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Objective: After localized space closure in the mandible it is desirable to preserve lower wisdom teeth as natural replacements for missing second premolars and as antagonists for upper second molars. The aim of this study was to determine whether this treatment method can obviate the need for prosthodontic restorations, implants, and third molar osteotomy. Furthermore the time point of possible third molar eruption was to be determined and whether further orthodontic interventions were required to achieve their alignment., Patients and Methods: The test group comprised 34 patients who exhibited agenesis of one or both lower second premolars (n = 45) in conjunction with a corresponding number of third molar tooth germs. Follow-up examinations were performed 2 to 8 years after conclusion of orthodontic treatment involving push-and-pull mechanics (PPM) without extraction of any contralateral teeth. The results of the clinical retrospective follow-up examination at consecutive post-treatment endpoints were compared with two orthodontic control groups (A: 4-premolar extraction group, B: non-extraction group)., Results: After an average of 4 years and 2 months, the percentage of fully-erupted third molars in the agenesis group with localized space closure was 82%, compared to 29% and 28%, respectively, in the controls. These differences were statistically significant (p < or = 0.01). The success rate in the agenesis group reached 94% when the 4- to 8-year results were considered in isolation. Compared with the contralateral (non-aplastic) side, teeth on the aplastic side erupted prematurely. In 9% of the cases, minor orthodontic interventions were required to exactly position the third molars., Conclusion: There is high probability that mandibular third molars can be preserved after localized space closure, obviating the need for prosthodontic restorations, dental implants, and third molar osteotomies.

Introduction: Even minor dimensional changes in the child's upper airway can already affect the resistance therein. Craniofacial anomalies may constrict the upper airway and are suspected to be a direct cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children., Case Reports: In the present two cases we report on the successful orthodontic treatment of an 8-year-old girl and a 6 1/2-year-old boy with craniofacial anomalies and severe OSAS diagnosed during a sleep study. The primary treatment aim was to improve the cardio-respiratory situation during sleep by enlarging the upper airway and preventing its collapse. Prior to the onset of treatment we had ruled out the presence in both children of any adenotonsillar hypertrophy requiring surgical treatment. Patient 1 (the girl) presented mouth breathing predominantly while sleeping and a narrow skeletal maxilla that was treated via rapid maxillary expansion followed by a Fränkel-II appliance. A function regulator type-II was applied in the second patient, a boy suffering from OSAS, and spinal muscular dystrophy with a narrow skeletal upper jaw and mandibular retrognathism. We were able to successfully treat both cases of obstructive sleep apnea with these orthodontic procedures., Conclusion: Orthodontic therapeutic measures should be considered as a causal treatment option in children with OSAS and craniofacial anomalies restricting the upper airway. Parents and patient cooperation, as well as good interdisciplinary care within the field of sleep medicine are mandatory for this kind of treatment.

The Cerec method offers experienced users the possibility of accomplishing veneers chairside which are capable of meeting the highest functional and esthetic requirements. "Esthetic shaping" directly on the patient requires a good eye for color and form, and this requires training. The present report outlines the clinical procedure and presents three clinical cases step by step, specifically discussing the external staining technique with Pro-CAD blocks.

Prosthetic measures in the mixed dentition must allow for the actualities of this developmental phase. Traumatic or developmental injuries to enamel and dentine, accidental tooth loss and hypodontia or oligodontia are indications for prosthetic treatment in school children, at which orthodontic aspects should always be considered. The prosthetic approach is characterized by the respect to preventive aspects related to the further biomorphosis of the dentition. With reference to the different phases of mixed dentition, methodical suggestions are given in the form of tables.

The frequent occurrence of the clinical picture of ectodermal dysplasia in the family P. is described. The differences between subjects in symptomatology are discussed in detail. The author's experience speaks well for a great variability of the hereditary mode of this disease. Furthermore, advice is given on the detection and regular ambulatory supervision by the stomatologist.