August 2025

Anterior open bite has always been one of the most challenging malocclusions to treat. Patients often present with esthetic concerns, speech difficulties, and compromised function. While orthognathic surgery is a definitive option for severe skeletal open bites, not all patients are candidates—or willing—for surgery. Fortunately, nonsurgical strategies can offer promising results when case selection is […]

©️firstaidadvice •THE CHEST X-RAY• Airway: The trachea is located in the midline. Inspect the trachea and right and left main bronchi. If the trachea is pushed to the left or right look for a cause. Either mass effect pushing the trachea or volume loss (atelectasis) pulling on it. Breathing: The lobes of the lungs. 3 […]

🎤 “So here’s the thing — most people pick a career because their parents told them to, or because they panicked after Class 12. But Dr. Akansha Kashyap? Nope. She picked dentistry like it was a love affair between science and art — and guess what? She got the gold medal to prove it. 🏅✨ […]

Anterior open bite is one of the trickiest malocclusions we deal with in orthodontics. It’s not just about teeth — skeletal, dental, functional, and even habitual factors play a role. For decades, open bites in adults were often corrected by: Extruding anterior teeth orthodontically (which works dentoalveolarly but doesn’t do much for facial esthetics in skeletal cases). […]

Unlock the complexities of statistical analysis in clinical research with our detailed “Tests of Significance” mindmap! This structured visual guide distills everything you need to know about parametric and non-parametric tests, normal distribution, step-by-step procedures, and the essential criteria for choosing the right test. TO DOWNLOAD THE MINDMAP: Tests of Significance in Orthodontics (2)Download

In this issue, Oral Pathologist Dr. Shivani Bhandari opens up about her inspiring path—from the first spark of ambition in her school days to navigating academic pressure, personal loss, and carving her own niche in the dental world. 💡 You’ll find: Honest stories of resilience and motivation when life tests you the hardest. Practical advice on balancing […]

Managing skeletal anterior open bite (AOB) is one of the trickiest problems you’ll see in clinic. Decisions about which teeth to extract — or whether to extract at all — can change the vertical facial pattern, molar position, and ultimately whether the mandible rotates closed (helpful) or stays/re-rotates open (problematic). Understanding how extraction pattern, tooth movement, and growth stage interact helps […]

Managing skeletal anterior open bite (AOB) is one of the trickiest problems you’ll see in clinic. Decisions about which teeth to extract — or whether to extract at all — can change the vertical facial pattern, molar position, and ultimately whether the mandible rotates closed (helpful) or stays/re-rotates open (problematic). Understanding how extraction pattern, tooth movement, and growth stage interact helps […]

Prevalence of AOB in mixed dentition: 17.7% (~1 in 5 orthodontic patients) Major independent risk factors: Prolonged sucking habits (thumb/finger or dummy) beyond age 3 Facial hyperdivergency (skeletal vertical excess) Highest risk group: Patients with both prolonged sucking habits + hyperdivergent face AOB prevalence 36.3% → ~4× higher than those without risk factors (9.1%) AOB Diagnosis: Overbite ≤ 0 mm, with all permanent incisors fully erupted. Facial […]

🎯 3-5-7 Rule for Duration & Risk Stop by 3 → Minimal risk Stop after 5 → Moderate risk (AOB, PXB start appearing) Stop after 7 → High risk (Multiple malocclusions likely) 🍼 Pacifier vs. 👍 Digit — Think “Short vs. Strong” Pacifier = Short habit (≈14 mo), causes AOB + Class II if ≥4 yrs Digit = Strong persistence (≈33 mo), causes AOB if ≥5 yrs Duration […]

Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) Type: Micro-implant-supported expander (MARPE) Anchorage: 4 bicortical miniscrews (palatal + nasal cortex) Placement: Posterior palate Expansion rate: 2 turns/day until diastema Then 1 turn/day Retention: ≥ 3 months post-expansion Parameter Mean Increase Anterior Inter-Maxillary Distance (AIMD) +2.76 mm Posterior Inter-Zygomatic Distance (PIZD) +2.40 mm Posterior Inter-Temporal Distance (PITD) Negligible Parameter Mean Increase Zygomatic Process Angle […]