Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to emphasise on the reliability of using "lower lip line on smile" as a guide to determine the cant of the occlusal plane by evaluating the relative parallelism of the occlusal plane to the lower lip line [LPL] and other traditionally used landmark such as ala tragus line in dentulous patients. Material and methods: The study comprises of 50 dentulous individuals, the markings were done on the supe- rior border of the lower lip[LPL], ala of the nose and three points on the tragus of the ear on superior, middle and inferior [ATS, ATM and ATI]. The cephalograms were traced and digital evaluation was made to calculate the angle between the occlusal plane [OP] and the above mentioned planes - OP-LPL, OP-ATS, OP-ATM, and OP-ATI using a screen protractor. The obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: The data was analysed with student 't' test and 'one way ANOVA' analysis. The angle between OP-LPL was minimal with a mean value of about 11.50 degrees and standard deviation of about 6.59 degrees. Conclusion: LPL on smile can be used as a reliable landmark to determine the cant of the anterior or posterior occlusal plane during complete denture construction.

Aim: The frictional resistance encountered during sliding mechanics has been well established in the orthodontic literature, and it consists of complex interactions between the bracket, archwire, and method of ligation. The claim of reduced friction with self-ligating brackets is often cited as a primary advantage over conventional brackets. This study was done to compare and evaluate the frictional forces generated between fully aesthetic brackets and semi-aesthetic self ligating brackets which are of passive form and SEM (scanning electron microscope) study of the Brackets after Frictional evaluation. Materials: Two types of Self-ligating aesthetic brackets, Damon Clear [Ormco] made of fully ceramic and Opal [Ultradent Products,USA] and, Two types of Self-ligating semi-aesthetic brackets, Clarity SL [3M Unitek] and Damon 3 [Ormco] both of which are made of ceramic with metal slot. Arch wires with different dimensions and quality 17x25, 19x25 TMA and 17x25, 19x25 SS that came from plain strands of wire were used for frictional comparison test. The brackets used in this study had 0.022x0.028 inch slot. Results: The Statistical tests showed significantly smaller amount of kinetic frictional forces is generated by Damon 3 (semi-aesthetic self-ligating brackets). For each wire used, Damon 3 displayed significantly lower frictional forces (P≤.05) than any of the self-ligating system, followed by Opal (fully aesthetic self-ligating brackets) which gener- ated smaller amount of frictional forces but relatively on the higher side when compared with Damon 3. Damon clear (fully aesthetic self-ligating brackets) generated the maximum amount of kinetic forces with all types of wire dimensions and properties when compared to the other three types of self-ligating system. Clarity SL (semi- aesthetic self-ligating brackets) generated smaller amount of frictional forces when compared with Damon clear and relatively higher amount of frictional forces when compared to Opal and Damon 3.

There are many new innovations in dentistry that are set to cause waves in the future and these include- biomaterials, nano robotics in dentistry, salivary diagnostics, innovations in management of dental caries, photodynamic therapy in dentistry. Biomaterial science is undergoing the largest transition in its history in terms of refocusing and embracing new and exciting technologies. Nano robots are used to do preventive, restorative, curative proce- dures. Salivary diagnostics will allow healthcare providers to rapidly rule in or out diseases that need immediate therapy. It is hoped that the eventual success of replacement therapy for the prevention of dental caries will stimu- late the use of this approach in the prevention of other bacterial diseases. The oral cavity is especially suitable for Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, because it is relatively accessible to illumination.

Shortened dental arch (SDA) serves as a treatment option that ensures oral function by improving oral hygiene, comfort & possibly reduced cost. The shortened dental arch approach appears to fit well with problem solving approach in modern dentistry. This paper will highlight the various aspects of shortened dental arch.

Precise fit of crowns and retainers in fixed partial dentures depends on the accuracy of the dies. Concepts and techniques of different die systems are unique. This is the first part of a series of articles on die materials & systems.

Menopause, resulting from the permanent cessation of menstrual cycle, acts as the potential risk factor for periodontal diseases. Due to the long life-expectancy, today women live about half of their life after menopause. The systemic and oral changes occurring in menopause, due to estrogen deficiency, greatly affect the general com- fort and quality of life of women. Menopause also puts women at an increased risk of alveolar bone loss due to osteoporosis. By using our knowledge of host modulation for treatment of periodontitis and the importance of sup- portive periodontal therapy, we can control the progression of periodontal disease in post-menopausal women. The use of subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline shows a promising and safe future in this regard. But at the same time, it is important to monitor the calcium and vitamin D intake after menopause, to prevent/delay osteopororsis.

Tooth hypersensitivity is a relatively common problem that is encountered in routine clinical practices by the dentists. Hypersensitive dentin implies an abnormal sensitivity experienced by the patients when there is exposure of dentinal tubules to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli. Dentinal hypersensitivity has multi-factorial etiology and gener- ally more than one factor is found associated and active in this painful manifestation. Therefore, more than one treat- ment modality should be associated to desensitize the dentin to satisfactory levels. With the advent of laser technology and its growing utilization in dentistry, an additional therapeutic option is available for the treatment of dentinal pain. Combination of laser energy with fluoride varnish is an effective treatment method. Hence treating dentinal hypersensitivity is no longer an enigma to dentists.

Bone grafting has become a valuable mainstream clinical procedure in today's dentistry in a variety of reconstructive applications. Various materials and formulations have been developed for this purpose. The synthetic bone graft substitutes as yet offer only a part solution to the management of localized bone loss. Ideally a synthetic bone graft sub- stitute should mimic the native bone in both mechanical and osteogenic properties. They possess some of the desired mechanical qualities of bone as well as osteointegrative/conductive properties. It has given the clinicians the ability to offer patients alternative treatment modalities that can serve to restore the missing bone anatomy. Present review deals with the various alloplastic bone graft materials. Various advantages and disadvantages with these materials are discussed.

Treacher Collins syndrome, also known as Treacher Collins-Franceschetti syndrome, or mandibulofacial dysostosis is a rare autosomal dominant congenital disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. Treacher Collins syndrome is found in about 1 in 50,000 births.. It is named after Edward Treacher Collins who described its essential traits in 1900. The cause of Treacher Collins Syndrome is a genetic mutation. TCOF1 is the only gene currently known to be associated with TCS, a mutation in this gene being found in 90-95% of the individuals with TCS. Mutation analysis has unveiled more than 100 disease-causing mutations in TCOF1, which are mostly family specific mutations.

This paper presents a case of periosteal fibrosarcoma of maxilla in a 79 year old female patient which has typical clinical and histopathological features. Various treatment modalities are discussed.

Fusion is a developmental anomaly characterized by the union of two adjacent teeth. This paper reports a rare case of unilateral fusion of maxillary left lateral incisor with supernumerary element which was misdiagnosed as palatog- ingival groove and surgically accessed for treatment of the same after root canal treatment, and then the fusion came to forefront.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign lesion of bone, which is infrequent in the craniofacial skeleton. This rare jaw lesion usually affects the mandible but origin from the mandibular condyle is even rare. We describe a case of ABC in a 15-year-old male patient, affecting the left ramus and condyle of the mandible with expansion and thinning of the buccal and lingual cortical plates. The lesion had led to facial asymmetry. Patient had a history of mandibular trauma which had occurred 8 month earlier. Treatment consisted of surgical curettage of the lesion.

We as dental surgeons are being forced to keep in pace with recent advances in the field of dentistry in our day to day practice. Methodological approach, starting from screening the patient until post operative follow up is mandatory. This article discuses about the importance of collecting the data and it's retrieval at that time of need. The patient's data that has been recorded and treatment rendered forms the backbone of evidence based dentistry.

Mobility of the teeth is one of the most common compliant in patients with periodontitis. Splinting is the method of stabilization of these mobile teeth in mild to moderate condition. Tooth splinting has been accomplished since ancient civilization to decrease tooth mobility. Both fiber reinforced splinting and metal wire splinting has its own advantages and disadvantages. The various procedures in splinting technique indicate that this problem has received much attention.