Introduction. The effects of orthodontic treatment are considered to be successful if the facial harmony is achieved, while the structures of soft tissue profile are in harmony with skeletal structures of neurocranium and viscerocranium. In patients with skeletal distal bite caused by mandibular retrognathism, facial esthetics is disturbed often, in terms of pronounced convexity of the profile and change in the position and relationship of the lips. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of soft tissue profile changes in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with three different orthodontic appliances: Fr?nkel functional regulator type I (FR-I), Balters? Bionator type I and Hotz appliance. Methods. The study included 60 patients diagnosed with skeletal Class II malocclusion caused by mandibular retrognathism, in the period of early mixed dentition. Each subgroup of 20 patients was treated with a variety of orthodontic appliances. On the lateral cephalogram, before and after treatment, the following parameters were analyzed: T angle, H angle, the height of the upper lip, the position of the upper and lower lip in relation to the esthetic line. Within the statistical analysis the mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures and the factor analysis of variance were calculated using ANOVA, Bonferroni test and Student?s t-test. Results. A significant decrease of angles T and H was noticed in the application of FR-I, from 21.60? to 17.15?, and from 16.45? to 13.40? (p

The aim of this study is to describe the morphological characteristics, the number of roots and number of root canals of mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, and the relationship of these characteristics with the sex and the jaw side where the tooth is located, in the Serbian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of a total of 902 mandible front teeth, including 296 central incisors, 294 lateral incisors and 312 canines were analyzed in the database. For assessing the morphology of the root canal, Vertucci method of classification was used. Central incisors had two canals in 27%, similar as lateral incisor which had two canals in 26.5%. Mandibular canines had two canals in 7.1% and there was a significant difference between genders. The most prevalent root canal configuration type in all mandibular anterior teeth was type I. In the groups of mandibular incisors with two root canals the most common was type III. In the group of mandibular canines with two root canals, type V had the greatest occurrence. Most mandibular anterior teeth had one root canal. Two root canals were found in 27% of the mandibular incisors. There is a significant difference in root morphology between genders. It is important for dental practitioner to expect different morphological variations when performing endodontic treatment. More studies are needed to further define morphological characteristics of roots of mandibular anterior teeth in Serbian population.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Kvaal method in determining the age of a Serbian population. In this retrospective descriptive study, 170 dental patients (age range 16–77 years) were included. The measurements of six types of teeth were performed on digital orthopantomography radiographs according to the Kvaal method. Statistical inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were calculated to evaluate the reproducibility of the measurements, as well as to examine the correlation between chronological age and measured values. The evaluation revealed a substantial difference (over 12 years) between chronological and estimated age. The P ratio had the strongest correlation with chronological age for the maxillary central (r = ±0.293) and lateral incisors (r = ±0.240), whereas the pulp/root width ratio at level A had the strongest correlation for the mandibular first premolars (r = ±0.270). The lowest SD values, for measurements on teeth 15/25 (SD = 125,787), had the most accurate correlation with age. Thus, we can conclude that the original Kvaal method is not applicable in the age estimation of the Serbian population. For future research, we suggest using cone beam computer tomography as a precise technology to evaluate the applicability of Kvaal and other methods for age estimation.

Trends and Patterns of Disparities in Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer in Serbia: Prevalence and Economic Consequences in a Transitional Country

The precise planning of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in the anterior maxilla is crucial due to anatomical complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the bone parameters for mini-implant placement using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 65 patients aged 15–50 years underwent CBCT analysis. Measurements were taken in three anterior regions (between and adjacent to central/lateral incisors and canines) at four vertical levels (2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm from the alveolar crest). Parameters included interdental width (IDW), buccopalatal bone depth (BPD), and distances from ideal implant points (IPPs) to adjacent structures. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, confidence intervals, and frequency distributions. Statistical analysis revealed age-related differences, with subjects aged 21–30 showing higher CP-IPP and IDW values, and those aged 15–20 showing higher BPD values. Gender differences were noted in IDW and BPD, but not in CP-IPP. The most favorable IDW (≥3 mm) was observed in regio 1 at level A, while unfavorable values were found in regio 2′ at levels C and D. Positive correlations between IDW and BPD were found in multiple regions and levels. These results may guide safer and more predictable TAD placement. Considering that radiographic analysis forms the basis of this study, future in vivo studies are needed to confirm the practical impact of the proposed measurements.