics from 2014 to 2020 obtained from the Planmeca Romexis x-ray system at three centers. Dental compensation data across normal and narrow maxillae were analyzed and a Pearson correlation was used to find the relationship between molar inclination and width difference. Significant maxillary molar compensation differences were observed between the normal maxilla and narrow maxilla group, where the amount of dental compensation (164.73 ± 10.15) was higher in the narrow maxilla group. A significant negative correlation (r = −0.37) was observed between width difference and maxillary molar inclination. Maxillary molars were tipped buccally to compensate for the reduced maxillary arch width. These findings are important to determine the amount of needed maxillary expansion taking into account the buccal inclination while treating cases.

IntroductionObesity and craniofacial structures are aetiologies of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The effect of obesity onset on the craniofacial development and growth of obese OSA subjects has been suggested, but supporting data were lacking. This study aimed to assess the craniofacial features of adult obese OSA patients in relation to their obesity onset.Materials and MethodsA total of 62 adult OSA patients were included in the study, consisting of 12 early-onset (i.e. before puberty), 21 late-onset (i.e. after puberty) and 29 non-obese. All participants underwent a sleep study and cephalometric radiograph. Cephalometric analysis was conducted to measure the craniofacial features among the groups.ResultsThe early obesity onset group (n = 12) showed a more prognathic mandible, longer lower facial height, protrusive incisors, a more caudal position of the hyoid bone and a wider lower airway. The late-onset group (n = 21) had more proclined and protrusive upper incisors, a shallower overbite, a more inferiorly positioned hyoid bone and an obtuse craniocervical angle. The overall obese group showed a combination of the findings above, plus a shorter soft palate and shorter airway length.There was no significant difference between early and late obesity onset groups. However, the early group showed a tendency for a shallower or decreased mandibular plane angle and deeper overbite.ResultsThe early obesity onset group (n = 12) showed a more prognathic mandible, longer lower facial height, protrusive incisors, a more caudal position of the hyoid bone and a wider lower airway. The late-onset group (n = 21) had more proclined and protrusive upper incisors, a shallower overbite, a more inferiorly positioned hyoid bone and an obtuse craniocervical angle. The overall obese group showed a combination of the findings above, plus a shorter soft palate and shorter airway length.There was no significant difference between early and late obesity onset groups. However, the early group showed a tendency for a shallower or decreased mandibular plane angle and deeper overbite.ConclusionsThe current pilot study had many limitations but holds important information as a hypothesis generator. Craniofacial features of OSA patients with different obesity onset showed discrepancies and were distinguished from non-obese controls. Adult OSA patients with an early obesity onset showed a tendency for a more hypodivergent growth pattern than those with a late obesity onset.

This study aims to assess the awareness and acceptance of preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment among Saudi perents. The study used a 29-question questionnaire, covering parents’ demographic data, parents’ awareness of malocclusion and habits, and parents’ acceptance of treatment. It included visuals of different malocclusions, normal occlusion, and specific habits. Parents mostly recognized single anterior tooth crossbite (95.78%) as a problem that need early intervention, followed by skeletal Class II (94.16%) and severe lower incisor crowding (93.51%). Regarding oral habits, parents were most aware of thumb sucking (91.03%), followed by tongue thrusting (84.22%). Ninety seven percent of participating parents expressed high acceptance of early orthodontic intervention, mostly to avoid more complicated treatment or surgery. However, a few parents refused early treatment, mainly because they preferred to wait until the eruption of all permanent teeth. The majority of parents demonstrated a high level of awareness and willingness to pursue early treatment.

Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis and interceptive orthodontic treatment can prevent or correct developing skeletal and dental discrepancies. Parental awareness and acceptance of interceptive orthodontic appliances remain limited, particularly in Saudi Arabia; therefore, this study assessed parents’ awareness and acceptance of commonly used appliances in early orthodontic treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from December 2023 to August 2024 using a structured web-based questionnaire assessing awareness and acceptance of 10 orthodontic appliances. Awareness and acceptance were categorized into poor/moderate/good and low/high, respectively, and associations with sociodemographic factors, dental/orthodontic history, and sources of knowledge were analyzed. Results: Overall appliance awareness was moderate (8.32 ± 4.29/20), while acceptance was high (6.31 ± 3.19/10). Twin-block had the highest awareness (88.6%) and acceptance (85.5%), while hyrax/quad helix and tongue crib had the lowest. Awareness and acceptance were significantly associated with sociodemographic factors and children’s dental/orthodontic history, particularly previous orthodontic treatment (81.7% vs. 52.6%, p < 0.001). Dentists, orthodontists, social media, and personal experience were key sources influencing awareness and acceptance. Conclusions: Parental awareness was moderate, while acceptance was high. Greater awareness and acceptance were associated with higher education, income, and previous dental and orthodontic treatment, highlighting the need for reliable professional information to promote evidence-based early orthodontic intervention.