Introduction: Assessment of maxillary transverse discrepancy requires an accurate tool in order to implement the appropriate treatment plan. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of Pont’s Index in confirming a transverse maxillary deficiency by comparing its results with the corresponding results yielded by the University of Pennsylvania CBCT analysis. Material and methods: The study was performed on dental casts and CBCT’s of 60 randomly selected patients by adopting a cluster sampling method. The results of Pont’s Index and University of Pennsylvania CBCT analysis were analyzed through McNemar’s test using Excel Data Analysis, and the accuracy indicators for Pont’s Index were computed using MedCalc Ltd. Results: Mc Nemar’s test revealed a p-value of 0.85. The accuracy indicators of Pont’s Index were: sensitivity: 69%; specificity: 16.6%; positive predictive value: 65%; negative predictive value: 18.75%; positive likelihood ratio: 0.83; negative likelihood ratio: 1.86; and accuracy: 53.28%. Conclusion: Due to the fact that CBCT is not used on a daily basis and Pont’s Index has a relatively high sensitivity (69%) making it suitable to detect patients with a narrow maxilla, assessment of the maxillary deficiency on CBCT can be recommended for cases were the midpalatal suture maturation should be evaluated.

Background and Objectives: irregularities in the growth and development of the jawbones can lead to misalignments of maxillary and mandibular structures, a complex condition known as skeletal malocclusion, one of the most common oral health problems. Skeletal malocclusions, particularly Class II and Class III, can significantly affect facial appearance, chewing efficiency, speech, and overall oral health, often requiring orthodontic treatment or surgery to correct. These dentofacial anomalies are influenced by genetic and environmental factors and exhibit diverse phenotypic expressions. Materials and Methods: in this study, we investigated the correlation between the rs7351083 SNP of the FBN3 gene that encodes a member of the fibrillin protein family and malocclusion risk in a group of 57 patients from Romania. Results: the results shed light on the relationship between the selected genetic marker and the investigated dentofacial disorder, revealing a positive association between the reference allele (A) and Class II and that the alternate allele (G) is associated with Class III. Conclusions: cephalometric analysis revealed no significant differences among genotypes, suggesting that while genetic factors are implicated in malocclusion, they may not directly affect cephalometric parameters or that the sample size was too small to detect these differences. The discovery of an A > T transversion in one individual with a Class II deformity underscores the genetic diversity within the population and the necessity of comprehensive genotyping to uncover rare genetic variants that might influence craniofacial development and the risk of malocclusion. This study highlights the need for larger studies to confirm these preliminary associations.

Root dilaceration (DL) has a significant impact on orthodontic treatment. However, its etiology is still debatable. One of the etiologic factors of DL is the dentigerous cyst (DC); therefore, the aim of our case-series clinical study was the association between DL and DCs. This retrospective study is comprised of five clinical cases of DL associated with the presence of DCs of developmental origin. In all of these cases, other dental anomalies (impaction, transposition, supernumerary teeth, and congenitally missing teeth) were found, and accordingly, the association between DL and DCs might be of genetic origin in a dental anomaly pattern.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a highly prevalent dental pathology in young children, which affects primarily the first permanent molars and the permanent incisors. Being a developmental defect, its’ treatment must take into consideration multiple aspects like extensionand size of defect, structures affected, caries involvement, sensitivity and patient compliance and cooperation. The general recommendations imply using minimally invasive procedures that aim to protect, strengthen and preserve dental structures. As treatment options for MIH affected molars vary with case severity, all available therapeutic options from prevention to extraction must be taken into consideration in this decision making. This paper presents the documented therapeutic options of the MIH affected molars.

Malocclusion, characterized by its diverse phenotypic expression, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Over recent years, extensive attention has been directed towards the genetic basis of this condition, particularly focusing on various polymorphisms of the MATN1 gene. Among these, the rs1065755 polymorphism has emerged as particularly relevant, associated with an elevated risk of mandibular prognathism. In this study, employing DNA sequencing, we investigated the extent of association between the rs1065755 SNP and malocclusion risk within the Romanian population. Our approach concentrated on assessing continuous phenotypic variation through four cephalometric measurements, aiming for a comprehensive understanding beyond categorical phenotypes. The findings shed light on the relationship between the MATN1 rs1065755 SNP and the investigated dentofacial disorder, revealing a positive association between TT homozygous individuals and Class II skeletal malocclusion. However, further investigations employing larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these findings conclusively.